Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 190

164

Journal of Occurrences.

MARCH.

caught fire and blown up, and the remaining four having been given up to their former owners who were pointed out by ‘he mandarin,

During my absence, the ship was placed in a position of considerable danger, from the close approach of the burning junk; but by the able exertions of Lieut. Wood, who was left in charge, she was cleared. Early this morning, I seat the boats under the command of Lieut. Gibbons, with the Royal Marines under Lient. Holland, accompanied by Mr Caldwell, the assistant police magistrate, and the mandarin who came on board from Cowlung, to scour the island, and they succeeded in capturing 15 prisoners. The greater part of the crews who reached the shore, took advantage of the darkness of the night to seize boats and leave the island. Fortunately, from the water being an deep in the small bay in which these piratical junks were anchored, enabling this steamer to approach within five yards of the shore, we succeeded in destroying a much greater number than we could have hoped for, with little or no damage to the town, one fisherman only having been killed by our shot. Four of these junks were very large, of upwards of 250 tons, mounting ten or more guns of various calibre, and resembling those formerly destroyed on the West coast; the remainder were evidently recent captures, hastily fitted up for piratical purposes. Having completed this service, I am happy to say, without any casualties or loss on our side, and receiving no further information, I have returned to this port. I think it my duty to express my entire satisfaction with the conduct of the officers, seamen, and marines employed upon this occasion: the precision of their fire, great steadiness, and prompt obedience, tending greatly to the expeditious termination of this successful operation. Commander Wainwright, a supernumerary on board, volunteered his services, and rendered me great assistance. I can not conclude without also expressing my great obligations to Mr Caldwell for the valuable assistance which he rendered; to his perfect knowledge of the Chinese language, and his acquaint- ance with the habits of these pirates, the success of this enterprise is in a great measure to be attributed. I beg leave to inclose a list of the piratical junks, their description, crews, with the numbers killed, escaped, and made prisoners; and have the honor to be, Sir,

Your innat obedient humble servant,

W. N. L. LOCKYER, Commander.

TO JAMES W Morgan, Esq., Captain of H. M. Ship Hastings, &c.—Mail.

Among the 13 junks taken were nine from 150 to 180 tons, each carrying about 8 guns and 60 men; the other four were larger; the number of men in all the fleet is reckoned at 900, of whom about 220 were killed, 20 taken prisoners, and 660 escaped.

The Imperial Commissioner in his reply to Gov. Bonham seems inclined to make the best of the dilemma in which he was placed by the zeal of his subordinates, and tenders his thanks for the service done, but is careful not to express any opinion about further co-operation, through the precedent having now been set, it will doubtless be followed.

From 8a, Imperial High Commissioner, to His Excellency Mr. Bonham. Sa, Imperial Commissioner, governor-general of the Two Kwang, &c., in reply —On the 27th of the 1st moon (10th instant), I received your communication informing me that the commandant of Ta-p'áng, being prevented by a foul wind from pursuing the junks of certain pirates, had obtained from your excellency's government a steamer, which proceeded with all speed to the proper place to make prisoners of these persons; that eight junks were destroyed by her; that one blew up spontaneously, and that four others had been restored to their owners; and the criminale captured, handed over to their own authorities to be dealt with. On the same day I received a note from the admiral corroborating the above in every particular. Evidence so satisfactory of the sincere desire of your excellency's government for a good understanding with my own, has given me the highest gratification. [As regards Formosa], when your excellency has shown your friendship by lending your aid in time of need, could I be without the impulse natural to friends, to supply each other's want out of their own abundance ? But the island pertains to an adjoining province, and as it is not within my jurisdiction, I could not well write officially concerning it. Coal is an article of daily consumption, and as such, procurable at every one of the five ports, where there is of course nothing to prevent your excellency's government buying it whenever it is wanted

The terms in which the commandant proposed to reimburse the expense of the coal to be consumed, were certainly not such as he ought to have employed. Your Excel· lency is doubtless far too liberal to condescend to accept [his offer] still the crew of the steamer should by all means be recompensed for their trouble, and I have accord- ingly addressed a letter to the Admiral to make ready some trifling presents, of which I subjoin a list. I trust that your excellency, on receiving the articles therein specified, will distribute them on my behalf. I mean nothing more than to show by due polita.

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