china — Page 19

and I sincerely trust we may continue to experience the like goodwill for some
time to come .
To many of the community who have expressed themselves anxious to learn
the sentiments of the authorities, I have made known the result of yesterday's
interview , warning them at the same time not to accept it too confidently as a
presage of continued quiet in the future.
I have, & c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.


No. 10.

Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Reccived March 1.)
My Lord, Hong Kong, January 14, 1857.
UP to the present moment I have no information of any importance to
convey to your Lordship in connection with the events at Canton.
I have received from the Spanish Consul an application for assistance in
order to enable them to remove a Spanish steamer, the “ Jorge Juan ,” now in
the docks at Whampoa, and which will be imperilled if Her Majesty's ship
“ Sybille ” is removed from that locality. I have, of course, referred the Consul
to the naval authorities .
Father Libois, who is at the head of the French Missions here, requested
me to move the Admiral to allow one of Her Majesty's steamers to tow down
the Catholic floating -chapel from Whampoa ; å service which Sir Michael
Seymour has cheerfully rendered.
The United States' Commodore has called on me to read a letter he had
addressed to Yeh, protesting against the acts of assassination by which his
hostilities have lately been characterized. I do not expect his Excellency will
pay much attention to that or any other representation from Western
barbarians.
The colony continues tranquil. We have arrested some Chinese of whose
intention to fire the city there seems much presumptive evidence .
I expect before the departure of the mail to receive a communication from
the Admiral, in which case I will add a postscript to this despatch.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING.
 25


No. 11 .

Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon .- (Received March 1.)
My Lord , Hong Kong, January 15, 1857 .
I HAVE just received, from the Naval Commander - in -chief, a despatch
dated yesterday, of which I have the honour to inclose a copy, stating that, for
the protection of his vessels, he had found it necessary to burn a portion of the
suburbs of Canton, and that the fire had extended into the New City.
Elucidatory of what has taken place, I forward a narrative written by
Mr. Mongan , whom I sent up to perform the services of interpreter in the absence
Mr. Parkes.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING .


Inclosure 1 in No. 11 .

Rear - Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring.
Sir , Niger," at Canton , January 14, 1857 .
IN consequence of the various attempts to destroy our ships, and the throwing
of rockets and stinkpots into the junks which moor the booms, with the ultimate
intention, doubtless , of making an entrance for fire- rafts, I deemed it absolutely
necessary ,for our safety, to burn the suburbs on each side of the Factory Gardens,
from whence these attempts originated, and on the 12th my purpose was carried
into effect. Below the gardens, the houses had, in anticipation, been completely
cleared out. This portion was burnt to the wall of the New City, into which the
fire, aided by a strong breeze, extended for a considerable distance. Above the
gardens, the houses along the river- frontage were also destroyed.. During this
operation, a party of the 59th Regiment, under the orders of Captain Bushe,
came unexpectedly upon an angle of the city -wall, from whence aa fire wasopened
which resulted in two privates being killed, and Ensign Statham (slightly by a
stone from the wall) and two privates wounded.
2. The necessity of maintaining my communication with Hong Kong has
decided me to modify my plan of operations,and to confine myself to keeping the
navigation open until the arrival of reinforcements. I shall , therefore, withdraw
from the Dutch Folly and Factory Gardens, and occupy the Bird's-Nest Fort,
which , with the Macao Fort, will give me a most commanding position. By this
measure I shall release the “ Niger ” and “ Encounter” from aa confined anchorage
where they are in continual danger of being burnt by fire-rafts or by rockets from
either shore, and secure their services for any emergency.
I have, &c.
(Signed ) M. SEYMOUR .


Inclosure 2 in No , 11 .

Memorandum of Operations at Canton from the 5th to the 13th instant.
Canton River, January 14, 1857.
ON Monday, the 5th of January, after the departure of the “ Coromandel ”
for Hong Kong, Captains Hall and Cochrane, accompanied by a party of the
59th, under Captain Bushe, and one of Marines, under Captain Boyle, left the
lines, for the purpose of inspecting the neighbourhood of the ruins, it being
apprehended that from the offensive attitude lately assumed by the Chinese,
they might be constructing some works in the vicinity, with a view of carrying
our position in the garden.
Crossing the trench, we advanced, over mounds of broken bricks, along
what was formerly Old China Street, the Chinese looters flying in all directions
at our approach . The Consoo house, that stood at the further end of this
street, has not been destroyed by the fire, and we found the entrance of it
E2
 26

completely , and, evidently recently, walled up, as was the case also with the
entrances of most of the streets adjoining the scene of the late conflagration.
Having passed the site of New China Street, and turned northward until we
came to where the ravages of the fire had terminated , we entered one of the
streets of the suburb, which, though not walled in, was secured by a strong
wooden -gate, and the presence of the bayonets and red- jackets at one end of
the thoroughfare had the instantaneous effect of making the crowd disappear
towards the other. The reconnoitering party then returned, and, traversing
Thirteen Factory Street, examined the rear of the ruins, until it arrived at the
creek which leads from the city -wall past King -qua's hong, whence it returned
to the garden .
The result of this expedition was satisfactory, the dispositions made by the
enemy indicating rather a fear of attack on our part, than any intention of
operating against us ; Chinese military tactics are , however, of so peculiar a
nature, that it is difficult to calculate on this result, and, doubtless, our position
in the garden , with the small force that at present holds it, is hardly a safe one.
There is a rumour to -day that it is about to be abandoned , and that the Dutch
Folly will also be evacuated . At all events the Bird's Nest Fort was taken
possession of yesterday, and is now occupied by a body of about fifty blue
jackets and Marines, under the command of Lieutenants Nares and Blake ;
whilst the boats of the squadron were engaged all the afternoon in transferring
shot and shell from the Dutch Folly to the above -named fort.
From Tuesday, the 6th , to Saturday, the 10th instant, the operations on
>


our side consisted chiefly in strengthening the defences of the Macao Fort, in
which four long 32-pounders have been placed ; these guns command the
passage of the Fat-chan creek, by which the fleet of war -junks came down on
Sunday last , when the “ Coromandel ” and boats of the squadron had to retire.
On Wednesday , the 7th instant, a fire-raft exploded , under the bows of
the “ Encounter,” without, however, doing her any damage, and the man who
towed it down the river was captured, and shot. This is the second attempt
that has been made within the last fortnight to blow up the “ Encounter ;” the
machine employed on the first occasion having been constructed- on principles
displaying much mechanical ingenuity - to go off of itself when it should have
come in contact with the ship ; it was, fortunately, however, picked up by one
of her boats, for had the explosion taken place, it might have been attended
with very serious consequences, the powder used having been encased in two
strong waterproof boxes, not thrown loose into a sampan, as bas been the case
in every other instance.
On Monday, the 12th instant, the “ Barracouta,” which had arrived on the
previous Saturday, took up her position at daybreak off the entrance to the
Fa-ti creek, the “ Encounter” lying at the same time off the Sha-meen suburb,
and the “ Niger” at her old anchorage before the factories. At about 6.50 A.M. ,
the boats of the “ Sybille” having put off from the Dutch Folly, the men landed
and set fire in several places to that portion of the suburb which lies east of the
factories, the 59th guard, under Captain Bushe, proceeding at the same time up
Hog Lane with the intention of firing another quarter. A few minutes, however,
had scarcely elapsed , when a sharp firing was heard, and soon after the soldiers
were seen retreating down Hog Lane, in some confusion . It appears that they
had come unexpectedly before the city wall , whence a fire of cannon and jingalls
was poured upon them which told with deadly effect in the narrow street, and
which they were altogether unable to return. The consequence was a precipitate
retreat, two men left dead upon the spot, and ten more, with one officer,
brought back wounded to the garden . Meanwhile, the fires kindled in the
eastern portion of the suburb were bursting forth in various places, dense
masses of smoke and showers of sparks were carried by the wind across the
river towards the Honan side , whilst great sheets of flame burst forth as the
roofs of the different houses fell in with a crash . In the western suburb a
similar result was produced by other landing parties, and by the shot of the
“ Encounter ” and “ Barracouta ; ” and during the greater part of the day so
dense was the smoke, that not only was the latter vessel hidden from the view
of persons in the garden, but the Dutch Folly also was invisible. The firing
from the Folly, however, had been very brisk all the morning, and its efficiency
became manifest about 2 P.M., when , the smoke having cleared away for a short
time, a large conflagration in the New City was disclosed to view.
 27 :

At 11:50 A.M., the 59th had again gone forth, and , without suffering any
casualty this time, had succeeded in kindling three fresh fires. The whole
atmosphere was now one mass of smoke, through which the sun appeared like a
large yellow ball, but towards evening the fires to the west of the garden had
been partially got under by the indefatigable efforts of the Chinese , who con
tinued working all day at their fire-engines, despite of shot and shell and Minié
balls, but those on the east raged more furiously than ever. Next morning the
latter also had considerably abated, and yesterday evening the conflagration may
be considered to have subsided, though to -day the fires are still smouldering.
Not a house now remains entire from the ruins of the factories to about
200 yards below the Dutch Folly, whilst in the New City the houses have been
destroyed over a large area, and the western suburb also displays a corresponding
scene of ruin .
(Signed) J. MONGAN ..


No. 12 .

Consul Robertson to Sir J. Bowring.- (Received in London , March 1. )
( Extract.) Shanghae, January 2, 1857.
THE events at Canton have made no sensible impression here. My rela
tions with the authorities continue on the same friendly footing as heretofore,
andas such it will be my earnest endeavour to preserve them .
1



No. 13.

The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.— (Received March 5.)
Sir, Admiralty, March 5, 1857.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon, copies of a letter
from Rear -Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and of its inclosures , reporting the
measures he has taken for strengthening his position at Canton, and the particulars
of an engagement with Chinese junks.
I am, &c .
( Signed ) R. OSBORNE .


Inclosure 1 in No. 13 .

Rear - Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
66
Sir, Niger,” at Canton, January 14, 1857.
I HAVE the honour to report proceedings since my letter of the
29th ultimo, on which day a most horrible massacre was effected on board
the “ Thistle , ” one of the small steam -vessels which ply on the river. The
“ Thistle ” left Canton early in the morning for Hong Kong, with Chinese
passengers and freight. The passengers were,as usual, searched for concealed
arms, and none being found, no suspicion of treachery was excited. It sub
sequently appeared , however, that some knives had been secreted bya woman
in her clothing. On approaching the Second Bar, a number of Chinese rose
suddenly on the crew, murdered the eleven Europeans (including the Spanish
Vice-Consul at Whampoa),took the vessel up the Second Bar Creek, and set her
on fire, having previously cut off the heads of their unfortunate victims, for the
purpose of obtaining the reward. Before leaving, the murderers, said to have
been seventeen in number, threw off their upper garment and displayed the
uniform of “ braves," or Government militia . The iron hull of the “ Thistle ”
was subsequently found by the “ Barracouta,” and towed to Hong Kong. The
headless bodies were in the hold , half consumed by the fire.
On the 4th instant, a combined and most formidable attack was made by
the Chinese naval forces upon our ships at the Macao Barrier and the Macao
 28

Fort; though happily without success. At about 1 o'clock p.m. heavy firing was
heard from the “ Niger ,” and the signal man reported that the Macao Fort was
attacked .' I immediately went on board the “Coromandel ” steam-vessel , and
with the heavy boats of the ships in tow, proceeded down the river, leaving
directions for the “ Encounter " to follow as soon as possible. A large flotilla of
junks was soon observed stretching across the river, about 1,000 yards below the
fort, and it was also seen that the “ Hornet ” and “ Comus” were warmly engaged
with another large fleet of junks at the barrier. As we approached, a very heavy
and well-directed fire was opened upon the little tender and the boats. The
“ Coromandel ” only mounting a few light boats' guns, I determined to wait the
arrival of the “ Encounter,” but soon after weighing, she signalled, “ ship is on
shore,” which I feared would be the case, owing to the state of the tide. By
this time I had made out over seventy large junks, and thirty boats pulling from
forty to sixty oars, with heavy guns in the bow and stern , all crowded with men.
Dispatching someof the boats to reinforce the small garrison at the Macao Fort,
I remained in the tender, with the other boats, to check the enemy. The
Chinese steadily advanced, but upon getting within 500 or 600 yards of the fort,
a well-aimed fire of musketry had the effect of deterring their further progress,
and the flood tide having began to make, the junks commenced their retreat up
the Fat-chan Creek , followed by the “ Coromandel ” and boats, and harassed by
our fire so long as any remained within shot.
Whilst the enemy engaged us on the above two points, a detachment of
some twenty junks came down Starling Creek , but a few shots from the
“ Encounter ” and “ Niger,” and from the guns in our junks at the boom, kept
them from closing.
I inclose a copy of Commander Forsyth’s letter, reporting the nature of the
attack upon the “ Hornet ” and “ Comus.”
I regret to state that Mr. E. Pearn , master's assistant of Her Majesty's ship
“ Calcutta , ” a gallant and most promising young officer, was killed by a round
shot in a boat alongside the “ Coromandel,” and one scamen was severely burnt
by the accidental explosion of a rocket. The “ Coromandel” was hulled several
times, but without serious injury.
This combined attack was cleverly made at dead low water, when , it was
well known , the draft of our ships was too great to allow of their passing the
Macao Barrier to come up the river, or for the “ Encounter " to cross the flats
to go down
The next day it was discovered that several stone -laden junks had been
sunk between 49th point, Marine Island, and 66th point, in the shallowest
portion of the channel, but the navigation has not been completely closed, and I
have moved the “ Comus ”” up to prevent any further like attempt. I have also
placed heavy guns in the Macao Fort, which reach the Fat-chan Creek across
the low land , above its junction with the main branch of the river.
Some serious attempts have been made to destroy our ships by floating
explosive machines. One of very ingenious construction was seized by the
guard -boat of the “ Encounter, containing 3,000 lbs. of gunpowder in two
tanks, connected by a rope of twenty-five fathoms. Another subsequently blew
up prematurely some distance from the same ship. One of the men conducting
it was captured, and instantly shot. At the same time a third one drifted on
our boom , but did not explode. The two last are supposed to have contained
each about 1,000 lbs . of powder.
On the 6th , I received a despatch from Sir J. Bowring, pointing out the
threatening aspect of affairs at Hong Kong, and the desirability of an early
conference.. Iaccordingly proceeded in the “ Barracouta” on the following day,
and finding the “ Sampson at the Bogue, I caused her to tow the “ Calcutta
to Hong Kong, leaving the protection of that portion of the river to Captain the
Honourable K. Stewart, in the “ Nankin .” I found the colony in a state of
great uneasiness. The respectable Chinese had been ordered away by the
Mandarins, on pain of deaths to all their relatives, and fears were entertained of
incendiarism on the part of the immense population remaining, many being
supposed to be in the pay of the Chinese Government. I met the Governor in
Council on the 9th, and pointed out the great importance of endeavouring to
maintain my position at Canton, as the only method of keeping the river-road
open till reinforcements should arrive, and that I trusted they would not, in their
desire for naval protection, so weaken my forces as to interfere with that object.
 29

When I informed the Governor that it was my intention to leave the “ Calcutta"
in command of my flag -captain , W. R. Hall, at Hong Kong, and that the
66
Sampson ” would make the island her head-quarters, his Excellency and
Council expressed themselves satisfied with the arrangements. Captain Hall
immediately re-armed the “ Bittern ,” and put some guns in the “ Minden,” and
I returned to Canton the same evening.
.
Sir John Bowring has hired the “ Eaglet,” a small , well-armed steamer, as
a harbour -guard, and toafford protection to the boats which supply the markets
at Hong Kong, as well as for the necessary service of deporting suspicious
characters, and I have permitted Mr. R. T. Ellis, master in charge of the
“ Minden,” to have the temporary command of her. I contemplate hiring one
or two small vessels for gun -boats, the draft of our own ships rendering them
unable to follow the Chinese war -junks up the numerous shallow creeks where
they have sought refuge, from which they can annoy us by night with impunity.
In consequence of the various attempts to destroy our ships, and the
throwing of rockets and stinkpots into the junks which moor the booms, with
the ultimate intention, doubtless, of making an entrance for fire -rafts, I deemed
it absolutely necessary, for our safety, to burn the suburbs on each side of the
Factory Gardens, from whence these attempts originated, and on the 12th my
purpose was carried into effect. Below the gardens, the houses had, in anticipa
tion, been completely cleared out. This portion was burnt to the wall of the
new city, into which the fire, aided by a strong breeze, extended for a considerable
distance. Above the gardens , the houses along the river-frontage were also
destroyed. During this operation, a party of the 59th Regiment, under the
orders of Captain Bushe, came unexpectedly upon an angle of the city wall,
from whenceaa fire was opened, which resulted in two privates being killed, and
Ensign Statham (slightly, by a stone from the wall) and twoprivates wounded.
The “ Sybille,” being in a very unsafe position at Whampoa, from the
probability of the Chinese blocking up the first bar entrance , between her
anchorage and the main barrier of the river, I have ordered her to the Bogue,
having previously given notice to the British and foreign residents, through
Sir John Bowring ,to remove their property. I have also removed the “ Alligator,"
Vice - Consular residence, and have responded to the demand for assistance on
behalf of two Spanish vessels of war, one a steam-vessel under repair.
The necessity of maintaining my communication with Hong Kong has
decided me to modify my plan of operations, and to confine myself to keeping
the river navigation open until the arrival of reinforcements . I shall, therefore,
withdraw from the Dutch Folly and Factory Gardens, and occupy the Bird's
Nest Fort, which, with the Macao Fort, will give me a most commanding
position. By this measure I shall release the “ Niger ” and “ Encounter ” from
a confined anchorage, where they are in continual danger of being burnt by fire
rafts, or from rockets from either shore, and secure their services for any
emergency
On a consideration of the circumstances herein set forth , I trust their
Lordships will concur in the propriety of my having, in conjunctionwith Her
Majesty's Plenipotentiary, applied to his Excellency the Governor -General of
India for the assistance of 5,000 troops. As, however, the warm weather will be
approaching before any force could be assembled, and the Chinese are active in
their preparations for the defence of their city, it would be expedient to have
such an army as will, by their numerical strength, render a successful result the
more certain .
The Governor of Singapore, having informed Captain Sir William Hoste
that in the event of any necessity at Ilong Kong, hecould spare 500 troops,
Sir John Bowring and I have applied accordingly.
I am happyto report that the squadron is healthy, and that I receive the
most zealous and efficient assistance from every officer and man under my
command.
I have, & c.
( Signed ) M. SEYMOUR.
 30



Inclosure 2 in No. 13.

Commander Forsyth to Rear -Admiral Sir M. Seymour.
Sir, 66
Hornet,” of Hamilton Creek, January 4, 1857.
I HAVE the honour to report, for your information , that at 1:30 P.M. this day
we observed about 180 or 200 junks,accompanied by about the same number
of row -boats, dropping down the Blenheim Passage towards the ships, and
twenty-two
- junks, also accompanied by row -boats, coming down Hamilton
Creek.
When within about 1,500 yards from the ships, they opened fire upon us,
which we immediately returned with shot and shell.
At 2.25 the vessels in Hamilton Creek having taken up position behind
a point within about 1,000 yards, where they imagined our guns could not
touch them , their hulls being hidden from our view , also commenced firing ; the
row -boats, advancing boldly along the bank on the south side of the Creek,
opened a brisk fire.
The Commander's pinnace, uuder the command of Lieutenant George D.
Bevan, senior of that ship, shoved off towards them , when they immediately
retreated.
At 2:45, the junks, having apparently suffered severely from our fire, made
sail in retreat up the river.
I immediately left the ship with the boats named in the margin ,* in the hope
of cutting off some of the enemy. After pursuing them as far as Madaverty
Point , keeping up a fire from the gun -boats and with musketry, they
retreating slowly before us ; the Senior Lieutenant of the “ Comus” having
beer: wounded by the capsizing of the boat's gun, one Marine severely, and the
Hon. Albert Denison, Acting Mate, slightly wounded in my gig, the enemy
being reinforced by the junks retiring from the Macao Fort, the guns in both
boats disabled by the breaking of the slides, I deemed it imprudent to pursue
them further.
During the action , a boat pulled down the north -east bank of the river,
boarded the junk moored at the barrier , and attempted to set her on fire, but
through the activity of Lieutenant A. M. Brock , Senior of this ship, whom I
detached in the cutter, she was driven off before her crew were able to effect
their purpose, although supported by a large number of men behind the bank
on shore, who were dispersed by a few shots from the ships.
The enemy chose a most favourable time for the attack, it being near low
water, which they knew would prevent the ships crossing the barrier : had we
fortunately been able to have done so , we should doubtless have destroyed their
whole fleet.
The enemy appeared to have been armed with guns of a longer range than
usual, as their shot repeatedly flew over and around the ships, two of which
struck the “ Comus's ?" hull .
I consider it most fortunate that no more casualties occurred, as the boats
were enveloped in a perfect storm of shot.
In concluding this report, I beg to bring before your notice the support I
received from Commander Jenkins, of Her Majesty's ship “ Comus,” Lieutenants
A. M. Brock , and Bevan, in the boats, and, in fact, all the officers and men
engaged .
I beg to inclose the returns of killed and wounded.
I have, &c.
(Signed) CHAS. C. FORSYTH .




* “ Hornet's" Gig.- Hon . A. Denison , Acting Mate.
First Cutter . — Lieutenant A. M. Brock .
Pinnace. - Ralph A. Brown, Acting Mate.
Second Cutter.-James Fisher, Master's Assistant.
“ Comus's " Pinnace . - Lieutenant G. D. Bevan ; Mr. Cheek, Midshipman ; Mr. Penfound,
Gunner ; Lieutenant Oakes, Volunteer,
 31


Inclosure 3 in No. 13 .


A RETURN of killed and wounded of Her Majesty's ship “ Hornet,” in
engagement with Chinese war-junks, on the 4th January, 1857, off
Hamilton Creek , Canton River :
George Etheridge, Royal Marines, wound of left
Hon. A. Denison , Acting Mate, wound of hand ( slight).
(Signed) JOHN TERNAN , M.D. ,
Surgeon .

Inclosure 4 in No. 13.

A List of Casualties occurring on board Her Majesty's ship Comus,"
employed against a Chinese Fleet, on January 4 , 1857.

Name. Quality. Nature of Casualty. Present Condition.


G. D. Bevan First Lieutenant A very serere contusion Progressing farourably.
of the right thigh


(Signed) JNO . WARD , Surgeon .


Inclosure 5 in No. 13.

Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour.
Sir, Hong Kong, January 3, 1857.
I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency certain resolutions
passed at a meeting of the Executive Council, held this day, and to point out
the desirability of an early conference between your Excellency and the Council
in the presentthreatening aspect of affairs.
The military and police force here stationed seems inadequate to the protec
tion of the colony, and I am the more ready to announce to your Excellency the
' wishes of the Council, after perusal of the following paragraph in a despatch
from Lord Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Governor Sir Henry
Pottinger, dated the 15th November, 1843 :
“ Her Majesty's Government concur generally with you in opinion that we
must depend on our naval superiority for the complete security of our
commercial establishment in that island (Hong Kong).”
Though, of course, well aware of the difficult position in which your Excel
lency is placed, I feel myself at length compelled to draw your Excellency's
attention to the condition of Hong Kong.
I am , &c
( Signed ) JOHN BOWRING ,



Inclosure 6 in No. 13.

Extract from the Minutes of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, held on
January 3 , 1857 .
Resolved
THAT the present imperfectly protected condition of the Colony, menaced
as it is by the approach of hostile troops, causes much solicitude, and that his
Excellency the Naval Commander-in - chief be requested, without delay, to
augment the naval forces for its defence.
F
 32

The attention of the Council having been called by the Military Commandant
to the removal of a considerable number of troops for the defence of the
factories in Canton, he expressed his desire that their return to the Colony
should not be delayed.
That in the opinion of this Council an early conference with his Excellency
the Naval Commander -in -chief, with a view to the security of the Colony, is
desirable .



No. 14.

Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon .— -(Received March 16.)
My Lord, Hong Kong, January 24, 1857.
I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a
despatch from the Naval Commander -in-chief reporting the change of his
position in the Canton river — a change he has deemed desirable in order to
facilitate and secure the freedom of communication on that river with a view to
future operations. I forward at the same time copy of my reply to Sir Michael
Seymour.
I attach the greatest importance to keeping the Canton river open , as a
successful attempt to stop the navigation might not only imperil the ships now
in the river, but create immense difficulties hereafter in preventing the access of
naval or military forces.
I have , &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING.


Inclosure 1 in No. 14 .
గారి
కాంగ ం




Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring.
-ఉము
కాపు
2కు




Sir, “ Calcutta, ” at Hong Kong, January 23, 1857.
IN continuation of my despatch of the 14th instant, I have the honour to
inform your Excellency, that early on the morning of the 20th , I withdrew
my forces from the Dutch Folly Fort and Factory Gardens, and dropped out of
the Factory Creek in the “ Niger ” without the slightest casualty. The previous
night some row -boats attacked the Folly, but they were received so warmly that
they quickly retreated . Our late positions were immediately taken possession
of, and burnt, by the Chinese.
༧ནས་ ུ་




In my last letter I mentioned that it was my intention to occupy the Bird's
༡༠་ཨ
རས་




Nest Fort, in which I had placed a small garrison and had commenced arming
it, but I found afterwards that it would necessitate the presence of a ship of war
心




forits support ; I therefore fell back to the Macao Fort, which I have garrisoned
。




and now hold as my advanced post. By this measure I shall gain a ship or two
to assist in keeping open the river road, until the arrival of reinforcements,
which I confidently hope to be able to maintain , unless I am compelled by the
state of Hong Kong, or our relations with the northern ports, to withdraw
my ships.
In about a month ( may begin to look for the arrival of some of my
expected steamers and gunboats.
I have, &c.
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR.


Inclosure 2 in No. 14 .

Sir J. Bowring to Rear - Admiral Sir M. Seymour.
Sir,
Hong Kong, January 24, 1857 .
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's despatch dated
yesterday, advising me that, with a view of keeping open the river communication
until the arrival of reinforcements, and of releasing for this purpose one orto
 33


of Her Majesty's ships, you had determined to abandon the Factory Gardens and
Dutch Folly Fort, and instead of retaining the Bird's Nest Fort, to make the
Macao (passage) Fort your advanced position.
I have every confidence in the prudence and foresight which have dictated
thesemeasures, and agree with your Excellency in the paramount importance of
securing a free passage upon Canton, with a view to future operations.
I have, &c .
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING .



No. 15.

The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond .— (Received March 18.)
Sir, Admiralty, March 18, 1857.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon , a copy of aa letter
from Rear -Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and of its inclosures, reporting his
having withdrawn his forces from the Dutch Folly Fort ; an engagement
between the “ Sampson ” and Chinese junks ; and other particulars relative to
the present state of affairs in China .
I am, &c.
(Signed ) THOS . PHINN .


Inclosure 1 in No. 15 .

Rear- Admiral Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, January 30, 1857.
IN continuation of my letter of the 14th instant, I have the honour
to report , for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that
on the morning of the 20th , I withdrew my forces from the Dutch Folly Fort
and Factory Gardens, and dropped out of the Factory Creek in the “ Niger ”
without casualty. The previous night a number of row -boats attacked the
Folly, but they were received so warmly that they soon retired. Our late
position, and the Factory Church, were immediately taken possession of, and
burnt by the Chinese.
2. I mentioned in my letter of the 14th instant, that it was my intention to
occupy the Birds' Nest Fort . I had placed a small force there, and had commenced
arming it, but I subsequently found that itwould necessitate the presence of aa
ship of war for its support ; I therefore fell back to the Macao Fort, which I
have strongly garrisoned and armed, and now hold as my advanced post. By
this measure, I shall gain a ship or two to assist in keeping open the River road,
which I still hope to maintain , until the arrival of reinforcements, unless I am
compelled by the state of affairs at Hong Kong, or of our relations with the
Northern ports, to withdraw my ships.
3. On the 17th, as the “ Sampson ” was proceeding up the river, a large
fleet of row -boats and war junks boldly advanced out of the Artillery Creek , near
the Second Bar, and opened a heavy fire ; unfortunately, the pilot was soon
mortally wounded. I inclose Captain Hand's report of the affair.
4. A most diabolical attempt was made at Hong Kong on the 15th instant
to poison the European inhabitants, by mixing arsenic with the bread : most
providentially the quantity of poison was so largeas to cause immediate vomiting.
Several parties have been arrested , but it is doubtful if there will be sufficient
evidence to lead aа conviction .
"
5. I came down to Hong Kong on the 22nd in the “ Sampson,” to confer
with his Excellency and the Council, and to point out the necessity of not
weakening my force in the Canton river by demands for naval cooperation, until
the arrival of some of the ships from England. The judicious arrangements
made by Captain Hall, the establishment of a colonial steam -boat as a harbour
night-guard , and the presence of the French Admiral andAmerican Commodore,
afford good grounds for hope that no attempt will be made to attack the island :
F 2
 34


nevertheless, fear exists of danger in some shape ; incendiarism is what is most
to be dreaded, though every precaution has been taken to guard against such a
calamity.
6. I have late intelligence from the Northern ports, where tranquillity
prevailed . Some apprehension was felt at Amoy, in consequence of a large
number of piratical vessels having appeared in the vicinity ; and his Excellency
Sir John Bowringhaving forwarded to me a representation to that effect, from
the British merchants there resident, I have sent Captain Hand in the
“ Sampson ” to Amoy , to examine the various bays along the coast , and to
destroy any piratical craft he may fall in with .
7. I have received information that the Chinese have destroyed all the
English and American docks at Whampoa, and burnt the houses and other
buildings attached to the respective establishments ; also that the High Com
missioner is preparing large forces in various directions to act against us, and
that rebels, pirates, and fishermen , have been promiscuously enlisted.
8. From what I have stated in this letter, and my previous communica
tions, I trust their Lordships will see the necessity of sending out a further
number of light-drafted steamers to those already on their way, and that Her
Majesty's Government will give directions for the speedy dispatch of a sufficient
body of troops to act against the city of Canton, the only mode of bringing this
business to a satisfactory conclusion, and placing Europeans on a proper footing
in this quarter. Although affairs at present are perfectly tranquil at the
Northern ports, it is impossible to say how long they may continue so, and
there can be little doubt that on theresult of the misunderstanding at Canton
will depend our future position in the Chinese Empire generally.
9. I shall return to the Canton river soon after the arrival of the Royal
mail steam -packet, now overdue. The squadron still continues healthy ; there is
no change in the disposition of the ships.
I have, &c.
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR.



Inclosure 2 in No. 15 .

Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Seymour, January 24, 1857.
[See Inclosure 2 in No. 14.]

Inclosure 3 in No. 15 .

Captain Hand to Rear- Admiral Seymour.
Sir, Sampson," off Hamilton Creek, January 16, 1857.
IN reporting my arrival here to-day, with sundry stores for the ships, I have
to inform you that in passing the creeks on the left bank of the river, just below
the First Bar Creek, I fell in with a number of junks and armed boats, about
120 or more, which opened a heavy fire upon the ship in passing.
I eased the engines and returned their fire; unfortunately my pilot was
early severely wounded (leg amputated ).
They had some heavy guns, and their shot went considerably over us.
Some ten or twelve hulled us, doing some damage in the wheels and boats.
Three seamen have been slightly wounded by splinters.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEORGE S. HAND .
1
 CANTON.
Further
Papers
relating
Proceedingsto
the
of
Majesty's
Her
Naval
Forces
Cantonat.
Presented
both
Housesto
of
Parliament
by
Con
mand
ofy.
Her
Majest
1857.
LONDON:
PRINTED
HARRISON
BY.
SONS
AND
 .
4

4 2
4 IR
C
CORRESPONDENCE


BETWEEN THE




FOREIGN OFFICE

AND THE




EAST INDIA AND CHINA ASSOCIATION

OF




LIVERPOOL.



1846—1848 .




Presented to the House of Commons by Command of Her Majesty, in
pursuance of their Address of March 6, 1857.




LONDON :
PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS .

8d . Spo
 ***
PARVARD COLLEGE
OCT 9 1919
LIBRARY




LIST OF PAPERS.




No. Page
1. The Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association to
Viscount Palmerston October 10, 1846 ' 1
2. Mr. Addington to the Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China
Association October 13, 1

3. The Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association to
Viscount Palmerston July 10 , 1847 2
4. Mr. Addington to the Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China




Il
Association July 14, 3

5. The Vice- Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association
to Viscount Palmerston ..
August 20 , 5


#
6. Mr. Addington to the Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China
Association August 26, 7
7. The Vice-Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association
to Viscount Palmerston February 22, 1848 8
8. Mr. Addington to the Vice - Chairman of the Liverpool East India and
China Association February 29,8

2
 RETURN to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons, dated March 6, 1857 ;
for
is
Copies of any Memorials received by Viscount Palmerston , in 1847 and
1848 , from the East India and China Association of Liverpool,
together with the Answers returned thereto . ”



No. 1 .

The Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association to Viscount
Palmerston.- (Received October 12.)

My Lord, Liverpool, October 10, 1846.
AS Chairman of the East India and China Association of Liverpool, I am
requested to call your Lordship's most serious attention to the intelligence
brought by the last China mail, whereby it appears that the lives and property
of the British merchants resident in Canton, were, for several hours, on the
evening ofthe 8th July last, placed in extreme jeopardy, from the violence of a
mob assembled within the boundaries of the foreign factories.
This Association does not doubt that the subject has received your Lord
ship’s usual prompt consideration ; but, deeply interested as its members are in
the China trade, they cannot refrain from expressing their alarm at the unpro
tected state of our commerce at Canton . As all the accounts admit the
ill-feeling of the populace there against Her Majesty's subjects, andthe utter
want of power or inclination of the Chinese authorities to suppress these out
breaks of violence on the part of their own subjects, it is evident that the British
merchants must look to their own Government solely for protection ; and this
Association would strongly urge on your Lordship’s consideration the absolute
necessity of a British naval force being, in future, always stationed close to the
Canton factories, which would prove the most effectual means of preventing
further disturbances.
I have, &c.
(Signed) WILLIAM NICOL .




No. 2 .

Mr. Addington to the Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China
Association .

Sir, Foreign Office, October 13, 1846.
I AM directed by Viscount Palmerston to acknowledge the receipt of the
letter dated the 10th instant, signed by you on behalf of the Liverpool East
India and China Association, referring to the late disturbances at Canton , and
requesting that further protection may be afforded to Her Majesty's subjects
residing at Canton, by the presence of a British naval force stationed near the
factories at that place; and I am to state to you , in reply, that Her Majesty's
Government have already taken such measures in this respect as will insure, so
far as it is in their power, a full protection to the lives and properties of British
subjects.
I am, &c.
(Signed ) H. U. ADDINGTON .




[ 176]
 2



No. 3.

The Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China Association to Viscount
Palmerston.— (Received July 13.)
My Lord, Liverpool, July 10 , 1847.
ON the 10th of October last I had the honour of addressing your Lordship
on behalf of this Association, on the subject of disturbances which had taken
place at Canton aa short time previously, urging upon your Lordship’s considera
tion the absolute necessity of a British naval force being in future always
stationed off the Canton factories for the protection of HerMajesty's subjects ;
and in reply I was honoured with a communication, dated on the 13th of that
month, stating that Her Majesty's Government had already taken such measures
in that respect as would insure, so far as in their power, a full protection to the
lives and properties of British subjects.
Had these precautionary measures been adopted, this Association is of
opinion that the recent hostile proceedings on the part of Sir John Davis at
Canton might have been avoided, and in any event the lives and property of
Her Majesty's subjects would have been protected from the imminent risk to
which both were exposed from an exasperatedmob, for an interval of six hours
which elapsed from the attack in the Bogue Forts being known at Canton until
the arrival of Her Majesty's troops .
The occasional appearance only of an armed steamer . at Canton, in the
opinion of this body, is so far from creating the favourable impression which would
result from the permanent presence of a vessel of war, that it tends rather to
keep alive the exasperation of the populace, and seems calculated to invite acts
of hostility in her absence. A protective force should never, therefore, in the
opinion of this body, be withdrawn from Canton, especially since it has become
evident that it is not any aggression on the part of the Chinese Government
which we have to fear, but the sudden outbreaks of the lawless bands with which
Canton abounds.
The late proceedings must have appeared to them an unprovoked attack in
time of peace,and our immediate retirement a precipitate retreat, which, coupled
with the further exposure of the weakness of their own Government, has
rendered this irritation so strong that we fear it is but too probable an early mail
may bring news of another serious outbreak .
Our earnest desire is to see the Pottinger Treaty fully carried out, but the
late movement will, we apprehend, have retarded rather than facilitated this
object. All the important concessions made in consequence of the recent hostile
demonstrations, were really embodied in the Treaty alluded to ; but their
practical enforcement is rendered more difficult from the increased rancour of
the populace, and the weakening of the moral power of the mandarins over their
!
own people, by which alone they rule.
1
As British subjects we would also wish to protest against the unjustifiable
principle of an hostile aggression being made on a part of an empire far removed
from the seat of government, in violation of solemn Treaties, without even the
customary forms which the laws of nations recognize, and the feelings of
humanity demand.
We cannot refrain on this occasion from expressing our regret that there
has not beena more firm , consistent, and dignified policy pursued by Sir John
Davis towards the Chinese during the last three years, and which has now
resulted in an act of aggression as rash and injudicious as the former policy had
been throughout weak and vacillating.
We further avail ourselves of this opportunity to draw your Lordship’s
particular attention to the proceedings of the Hong Kong Government during
the same period, by which the once rapidly -increasing and promising trade at
Hong Kong, instead of being fostered has been entirely driven away, and the
buildings and improvements at Victoria, on which immense sums ofmoney have
been expended , have become valueless.
I am instructed, in conclusion , to urge upon your Lordship respectfully, but
firmly (if in consideration only of the large amount of revenue yielded to the
Crown by this important trade), that British subjects shall be no longer left to
 3

their own resources for the protection of their lives and property, but that a
powerful war -steamer should in future always be stationed in the close vicinity of
the British factories at Canton , and such measures be otherwise adopted , as shall
ensure a more respectful feeling in the minds of the Chinese towards the British
nation .
I have, &c.
( Signed) WILLIAM NICOL.




No. 4.

Mr. Addington to the Chairman of the Liverpool East India and China
Association .

Sir, Foreign Office, July 14, 1847.
I AM directed by Viscount Palmerston to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 10th instant, containing a representation on behalf of the East India
and China Association of Liverpool, of which you are the Chairman, respecting
the late events at Canton.
Lord Palmerston directs me to state to you, in reply, that he is sorry to say
that he is obliged to differ from almost all the opinions which you express in
your letter on behalf of the Association.
With regard, indeed, to the course which Sir John Davis has pursued for
the three years preceding the late transactions, Lord Palmerston considers that
he is not called upon to express an opinion one way or the other. That course ,
whatever it may have been, was prescribed to him by his instructions from the
Home Government, and Lord Palmerston must take for granted that he may
infer, from Sir John Davis having continued in office, that he executed his instruc
tions to the satisfaction of those who were at the time the responsible advisers
of the Crown ; and if the East India and China Association disapproved of that
course, it would have been more practically useful for them to have stated their
objections to it at the time, and to the proper quarter,than to have now conveyed
to Lord Palmerston their retrospective censure of the conduct of a preceding
Administration.