in torrents, and most of the firelocks had got wet; at one time the 26th had been unable to fire a single musket; this emboldened the Chinese, who, in many instances, attacked our men hand to hand, and the 26th had frequently to charge bodies that advanced close to them.

35. As the Chinese, even in this mode of warfare, could make no impression, they retreated, and the 26th and 37th Madras Native Infantry and Bengal Volunteers fell back. Understanding from Captain Duff that his detached company was with the 26th, I directed the whole, after a short halt, to return to our position, and was exceedingly annoyed, on the force concentrating, to find that the detached company under Lieutenant Hadfield had never joined the 26th. I immediately ordered two companies of Marines with the percussion locks to return with Captain Duff to the scene of this day's contest. It gives me no ordinary gratification to say that a little after dusk they found Lieutenant Hadfield with his gallant company in square surrounded by some thousand Chinese, who, as the 37th's firelocks would not go off, had approached close to them. The Sepoys, I am proud to say, in this critical situation, nobly upheld the high character of the native army, by unshrinking discipline and cheerful obedience, and I feel that the expression of my best thanks is due to Lieuts Hadfield and Devereux, and Ensign Berkely, who zealously supported him during this trying scene. The last named officer, I regret to say, was severely wounded. The Marines with Captain Duff fired a couple of volleys into this crowd' which instantly dispersed them with great loss.

36. At daylight next morning I felt myself called upon to send into the city and inform the Kwang-chow-Foo, that if, under existing circumstances, a similar insult was offered, or any demonstration made, indicative of hostile interruption to the negotiations pending under a flag of truce for the evacuation of the city by the Chinese troops, and a ransom for its deliverance, I would at once haul down the white flag and resume hostilities. At 12 Captain Elliot joined me, and a communication was received that the Kwang-chow-Foo would meet us under the walls. Previous to his arrival, vast numbers of Chinese appeared on the hills, from which we had driven them the night before, and which during the early part of the morning, had been clear. Guns and gingalls were fired in all directions, various banners displayed, and large parties thrown out in advance. About 7,500 Tatar troops had marched out of the city that morning, and where still moving with their arms, but, as stipulated, without music or banners. I felt some doubt whether treachery was not contemplated, end I therefore made such a disposition of our troops as to insure its defeat. By two o'clock from 12,000 to 15,000 men, evidently the same description of force that we had met the preceding day, had assembled on the same heights.

37. The Kwang-chow-Foo now arrived, and it became evident, as he was perfectly in my power, that no combination existed between the troops in the town or those marching out and the assemblage in my rear; I therefore ordered the wing of the 26th (the other wing had been left at Tsing-hae,) to keep up the communication with the rear, and a wing of the 49th, with the 37th Madras Native Infantry, and the Royal Marines, to be prepared to disperse the assailants. On joining the Kwang-chow-Foo, and explaining my determination to put my threat in force, if the enemy advanced, he assured me that this hostile movement was without the knowledge, and against the wishes of the Chinese authorities; that there were no Mandarins with this militia in our rear; that it had assembled to protect the villages in the plain, and that he would instantly send off a Mandarin of rank, (his own assistant) with orders for its immediate dispersion, if I would depute an officer to accompany him.

38. Captain Moore, of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, Deputy JudgeAdvocate-General, volunteered this hazardous duty. That officer had accompanied me as one of my personal staff throughout all the operations, and he and Major Wilson, Paymaster to the expedition, who kindly volunteered to act in the same capacity, had by their zealous service been most useful to me in a

country where all my orders were to be conveyed by officers on foot, through an intricate line of communication. Captain Moore was quite successful, as the whole body instantly retreated and entirely dispersed, as soon as he and the Mandarin had made known to the leaders the object of their coming.

39. Finding that 5,000,000 dollars had been paid, and that her Majesty's Plenipotentiary was perfectly satisfied with the security for payment of the remaining 1,000,000 for the ransom of Canton; that upwards of 14,500 Tatar troops had marched out of the town, under the terms of the treaty without colours or banners flying, or music beating; that 3,000 had gone by water, and that the remainder were prepared to follow when carriage was provided, I acceded to the wish of her Majesty's Plenipotentiary to embark the troops, the Chinese furnishing me with 800 Coolies to convey my guns and ammunition. These Coolies being furnished soon after daylight on the 1st instant, I sent all the guns and stores to the rear, covered by the 26th Royal Marines, 37th Madras Native Infantry, and Bengal Volunteers, and at 12 o'clock the British flag was lowered in the four forts, and the troops and brigade of seamen marched out and returned to Tsing-hae.

40. By the excellent arrangements, and under the active superintendence of Captain Bourchier, of her Majesty's ship Blonde, and Captain Maitland, of her Majesty's ship Wellesley, the whole were re-embarked by three o'clock, without leaving a man of the army or navy, or a camp-follower behind, and under tow of the Nemesis, reached their respective transports that night.

41. I have now, my Lord, detailed, I fear at too great length, the occurrences of eight days before Canton. I might have been very brief, perfect success attending every operation, but by a mere statement of leading facts, I should not have done justice to the discipline of the small, but gallant band, whom it was my good fortune to command, and whose devotedness was worthy of a better foe.

42. I have not touched upon the brilliant conduct of the Royal Navy, in their attacks and various operations to the south of the city, as these will be detailed by their own chief, to whom, as I have said, I cannot too strongly express my obligations.

43. In a body, where all have done their duty nobly and zealously, it would be invidious to particularize: I will, however, entreat your Lordship's favourable notice of commanding officers of brigades and corps, from whom I have received the most able assistance, and to whom my best thanks are due ;-to Major-General Burrell, commanding the right brigade, who was zealously supported by Lieut.-Col. Adams, commanding the 11th Royal Irish, and Captain Ellis, commanding the marine battalion; to Captain Bourchier, of her Majesty's ship Blonde, commanding the brigade of seamen, supported most ably by Captain Maitland, of her Majesty's ship Wellesley, and Captain Barlow, of her Majesty's ship Nimrod; to Lieut.-Col. Morris, commanding the left brigade, whose good fortune it was first to carry the heights, and place the colours of the 49th on the first fort taken, gallantly seconded by Major Stephens, who commanded the 49th in the first operation, and Major Blyth, who commanded that corps during the latter part of the day; to Captain Duff, commanding the 37th Madras Native Infantry; and Captain Mee, commanding the Bengal Volunteers; to Major Pratt, commanding her Majesty's 26th Regiment. This corps, though not at first much engaged from the nature of its position at the factories, proved on the 30th, by its spirited and steady conduct, which nothing could exceed, how valuable its services would have been throughout. To Captain Knowles, of the Royal Artillery, senior officer of that arm, my best thanks are due for his valuable services. Lieut. the Hon. R. C. Spenser, with the detachment of Royal Artillery, well supported the high character of that distinguished corps. The zeal of Captain Anstruther, commanding the Madras Artillery, was indefatigable, as were the efforts of every individual of that valuable body in bringing up the guns and ammunition.

To Captain Cotton, Field Engineer, I feel under the greatest obligations, and

I experienced the most ready support from every officer under him. Of one of them, Lieut. Rundall, I regret to say, that I shall probably lose the services for some time, in consequence of a severe wound. The useful labours of the Sappers called for my best thanks; they were chiefly prepared to place ladders for the escalade.

I feel greatly obliged to all the General Staff-all accompanied me on shore, and to their indefatigable attention in conveying orders on foot, at times to considerable distances, I was indebted. To Lieut.-Col. Mountain, DeputyAdjutant-General, my best thanks are due for his unwearied exertions and valuable services, not only upon the present, but upon every occasion. The exertions of Major Hawkins, Deputy-Commissary-General, were unceasing; and by his judicious arrangement (and those of his assistants,) the troops were amply supplied. The excellent arrangements made by Dr. Grant, the Officiating Superintending Surgeon, and Medical Staff of Corps, call also for my acknowledgment. I beg to bring to your Lordship's particular notice my Aidede-Camp, Captain Gough, of the 3rd Light Dragoons, from whom I have upon this, as upon every occasion, received the most active and unremitting assist

ance.

41. Having now conveyed my approval of the conduct of the commanding officers of brigades and corps, and the heads of departments, permit me to draw your Lordship's special attention to the praiseworthy conduct of the sailors and soldiers under my command, which in my mind does them the highest credit. During the eight days this force was on shore, and many of the corps were unavoidably placed in situations where sham-shu was abundant, but two instances of drunkenness occurred; and I deem it but justice here to mention a strong fact. The soldiers of the 49th, finding a quantity of sham-shu in the village they had so gallantly taken, without order or previous knowledge of their officers, brought the jars containing this pernicious liquor, and broke them in front of their corps, without the occurrence of a single case of intoxication. 45. This despatch will be presented by Captain Grattan, whose conduct I have already mentioned to your Lordship, and whom I have selected for this duty alone on account of his conduct. He is a most intelligent officer, and will be able to give your Lordship any further information. I have the honour, &c.,

H. GOUGH, Major-Gen. Commanding Expeditionary Force.

To Earl Auckland, &c. P.S. It is with deep regret that I have to mention the loss of Lieut. Fox of her Majesty's ship Nimrod, a most promising young officer, attached to Captain Barlow's battalion of seamen, who fell at the storming of the western forts; Mr. Walter Kendall, mate of the same ship, a very deserving officer, lost his leg, I am sorry to add, at the same time.

I have the honour to forward a return of the killed and wounded and a list of ordnance captured. Of the killed and wounded on the enemy's side it is difficult to form a correct estimate; but the Kwang-chow-Foo acknowledged to me that of the Tatar troops, 500 had been killed, and 1,500 wounded, on the 25th of May; and I conceive that the killed and wounded on the Chinese side upon the 30th, and in the different attacks made upon my flanks and line of communication, must have been double that number.

[In consequence of the length of the despatches, and our want of space for other matter, they will be concluded in our next.]

THE BRITISH FLAG.-Those of our Naval readers who were present before Beyrout, on the day subsequent to its bombardment, doubtless. recollect the circumstance of Admiral Walker's landing, from his barge,

at the Western Fort, and planting Turkish colours in one of its ruined bastions, which were soon after removed by the enemy, who hoisted an Egyptian flag at the back of the fort, and remained on the spot, in some force, as a guard for its protection.

General of course was the desire afloat that the bunting then bidding us defiance should change masters before the close of the ensuing night. Many naturally felt ambitious to cut it out, and divers plans were no doubt formed to essay its capture-the accomplishment of which was effected by the cool determination and undaunted bravery of Mr. J. W. Dorville, (mate of H.M.S. Bellerophon,) who in spite of the manifold dangers and difficulties to be encountered in any attempt to seize the flag, daringly risked his life to obtain it.

Managing to reach the shore alone at some distance from the Fort, he proceeded to an imagined breach on the north-west face of it—but soon discovering that he had been deceived in his expectations, and that no egress was practicable at that point he next directed his efforts towards another quarter, but being again baffled he was compelled to relinquish all hope of attaining his object, unless he could transport himself to the neighbourhood of the mole, adjoining the Fort to the South. This he contrived to do, by water, but on arriving there fresh obstacles again presented themselves which he had not anticipated. Resolved however to surmount them, he re-landed, and after a short reconnoitre saw that the only plan open to him for the prosecution of his purpose was fraught with imminent dangers. Great as were the chances against the successful issue of his adventure, he remained resolute at heart, and in the face of impending peril fearlessly mounted the mole; scaled a wall inside of it, and crossed a small garden-which brought him before a high wall work of masonry, contiguous to the guard-house. Upon this he passed along on hands and knees, within hearing of the voices of the enemy. He then sought concealment amongst some foliage near the Flag-staff, and after watching for a propitious moment to emerge from this retreat he at length crept forth to the Flag-staff, ascended it, cut down the crimson colours that depended from its summit, and girding them round his waist and shoulders he hurriedly retraced his steps to the mole-upon reaching which he found the guard at his heels, and exposed to a heavy fire of musketry from them, he plunged into the water with his prize.-Il Mediterraneo.

ATLANTIC NAVIGATION.-Gulf Weed, &c.

SIR.--I observe that in the interrogation of the individuals examined by a committee of the House of Commons, and by the Commisioners appointed to scrutinize the ports of the English Channel, with a view to determine which of the harbours should appear to be the best suited for despatching and landing the mails to and from the West Indies, great stress is laid on the shortest and most direct line to Samana, at the eastern extreme of Hayti; from which we may presume to think, that, the intention is when the establishment is perfected, that the steamers shall follow a direct course to that place, from the selected port in England, or from a given point clear of the intervention of ENLARGED SERIES. NO. 11.-VOL. FOR 1841.

5 G

land. Is this practicable in a steamer? A line drawn from Lundy Island, or the Land's End, to the east coast of Hayti would cut, or pass very near, the Azores, and run across the central portion of the North Atlantic, called the "Weedy" or "Sargasso Sea," which is carpeted with the Fucus Natans, better known by the name of Gulf weed. This extraordinary production of Nature lies so thick and compact for many leagues in that part of the ocean, as to render it impossible for a steam vessel to make way through it, her wheels would be soon clogged, and she would be unable to progress by the aid of her steam power. It is obvious, therefore, that a vessel so situated would have to unship her wheels, and rely upon her sails alone until extricated. In this case the old apothegm of the "longest road round, is often the shortest way home" would be realized, as, by making a curve eastwardly the steamer's voyage would be accelerated both on her outward and return passage. Thousands of seamen familiar with Atlantic navigation have never seen this wonderful "Sea of weeds," most British trading vessels passing outside of it: in conversation recently with a Merchant Captain who had annually crossed the ocean to and from the West Indies for 46 years, he stated that he had never seen the Gulf weed, but in comparatively small patches, although he knew that in the central portion of the North Atlantic it covered the surface to a considerable extent.

I have thought this subject Mr. Editor, of sufficient importance to justify these few remarks.

It appears that Bristol has at last obtained its desire, the gallant and most worthy Admiral, Sir J. A. Gordon, and his coadjutors, having completed the examination of evidence in support of its claims, to be chosen as a fit port of departure for the mail steam packets to the West Indies. With a certain proviso, we anticipate a successful issue, that is to say, if the Bristolians will set to work with a hearty good will and construct a proper pier, &c., for, although we should be greatly astonished if the decision of the commissioners should prove otherwise than favourable to King Road, yet, we acknowledge that the expectation on this head, of the good citizens, would appear unreasonable without providing a proper place for receiving and landing the mails.. Had they such complete, or even in progress towards completion, it would have been one of the strongest points for the preference of the port over any in the English Channel. The period is drawing nigh for the final arrangement, and I can only hope they are not "a day after the fair."

OCEANUS.

To the Editor, &c.

STEAM PACKETS TO AUSTRALIA.

MR. EDITOR. It appears that letters and newspapers put into the postoffice, pre-paid,* for Australia, are left to the chance of merchant vessels sailing for that remote part of the world for conveyance.

The charge for letters is 8d., for papers 1d.