Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 704

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Journal of Occurrences.

DEC.

On the south side of the river was a large encampment, two or three entrenched heights, and three batteries directed across the river. There the main body of the land forces debarked a little be- low the first tents, and advanced in separate columns, so as to sur- round the Chinese, and cut off their retreat. Officers, who were in the advance, speak highly of their courage, many of them fighting hand to hand. Many were driven into the water, where they were being fired upon-the poor fellows not knowing how to ask for quar- ter, when, Sir Hugh coming up, accompanied by Mr. Thom, two flags were displayed, on which were inscribed, in Chinese, Yield and be saved-Resist and perish.' By this means, many were brought out of the water, and about 500 were retained for two or three days as prisoners, who, ou the departure of the force for Ningpo, were released, having suffered only the loss of their tails!

8. Chusan. This year Tinghae and the other parts of the island are presenting a far more favorable appearance than they did last year. At Tinghae all, or nearly all, the people remain; the place is flourishing; and the season healthy. The city is kept clean; good order observed; and supplies are ample. By those now possessing it, it is pronounced a flourishing little country town.' With an external commerce, Tinghae may rise, and quite outstrip Hongkong and Ko- langsoo. The engineers were busily employed in making comforta- ble barracks for the troops.

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Surveys are being carried on this year again vigorously by captain Collinson. These surveys will prove of great advantage, in future; and we hope they will be extended as far as possible, by sea and land. 9. Defenses at Teëntsin have, very naturally, been a subject of at- tention, with the imperial government, since the visit of the British squadron there last year. At Takoo on the south bank two new forts have been built, and three repaired on the north. New barracks have also been erected, and vast quantities of military stores. and many troops had beencollected. A body of water-braves-a class of marines-more than 10,000 strong, has been collected.

10. Amoy, by latest accounts, was continuing to enjoy quiet and prosperity, under its new masters. The following particulars, we bor- row from the Canton Register; they are from a document written by Lew Yuuko.

"I have respectfully inquired as to the affairs of the barbarians in the province of Fuhkeen; and I state them separately for your majesty's glance.

· 1.—I have inquired and found that the governor Yen, formerly directed all his subordinates to seize all the great and small vessels, &c., and to consult on and plan an attack (on the English ships) by fire. I have now heard that the said rebels, hearing of the rumors, were already prepared; the plans were there- fore stopped in the middle. I heard that he had also devised other different plans, the secrecy of which could not get bruited abroad, and I had no means of mak- ing an inquiry about them. Further, when he heard that the lieut.-governor (of Canton) E, had received the imperial orders to repair to Fuhkeën, all affairs were again stopped, and he determined not to move the troops, waiting for the Arrival of the new imperial envoy to superintend, and then he would again draw the sword; but in all places the water braves and the recruits are still constantly drilled; as to the rest of affairs, there was not the least movement; and I cannot make any inquiries on which to found a report.