Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 638

1841.

Progress of the Expedition to China.

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the fleet got under weigh for Amoy, but few sick remained. The 26th Cameronians, 37th M. N. I., the detachment of Bengal Vo- lunteers, and a few artillery and sappers were left behind at Hong- kong.

The capture of Amoy was chiefly a naval operation, and the little that was left for the troops to do was done by the 18th Royal Irish. Scarcely had the fleet, on the 26th August, taken up their position opposite the batteries of Amoy, when a boat, bearing a white flag was seen to approach the Wellesley. An officer of low rank was the bearer of a paper, demanding to know what our ships wanted, and directing us to make sail for the outer waters, ere the celestial wrath should be kindled against us, and the guns from the batteries annihilate us!" The line of works certainly presented a most formida- ble appearance, and the batteries were admirably constructed. Man- ned by Europeans, no force could have stood before them. For four hours did the ships pepper at them without a moment's cessation. The Wellesley aud Blenheim each fired upwards of 12,000 rounds, to say nothing of the frigates, steamers, and small craft. Yet the works were as perfect when they left off as when they began, the ut- most penetration of the shot being 16 inches. The cannonade was certainly a splendid sight. The stream of fire and smoke from the sides of the liners was terrific. It never for a moment appeared to slack. From 20 to 30 people was all that were killed by this enor. mous expenditure of powder and shot.

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It was nearly 3 P. M. before the 18th landed, accompanied by sir Hugh Gough and staff. They landed close to a high wall which flanked the main line of batteries, covered by the Queen and Phlege- thon steamers. The flank companies soon got over the wall driving the enemy before them. They opened a gate through which the rest of our men entered, and advancing along the battery quickly cleared it, killing more men in ten minutes, than the men of war did during the whole day; three of our fellows were knocked over, besides others in- jured. One officer cut his throat in the long battery, another walked into the sea and drowned himself in the coolest manner possible. The enemy fled on all sides so soon as our troops landed. We bi- vouacked as best we could during the night, and next morning took possession of the city without hindrance. Much treasure had been carried away, the mob leaving only the boxes which contained it. Im- mense quantities of military stores were found in the arsenals, and the founderies were in active operation. One two decker, modeled from ours, and carrying 30 guns, was ready for sea, and others were on the

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