Having taken my leave, and stepped the Starling's foremast, with orders to rejoin me with all despatch at Macao, I quitted Manila. I had heard that it was the intention of our commander-in-chief to commence hostilities on the 15th, therefore hours were of the greatest importance, and every exertion was used to beat up to Cape Bolinas, before stretching across the China Sea. On the morning of the 13th, we passed within a mile of the southern edge of the Pratas reef, on which we noticed the wreck of a junk. The weather proved thick; and was attended with fresh breezes. We pushed on for Macao on the following morning (14th); but, by an error in the steerage, found we could not weather the northern Lemma, and therefore bore up, passing between them. About noon, we reached the south-west point of Lantao, and the breeze failing anchored off the rock on its western side. It was my intention to proceed direct to Macao, but observing a pleasure-boat near us, we sent to inquire for news. The intelligence altered our plans. The admiral had resigned and gone home, and Commodore Sir J. Gordon Bremer was in command of the squadron, off Chuenpee; but the most interesting portion was, that no action had taken place. About sunset, the tide and breeze being favourable, we moved upwards, but were again compelled to anchor off Fansyack. After another tedious day, we sighted and anchored about two miles from the squadron, and that evening I paid my respects to the commodore. CHAPTER V. Naval force in the Canton river-The forts of Chuenpee and Tycocktow attacked-Destruction of the war-junks-Preparations for forcing the Bocca Tigris-A barber surgeon made prisoner -Turned to account-Operations suspended-The captured forts given up-Squadron descends the river-Take possession of Hong-kong-Hostilities resumed-Return to the Bocca Tigris -A battery constructed on South Wangtong-The forts of the Bocca Tigris cannonaded and stormed-Cruelties of the Sepoys -Ascend the river-Affair of the First Bar Fort-The Cambridge burnt-Unmask a battery—A man killed-Take possession of "Howqua's Folly"-Chinese charges for a gunOperations in the river, and before Canton-Another truce and its remarkable terms-The Commodore goes to Calcutta. CHAPTER V. NEITHER letters nor orders awaited us; in fact, nothing was known about us; and (as some could not keep their own counsel) we were viewed as little better than interlopers. On this day they had expected hostilities. Had they taken place, we certainly should have been in sight, but there our part would have ended. We found, however, nothing at present in contemplation, and for some time. we were kept on the tenter hooks of expecta tion. Our time was not, however, passed in idle ness, as we managed to carry on our immediate survey up to the battery ranges, and otherwise make ourselves acquainted with the ground. The Starling rejoined us on the 23rd December. Various communications having passed between Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary and the Chinese authorities, decided operations were now in contemplation. Our force consisted of the undermentioned ships: Wellesley, 78, Captain Maitland, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Sir J. G. Bremer; Blenheim, 74, Sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, K.C.H.; Melville, 74, Hon. R. S. Dundas; Calliope, Capt. Herbert; Samarang, 28, Capt. Scott; Druid, 44, Capt. Smith; Sulphur, Commander Belcher; Larne, 18, Commander Blake; Hyacinth, 18, Commander Warren; Modeste, 18, Commander Eyres: Columbine, 18, Commander Clarke; Starling, Lieut. H. Kellett. Steamers, Queen, Nemesis, Madagascar, and Enterprize. Chuenpee, or Shakok, is supposed to be the outer defence to Canton river, but ships can easily pass it, and even through in the direction of Tycocktow (or Taikok) without much danger from shot from either battery. The first battery on the crest of Chuenpee, in the hands of practised gunners with good ordnance, would be a serious obstruction. The island of Chuenpee is entirely composed of small hills, rising from a general level, which affords good valley passes for troops. By a reconnoissance, almost overlooking the enemy's works, it was evident that troops could advance, if covered by shipping on the west to create a diversion, and that the hill of Chuenpee once in our hands, the batteries beneath were untenable. The Chinese had thrown up a very perfect ditch, extending from the sea on the west, and completely surrounding their entrenched camp, and, moreover, had guns placed to command the several valley passes. Tycocktow was an open-faced battery, which must inevitably fall under a direct attack from the shipping. On the morning of the 7th of January the order of battle was issued. The western division, for the attack of Tycocktow, was placed under the command of Captain Scott of the Samarang, having under his orders the Druid, Modeste, and Columbine. The eastern division, under Captain Herbert, consisted of Calliope, Larne, Hyacinth; steamers, Queen and Nemesis, with boats of Sulphur, &c., Commander Belcher, who was ordered to place Queen and Nemesis to shell the enemy from the heights; and afterwards to attack the enemy's war junks. The troops and marines were to be landed, and advance by the valley, direct on the enemy's works; the brigade commanded by Major Pratt, 26th (Cameronians.) This force consisted of a battalion of Royal Marines, under their gallant chief, Captain Ellis; a detachment of Royal Artillery, one twenty-four pounder howitzer, and two field-pieces, drawn by seamen, from Wellesley, Blenheim, and Melville; the whole commanded by Captain Knowles, Royal Artillery; detachments of 26th Cameronians; and 37th native infantry, under Major Pratt, amounting in all to about fourteen hundred men. The brigade, as before stated, under the command of Major Pratt. The divisions landed about half-past eight. The Samarang led her division in gallant style, direct for the centre of the battery, anchoring within half a cable's length of the walls, followed by the Modeste, Druid, and Columbine; and quickly and gallantly was |