392
Capture of the Heights above Canton.
JULY,
ascertain as soon as possible the force of the enemy in this position. A few of the latter, beating their shields, shouting and brandishing their swords and spears, appeared to have all the wish to exterminate our small party; but they did not come within musket range of us.
When the general had ascertained all he wanted, his escort was directed to join the 1st brigade in the right column. This brigade was formed of the 49th and 37th regiments, with a detachment of Bengal Volunteers. The 2d brigade was formed of the Royal and Madras artillery, and sappers and miners. The corps of seamen, 460 in number, formed the 3d brigade in the right column. The ordnance attached to this column consisted of four 127b. howitzers, four 9lb. field guns, four 5 inch mortars, fifty-two 3216. rockets, and two light 6 pounders; it was commanded by lieutenant-colonel Morris. The left column, which was commanded by major-general Burrell, consisted of the Royal Marines (reserve), the 18th Royal Irish, the 26th Cameronians, a detachment of Madras artillery, and engineers and sappers. The ordnance attached to it was one light 6 pounder, and one 5 inch mortar.
The ground we had to pass over was chiefly paddy-fields and bury- ing-grounds; consequently there was great difficulty and delay in transporting the guns. The headless trunk of a camp follower, who had gone a few yards beyond the landing-place during the night, was found; his body was untouched, but his murderer had no doubt carried away the head of his victim to claim the promised reward.
Long before our guns could be brought to bear upon the forts, the enemy had opened a brisk fire on our advanced columns. Their shot, however, fell short. About 9 o'clock A. M., we returned the fire, simultaneously from the guns, mortars, and rockets. Though the enemy's shot fell close around our men, in every direction, yet no accident happened. In about an hour from the time our guns commenced firing, the Chinese were observed to collect in great numbers outside their forts, evidently deliberating upon the best plan of escape. Our troops were now ordered to advance. The positions we were to attack, namely, the heights and forts above Canton, were barely removed 100 yards from the city wall, and appeared strongly defended. There were four forts, each mounting from eight to ten guns, besides numberless ginjals, which poured forth volley after volley of
grape.
A simultaneous attack was made on all the forts; the weather was excessively hot, and the ground of the worst possible description for troops to march over. The 1st and 2d brigades were directed to dis
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