Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 413

394-

Capture of the Heights above Canton.

JULY,

nately, by this time it rained in such torrents as to put a stop to all. operations. The inhabitants appeared to be deserting the city in great numbers. On the ramparts, which poured forth such volleya yesterday, not a soul was to be seen, and from the heights. crowds could be observed bearing their property on their shoulders, pouring out of the gates farthest removed from the forts in our possession. To- wards afternoon, a flag of truce (for the overbearing Chinese have at length to their cost come to know the use of the white flag) was seen to wave from the most conspicuous part of the ramparts; and a red buttoned officer, advancing to one of the embrasures nearest to qur position, and also waving the white flag in his hand, seemed to implore an interview. The general, commodore sir Le Fleming Sen- house, and Mr. Thom the interpreter, advanced forward. But on as- certaining that the rank of the Chinese officer was not equal to that of qur's, the latter retired; and major-general Burrell, and captain Gough A. D. C. to the general, were directed to ascertain what the enemy wanted. This proved to be the offer of certain terms to spare the city. The Chinese were told, that it was not in major-general Bur- rell's power to listen to any terms proposed; and that if they wished for an interview with our general, it could not take place from the walls of the city; but that tents should be pitched half-way be- tween our position and the city, and that there our general and com- modore should meet only those of like rank from the enemy. This was after some time agreed to on all sides, and the Chinese declared that their deputation should be at the appointed place in exactly one hour and a half. Hour after hour, however, passed, and, as might have been expected from the previous too well-known character of the Chinese, no deputation arrived, and unfortunately the rain which now fell in torrents, not only prevented the resumption of hostilities, but, thoroughly soaked the ground which formed alike the bed for the general and common soldier. Yet no complaint was heard, and the tropps, in their wet clothes, with little food and less drink, went to the respective duties allotted them for the night, without a murmur.

Up to this date, with the exception of the wounded, there was not a sick man in the force. All eagerly looked forward to the morrów. During this night, the artillery was hard at work-guns, mortars, rocket tubes, &c., with all their appendages, were brought into position. The infantry was placed so as to prevent the enemy from working their guns. The escalading parties were also detailed, which con- sisted of a portion of the 18th Royal Irish and 37th M. N. I. The portion of the wall to be escaladed was between 40 and 50 feet high,

;