1841.
Capture of Amoy.
523
have been convinced, we think, that they were now having to deal with one of elevated rank, with whom they could not enter on any half-and-half negotiations. By this time, too, they must have been fully aware of the intention to proceed and carry on hostilities north- ward. And erelong the emperor must understand-if he does not already—that open war or honorable peace are his only alternatives.
We have been told that the prefect, when he came down from Canton, brought a dispatch from the governor Ke Kung, in reply to sir Henry's, but of its tenor we are wholly uninformed. It was said, by the Chinese in Canton, that the authorities there received from sir Henry a dispatch for the emperor: whether they did or not, we have not been able to ascertain; they must, however, have reported his ar- rival, with circumstances calculated to raise suspicion respecting their previous report-known to have been sent-" that all difficul- ties with the barbarians were settled.”
On the 19th, the Nemesis, having arrived in Macao Roads during the previous night, received on board all who were to join the naval and military portions of the expedition,—including Mr. Thom attach- ed as interpreter to the major-general, and Mr. Gutzlaff attached to the adıniral,—and proceeded to Hongkong.
Friday, the 20th. The steamer Queen arrived from Hongkong, bringing intelligence that the expedition was ready to start north- ward. In the evening, sir Henry embarked with his suite,-con- sisting of major Malcolm, secretary of legation; Mr. R. Woosnain, surgeon attached to the mission; Mr. Morrison, Chinese secretary, and acting secretary and treasurer to the superintendents; with Messrs. A. W. Elinslie and W. H. Medhurst, jr., clerks.
The steamer did not leave Macao Roads till next morning.
The 21st. The fleet began moving out of the bay of Hongkong this morning; and ere the Queen arrived, the admiral had anchored outside. Sir Henry, however, being desirous of visiting the island, proceeded into the bay, and landed in the evening and also the next morning, in order to see the officers of the government there, and to observe the progress of the public works. He is said to have been much pleased with the situation and prospects of the rising town.
The 22d. Sir Henry, after having arranged with major-general Burrell and Mr. Johnston all matters for the defense, &c., of Hong- kong, proceeded on soon after noon, and at 4 o'clock, joined company with the squadron under sail on the southern side of the island; dis- patches having been put on board the Atalanta, she returned to Ma- cao, and the squadron moved northward.
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