Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 643

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Progress of the Expedition to China.

Nov.

has been pleased to issue through her majesty's high ministers; it is hereby made known to the inhabitants of the said city of Tinghae and its dependencies, that the British government has resolved to retain the said city and islands and their dependencies, until the demands, which the undersigned plenipotentiary, &c., has been directed to make from the imperial government of China, shall be not only acceded to, but carried into full effect:

The inhabitants are therefore given to understand, that years may probably elapse before the said city, &c, will be restored to the emperor's authority. In the meantime, a military government will be formed, to protect the well disposed and quiet, and to punish the ill disposed and refractory. Such regulations as may become necessary from time to time, will be notified to the people by proclamations; and all classes are hereby invited to resume their usual trades and occupations, under the assurance of being fostered and protected, so long as they conduct themselves as orderly and obedient subjects of the govern. ment under which they are living.

That the people may have every facility to obtain redress of any wrongs committed against them, and to convey their representations to the government, captain Dennis, one of the officers of the queen of England's forces, has been appointed a military magistrate.

God save the queen of England.

Given under my band in Chusan this sixth day of October, 1841.

(Signed)

True copy.

HENRY POTTINGER, H. M. Plenipotentiary.

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J. ROBT. MORRISON, Chinese Sec. &c. On the 9th of October, the fleet were advancing on Chinhae in the order indicated by the following General Orders of the coinmander- in-chief, to the fleet, and of major-general sir Hugh Gough to the troops.

GENERAL MEMORANDUM.

Wellesley, at the anchorage of Just-in-the-way, 9th Oct., 1841. The following positions are to be taken by the ships of the squadron in the attack on Chinhae, and for covering the landing of the troops on the right hand of the river. When the signal No. 470, for anchoring with springs on the cables, is made, the Wellesley will place herself about due north of the citadel (or Josshouse hill) as close in as she can be carried without risk of her taking ground at low water. The Blenheim to the cast of her, the Blonde to the southward and westward of the Wellesley, and the Modeste to the southward and westward of the Blonde, as near to the Chinese positions as their respective drafts of water will admit of with safety to the ships, and taking care not to obstruct the fire of each other.

The object of this division of the ships will be to drive the Chinese out of the citadel with shells and shot (if well within range of the latter), and to prevent reinforcements being sent up to it from the city of Chinhae, also to open a landing place, if practicable, for the seamen and marines at the foot of the hill on the west side, where a battery has been constructed, and the landing-places staked to this point. For the purpose of driving the Chinese from the walls of the eastern part of the city, the fire of the Blonde and Modeste should be mainly directed.

The seamen and marines must be held ready to assault the citadel whenever the signal shall be made for disembarking them, which will probably be on the rocks on the north side of the hill, or at the point already referred to.