223
did the spirit of the British and native troops falter. No such weakness characterized the leadership in the China Expedition.
The General Orders
The "General Orders - No.I" for the Force assembled in the Canton River for the capture of Canton, issued on behalf of Sir Hugh Gough and dated 24 May 1841, set the general tone for the operations and the expectations of its General.
They speak of "proving what can be done by discipline and bravery," of "the assurance that every man will do his duty," and of "devotedness to our country's honour and our professional character." They refer to "the cunning and artifice" of the Chinese military system, which is "not one to which the British soldier is accustomed" but "which must fail before the steady advance of disciplined soldiers."
In conclusion, the Orders state that "Britain having gained as much of fame by her mercy and forbearance, as by the gallantry of her troops" and reminds the Force that whilst "an enemy in arms is always a legitimate foe...the unarmed or suppliant for mercy, of whatever country or colour, a true British soldier will always spare.
Success Moderated by Respect
48
**47
Britain's victories in China may be attributed to its well-trained, disciplined troops and seamen, superior weaponry, good leadership and a high morale. British officers were proud of their successes, achieved in the face of high sickness rates due to disease and unfamiliarity with the country."
However, they were well aware that success in imposing Britain's demands on the Chinese Court was also due to another important factor, recognizing that China's outmoded military techniques and equipment did not allow her commanders and their men, however brave and resourceful they might be, to match their Western foes.
Yet British officers were not dismissive of China's ancient civilization and attainments, and their superiors were punctilious in paying formal respects where due. British naval ships were ever prompt, and
223
did the spirit of the British and native troops falter. No such weakness characterized the leadership in the China Expedition.
The General Orders
The "General Orders - No.I" for the Force assembled in the Can- ton River for the capture of Canton, issued on behalf of Sir Hugh Gough and dated 24 May 1841, set the general tone for the operations and the expectations of its General.
They speak of "proving what can be done by discipline and bravery,” of "the assurance that every man will do his duty," and of "devotedness to our country's honour and our professional character." They refer to "the cunning and artifice” of the Chinese military system, which is "not one to which the British soldier is accustomed” but “which must fail before the steady advance of disciplined soldiers.”
In conclusion, the Orders state that “Britain having gained as much of fame by her mercy and forbearance, as by the gallantry of her troops" and reminds the Force that whilst "an enemy in arms is always a legiti- mate foe...the unarmed or suppliant for mercy, of whatever country or colour, a true British soldier will always spare.
Success Moderated by Respect
48
**47
Britain's victories in China may be attributed to its well-trained, disciplined troops and seamen, superior weaponry, good leadership and a high morale. British officers were proud of their successes, achieved in the face of high sickness rates due to disease and unfamiliarity with the country."
However, they were well aware that success in imposing Britain's demands on the Chinese Court was also due to another important factor, recognizing that China's outmoded military techniques and equipment did not allow her commanders and their men, however brave and re- sourceful they might be, to match their Western foes.
Yet British officers were not dismissive of China's ancient civili- zation and attainments, and their superiors were punctilious in paying formal respects where due. British naval ships were ever prompt, and
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