Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 417

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Capture of the Heights above Canton.

JULY,

was evidently approaching. The atmosphere was close and dense. The roll of distant thunder was heard, and the rays of the sun during the day had so heated the air that on its being inhaled, a sensation was left in the lungs similar to that felt when the vapor bath has been raised to too high a temperature.

It was evident that the enemy must be driven from their present position, otherwise they might advance upon our camp during the night. The threatening aspect of the weather rendered it necessary, too, that no time should be lost in doing this. It was 1 o'clock P. M., when the general directed the 37th and 26th to advance, and drive the enemy from the heights; the third company of the 37th was detached to the left, the head quarters of the regiment proceeding to the right; and the 26th (Cameronians) also going towards a large vil. Jage to the left. As usual with the Chinese, the nearer we approached the farther they retired. We pursued them about three miles, when it was judged prudent to return.

The rain now fell in torrents, and prevented our seeing an object even at a few yards distance. No enemy was in sight, except a few solitary individuals on the tops of the highest hills. The 3d company of the 37th, and the 26th regiment, were seen almost in a line with and not far removed from the head-quarters of the 37th just before the rain commenced, and no one for a moment feared for the safety of the detached company. In fact we had not proceeded many paces be- fore the men said that the ‘teem we company' was close on our rear.

It would be difficult to give a description of this retrograde move- ment. The rain had completely obliterated every trace of a footpath. There was nothing but one sea of water before us. The thunder and lightning were awful. The Chinese, I have no doubt, looked upon the storm as a judgment inflicted by their gods upon the bar- barians. About 4 P. M., the 37th arrived at the position they had started from. There the worthy general still stood; though drenched with rain, he would not move, till he saw us all safe back. And how gratified must every man present have been to see him so satisfied with what had been done. With his head uncovered, he shook hands with and thanked the native officers for their exertions. The 26th was seen approaching. The third company of the 37th was supposed to be coming up in the rear of that corps. On the arrival of the Jatter, however, what was the surprise of all to hear that they had seen nothing of the missing company. It was now about 5 o'clock p. M., and that portion of the force that had been employed all day was fatigued, and the rain had rendered their muskets unserviceable,