channel, scarcely more than the breadth of a canal, when she anchored head and stern for the night.

At daylight, on the morning of the 14th, they weighed and proceeded up the river in the steamer's draught of water, and not broader than her own length, grounding occasionally on both sides; at 7h. 50m. arrived at the large village of Hong-how, with a fort of the same name at the upper part, which flanked a strong and broad line of stakes twenty feet wide, completely across the river, filled up in the centre by large sunken junks laden with stones; on discovering the fort the Nemesis opened fire, which was instantly returned by the enemy; as in all the preceding actions, they fled the moment the boats landed to attack them; they had evidently expected to be assailed on the opposite side to that by which the Nemesis had approached, the walls being piled up with sandbags outside in that direction; nine guns were destroyed here, and the fort blown up. After the Nemesis had made good her passage through the stakes, which was effected after four hours' incessant labour, assisted by the natives, who flocked on board and around in great numbers after the firing had ceased, all apparently anxious to aid in destroying the stakes.

At 4 P.M. they arrived off a military station; a shot was fired into the principal building, which drove out the garrison who had screened themselves in it; the boats were then sent on shore, and the whole establishment, together with a mandarin boat, mounting one 9-pounder and two ginjalls, were destroyed, and at six the steamer anchored for the night.

At daylight, on the 15th, the Nemesis continued her course upwards, and at 7h. 30m. arrived off the large village Zamchow, under the banks of which a number of soldiers with matchlocks, were descried endeavouring to conceal themselves, upon whom a fire of musketry was opened, which dispersed all those who were unhurt in less than a minute.

On moving up to Tegnel, a large town on the left bank of the river, three forts were passed, all dismantled and abandoned; the custom-house of the latter place was destroyed, as well as a war-junk mounting seven guns, which the crew had quitted on the approach of the steamer. On proceeding up to Whampoa, three more dismantled forts were observed, and at 4 P.M. the Nemesis came to in that anchorage, having in conjunction with the boats destroyed five forts, one battery, two military stations, and nine war-junks, in which were 115 guns, and eight ginjalls, thus proving to the enemy that the British flag can be displayed throughout their inner waters wherever and whenever it is thought proper by us, against any defence or mode they may adopt to prevent it. This service has been performed without the loss of a single man on our side, and only three seamen slightly wounded, belonging to her Majesty's ship Samarang. The greatest praise is due to Mr. W. H. Hall, R.N., commander of the Nemesis, for the cool, unwearied, and zealous performance of his duties (under circumstances of frequent danger and difficulty) at all times, more especially in thus traversing a navigation never before passed by a European boat or vessel.

On the 19th I was gratified by receiving a report from Capt. Herbert, of her Majesty's ship Calliope, commanding the advanced squadron, detailing the various operations of that force in the attack and capture of the forts, defences, and flotilla off Canton, and the hoisting of the Union Jack on the walls of the British factory; the guns of the squadron commanding all the approaches to the city from the western and southern branches of the river, thus placing in our power the great provincial capital.

This was brought about by the Chinese having fired upon a flag of truce sent with a chop to the Imperial Commissioner at the desire of his Excellency, the plenipotentiary. The flotilla of boats of the squadron formed into four divisions under the command of Captains Bourchier and Bethune, of Blonde and Conway, every arrangement having been completed, the force-Modeste, Nemesis, Madagascar, Algerine, Starling, Young Hebe, and Louisa-moved in advance about noon, and engage the batteries for about an hour, when the flotilla, with the ENLARGED SERIES.-NO. 7.-VOL. FOR 1811.

3 Q

marines, under the command of Capt. Bourchier, was brought up in admirable order, and upon the signal being given, stormed and completed the capture of the enemy's works, notwithstanding a most determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops; one hundred and twenty-three guns were mounted in the different forts; the loss of the enemy had been very considerable (upwards of four hundred men); our casualties, I am happy to say, do not exceed six wounded.

The blow was followed by an agreement on the part of the High Commissioner to a suspension of hostilities, and afterwards by the publication of an edict, declaring the trade to be opened, and that all British and other merchants proceeding to the provincial city shall receive due and perfect protection.

I endeavoured to push forward to the scene of action in the Hyacinth's gig, but only arrived towards its close, in sufficient time, however, to be gratified by the hoisting of the British colours. Thus, for the first time in the history of China, have ships been brought under the very walls of Canton, and by channels and branches on which a foreign ship never before floated. I believe the Chinese were not acquainted with the capabilities of their splendid river; assuredly they had no idea that the second city in the empire could be assailed by ships-of-war on its waters; I trust that the fact will have its due influence on the authorities, and I have no doubt that the forbearance displayed towards a city so completely at our mercy as this is, will be appreciated by the better classes of the community, who have everything to lose, and the benevolence of the British character more fully understood than it ever yet has been in this country.

The gratifying spectacle of our ships in this position is solely attributable to the unwearied exertions of the captains, officers and men belonging to them, in sounding the various inlets through which they passed, not a single Chinese pilot having been employed throughout.

In conclusion, we may on this, as on former occasions, congratulate ourselves on this service having been performed without any loss of life on our side, only seven wounded (severely), amongst whom is that gallant officer Lieut. Stransham, Royal Marines, of H.M.S. Calliope, Acting Brigade-Major. I have the honor, &c

To Earl Auckland, &c.

J. J. GORDON BREMER,
Commodore, &c.

The report of Capt. Herbert, of H.M.S. Calliope, to His Excellency Sir Gordon Bremer, referred to in the preceding despatch, is annexed :—

British Factory, Canton, March 18, 1841.

SIR. This day the force enumerated below, under my orders, carried and destroyed in succession all the forts in the advance and before Canton, taking, sinking, burning, or dispersing the enemy's flotilla, and hoisting the union jack on the walls of the British Factory, the guns of the squadron commanding all the approaches to the city from the western and southern branches of the river, thus placing in our power the great provincial capital, containing upwards of one million of inhabitants.

I found myself forced to make this attack without your instructions, for the reasons so strongly expressed in Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary's note, dated 17th of March, 1841, considering it my duty to resent, with all the promptitude in my power, the insult offered the day before to the flag of truce sent with a chop to the Imperial Commissioner, at the desire of his Excellency.

I forward the accompanying sketch, placing you in more immediate possession of the line of concentration which led to such an immediate result. In detailing the operations of the day, I feel myself inadequate to do justice to the gallant officers and men employed on this occasion.

The flotilla of boats, formed into four divisions, was under the command of

Capt. Bourchier, of the Blonde, and Capt. Bethune, of the Conway assisting Three divisions, under the immediate charge of Commanders Barlow and Clarke, and Lieut. Coulson, of the Blonde. H.M. sloop Hyacinth (to whom too much praise cannot be given for the exertions displayed by Commander Warren, his officers, and crew, in getting her through the intricate and difficult passes of the river,) piloted by Com. Belcher, to be in readiness for operation, and a division of boats, under the command of these officers, were placed at the southern entrance of the river, re-communicating with the main stream at Fatee, to meet any retrograde movement of the numerous flotilla that had taken part in the aggression of the 16th inst.

Every arrangement having been completed and understood, the whole force moved in advance about noon, the vessels, marines, and three divisions of boats from the northward of the Macao fort, and within gunshot of the enemy's advanced batteries, engaging them for about two hours and a half, when all opposition ceased, and the factory within the defences were taken possession of.

The Modeste was placed within 300 yards, in front of the principal battery, and shortly gave proofs of her well-directed fire, flanked by the powerful guns of the Madagascar, Capt. Dicey, with artillerymen under the direction of Lieut. Fowlis, Madras artillery, and Nemesis, Mr. W. H. Hall, R.N., commanding, with artillerymen under the direction of Capt. Moore, and Lient. Gabbett, Madras artillery, who handsomely volunteered their services upon the occasion. The Algerine (Lieut. Mason,) and Starling, (Lieut. Kellet,) passing ahead, cutting through the rafts on the right bank, and engaging a part of the war junks, the Hebe and Louisa tenders taking part at the same time, under cover of the ships' guns; the flotilla with the marines was brought up in admirable order by Capt. Bou chier, and upon the signal given stormed and completed the capture of this part of the enemy's works, notwithstanding a most determined resistance on the part of the Tartar troops. From this battery the vessels and flotilla moved forward, and carried the other defences in succession, amounting in the whole to 123 guns.

By the great care of Capt. Nias, his officers, and ship's company, the Herald was brought over the flats, and entered the reach during the engagement, which must have had considerable effect upon the enemy, by dividing their attention, not knowing what other force might be in reserve.

Of Capt. Bourchier, whose high character is so well known to you, sir, and the service, I cannot speak sufficiently strong for the manner in which he conducted the forces under his immediate command, not only leading them into action in admirable order, but keeping them together in readiness for any out-ˆ break of the immense population of such a erowded city, and I cannot refrain mentioning his conspicuous and energetic exertions in towing off the burning junks, which were drifting upon the suburbs of Canton, and soon would have evidently set fire to that part of the city, and involved the destruction of the whole, in which he reports he was ably assisted by the officers under his directions. My thanks are also due to that excellent officer Capt. Bethune, and to Commanders Belcher, Warren, Barlow, and Clarke, for their great zeal. The Royal Marines, under Lieut. Stransham, of the Calliope, assisted by Lieut. Daniel, Hewitt, Marriot, and Polkinghorne, were, as usual, conspicuous for their gallant, steady, soldierly bearing. I have, however, to regret that Lieut. Stransham, in exerting himself to destroy the works, was suddenly exposed to a heavy explosion, by which he has been considerably burned, but continues at his post. To Lieutenants Kellet and Collinson, and Mr. Brown, master of the Calliope, every favourable consideration is due, for having made themselves particularly useful in sounding, and afterwards conducting several men of-war safely to an anchorage of the city of Canton. Indeed my sincere gratitude is due to every officer, seaman, and marine employed on this service, for their zeal and spirited conduct, from which it is hoped the most beneficial results will ensue.

His Excellency, her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, ever on the alert, has done me the honour to be with me throughout these operations, and to whom my best thanks are due for his support and assistance on all occasions.

By Lieut. Paul, whom you kindly attached to me, I enclose a return of casualties, which, I am happy to say, are inconsiderable, and bring before you the officers employed in the flotilla on this service, with a return of ordnance destroyed in the defences uear Canton.

Your presence at the close of the action releases me from going further into

detail.

From the various reports brought in we have been able to ascertain that the enemy's loss has been about 400 men.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

To Sir J. J. G. Bremer, &c.

T. HERBERT, Captain.

List of the ships, steamers, boats, &c., employed at the capture of Canton on the

16th instant.

Herald, Capt Nias; Modeste, Com. Eyres; Hyacinth, Com. Warren; and Algerine, Lieut. Mason.

Tenders.-Starling, Lieut. Kellett; Hebe, Mr. Quin, mate; Louisa, Mr. Carmichael, mate.

Steamers.-Madagascar, Capt. Dicey; and Nemesis, Capt. Hall.

Boats.-First Division-Com. Barlow; Lieutenants Williams, Stewart, Drury and Dewes, (act.); Messrs. Walter Kendall, Purver, Woolcome, Baker, and Kator, mates; Mr. Comber, midshipman; Mr. Scott, volunteer 1st class.

Second Division-Com. Clark; Lieutenants Hamilton, Beadon, and Shute; Mr. King, acting-master; Messrs. Miller, Fitzgerald, Pearse, Read, and Turnour, mates; Mr. Crofton, midshipman.

Third Division-Lieutenants Coulson and Ingram; Messrs. Christopher, Walker, and Anderson, mates; Messrs. Purvis, Coke, and Lyons, volunteers 1st class; Mr. Stanley, assistant-surgeon.

Western Division-Commanders Warren and Belcher; Lieutenants Haskell, Watson, Hay, Moorshed, D'Eyncourt, Wood, Hayes; Mr. Airey, master: Messrs. Daly, Rivers, Jeffries, Le Vesconte, Egerton, Drake, St. Leger, and Bryan, Mates; Mr. Brown, master-assistant; Mr. Butler, M.D., and Mr. Tweedale, assistant-surgeons.

Volunteers-I ieut. Mackenzie, H.M. 90th reg., acting military secretary to the naval commander-in-chief, Mr. Johnson, master of Conway, Mr. G. Ramsden, clerk of Calliope, Lieut. Giffard, H.C. 12th reg.

Return of Ordnance destroyed in the Defences near Canton.

Lower battery, left bank, Macao Passage-22 guns. Upper battery,-9 guns. Sand Bag battery on wharf, 9 guns. Western fort, Canton suburbs (Seawaan), 10 guns. Red fort, opposite Canton factories, 20 guns. Dutch folly, 25 guns. Sand bag battery above the arsenal, 13 guns. Two junks moored off' admiral's house, 15 guns. Total 123.

Besides those destroyed in Lin's and the Mandarin war boats.

A List of Casualties in the Force employed in the attack and occupation of the Defences of the City of Canton, March 18th, 1841.

Lieut. Stransham, royal marines, severely. Calliope, two wounded slightly. Hyacinth, two wounded, one slightly, one severely. Modeste, two wounded slightly.

T. HERBERT, Captain.

LAUNCH OF THE TRAFALGAR.

Precisely at two o'clock a royal salute fired at the mortar and howitzer, battery announced the near approach of her Majesty and the Royal party escorted by a detachment of Life Guards. Her Majesty was received by Lord Minto, Sir C. Adam, Lords of the Admiralty; Admirals Beauclerc, Digby, and Otway, Capt. P. Hornby, Superintendent of the Dockyard; and Lieut. General Lord Bloomfield and his staff, the Gentlemen Cadets forming the Guard of Honour, and the band of the Royal Artillery playing "God save the Queen."

On entering the spacious portion of the building under which the Trafalgar was constructed, and which was decorated with standards and a Royal crown placed over the inside of the door, and with a profusion of union jacks, and a flag with the arms of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, her Majesty appeared to be enraptured with the scene presented to her view-the magnificence of the vessel on one side, and the immense groups of her subjects in the vessels on the river, and on the bank on the opposite side, who welcomed her with most enthusiastic cheers. Her Majesty, after sitting for a few minutes in a crimson-coloured couch, proceeded to the front of the vessel, leaning on the arm of Lord Minto, and followed by Prince Albert, Col. Bowater, Col. Wylde, and other officers and equerries in waiting. At half past 2, her Majesty having previously returned to the Royal stand, a salute was fired to announce that the launch would immediately take place, and the majestic vessel glided into the water amidst the cheers of hundreds of thousands who were gratified with the sight. When sufficiently clear of the shed under which she was built, the respective flag staffs were instantly run up, and the Royal Standard of England hoisted by Commander Thomas Leigh, R.N., who served on board the Conqueror, 74, in the memorable battle which this splendid specimen of Naval architecture is intended to commemorate. At about 150 yards distant from the shore the anchor was dropped, and the Trafalgar brought up in beautiful style, the bands playing" Rule Brittannia," and the brave old tars upon her decks cheering with their utmost strength..

When it became necessary to name the ship, Her Majesty sent Sir Charles Adam, one of the Lords of the Admiralty, to desire Lady Bridport, neice of the gallant Nelson, to perform the ceremony. Her Ladyship did it with the wine that was on board the Victory at the battle of Trafalgar, and the ship was launched amidst tremendous cheering.

COURTS MARTIAL.

Ar a court martial held at Malta, on board the Howe, whereat, owing to Rear-Admiral Sir J.A. Ommanney, the second in command, being in quarantine, Sir John Louis, the next officer in seniority, presided, Commander James J. Stopford and the officers of her Majesty's brig Zebra were tried for the loss of that vessel in December last, on the coast of Syria. Mr. Brown, purser of her Majesty's ship Ceylon, assisted as deputy judge advocate, and Mr. Loudon, Sir Robert Stopford's secretary, assisted the commander and officers under trial.

After a patient investigation, which occupied five hours, the court pronounced a sentence of honourable acquital, and in returning Commander Stopford his sword, the president, in a short address, complimented the officers and ship's company in general on their seaman-like and intrepid conduct on the trying occasion; when Commander Stopford, whose promotion we understand is only held back for the result of the court-martial, stepped forward and solicited the president and members of the court to bring before the notice of the commander-inchief and the lords of the Admiralty several of the officers and men,