Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 699

1842.

During the Year 1842.

677

July 1st.

The Phlegethon steamer, one of the light squadron. came down to Wúsung, and reported a free passage for many miles up the river.

4th. The Phlegethon again returned, and reported the river navi- gable for large ships far to the westward.

5th. Preparations were made for sailing-the army was divided into four brigades, and the squadron into five divisions. p. 516.

Under this date (the 5th), sir Henry Pottinger issued a proclama- tion in Chinese, briefly stating the complaints and demands of Great Britain. p. 511.

6th. At 8 o'clock a. m., signal was made for advancing: the 3d division moved first; the 1st followed it, the 2d, third; and then the 4th and 5th in their order. The Cornwallis led the way, sailing near the middle of the river, there about nine miles wide.

7th. The Queen's Road (Baptist) chapel at Hongkong was de- dicated. This chapel was erected by subscriptions from the foreign residents and visitors.

8th. The squadron was off Fushán, where hills rise on each side of the river, called the 'river's teeth.' There were found some deserted fortifications. A partial eclipse of the sun occurred; at Peking the eclipse was nearly total.

10th. The Auckland steamer, which had been sent to Tsung- ming for bullocks, joined the squadron with a good supply.

12th. The squadron passed the town of Kiángyin—where the channel passing close to the foot of steep hills. an excellent point for defense was afforded, but made no use of by the Chinese.

15th. Some small batteries were taken, after little firing and no loss of life. This was at Chuenshán (or Chishán) the scene of a naval contest between the Chinese and Mongols in the 12th century, when the former were completely routed.

The advanced squadron engaged some small batteries, which were soon silenced, and the Chinese fled in consternation. This was at Tsiáushán. The current here was very strong, with whirlpools, so as to make the passage difficult.

18th.

An advanced squadron consisting of the Blonde, Modeste, Dido, and Queen and Nemesis steamers, &c., having anchored off Chinkiảng, the great measure of cutting off communication by the Grand Canal was put in operation, all the known openings being stopped, and very many Chinese vessels held in blockade.

19th. Parties, from the advanced squadron, visited the Golden islaud. A body of troops from Húpe were seen encamped on a hill in the distance; but none appeared on the walls of Chinkiang