1841.
Reminiscences of Chusan.
483
throughout the night, and on the morning we discovered nothing, but war-junks, with a few of their boats.
The Wellesley having taken up her position, and no official person. having made his appearance, it was considered high time to summon the island with its dependencies and citadel to surrender. Lord J. accompanied the mission, which proceeded on board a very sorry, look. ing junk. Here the British officers had not long to wait, before the vice-admiral, with his aid-de-camp and flag-captain, made his ap- pearance. He was a decrepit, ill-favored, elderly man, without bad- ges of rank, so that he might have been taken for a common citizen. He told the party, that he had only recently arrived from Fukning foo in: Fuhkeën, to enter upon the duties of this station; he behaved in a very friendly manner, while his flag-captain grinned, and his aid-de-camp frowned. The summons being handed to him, he gave them to the latter, on the plea that he could not read, a thing not uncomnion amongst Chinese naval officers. The brow of this gal- lant son of Neptune contracted, sadly as he perused the summons, whilst the old admiral listened with a vacant smile. It was now pro- posed, that they should adjourn, and go on board the Wellesley, lord J. most generously offering to remain behind as a hostage. This proposition all the three Chinese rejected with the utmost indigna- tion, saying,' we put too much faith in your word, to doubt our safety on board of one of your vessels.' They came, therefore, with great glee over the gangway. The district magistrate Yaou, in the mean- while had made his visit, and for a little time proudly paced the Wellesley's deck, without taking notice of anything around him. As soon, however, as he saw the old admiral coming on board, he ran away, without giving any reason for so doing.
The three worthies were now seated in the large cabin, next to the commodore, and whilst sipping their tea, the captain proposed to show them the vessel. They however refused to enjoy this treat, and with serious countenances deliberated about the surrender. To this they finally appeared inclined, but observed at the conclusion, that they were too weak to offer any resistance, and that therefore all the loss of human life would be on their heads, if any conflict commenc- ed. With this declaration they left the vessel, promising to give a decisive answer within a very short time. The old admiral continu- ed to laugh, appearing not to be at all aware of any impending danger.
On Sunday morning we perceived great activity on shore, and a messenger had been dispatched to Ningpo for additional assistance.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.