Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 414

1841.

Capture of the Heights above Canton.

895

and this the artillery expected to reduce to 25 or 30 feet. From its old and ruined appearance, it was believed this could easily be effected. Early on the morning of the 27th, everything was arranged. The guns were loaded and primed. The port fires were lit, and the ge neral and the commodore were taking a last look, previous to giving the signal to commence firing. The enemy too appeared on the alert, numbers of them were seen running backwards and forwards on the ramparts.

A few minutes more, and the work would have commenced, had not an unlooked for messenger arrived with dis- patches from the plenipotentiary to the general and commodore. How anxiously did we all watch the features of those two brave and determined,men, as they each perused their documents. Sir Flem- ing was the first to speak, and those nearest to him heard him say, 'I protest against the terms of the treaty in toto.' The news soon spread. Captain Elliot, as usual, acting on the spur of the moment, had, without even paying those who are so far superior to him in every way the compliment of asking their advice, concluded a peace with the Chinese, and ransomed the city of Canton for six millions of dollars. I leave the reader to judge of the disappointment felt by the troops on learning this intelligence.

.

On this day, the following General Orders were issued.

General Orders. No. 2.

т

Head Quarters, Fort Yungkang, Canton, May 27th, 1841: Major-general sir Hugh Gough from his heart congratulates the troops of every arm, composing the force, upon their steadiness under fire, and their brilliant con- duct, on the attack of the heights, and the capture of the several forts above Can- ton, and of the intrenched camp under cover of the city wall, on the 25th inst. 2. This expression of the major-general's best thanks was as fully merited, and is as sincerely accorded, to the naval battalion, and the royal marines, who have nobly upheld the high character of their profession.

3. Where all were emulous to maintain the honor of British sailors and soldiers, it would be impossible to particularize. To all, the major-general's best thanks are due; to all, those thanks are heartily offered.

4. Officers commanding corps and brigades and heads of departments, in ac- cepting the major-general's thanks for themselves, will be pleased to communicate them to their officers and men.

By order. (Signed) ́ Armine S. H. Mountain, Lt. Colonel, D. A. G. As the force was to remain in its present position till the money was paid, the most comfortable quarters that could be procured were given to the troops. The suburbs of the city, and the villages in the immediate neighborhood were completely deserted; not a Chinese was to be seen, except a few old and diseased of both sexes, who were unable to move.

}