Narrative of the Second Campaign in China

Front matter

NARRATIVE OF THE SFXOND CAMPAIGN IN CHINA. BY KEITH STEWART MACKENZIE, ESQ. LATE MILITARY SECRETARY TO THE COMMANDKR-IN-CHIEP. " The Chinese are specious, but insincere; jealous, envious, and distrustful, to a high degree. They are generally selfish, cold-blooded, and inhumane." MORRISON'S VIEW OP CHINA. LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. ■^Putiltsf-tfr tn ©tBinatE to l^tt JMajtstj. 1842. i.ovdon: fRINTSD BT SCHULZE AN" CO. 13, POLAND STREET. TO COMMODORE SIR GORDON BREMER, K.C.B. K.C.H. LATE COMMANDER-1N-CHIEP OP THE CHINA EXPEDITION, these pages are respectfully dedicated as a slight mark of esteem and regard, hy His obliged servant, KEITH STEWART MACKENZIE.

Preface

. In venturing to present these few pages to the Public, descriptive of the Second Campaign in China, I am ac tuated solely by a desire of communicat ing the events that have occurred during this extraordinary war; which, whether it be considered in a military or naval point of view, must ever possess univer sal interest, in consequence of the vast and important matters involved in the issue of the question. Having been present at all the actions described, I can only add, that the authenticity and correctness of my state ments may be relied on. Political ques- VI

PREFACE.

. tions are carefully avoided, as tending only to produce discussions, which cannot but be considered as irrelevant to a narrative purely military. London, April, 1842. Pagr 1 15 CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Arrival in Canton River — Description of the Bogue — Squadron anchors below Chuenpee — Resignation of the Admiral — Appointed Military Secretary — Visit from mandarins — Account of Chinese ranks and dresses — Release of Mr. Staunton, French missionary, and Lascar — Preparations for, and causes that led to hostilities. . . . . .

Chapter II

Action of Chuenpee and Ty-cock-tow — Nemesis and junks in Anson's Bay — Prisoner sent to Chinese Admiral with a chop — Preparations for attacking the Bogue forts, and the result — Anecdote relative to Chinese soldiers — American ships allowed to pass out — Departure of squadron to Hong Kong — Restoration of forts to Chinese. .... CONTENTS. Page 32 46 55

Chapter IV

Treaty sent up for final signature — Forts fire on the Nemesis — Account of the expedition since its arrival on the coast of China, showing the duplicity displayed by Keshen, and the causes that led to hostilities.

Chapter V

Battle of the Bogue — Action at First Bar — Expedition up the Broadway — Peasantry assist our sailors — Operations on the river — Arrival of Major-General Sir Hugh Gough — Arrival of squadron from Chusan — Restoration of prisoners — Capitulation of Canton — Chinese policemen — Breaches of truce — Keshen' s proclamations. .

Chapter VI

Arrangements relative to the trade and treaty — Great distrust manifested bv both Chinese p»g-t 81 101 CONTENTS. and British — Murder of Captain Stead, and hostility shown along the coast to H.M.S. Columbine — Murder of Messrs. Bligh, Toole, and Field, by the Chinese, at Macao — Breach of treaty, and preparations for an attack on Canton — Chinese attack the fleet and ransack the factories — Fire-rafts set fire to Canton — Action between H. M.B- Algerine and battery — Factories occupied by troops, under Major Pratt — Force proceeds up the river — Descrip tion of boats — Reconnaissance — Description of Joss house and garden — False alarm.

Chapter VII

Attack and capture of the heights of Canton — Numbers of European and native troops — Entrenched camp — Dispositions for attacking Canton on the 27th. and resumption of negociations — Interview with Tartar general — Description of Canton, and City of the Dead — Attack of the Militia — Death of MajorBeecher, Quarter-master-General — Gallantry of sepoys — Quit the heights.

Account of Hong Kong and Macao — Conduct of Portuguese authorities relative to the tender of the flag-ship— Battle of the Barrier. *

Chapter XI

Typhoon — Escape of Sir Gordon Bremer and Captain Elliot — Damage done to men-of-war and merchant ships — Arrival of Sir Henry Pottinger, and Rear-Admiral Sir W. Parker — Departure of Sir Gordon Bremer and Captain Elliot — Squadron sails for the North — Fall of Amoy. . . . . Appendix. London. Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street 184<2. NARRATIVE OF THE SECOND CAMPAIGN IN CHINA. CHAFsER I. Arrival in Canton river — Description of the Bogue — Squadron anchors below Chuenpee — Resignation of the Admiral — Appointed Military Secretary — Visit from mandarins — Account of Chinese ranks and dresses — Release of Mr. Staunton, French missionary, and lascar — Preparations for, and causes that led to hostilities. Having long been anxious to visit the Celestial Empire, a desire which was further increased by the hope of seeing some actual service in my profession, and a favourable opportunity having at length presented itself by the arrival of B ■0 THE NEMESIS. the Nemesis, a large iron war-steamer, from England, which touched at Ceylon for instructions, I at once availed myself of the kind offer of a passage by the cap tain, and, bidding adieu to the " Spicy Isle," embarked for China on the 15th of October, 1840.

The Nemesis is one of the most pow erful vessels of her class wThich has been yet constructed, being 670 tons in bur den, and of 120 horse power. She is armed with two thirty-two pounder guns, fore and aft, and a rocket platform in the centre of the vessel. Her qualities, as a sea boat, are of the highest order, and the eminent services which she rendered in China, under her gallant com mander Lieut. Hall, R.N., will be often found recorded in the following pages. After a pleasant voyage, during which we touched at the most beautiful of all islands, Penang, Sincapore, andLeuconia, we arrived at Macao, on the 27th No vember, 1840. ARRIVAL AT MACAO. It may be here proper to state, that the events of the campaign to the north having been so graphically described by Lord Jocelyn, it would be unnecessary for me to do more than refer the reader, who is anxious to follow the expedition from its arrival up to the time at which my narrative commences, to that work.

On landing at Macao on the 27th November, we found that the plenipotentiaries, with a part of the squadron, had arrived from the north, in conse quence of an imperial commissioner having been appointed to proceed to Canton, to negociate. The reason assigned for this was, that as all our grievances had arisen at Canton, so at that place would they all be amicably redressed. And to effect this, Keshen, a noble of the second order, member of the Imperial cabinet, and viceroy of Pechilee, was appointed commissioner, to arrange matters, and proceed to Canton, where he was at this time daily expected. b CANTON RIVER. Tong-Koo Bay, about eighteen miles from Macao, being a preferable anchor age, the squadron was there assembled ; in consequence of which, after remaining a iew hours at Macao, the Nemesis pro ceeded to join the squadron.

The weather was most beautiful : in fact, it was the first cold day I had experienced since leaving Europe. The river was as smooth as glass, and as far as the eye could reach, its waters were covered with innu merable boats and vessels of every de scription. For some miles from the sea, the channel is studded with numerous islands, among which we were now sailing, and although they did not pre sent so verdant and beautiful an appearance as the shores of Ceylon, or the Straits, yet to me, their very barrenness was acceptable, as in their bold and rocky outline, they bore no inconsiderable resemblance to the hills of my native land ; while our arrival in a country, of which we had all heard so much, but ARRIVAL AT CHUENPEE. of which we knew so little, rendered the scene one of peculiar interest.

Entering the harbour of Tong-Koo, we passed close to the little island of Sou chow, then occupied by the 37th Madras Native Infantry, and the Bengal Volun teers, the men of which corps were em ployed in throwing up an encampment. The squadron consisted of the Melville, 74, bearing the flag of Rear Admiral the Hon. G. Elliot; Wellesley, 74, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer; Blenheim, 74; Druid, 44; Herald, 28; Modeste, 18; Hya cinth, 18, and two steamers. The remainder of the squadron had been left at Chusan. On the 28th, the squadron sailed for the Bogue, and on the 2nd December anchored about nine miles below Chu enpee, at which place, the advanced squadron, consisting of Calliope, 28, Lame, and Columbine, had previously been stationed. During the passage up THE BOGUE the river, in consequence of bad health, Admiral Elliot resigned the command into the hands of Sir Gordon Bremer.

By this event, Captain Elliot became sole plenipotentiary. As in the following pages frequent mention is made of the Bocca Tigris, commonly called the Bogue, a slight description of the situation of the forts, by which the entrance to the river is defended, may not be out of place. Be low the Bogue, the river by the Chinese is called the "outer waters," while the portion within, is called the " inner waters." Upon the sacred surface of the " inner waters " no vessel of war is ever permitted to float ; nor are merchantmen even allowed to enter, unless provided with a regular chop or pass, which is furnished by the custom-house at Canton. The entrance of the Bogue, which is about forty miles from Macao, is not more than two miles broad. On the west it is defended by the battery of DEFENCES OF THE BOGUE.

Chuenpee, and on the east by that of Ty-cock-tow : both these forts are built on islands, as are also the batteries of North and South Anunghoy, North Wantong, and Tiger Island, which is about six miles above Chuenpee. The fort on this last island is built on the N.W. point ; Ty-cock-tow, on the S.E. of the opposite island ; and both have been erected since the forcing of the Bogue by H.M.S. Andromache and Imo gen in 1833, although I believe that the watch-towers are of older date. The other batteries are built facing the river, and have also been recently enlarged and strengthened, and if properly manned and defended, would be impassable. On assuming the chief command, Sir Gordon Bremer did me the honour to nominate me his Military Secretary— an appointment which had become vacant by the resignation of Lord Jocelyn.

A few days after the arrival of the squadron, two mandarins, bearing a chop, MANDARINS WITH CHOPS. or letter, from Keshen, paid us a visit. They were both Tartars, and one was already well known to the officers who had been to the Peiho, by the nom de guerre of Captain White. The Plenipotentiary did them the honour of inviting them to partake of some breakfast, which they accepted with seeming pleasure, and under the benign influence of which, it was wonder ful to observe how rapidly their national pride vanished ; for they not only con versed with the barbarians, but did ample justice to our meal, and that with much apparent relish. Their dress was very plain, but rich ; the outer jacket, or spencer, being lined with fine fur, under which they wore a long tunic, of flow ered, or as it is called, " mandarin silk," reaching below the knee.

Their nether man was clad in loose silk drawers, which were gathered up, and fastened inside the boot, which serves the double purpose of a pocket, and covering for CAPTAIN WHITE. the foot ; and from which, with extreme astonishment, I beheld a tobacco-pipe pro duced. One of them was decorated with a crystal, the other with an opaque white button, to denote their rank.* These mandarins were accompanied by a lin guist, whose chief recommendation seemed to be, that he was a well known rascal, and spoke an unintelligible jargon of English and Portuguese. As the iron steamer, Nemesis, was a * Captain White wore a one-eyed peacock's feather in his cap, an honour similar to a cross, or decora tion. The feather is inserted in a hollow tube of green jadestone, which in China is esteemed as very valuable.

They both wore two squirrel's tails on either side of the feather, which indicates that the nation is in a state of disturbance, but not actually at war, nor yet at peace. I never observed these tails worn by any civil mandarins, only by those of the military service. There are nine ranks of mandarins, separately distinguished by different coloured buttons, worn on the cap. Each rank is divided into primary, and secondary grades ; the colour of the button differ ing according to the rank, but remaining alike in the B RANKS OF MANDARINS. novelty, I was sent to escort these mandarins on board. They seemed quite at ease, and only expressed surprise at her 32-pounders being on pivots, and grades. Civil mandarins always take precedence of military. The colours of the ranks are as follows : — 1st rank, red button.

This is given only to the highest nobles. 2nd ,, red-flowered gem. 3rd ,, light blue stone. « 4th ,, dark blue stone. 5th „ light crystal. 6th „ opaque white. 7th 8th and 9th ranks, gold buttons. In the courtdress, a badge belonging to each grade is richly embroidered in front and on the back, each of which has its peculiar signification, and distin guishes a civilian from a military man; while a large necklace of coloured beads, reaching below the waist, completes the court costume. The attention paid by Government to these minutiæ is quite absurd ; the annual change of cap, for summer and winter wear, being duly announced in the Pekin Gazette. ROYAL MARINES. not on carriages. On being taken to the engine-room, they were evidently asto nished ; but their delight was perfect on seeing a Cape monkey — whether the feeling was mutual or not, I am unable to form an opinion.

After remaining here about a fortnight, we moved up nearer the forts, as a demonstration. While laying here, the Royal Marine battalion, five hundred strong, under the command of Captain Ellis, an old and distinguished Trafalgar officer, were frequently landed for exer cise, on a small island. The splendid appearance of these men excited our highest hopes ; nor were these disappoint ed by subsequent events ; for throughout the whole campaign they nobly upheld the distinguished name this corps has ever borne. Having devoted an entire fortnight to chopping, Captain Elliot began to grow impatient, and accordingly limited the Imperial Commissioner to a specified KESHEN. period ; at the expiration of which, if our terms were not acceded to, Captain Elliot declared that he would attack the forts.

Accordingly, on Saturday and Sunday, the 26th and 27th, the fleet re sounded with preparations for the desired conflict ; but on the 27th, when every thing was nearly ready, the usual chop bearer made his appearance, and of course all our preparations were rendered useless, which caused great and universal disappointment throughout the squadron. The Commissioner, it was understood, had not entirely agreed to our terms, but had made certain fresh propositions and concessions. A reply was sent, demanding an immediate answer, failing which, hostilities were to com mence. At this critical juncture, Keshen gave one of the first instances of his apparently sincere desire to make reparationfor the past, for, on Captain Elliot's applica tion, he released Mr. Staunton, a gentle- PRISONERS RELEASED. man who had been for nearly six months in prison at Canton, during a great portion of which time, his treatment had been very severe ; and again, after a lapse of a few days, he released a French Missionary, and a lascar ; the latter of whom had been forcibly carried awav.

I am not aware by what means they took the Missionary prisoner ; but when the Frenchman came on board the Wellesley, he seemed quite indifferent to his release ; the lascar, on the contrary, was much overjoyed, falling down on his knees, and salaaming in the most happy man ner possible. The mandarin, in whose charge they had come down from Canton, wished them to return to his boat to breakfast, but the lascar would not hear of it, showing veiy plainly that he did not much relish the tender mercies of the Chinese, from which he seemed glad to have escaped. As during the period named, no opera tions could take place, Captain Elliot CAPTAIN ELLIOT. proceeded to Macao for a few days, and finding on his return on the 5th that the Commissioner had failed to agree to the proposed terms, he gave over affairs to be dealt with by the Commodore, who accordingly made every preparation for offensive operations on the 7th. PREPARATIONS FOR ATTACK.

CHAPTER II.

Action of Chuenpee and Ty-cock-tow — The Nemesis and Junks in Anson's Bay — Prisoner sent to Chinese Admiral with a chop; — Preparations for attacking the Bogue forts, and the results — Anecdotes relative to Chinese soldiers — American ships allowed to pass out — Departure of Squadron to Hong- Kong — Restoration of the forts to the Chinese. On Thursday the 7th of January, at 8 a.m., the signal was made for the troops to land. The Royal Marines and Royal Artillery, with the guns, shoved off first from their respective ships, pre ceded by an advanced guard of the Wellesley's marines, in the launch of that ship. They were followed by the steamers towing the other troops nearer in-shore ; from these the men were landed in boats. The point of debarka- ATTACK ON tion chosen was the usual watering-place of the squadron, about two miles distant from the fort of Chuenpee ; the approach to which lay through a winding glen, ter minated by a high ridge, running trans versely, and forming the valley in which the entrenched camp and stockades were situated.

The force destined to oppose the batteries, consisted of the Calliope, Larne, and Hyacinth, under the com mand of Captain Herbert, of the former ship. The Queen and Nemesis steamers, having performed their other duties, were to throw shell into the hill fort and entrenchments on the inner side. The attack on Ty-cock-tow was en trusted to Captain Scott, of H.M.S. Samarang ; having under him the Druid, Modeste, and Columbine. All the ships got under weigh nearly at the same time that the troops landed . The line-of-battle ships took no part in the play, but moved higher up the river, in order to TY-COCK-TOW. be ready to attack the other batteries next day. On landing, the force was formed as well as the nature of the ground would admit of, in a quarter distance column, the leading battalion being the Royal Marines, under Captain Ellis.

In the centre of the force were the field-pieces, drawn by a party of seamen belonging to the Blenheim. We had one 24-pounder howitzer, two 6-pounder guns, and rock ets. The entire force consisted of 1,242 men ; of whom 540 were the 37th Madras Native Infantry, commanded by Captain Duff. Major Pratt, of the 26th Cameronians, commanded the force ; Lieutenant Stransham, of the Marines, was Brigade-Major, and I acted as aide de-camp. Our progress was considerably retarded by the nature of the ground, which rendered the dragging the guns a very severe labour. The delay, however, enabled the steamers to get into position, and the Queen had the satisfaction of ATTACK ON firing the first shell into the upper fort, as a revenge for the insult offered her in November, when under a flag of truce. After a march of about two hours, we at length reached the summit of the ridge, and found the Chinese drawn up to oppose us.

From this place we had a good view of their fortifications and positions. Immediately facing us, was a little hill, on which a large body of Chinese was drawn up, with colours fly ing ; on our left, was a small fort, and immediately below it an entrenched camp, strongly defended by stockades, about seven feet high, surrounded by a very broad ditch, twelve feet deep. One of the sides of this camp was carried along the face of the hill, up to the fort. To the right, was a small field-battery, consisting of three guns ; and farther on, another battery of the same descrip tion. On the extreme right, was a large circular camp, defended with stockades. TY-COCK-TOW. 19 All the positions were admirably chosen, and had they been held by men more conversant with arms, would have cost a severe struggle to have got possession of them.

As soon as we appeared on the hill, the Chinese waved their flags, cheered, and beat their gongs, as if in defiance, and immediately opened fire, which was quickly returned from our guns, now in position on the top of the ridge. For at least a quarter of an hour they kept up a very smart fire, during which time, the steamers were throwing shells, with great effect, into the hill fort. On ob serving that the enemy's fire was gradually slackening, our guns ceased, and the whole column moved down into the valley, but found that most of the enemy had retired to the forts. Those who still maintained their position on the hill in front, were driven out by the marines, most gallantly led on by Captain Ellis. Having accomplished this, they made a ATTACK ON detour on the flank into the valley, and quickly drove the enemy from the out works and camp.

A company of the 37th was detached on the extreme right, to drive the Chinese out of a small fort, in which the enemy made an attempt at a stand, but were quickly driven out by the sepoys. While this was going on, Major Pratt, with a small party, had passed through the camp, up to the hill fort, and meeting with no opposition had hoisted the Union Jack. During this time our sister service had not been idle, for we found the guns in the lower battery completely silenced, but still many Chinese remained in the fort. After waiting a short time, to allow the men to recruit their strength, we descended the hill, with the intention of attacking this fort. When the Chinese, however, saw us advancing, many of them fled, but they were met by a party of marines and of the 37th, by whom num bers of them were killed.

Some again TY-COCK-TOW. returned to the fort, where they witnessed the fate of their comrades. Thither they were quickly followed by the marines and native troops, who, blowing the gate open, rushed in, but met with considerable resistance ; for the Chinese had barricadoed all their houses, and as the soldiers passed, they inflicted several severe wounds with spears. Just at this time, Mr. Viner of the Blenheim entered the fort, at the head of a party of seamen, and pursuing several Chinese towards the upper end of the fort, observed them retreat into a house, on which he fired his pistol off through one of the windows. In an instant a terrific explosion took place, which we at first attributed to a mine, but it appeared that the pistol had been fired into the magazine, and as all the powder lay loose, it instantly blew up.

By this acci dent Mr. Viner was severely burnt, and many men were injured for life. Had the Chinese submitted on our obtaining possession of the fort, many lives would CAPTURE OF THE FORT. have been spared ; but they continued to wound our men, which so irritated them, that numbers were shot. In some in stances during the fight, they took refuge in the water, and discharged their match locks at the pursuer, and then throwing the weapon away, begged for mercy ; a system of warfare which our men did not at all understand. The loss on the side of the enemy, was not less than 600 killed and wounded, while we had not one killed, but 30 wounded ; many of these were, however, disabled for life. The tortures which most of the Chinese endured, must have been dreadful, for whenever they were wounded and fell, the match-lock set fire to their cotton clothes, and I saw several instances of their being literally burnt alive.

In this affair, the Chinese, neither on the part of officers nor men, shewed any want of courage ; on the contrary, they displayed many instances of individual bravery, and all defended their positions as long as they ATTACK ON WAR-JUNKS. were tenable with great devotion. The officer in command was shot through the breast while leading his men on, his but ton and feather being among the trophies in my possession. Having secured our prisoners, the troops lay down to rest, and had the sa tisfaction of witnessing the Nemesis, and boats of the men-of-war, attack the war junks in Anson's Bay. The first shot went completely through a large junk, and sent the crew jumping into the water in all directions, while a Congreve rocket, which was fired at the Admiral's junk, went through the deck into the magazine, upon which she immediately blew up.

Being full both of men and money, which had been sent down from Canton to pay the troops, the loss was great. These operations continued for some hours, during which time seventeen junks were destroyed, and many brought away. For a return of the ordnance captured in these forts and junks, see Appendix A, Table I. CHOP SENT BY CAPTAIN ELLIOT. On returning with Sir Gordon Bremer to the Wellesley, we found a Chinese medico on board, who had been taken prisoner at Ty-cock-tow. As Captain Elliot supposed that the Chinese, after their lesson of the forenoon might be more pacifically inclined, he despatched a chop by this prisoner to Kwan, the Chinese Admiral, explaining different usages of civilized warfare, adding that if the forts struck their colours, we would not fire on them, but would take them under our protection.

There can be no doubt that Captain Elliot, in sending this chop, was actuated by feelings of pure humanity, for having witnessed the great loss of life sustained by the Chinese in the morning, together with the probability of a still greater loss, in the capture of the large forts, he wished if possible to spare them. The policy of the act may, however, be questioned, more particularly with His Excellency's know ledge of the national character. Subse- STRANGE AMBASSADOR. quent events have also shown, how utterly unworthy they were of such le niency, and with what a perfidious race we had to contend. On the 8th, at about half past eleven, a.m., the squadron and transports got under weigh, and stood up towards the batteries. The Blenheim had nearly taken up her position, and the Nemesis had already begun to throw in shells, when to our astonishment the enemy did not return our fire, but suddenly struck their flags, and a small boat with a flag of truce was observed coming out towards the flag ship.

The signal was immediately made to discontinue the action, in order that the communication might be re ceived. The boat was manned by an old woman, having for her compagnon de voyage a man of the lowest description, who proved to be the bearer of a chop from Kwan, to Captain Elliot ; the purport of which was to obtain a grace of three days, to enc HOSTILITIES SUSPENDED. able them to communicate with Keshen. This was acceded to, and our answer was taken in the Nemesis by Lieutenant William Maitland, who had an interview with the Chinese Admiral, who was most civil, and when told by Lieu tenant Maitlandthat he must desist from all further hostile preparations, replied, that he was already quite prepared to do so ; that he dared not surrender the forts, but that if able, we might come and take them.

In consequence of this all idea of hostilities was laid aside. I leave the reader to imagine, if he can, the feelings of the fleet on this occasion ; to attempt to describe them would be useless. The next day, observing the Chinese hard at work in throwing up an entrenched camp, Sir Gordon Bremer went to inform them that during a cessation of hostilities, no military work of any description could be permitted. This remonstrance had immediately the desired effect. The residue of our three days' truce DESTRUCTION OF FORTS. passed in tranquillity, and at its termi nation, an armistice was agreed upon to afford ample time for completing the negociations. Some time was occupied by us in destroying the forts captured on the 7th. While engaged in this duty, Lieut. Bingham, First Lieutenant of the Modeste, had the misfortune to have his leg broken by a large stone, which was thrown up from a heavy explosion at Ty-cock-tow.

While at anchor here, a remarkable instance of the feeling entertained to wards us by the lower classes of the Chinese, was shown by some soldiers, on the following occasion. During a spring tide, increased by strong wind, part of one of the large rafts moored across the river to prevent our passing, broke loose, and being taken possession of by the Wellesley's boats, was fastened astern of that ship. On seeing this, the Chinese Admiral sent an inferior officer, c DESERTION OF with seventy men, to ask leave to bring back the raft, which was of course refused, much to the consternation of the mandarin, who declared that he would be punish ed for not obeying his instructions. Find ing Sir Gordon inexorable, the mandarin was satisfied on receiving a note to say that it was not his fault, but that the raft would not be restored.