February 23th.
The 'Nemesis' waited at the Boca Tigris till the night of the 18th
for an answer from the Chinese Commissioner; and as she was about to
return to the squadron, her boat, which had been sent up the river,
was fired on from North Wantong. Accounts of the warlike
preparations of the Chinese were also received, and a proclamation
appeared, offering 50,000 dollars for the heads of Sir Gordon Bremer
or Captain Elliot. The Commodore, in consequence, seeing that peace
could no longer he preserved, instantly detached the light division
under Captain Herbert, of the 'Calliope,' who was accompanied by
Captain Elliot, to prevent the Chinese from making further
preparations, while he, returning to Hong Kong, brought up the
line-of-battle ships, and 'Queen' and 'Madagascar' steamers, followed
by the 'Druid,' 'Jupiter,' and transports.
Captain Herbert proceeded on the 22nd on board the 'Nemesis,' with
some boats of the squadron, up a channel at the back of Anunghoy. On
the way the expedition found a line of strong stakes and rafts
carried directly across the channel; and while the boats were engaged
in clearing away the obstruction, a masked battery of 20 guns opened
on them. This was quickly silenced, and the enemy fled, leaving 30
dead; their colours were taken by Lieut. Bower, senior lieutenant of
the 'Samarang;' the guns were destroyed, and the magazines burnt.