Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 420

1841

Capture of the Heights above Canton.

401

all but fell into the hands of the enemy, and their steady conduct throughout, reflect not only credit on themselves, but also on the army they belong to; and deserve to be recorded in the annals of British India, as a proof of what can be effected by discipline and bravery.' The loss this company sustained was one private killed, one officer and 14 men severely wounded. It was commanded by lieutenant Hadfield, an old and experienced officer.

The party had hardly quitted their position, when the enemy open- ed a fire upon them from a small gun, which they had mounted on a neighboring rising ground, but the shot fell short.

The next day, sir Hugh issued the following General Orders referring to this affair.

GENERAL ORDERS. No. 3.

Head Quarters, Fort Yungkung, 31st May, 1841. To the wing of the 26th (Cameronians), the company of Royal Marines, three companies of the 37th Madras N. Infantry, and detachment of Bengal Volun- teers, who were engaged yesterday in repelling the advance of a large body of the enemy, major-general sir Hugh Gough offers his best thanks for their steady and spirited conduct, which was as satisfactory to the major-general, as it was creditable to them.

By order. (Signed)

ARMINE S. H. MOUNTAIN, Lt.-colonel, D. A. G.

On the 31st, the enemy again appeared collecting in large num- bers, and the troops were again under arms. But from yesterday's expe- rience, we knew it would be labor lost to pursue them. The general, meantime, suspecting that this assemblage of troops was a preconcert- ed arrangement of the Chinese authorities in the city, intimated to the latter, that, unless all hostile show on their part was removed, he should immediately storm and take possession of the city. Such was now the alarm of the Kwangchow foo, and Yang, "the rebel- quelling general," that they advanced, with an escort, and held an interview with the officer commanding the Chinese troops outside, and they dispersed on the following day.

Five millions of dollars having been received, and security procur- ed for the remainder, the force left the heights above Canton, and returned to their ships, leaving this great city a second time 'a record of British magnanimity and forbearance.'

VOL. X. NO. VII.

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