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The lower fort, which had sixteen guns facing the sea, and was surrounded by a high wall, and a small battery between, was, from this, completely exposed; but the fire of these, as well as of the upper fort, had been silenced by the ships attacking on the sea face. They were still in considerable numbers in the lower part of the fort, and had locked the gate; a fire was therefore kept up from the hill, and the advance coming round the lower side of the gate, forced it by musquetry. On entering they met with considerable resistance, which was speedily subdued; some men then entering an embrasure on the flank, the fort was taken, and our flag hoisted.

The whole of the forts and batteries being now in our possession, we proceeded to render the guns unserviceable, and dismantle the fort, setting their encampments on fire, and on re-embarking the magazine in the lower fort was blown up.

I am happy to say that the loss on our side has been small, and would have been less, but for the explosion of an extensive magazine in the fort after the capture. The Chinese, however, suffered severely; between 300 and 400 were killed and wounded, including amongst the killed the Heptae, an officer with rank equivalent to our Brigadier-General. About 100 prisoners were taken, who were released at the close of the day.

I have great pleasure in stating to your Excellency the admirable manner in which the whole force behaved, and I beg to recommend to your notice Major Johnson, of the 26th Reg., commanding a detachment of the 26th and 19th Regs. I must particularly mention Capt. Ellis, commanding the Marine Battallion, an old and previouly distinguished officer, who conducted the advance during the whole day with the greatest gallantry and judgment, and he speaks in the highest terms of the men forming the advance. Capt. Knowles,, R.A., who placed his guns admirably and dismantled the forts after their capture; Capt. Duff, commanding the 37th N.I.; and Capt. Bolton, commanding the detachment of Bengal Volunteers. From Lieut. Stransham, Adjutant of the Royal Marines, who acted as BrigadeMajor, I received most valuable assistance during the day, and gladly availed myself of the services of your Military Secretary, Lieut. Stewart Mackenzie, 90th Reg., who volnnteered to act on my Staff, and took charge of a party of skirmishers of the advance the better part of the day.

Lieut. Wilson, H.M.S. Blenheim, commanded the seamen, and the guns were dragged forward in good style, and the disembarkation and re-embarkation of the troops were ably managed by Lieut. Symons, of H.M.S. Wellesley.

I enclose the list of guns captured and destroyed, and also the return of casualties. I have, &c., J. L. PRATT, Major, 26th Cameronians, commanding the Force.

List of Casualties in the Force employed at the Assault and Capture of the Forts and Batteries on Chuenpee, on 7th Jan. 1841. WOUNDED.-Sec. Lieut. White, Rl. Marines, slightly; Assist.Surg. McPherson, 8th Madras Light Cavalry, burnt by explosion; Mr. Arthur Vyner, Mate R.N. (H.M.S. Blenheim), severely. RI. Artillery-1 Gunner and Driver, slightly. Rl. Marines-2 Serjeants, 7 Privates severely. 18th Rl. Irish-2 Privates slightly. 37th Madras, N.I.-2 Privates slightly; 2 Havildars, 1 Naique 10 Privates severely. Total 30.

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A. B. STRANSHAM, Acting Brigade-Major.

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H.M.S. Blenheim, off the Bocca Tigris, Jan. 8th, 1841. Return of Ordnance mounted in the Fort and Intrenchments at Chuenpee when Stormed and Captured on the 7th Jan., 1841 :-In the Upper Fort-Guns, iron, 2; Lower Fort-Guns, iron, 19; In the Intrenchments-Guns, iron, 15; Guns, iron, not mounted, 23. Total, 66. The guns in the forts were nearly of the same calibre as the British 18 and 12-pounders. Those in the intrenchments 6-pounders. The guns were all rendered unserviceable, and the carriages destroyed. J. KNOWLES, Capt. com. Rl. Art.

On Tycocktow

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These guns were of the same calibre as those on Chuenpee, also rendered unserviceable.

In the junks about 82, from 12 to 4-pounders.

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H.M.S. Samarang, Canton River, Jan. 8th, 1841. SIR,-In obedience to your instruction of yesterday, I proceeded with the ships placed under my orders off Tycocktow. The fort commenced its fire upon us at twenty minutes past ten o'clock, which I did not reply to until I took up my anchorage, ten minutes after, abreast of it, about 200 yards distance, which was as near as the depth of water would permit of our approach. The Modeste, Druid, and Columbine anchored in succession, and in a few minutes so destructive and well-directed was the fire of the ships, that that of the enemy was silenced, with the exception of an occasional gun or two. At twenty minutes after eleven A.M., observing that we had effected a practicable breach in the southern end of the fort, I directed the boats manned and armed to proceed to storm it. Lieut. Bowers (first of this ship) immediately landed, supported by the boats of the Modeste; those of the Druid and Columbine, under the command of Lieut. Goldsmith (first of that ship), proceeded to the north end.

An attempt at resistance was made by the enemy at the breach against Lieut. Bowers and his party, but was instantly overcome by the gallant and determined rush onwards of our men, which so appalled the garrison, that they instantly made a hasty retreat over the hill-wall, leaving us masters of the fort.

The guns, amounting to twenty-five longs, of different calibre, were then spiked, the trunnions knocked off, a shot wrapped round with wet canvas driven hard home in each, and they were then thrown into the sea, their carriages burnt, as well as the whole of the buildings and magazines blown up, previous to which latter operation all the wounded of the enemy were carried away clear of the fort; their loss, judging from the number of killed, lying in every direction, must have been most severe.

My best thanks are due to Capt. Smith, and Commanders Eyres and Clarke, for the efficient and able support they have afforded me. It is impossible to say too much in favour of all those under my command-their conduct merits my warmest approbation. Of Lieut. Bowers (first of this ship) I cannot speak too highly. In the attack of the breach he received a severe sabre wound across the knee, which I fear will deprive me for some time of his services. I beg leave to recommend him most strongly to your favourable consideration, as well as Mr. Luard, Mate; he behaved most gallantly in the breach. The zealous conduct of this promising young officer has repeatedly drawn forth my commendations.

Our damages are very trifling, being merely some of the standing rigging cut away, and a shot through our huil, the fire of the enemy passing all over us. Enclosed I beg leave to return a list of the wounded on board the Samarang. I have, &c., JAMES SCOTT, Captain.

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

The following is an Extract of a Letter from a Naval Officer, who took an active part in the attack on the Bogue Forts.

Tong-Koo Ray, Jan. 22nd 1841. On the 7th instant the Chinese received a blow which they will long remember. Captain Elliott delayed it as long as he could, but finding there was no hope of settling the matter amicably, he turned it over to the Commodore. Our gallant leader then sent certain proposals to the Chinese, with an assurance that he would wait a reasonable time (48 hours) for an answer; and if they did not then comply with his terms, he would commence hostile operations. The time expired, and no answer had arrived, therefore every thing being ready, the troops and marines were landed about a mile below Chuenpee, at 10 A.M. Calliope, Larne, and Hyacinth were to cannonade the fort while the troops were moving up to it; but the military were so expeditious, that of the three ships, only the latter got into action for a few minutes; the former fired a few shot as she stood in to take up her position, and Larne reserved hers for a future occasion. The fort on the point has been rebuilt, and mounted 15 guns; there was a small battery above it of 4 guns, and another of 15 on the summit of the hill; they were all very loth to fire. There were besides two stockades at the back of the fort, and several redoubts and guns in every direction.

Hyacinth managed admirably, she had several pieces of rigging shot away just above her hammocks. There were 1000 men in the forts, &c. on shore, and only 200 are said to have been mustered afterwards: it is supposed 500 were killed, the place was strewn with the killed. No enemy was to be seen till our artillery had ascended a commanding hill, and the place was ours in less than an hour from the time of advancing, without a man being killed, and but very few wounded. A Marine of the Wellesley was shot through his breastplate, and is likely to

recover.

Captain Herbert (of Calliope) now passing in his gig to the Madagascar steamer, ordered the boats to be got ready to pursue the junks. Our pinnace carrying a 12-pounder carronade, was accordingly manned, and, supposing by the men getting into the Calliope's boats that they were going immediately, she left the ship, with Lieut. Harrison in command, assisted by Mr. Rowland Edwards (Mate). Calliope's men were called out again, and went to dinner. At this time the Nemesis (an Iron Steamer, mounting two 32-pounders, with a rocket gun besides) was engaged with several junks, lying to the right of a small island, half a mile in circumference. The junks were retreating up as fast as a light beating wind would allow them. The Madagascar was to the left, firing at the distant fugitives, unable to chase, being aground. The Larne's pinnace passed her, and pulled into the reach, several junks and boats with troops firing at her. Reserving her fire till within 6 or 700 yards, she then commenced yawing right or left for the best object. Off the inner end of the afore-mentioned island lay a junk aground; a few rounds silenced and drove the crew out of her. As the pinnace advanced, the men of three others deserted them successively, two of the vessels were run aground. The antagonist of the Nemesis opened on the pinnace also, the surrounding land had hidden every friendly vessel from her view, so she returned to the junk first captured, and from her stern tried the effects of musquetry on the enemy, but they having great guns, and a raking position, moreover as they struck the junk too often to be pleasant, the pinnace remained under cover, firing several rounds. The junks being silenced, the boats pulled in and gave them to the flames. Having been taken in tow by the Nemesis, they were run up a mile or two, much to the astonishment of the natives. Five junks escaped, but ten were burnt. These junks mount from 7 to 11 guns of various calibre, from 3 to 12 pounders, and are full of men, carrying generally from 50 to 100. The success of the boats may be attributed to a panic excited by the explosion of a junk, caused by a rocket thrown from the Nemesis while they were pulling in.

While Chuenpee Fort was thus changing owners, the Samarang, Druid, Modeste, and Columbine, were knocking down that of Tycocktow, on the opposite side of the river. The Chinese fired at intervals for an hour and a half. We found out afterwards that they have pits in the rear of their guns, into which they retire, and nothing but splinters can touch them. As many as 200 were in the pits, with 20 killed. They would have run sooner but were safe in the pits, until the seamen landed, when they were off quick enough. There were 100 prisoners

taken in Chuenpee. These men were immediately released, and, by one of them, Captain Elliott sent word to the Admiral, that if the other forts would strike their colours on the morrow our firing would cease. Accordingly, when the steamer commenced shelling and the rocket-boat went to work, the Blenheim just coming into range, Wellesley and Melville following, the small ships dropping up with the troops on board ready to land them; down went the banners, and off came a boat, rowed by two old women, with an old man bearing a chop (letter). The Wellesley hoisted a flag of truce, and the signal" not to engage the enemy." Every one seemed dissatisfied at this, as the Chinese had been playing the royal game of humbug too long. The letter was from the Admiral, asking time to communicate with Keshen (the Imperial Commissioner). He was allowed 3 days, but was told if he was seen making any more preparations (they had been working on the hills), we should commence again immediately. To this he replied, that he was quite prepared-he wished for peace, but was quite prepared for war. Keshen, it is said, wrote to Captain Elliot, reproaching him for commencing hostilities, and said he had just intended to settle all and would try to do so now, but he hardly knew what to tell the Emperor after we had killed so many of his subjects. Peace was made known yesterday to the Fleet, and all the ships left the Bogue; the Commodore fired a salute of 3 guns, which was returned by all the forts. The poor fellows must have been very glad to see us off: a boat-load deserted from South Wang Tung and came to the Wellesley. One of the wounded at Chuenpee,'as he lay on the ground, surrounded by dead or dying, was heard by an interpreter who happened to be passing, crying out, " This is Lin, this is Lin's work!"' It is a sad country, the poor man's earnings are not safe from the squeezing (as they call it) of the Mandarins. Several of the rafts attached to the chain across the river floated down one day, supposed to be cut adrift by some traitorous natives; none ever came down before.

THE ROYAL MAIL STEAM-PACKET HARBOUR.

As the Report of the Admiralty Commissioners upon the selection of a port for the departure of the West India mails has been called in question in both Houses of Parliament, and that report, together with all documents accompanying it, has been ordered to be laid on the table of the one house, while a select committee has been appointed by the other, it may not be amiss to call the public attention to the state of things out of which these motions have arisen, and to the report which has already been published by order of the Commons. It is very well known that the town of Falmouth has enjoyed for upwards of a century the advantages arising out of its selection as the West India Packetstation, nor was this to be wondered at under the then existing state of navigation and inland carriage, as, if there ever was anything on which England could pride itself, it surely was the style of her coach-travelling, the rapidity of which amply compensated for the distance of Falmouth from the metropolis. It was, therefore, a matter of expediency to select that port for the packet-station, which was the westernmost, and at the same time the safest and easiest of access to homeward bound vessels. The introduction, however, of steam navigation, and the rapid strides which it has made of late, imperatively demanded that the packet system should undergo a total change; and in obedience to the wants of society, the Government formed the resolution of discontinuing the sailing packets, and, taking advantage of the speculative character of the nation, they entered into a contract with a private company for the conveyance of the West India mails for ten years, in consideration of the annual sum of 240,000l. or thereabouts. By the terms of this contract the company bound themselves to have a fleet of twelve or more

steamers of about 1,500 tons burthen each, calculated for war as well as for peace, by which they undertook to keep open a communication twice a month between some port in England, to be afterwards named, and the West Indies. Now, it must be obvious to any one at all conversant with the expensive character of such a scheme, that the sum contracted for, though large per se, would by no means indemnify the company, who must mainly rely on their commercial dealings for anything like a return for the capital invested in the undertaking. We have heard accordingly, and we believe it to be the fact, that the calculated cost of working the company is five times as much as the sum to be paid by the Government, so that it follows as a matter of justice and liberality, that great consideration should be paid to the views of the company in the regulation of the details. The company accordingly, it being clear that Falmouth could not be made their station by reason of its distance from London, conceived, and most naturally, that their choice of another port would be confirmed by the authorities, so long as-to use the language of their memorial of the 7th of September, 1840, to the commissioners" that port should combine the greatest facility for their, own passengers, specie, and goods traffic, with the greatest possible convenience to the public service, in the equal and rapid delivery of the mail communications." Animated by this desire, the directors further say, in the report now before us," that having anxiously considered the best means of reconciling the two services, they believe they do so in fixing upon Southampton."

As soon as it was known that the packet system was to be remodelled, Falmouth, Bristol, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Portsmouth, and Southampton, advanced their respective claims to be selected as the station by the commissioners appointed to inquire and report, and it is now well known that the choice has fallen upon Dartmouth-quite as much, we venture to say, to the surprise of that town as of the others-in spite of the earnest remonstrances of the company, who avowed that they would infinitely prefer Falmouth or Plymouth to Dartmouth, if they could not have Southampton. When we find the company which is so deeply interested in this matter expressing itself thus, and we hear Lord Falmouth say, that "the petitioners would have rested satisfied if Southampton had been chosen," we think we are justified in saying, that the appointment of a select committee to revise the report of the commissioners is a very proper step. In advancing this position, we do not impute anything to these functionaries beyond an erroneous exercise of the powers vested in them, and a total misapprehension of the principles upon which the inquiry should have been conducted, and we think that we can easily demonstrate these positions. They were not appointed by the Government to act solely on their behalf, but jointly on behalf of the public and of the company, whose interests were so deeply involved in the question submitted to them. Acting therefore in this double capacity, and bearing in mind the vast boon which the establishment of steam communication with the colonies would confer upon England at large, they ought not to have higgled with the directors, and entered into minute calculations whether letters landed at Dartmouth might be three hours and forty minutes sooner in Liverpool than if they were landed at Southampton. They ought to have reflected that the comENLARGED SERIES.-NO. 6.-VOL. FOR 1841.

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