Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 639

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Progress of the Expedition to China.

Nov.

stocks. But few war-junks were stationed here, the Chinese admiral being at this time absent with his fleet. During the engagement the Phlegethon steamer was nearly severely handled. She came suddenly opposite and close to a masked battery, the guns from which, having the exact range, opened upon her. Fortunately for the steamer, the water was sufficiently deep to come close into the land. Captain Mc- Cleverty inmediately lauded his men, advanced directly on the bat- tery, and took possession of it, killing a great portion of the garrison. This was a very spirited affair, and attracted universal admiration.

After obtaining complete possession of Amoy and all its defenses, sir William Parker and sir Hugh Gough respectively issued the fol- lowing Notices to the force under their command. For the circular of H. M. Plenipotentiary regarding this operation, see page 524.

GENERAL.

MEMORANDUM.

Wellesley, at Amoy, 31st August, 1841. Rear-admiral sir W. Parker observed, with much satisfaction, the precision with which the ships of the squadron took their stations on the 26th instant ; and he begs to convey to the captains, officers, seamen, and royal marines, and also to those of the Indian navy, his approbation and best thanks for the excellent guḥ practice, gallantry, and good conduct which they exhibited on that occasion.

WILLIAM PARKER, Rear-admiral. To the respective captains, commanders, and commanding officers of H. M. ships and vessels, and of the Indian navy.

(Signed)

GENERAL ORDERS.

Head-quarters, ship Marion, Amoy harbor, September 5th, 1841. Major-general sir Hugh Gough has again derived the highest gratification from the gallant and soldier-like conduct of the troops, at the capture of the batteries, heights, city, and citadel, of Amoy, and of the strongly fortified island of Koo- lang su, in co-operation with H. M.'s ships.

2. Although the resistance upon them was more feeble than the major general anticipated, he has the proud conviction, that the noble emulation and eager spirit, with which the several corps (including two detachments of royal ma- rines) proceeded to the attack, together with their patient endurance of fatigue, ́would equally have enabled him to carry all before him, had the enemy inade

more active use of the great advantages of his position.

3. Sir Hugh Gough has no less satisfaction in noticing the conduct of the troops on shore, amid temptations of no ordinary nature,-shops on all sides abounding with liquor, and houses full of valuable property, abandoned in many cases by their owners, and already broken open by the populace.-A few in- stances alone of misconduct called for the major-general's disapprobation, and for the most part sobriety and regularity have been maintained.

4. It is also highly to the credit of the troops, that, upon a sudden order to re- embark, after eight days on shore, all the regiments paraded in perfect order, and embarked with as much regularity, and as rapidly as the major-general could have expected, had the most ample time been given for preparation, with- out one solitary instance of inebriety, and without leaving even one follower behind.