Captain Elliot now addressed a request to the naval and military
commanders-in-chief, that they would make no further movements towards
the city until the disposition of the provincial officers could be
put to the test. All the private information which could be gathered,
however, tended to shew that further delay was likely to be useless,
and even prejudicial. As soon, therefore, as the day for the expiration
of the truce had arrived, the Nemesis was ordered to convey Captain
Elliot, with the commodore and the major-general, together with their
respective suites, up to Howqua's Fort, having the broad pendant
flying; there several other ships of the advanced squadron were
already at anchor. The flag of truce was then lowered, and immediate
dispositions were made for the capture of Napier's Fort, which was a
little distance higher up.[35]
A little below the fort a strong double line of piles had been driven
into the bed of the river, completely across from one bank to the
other. These were strengthened by sunken junks, and the passage was
further blocked up by large stones thrown into the river, and other
impediments. There were flanking batteries also on either side,
recently built of mud, and not quite finished; they were intended to
mount thirty-five and forty-four guns.
These positions were capable of being stoutly defended, had they been
fully armed and manned. Such, however, was not the case; and, as the
commandant of the fort was inclined to exhibit the same compliant
disposition as his gallant companion in arms had shewn at Howqua's Fort
below, no resistance was offered; in fact, the garrison all ran away
as soon as they had fired off their guns, having previously intimated
their intention, and succeeded in making good their escape.
The Sulphur, accompanied by some of the boats of the squadron, managed
to get up first, and took possession, followed by the Nemesis, with the
commodore on board, and other vessels. A detachment of troops had been
sent round by the general, with a view to take the flanking-batteries
in the rear; but, as it now appeared that they were undefended, and as
the march over swampy paddy-fields, and across numerous water-courses,
was anything but agreeable, and not likely now to be useful, they
returned to the joss-house below.
In the afternoon, the Nemesis proceeded with the commodore and Captain
Elliot down to Whampoa, passing along the western side of that island,
by the channel which was known by the name of Fiddler's Reach; she had
therefore gone completely _round_ Whampoa Island in the course of the
day, for she went up by the eastern or Junk river side, and came down
by the western or Fiddler's Reach passage, proving the practicability
of _both_ channels for vessels of small draught of water.
It may be well here to notice that, at a subsequent period, after the
fall of Canton, and when the Chinese were prevented by us from renewing
or extending any of the defences of the river _below_ Whampoa,[36] they
set about strengthening the positions above that island with all the
resources they could employ. Before the close of the war, they not only
rebuilt Napier's Fort in a much more substantial manner, but fortified
all that line of the river upon a plan much superior to any they had
hitherto attempted.
Three other large stone forts have been built, with a view to command
the navigation of this part of the river; namely, one on each bank
of the river opposite Napier's Fort, and one about half a mile lower
down, at the point where the river is strongly staked across. Viewed
from the river, all these new forts look extremely formidable, being
built entirely of stone, of considerable height, and calculated to
mount little less than _two hundred guns_. The structure of all these
new works is of a superior kind to any before seen in China; and it is
generally supposed that they have been built at the suggestion or with
the assistance of some European engineer. But, as usual in China, the
rear of the forts is almost entirely unprotected, except by a stone
wall; and, were it not that the advance of an enemy on that side would
be greatly impeded by ditches and paddy-fields, which would oppose
difficulties to the bringing up of artillery, they could be captured
without any extraordinary effort.
The short pause in our operations, which now again took place at
the request of Captain Elliot, was precisely in accordance with the
liberal assurances of the most _pacific_ intentions on the part of the
Chinese. Their acts, however, by no means agreed with their words. It
was perfectly ascertained that a large number of fire-vessels were
being prepared a few miles above Canton; that new defences were being
constructed around the city, particularly upon the heights in its rear;
and that people were removing their property from the town, and no
valuable produce was allowed to be brought into it. Sir Gordon Bremer
distinctly expressed his conviction that the measure of attacking
Canton itself must speedily be resorted to; although he deplored the
excesses to which it might give rise, owing to the abandonment of the
city by the authorities, and the absence of control over the rabble
of a community proverbially bad. The major-general now went down the
river, and remained at Wantung with the commodore, where plans for the
future operations were devised.
About this time, Keshen, whose functions had already ceased, left
Canton for Pekin in disgrace, in order to be put upon his trial for
traitorous conduct, as his unfortunate defeats were now termed. The
result was, that he was utterly degraded; all his property, which was
enormously valuable, was confiscated, and he himself banished to the
cold regions of Tartary.
On the 10th, despatches were sent up by the Nemesis from Captain
Elliot (who in the meantime had gone to Macao) to the commodore at
the Bogue, in consequence of the Chinese authorities having issued
chops or passports for all ships, _except British_, to proceed up the
river to trade, as far as Whampoa. This act of open defiance could not
be overlooked, and Captain Elliot himself seems to have been struck
with the hostile temper which this proceeding evinced. A notice was,
in consequence, issued to the effect, "that, as the port of Canton,
from its entrance to its extremity, was in the military occupation
of her Majesty's arms, no ships whatever would be permitted to enter
the river, except under the authority of the commander-in-chief; and,
moreover, that a close embargo would be laid on the city and trade of
Canton, until the whole of their foreign trade should be placed upon a
perfectly equal footing, without any exception whatever."
In point of fact, our previous forbearance had not been understood, and
was certainly looked upon rather as an evidence of conscious weakness
on our part, than as what it actually was--an instance of forbearance,
resulting from conscious strength.
It was, probably, the necessity which he now felt of striking some blow
calculated to make an immediate impression upon the Chinese, which
induced Captain Elliot to direct his attention to one of the most
boldly-conceived and successfully-executed exploits which have to be
recorded during this campaign. It appears to have struck him almost on
a sudden; and, finding that Captain Scott, of the Samarang, who was
then senior officer at Macao, and also Captain Hall, of the Nemesis,
entirely concurred with him in his views, it was resolved that not a
moment should be lost. Above all, it was kept perfectly secret; so that
no rumour of any new project could reach any of the inhabitants of
Macao, either Portuguese or Chinese. The undertaking to which I allude,
became afterwards generally known as the forcing of the Broadway, or
Inner, or Macao Passage, (for it has obtained all these names,) by
the Nemesis, accompanied by three boats--viz., two belonging to the
Samarang, and one to the Atalanta steamer. This passage leads direct
from Macao to Canton, but had been hitherto frequented only by native
boats; indeed, no others were permitted to pass through it. This was
one of those numerous opportunities in which the Nemesis so clearly
demonstrated the great advantage to be derived from the employment
of shallow iron steamers in hostile operations along the course of
unexplored rivers.
It must here be remarked that this intricate passage was one never
before traversed by any European vessel or boat, and believed by
the Chinese themselves to be inaccessible to foreigners, both owing
to the shallowness and intricacy of its channels, and to the number
and strength of the artificial defences erected on its banks. It
can, perhaps, be scarcely called a distinct river, but may be rather
considered as in reality one of those almost innumerable channels
which present themselves to view on every side, along the whole
sea-board of China; dividing and then re-uniting, sometimes receiving
large branches, sometimes throwing them off, here communicating with
other rivers, and there even traversing across them. It is difficult
to ascertain, with regard to many of them, whether they are distinct
rivers or branches, or mere water-courses, leading from one to the
other. In short, with respect more particularly to the country about
Canton, the whole of it appears to be subdivided, again and again, by
these ever-multiplying channels, which form a sort of fluid network,
embracing the soil it nourishes and _reproduces_. Many of these are
only known, among the Chinese themselves, by those who depend on them
for subsistence; and who, rarely quitting them, make their boat their
floating home.
On leaving the roads of Macao, and proceeding nearly due west, after
passing the town and the entrance to the Inner Harbour beyond it,
you come into a straight but rather shallow channel, which continues
in the same direction along the southern shore of the island called
Twee-Lien-Shan.[37] Having reached its western extremity, which is
about four miles from Macao, you very shortly enter the mouth of a
river, which is broad but shallow, and becomes narrower as you proceed
up towards the north-west, by the gradual contraction of its shores.
This is the entrance to the Broadway, or Inner Passage. Several
openings were soon perceived on both sides, probably the mouths of
smaller rivers or creeks, entering the larger channel. The proper
opening of the Inner Passage begins about six miles from the western
point of Twee-Lien-Shan Island, but the narrow part of it is about four
miles further on.
Let us now imagine ourselves just embarked on board the Nemesis in
Macao roads, at three o'clock in the morning on the 13th of March, all
the arrangements having been completed the day before. Already, Captain
Elliot and suite are on board; and Captain Scott, of the Samarang, who
commands the force, is standing on the quarter deck with the other
officers, impatient to start, while the boats of the Samarang, and
that of the Atalanta, are being made fast astern. And we must also not
omit to record that Mr. Johnston, the deputy superintendent of trade,
and also Mr. Morrison and Mr. Thom, the indefatigable interpreters and
secretaries,[38] the value of whose services throughout the war it is
impossible too highly to appreciate, were also on board during this
expedition.
Having quitted the town of Macao with the utmost quietness, leaving
all the world asleep, and unconscious of any movement, they soon fell
in with a large junk at anchor, which was fortunately able to furnish
a pilot, one of her crew being taken out, not without reluctance, for
that purpose. At first the poor fellow was very much frightened, but,
finding that he was well treated, well fed, and good pay promised, he
soon became reconciled to his position, and behaved well throughout.
During the day he seemed very little concerned about the firing either
of the steamer or of his own countrymen, and piloted the vessel, as far
as his knowledge extended, up the river very accurately.
The progress was at first slow, owing to the shallowness of the water,
which often did not much exceed _five_ feet, for a vessel of more than
six hundred tons burden! Indeed the pilot himself maintained that it
would be impossible for the vessel to proceed; and it may be noticed
that the soundings at the entrance were not found so deep as laid down
in Horsburgh's chart, in which they are partially given. However, on
she went, nothing daunted either by mud, sand, or water, or even by the
shallowness of the river.
Day had now long dawned; and at eight o'clock she came in sight of a
fort on the starboard hand, which proved to be situated on a small
promontory on the left bank of the river. It is called Motow, and is
situated some distance below a point where the main channel separates
into two branches. Half an hour afterwards, the Nemesis was near enough
to take up a position to the southward of the fort, so that she could
fire directly into it without any of the enemy's guns being able to
bear upon her; in fact, she enfiladed the position. Upon this the fort
was abandoned by the Chinese, whose flight was accelerated by their
seeing that the boats were putting off to attack them. The place was
immediately taken possession of, the buildings of every description set
on fire, and the guns, thirteen in number, rendered unserviceable. The
boat's crews were again on board the Nemesis in about an hour, and she
pursued her course without loss of time.
About four miles further on, just above where the river becomes more
contracted by its division, a second fort was discovered, also situated
on the left bank. The position was well chosen, upon a rising ground,
at some distance from the river side, but commanding the whole bend or
reach of the river in front of it. It was built of mud, but protected
nearly all round by flooded paddy-grounds.
On this occasion the Chinese were the first to open their fire upon the
Nemesis as she rounded an intervening point of land, and entered the
reach above mentioned. They kept up their fire at first very smartly,
having probably trained all their guns to bear upon one particular
point. It was most effectually returned by the steamer with shot,
shell, and rockets, which were thrown (as officially reported by
Captain Scott himself) with remarkable accuracy. The boats again put
off to land, under cover of the rising bank on the river side, with
the intention of taking the position in flank; but the Chinese at once
abandoned their works; though, if they had resisted the advance, they
might have inflicted severe loss, as the party could only approach
the fort along a narrow causeway, in single file. The works were
immediately taken possession of, and were found to mount twelve or
fourteen guns, which were of course destroyed, as were also the sheds
and buildings within the fort, which, however, were of very recent
construction, and of a temporary nature.
Before returning to the steamer, the boats pulled across to the
opposite side of the river, where a large chop-house and military depôt
were likewise destroyed. The name of the fort, or field-work, above
described, was Tei-yat-kok.[39] At this point several other Chinamen
were taken on board as pilots, for the better navigation of the channel
through which they had now to proceed.
They had ascended a very little way further up the river, when to
the joy of every one, they espied nine war-junks under weigh, a
considerable distance ahead, and chase was given at full speed, in
spite of all obstacles of the navigation. The interest and excitement
momentarily increased, as every mile they advanced served to lead
them to the conclusion that the Chinese were better prepared for
defence than had been at all expected. Indeed, it was not a little
remarkable that a passage never before explored by foreigners should
have been found in a state of preparation against attack, by forts of
old standing and solid construction, as well as by works of recent and
temporary formation.
On entering the bend of the river in which the junks had been first
caught sight of, a considerable stone-built fort was discovered,
called Houchung, or Ha-chap, close to the river's side, upon its right
bank, (on the left hand ascending,) in front of which, and perfectly
commanded by it, piles had been driven across the river, so as to
obstruct the navigation. But the work had apparently not been quite
finished, and a narrow opening was still left in the centre, through
which the junks had already passed, in order to take up a more secure
position, as they thought, on the other side. The fort mounted fourteen
or fifteen guns. But there was also another and smaller fort close
to it, built of earth, and not yet finished, being without guns, but
having ten embrasures.
Here again the Chinese were the first to begin firing, both from the
fort and junks; but it was returned with precision and rapidity by the
Nemesis, under cover of which the boats pushed off to storm the fort.
This was effected without much difficulty. The fall of the fort of
course left the passage through the stakes quite unprotected, except
by the junks; but the Chinese sailors were so panic-struck by the
rapidity with which the fort had been taken, and by the approach of the
boats, which were now making their way through the stakes to attack
them, that seven out of the nine were run ashore by their crews,--when
they immediately jumped overboard and escaped, leaving their vessels
entirely at our mercy.
Just as the boats came up to take possession, a field-work on the left
bank, within little more than a hundred yards of the headmost junk,
opened fire on them unexpectedly with grape-shot. As the junks were
already abandoned, a strong party at once landed, under Lieut. Bower,
and carried the field-work, by passing round to its rear, which, as
usual with the Chinese, was left almost unprotected. This place, which
was called Fie-shu-kok, was set on fire and destroyed, together with
the seven guns which were mounted on it. The war-junks were likewise
set on fire, and blew up very shortly after. But the two which had not
been run ashore contrived to make good their escape.
During the time that these operations were being effected, Capt. Hall
had dexterously succeeded in getting his steamer through the stakes by
the same opening through which the junks had passed, and which barely
afforded room for her paddle-boxes. The flood-tide was now running up
with great rapidity, and she was therefore dropped through the passage,
being steadied by kedges and hawsers, two of which they cut away, and
left behind.
She now joined the boats opposite Fie-shu-kok; and as soon as the
destruction of the junks and works had been completed, it was resolved
to push on further up the river, in the hope of overtaking the
two junks which had got away. Altogether twenty-one guns had been
destroyed in these forts, and twenty-eight more in the junks. But the
_impression_ made through all the neighbouring country by these active
measures, was far more important than the mere destruction of a certain
number of guns.
At half-past three they arrived at the large trading town of
Heong-Shan, about five or six miles further up. The river flows
straight through the middle of it, so that they found themselves
unexpectedly in the centre of an important inland town, in which, if
it had been their object, it was easily within their power to inflict
severe injury upon a dense and apparently harmless population. But
it has been mentioned before that much suffering was spared by the
assistance of Mr. Morrison and Mr. Thom. Capt. Elliot also exerted
himself very much to prevent the peasantry or mere lookers-on from
being implicated; and he sometimes allowed even the armed soldiers to
escape, rather than run the risk of injuring the innocent. The object
was to confine hostilities as much as possible to the servants and
property of the Chinese government, leaving the people uninjured.
The good effect of this policy was soon very evident. The inhabitants
of this populous town appeared to regard with very little apprehension
the approach of the steamer, and seemed more moved by curiosity and
astonishment at her structure and locomotive power, than alarmed by
any dread of her hostile intentions. The people crowded upon the banks
of the river; the house-tops and the surrounding hills were covered
with curious gazers, wondering what strange event would happen next.
Hundreds of trading junks and boats of various kinds, most of them the
sole home of their owners, were crowded together on both sides of the
river throughout the town, and even above and below it. The river was
narrow, and so densely were the boats packed, that the only passage
left was directly in the centre of the stream, where, as if by mutual
consent, a clear way had been left, only just broad enough to allow the
steamer to pass, and requiring some dexterity to avoid running foul of
the junks on either side.
It is very curious that so large a body of people should have looked on
with so little apparent fear, particularly as they could well perceive
that the steamer was in chase of two war-junks, which had preceded
her, followed by several mandarin-boats, in which the mandarins or
authorities of the town were endeavouring to make their escape, in the
greatest consternation. One of the war-junks, finding that it was
impossible to keep ahead of the steamer, which was rapidly gaining on
her, was run ashore, some distance above the town, by her crew, who
immediately jumped overboard, and had only just time to escape before
the steamer came up. She was at once boarded, and then set fire to
and blown up. She carried four guns. It was now observed that Chinese
soldiers were gathering thickly upon the neighbouring hills, as if
meditating a descent; but a shot or two thrown in amongst them served
to put them to flight.
Just at this moment a masked battery, concealed by some trees, not
more than a couple of hundred yards ahead, imprudently betrayed itself
by opening its fire on the steamer; nor was this the only instance in
which small forts or field-works would have been passed unseen and
uninjured, had they not expended useless powder in making a smoke,
which at once betrayed them. The fire was instantly returned, and
served to cover the boats, which put off with the marines of the
Samarang to storm the works. Eight guns were found in it, which,
together with the buildings and magazine, were of course destroyed.
This place was called Sheongchap, and was situated just below a point
where the river divides, or rather where two branches unite.
It being now past six, P.M., it was thought proper to anchor for
the night, after a very severe day's work for all hands since three
in the morning. The Nemesis, having proceeded a little distance
above Sheongchap, found herself getting into very shallow water, and
therefore anchored for the night. The channel was so narrow that it
was impossible to turn the vessel round, scarcely even by forcing her
bows hard aground over the banks. She was anchored head and stern, and
guard-boats were placed round her all night, for fear of any attempt at
surprise.
On the following morning, the 14th, the Nemesis again pursued her
course up what appeared to be the principal branch, but which became so
shallow that it was doubtful how far she would be able to proceed; she
had seldom more than six feet water, and in many places only five, so
that she was frequently forced through the mud itself. There was not
room to turn her fairly round, and the only mode in which she could be
managed was by sometimes driving her bows as far as possible into the
river's bank, sometimes her stern; while at other times it was hard to
say whether she was proceeding over a flooded paddy-field, or in the
channel of a water-course. This gave occasion to a facetious remark, in
which sailors sometimes delight, that this "would be a new way of going
overland to England."
After proceeding only three or four miles, a village came in sight,
with a fort adjoining, and rather above it. This was afterwards found
to be named Kong-How. Nearly opposite the fort the river was again
found to be staked across, much more strongly than it was at Houchong;
and it was in a similar manner commanded by the guns of the fort. The
Nemesis, as soon as she came within good range, opened her fire warmly
upon the fort, which the Chinese returned. The boats pushed off as
usual; but the moment the marines and a party of seamen began to land,
the Chinese abandoned the fort in confusion.
On the upper side of the fort, sand-bags were found recently piled up
against the walls, as if the Chinese had expected the attack to be made
on that side; which shews that they anticipated that an attempt would
be made to explore these passages, but that they rather looked for it
from the side of Tycocktow than from Macao. The works, with their nine
guns and magazine, were afterwards all blown up at once.
The principal obstacle now remaining to be got rid of was one more
troublesome than all the forts together, or any impediment yet met
with. The line of piles which had been driven in across the river was
not less than twenty feet wide, or rather it was a double line, filled
up between the two with large sunken junks laden with stones. Great
labour and perseverance were required to get up sufficient of these
piles to clear a passage broad enough for the steamer to pass. This was
only accomplished after four hours hard work, in which, oddly enough,
the Chinese peasantry bore an active part, voluntarily coming forward
to assist, and even venturing to come on board the steamer itself. This
was, undoubtedly, one of the good results of not having inflicted any
injury upon the country people or inhabitants of the villages through
which the little expedition had passed.[40]
A little above this obstruction a large chop-house or mandarin-station
came into view, with a mandarin-barge lying just off it. A shot fired
into the principal building soon drove out all the soldiers who had
taken refuge in it--probably the mandarin's guard. The boats were now
sent ashore, and soon destroyed the whole of the buildings, together
with the mandarin-boat, with a gun and two ginjals. It was not possible
for the steamer to tow any of the boats or junks away with her, because
she was continually touching the ground, and frequently forcing herself
through the mud, so that it would have been impossible to have got on
at all if she had been impeded by any other encumbrance; they were
therefore all destroyed.
As soon as the boats had all returned from their service on shore,
the steamer pushed on again, and the water began to deepen; so that
at half-past six she was able to come to anchor for the night in five
fathoms water. From this point the high rock of Lankeet, in the Canton
river, could be easily recognised, bearing about due east, and not very
far distant.
On the morning of the 15th, having proceeded about three miles further
on, a large village, called Tamchow, came into view, on the left bank
of the river. Here a party of matchlockmen were observed crouching
along the banks of the river, endeavouring to pass unnoticed. A few
rounds of musketry at once dispersed them.
Again the steamer pursued her course, without finding anything
particularly worthy of notice for a couple of hours, when she came to
a large town on the left bank of the river, (it is remarkable that
nearly all their towns and villages were on that side,) which was
called Tsenei, just above a place called Kwam, close to which two or
three dismantled and abandoned forts had been passed. Here the chop
or custom-house, which was also a sort of military station, by the
water-side, was set on fire and destroyed. A large war-junk, also,
(probably the one which had before escaped,) which mounted seven guns,
was captured and blown up, the crew having abandoned it on the approach
of the "devil-ship."
Above this point the channel again became very narrow and shallow.
The Chinese pilots now declared that it would be impossible for the
steamer to proceed much higher up, as the passage was only deep enough
for boats. Having nearly reached a small place, called Weichung, the
Nemesis was at length compelled to desist from the attempt to pursue
her course further in that direction, particularly as it was now
ebb-tide. Several other channels could be seen on both sides, and one
in particular appeared to lead to the eastward, towards the main branch
of the Canton river, below Whampoa. Accordingly, it was resolved to
follow this latter branch, with a view to join the advanced squadron,
if possible.
In this short passage a considerable walled town was passed, at the
distance of less than half a mile, with which the communication was
kept up by means of a canal, which could be seen to enter the town
under a large arch, or bridge. Upon this a great number of people were
collected, to watch the progress of the steamer. The country around
it was extremely well cultivated, and the peasants were busy at their
agricultural operations, without any apparent fear. Shortly afterwards
the Nemesis found herself entering the main river, at a very short
distance below the pagoda at the Second Bar, and proceeded without
delay to join the light squadron which was at anchor in Whampoa Reach,
and received the congratulations of all parties. Captain Elliot and
suite then left the Nemesis, and proceeded on board Captain Herbert's
ship, the Calliope.
Thus ended this singular and highly successful expedition of three
days up the Broadway passage, during which so much had been done
towards disabling and annoying the enemy by the steamer, assisted by
the boats before mentioned, and the marines of the Samarang, all under
the direction of Captain Scott. This exploit would have gratified most
men, even as the work of a single vessel, for a whole campaign. It
need hardly be added, that Captain Scott was the first to acknowledge
and to bring to public notice the value of the services of the Nemesis
on this occasion; and Captain Elliot, who was an eye-witness of all
these operations, bore similar testimony to their importance. They
were also mentioned in flattering terms by the commodore in his public
despatch. It must not be omitted that all the officers of the vessel
nobly and energetically bore their share in the labours and dangers of
the undertaking; and those who belonged to the boats of the Samarang
and the Atalanta were equally conspicuous, and had opportunities of
distinguishing themselves on shore.[41]
The result of this expedition was highly beneficial, and afforded
more insight into the nature of the country, and gave a more correct
estimate of the resources of the Chinese, than could have been expected
within so short a distance from Macao. Indeed, considering how long
that place had been the resort of Europeans, it was astonishing how
little was known of its neighbourhood. The country on both sides of the
passage was found to be fertile and highly cultivated; while, in the
neighbourhood of the villages, the banks of the river were laid out in
neatly cultivated gardens. Everywhere there prevailed an air of comfort
and of thriving industry.
The peaceable, and, one may almost say, the apathetic, bearing of the
people generally, and their refraining from all hostile demonstrations,
are worthy of notice; particularly when we remember that they must not
only have heard of, but even perhaps been witnesses to, the engagements
at the Bogue, at Chuenpee, at the First Bar, and elsewhere. Much,
perhaps, may be attributed to the valuable presence of Mr. Morrison and
Mr. Thom, who, from their accurate knowledge of the character of the
people, knew well how to allay their fears, and conciliate even their
good offices.
The whole loss on our side, during this adventurous trip, was
only three men wounded. Altogether, one hundred and fifteen guns
were destroyed, together with nine war-junks; and several armed
mandarin-boats, six batteries, and three government chop-houses or
military stations, together with barracks and magazines, were also
taken and set on fire.
One simple, but very natural question will now suggest itself. We
have seen that, even in channels unfrequented by Europeans, and only
partially known to exist, the Chinese were found to be well provided
with means of defence, not of recent construction only, but many of
them evidently of long standing. But the Chinese government had not
been at war with neighbouring nations, nor could they have erected
these internal defences against any possible future outbreak of the
foreigners who traded with Canton. The latter had usually been very
"respectfully obedient;" and, even if they had been disposed at an
earlier period to come to blows with the Chinese, their measures would
have been directed almost exclusively against the Bogue forts, which
protected the main channel of the Canton river, leading to Whampoa.
This Inner or Broadway Passage was, at all events, too shallow and
intricate to admit of the passage of large ships; and, indeed, we have
seen that even the Nemesis had failed in making her way through the
upper portion of it.
Against whom, then, we may ask, or for what purpose, were the numerous
forts erected? The government might have thought proper to occupy
the principal strong positions, with a view to strengthen themselves
against any outbreak or insubordination of _their own people_; and
disturbances of this kind have not been unfrequent, even in despotic
and obedient China. But it is far more probable that these defences
of their "inner waters" were designed to keep in check the dangerous
incursions of pirates, or "Water Braves," who have always infested the
coast of China, and have been great enemies to its commerce, and a
source of uneasiness to its government. In a country in which so large
a portion of the population make their permanent home upon the waters,
some upon the innumerable canals and rivers which intersect it in all
directions, others along the extensive sea-coast and among its numerous
islands, it is not surprising that pirates, or, as the Portuguese call
them, Ladrones, should at all times abound.
The means of subsistence being frequently precarious among so populous
a nation, and at no time to be acquired without careful industry, and,
at the same time, the real weakness of the government, in spite of
its bombastic edicts, have combined to make the temptation to piracy
almost irresistible. In not a few instances the government have been
compelled even to conciliate or buy over the depredators; and, in spite
of all their efforts to suppress them, the ladrones have never ceased
to infest the coast to a greater or less extent. The temptations are
always numerous, and the desperate characters who gain their living
by smuggling are, at all times, as likely to gain it by _robbing_,
whenever the opportunity may appear more favourable. Hence, we can
scarcely wonder that the pirates had long become bold, enterprising,
well-organized, and successful in their efforts, directed, however,
almost exclusively against their own countrymen, along the whole coast.
Such as _were_ the banditti of Italy and Spain not long ago, or the
klephts of Greece, or the robbers of Hounslow Heath in times past--such
have been for centuries the pirates or ladrones of China. They are, in
fact, the highwaymen of the "Celestial Empire;" for their rivers and
water-communications are essentially their highways.
Under these circumstances, we are led to the conclusion, that nearly
all these defences in the Broadway Passage had been constructed more
with a view to the defence of the river against the Chinese themselves,
than under any apprehension that the foreigners would ever force their
way into it. This supposition is further borne out by the fact that,
even during the short expedition of the Nemesis, bands of robbers, and
boats filled with men of a very suspicious character, were distinctly
seen at a distance, trying to take advantage of every opportunity of
plundering their countrymen _while the panic lasted_. Indeed, it may
with much truth be said, that on this, as on many other occasions, the
Chinese suffered a great deal more from the excesses and misdeeds of
their own people, than they did from any hardships they encountered
at the hands of their foreign enemies during the war. Many ludicrous,
no less than unfortunate, scenes have been witnessed, of Chinese
plundering parties falling in each other's way accidentally, and then
fighting for each other's booty, while, just at the critical moment, a
third party would perhaps step in, and carry off the greater part of
what the others had been already fighting about; and perhaps even these
would, in their turn, be stripped by another fresh party, before they
could get fairly off with their prize.
In reality, the war itself served to disorganize the Chinese police,
and to diminish the authority of the local officers. Smuggling,
robbery, and multiplied outrages, were never more prevalent throughout
all the maritime districts than during the continuance of hostilities.
In the neighbourhood of the Canton River, these violent proceedings
arrived at length at such a height, that the fishermen, in many
instances, combined together for mutual defence, and provided
themselves with arms. But even these men, although, doubtless, most
of them started with the good intention of capturing the pirates, or,
at all events, of protecting their own property, were tempted at last
to become, in many instances, almost as fraudulent as the regular
ladrones. Some were bold enough even to attack the foreigners, urged
thereto perhaps by the promised rewards of their own government.
Others, having now found out their own comparative strength, became
salt-smugglers and opium-smugglers; while others traded, smuggled,
robbed, or aided others to escape detection, just as it might best suit
their purpose for the moment.
Secret societies were at length formed; a sort of freemasonry of crime
was established; and, before the close of the war, they had acquired
such an organization as to make it dangerous to move about in the
neighbourhood of Hong-Kong or Macao. They even sold passes to the
trading-boats, which were intended to exempt them from plunder, for a
regular payment of so many dollars a month; yet even these were not
always respected.
Hong-Kong itself was in danger of daily attacks from these daring
bandits; and, as it became at length evident that the co-operation
of _both_ governments, the English and the Chinese, could alone
effectually put an end to such gross outrages, Sir Henry Pottinger made
proposals to that effect to the Chinese authorities. Our own cruisers
alone were scarcely sufficient to effect the object, because the fact
of their European shape and rig rendered them easily distinguished
at a distance, and thus the pirates had plenty of time to escape.
It was proposed, therefore, to have a number of fast-sailing boats,
built and rigged very much after the Chinese fashion, with mat-sails,
&c., to be well armed, and to be manned principally by our own men.
They would thus be able to come unsuspected upon the pirates. Various
other suggestions were made for the mutual co-operation of the two
governments in the good work; but, owing probably to fear and jealousy,
and perhaps a mixture of pride, these offers were courteously and
respectfully declined by the Chinese government, who declared that it
would be able, now that the war was ended, to take effectual steps to
put an end to this heavy source of annoyance at the mouth of the Canton
river.
FOOTNOTES:
[35] A little more than half a mile above the upper end of Whampoa
lies another small, low, alluvial island, which divides the river into
two branches; and upon the lower extremity of it stood a semicircular
fort, designed to command the passage on either side. This was called
Napier's Fort, from having been built expressly to commemorate the
discomfiture and ultimate death of that lamented nobleman. It mounted
thirty-five guns.
[36] The scenery about Whampoa, and between that island and Canton,
throughout all the channels, is very picturesque. The fine pagoda
upon Whampoa, rising up, as it were, out of a little mount of wood,
and another similar one on the mainland higher up, surrounded by
rich fields and numerous winding streams, are striking objects. A
few scattered farm-houses, with their large, curved, angular roofs,
together with the village of Whampoa, and the numerous boats of
all shapes and sizes plying upon the river, present a peculiar and
thoroughly Chinese prospect.
[37] See map.
[38] Not only on this, but on many other occasions, these gentlemen
were personally exposed to the fire of the enemy, little less than
either soldiers or sailors. They showed the utmost coolness and
personal courage; and it is but justice to them to remark that their
presence was always of the greatest value in every operation, even
though unarmed, and, as non-belligerents, unnoticed. Their knowledge of
the language and their good judgment frequently enlisted in our favour
the people of the country, who might have offered great annoyance, and
they were often able to mitigate the hardships even of war itself.
[39] See the map of the Canton River, in which the chart of the
Broadway, or Macao Passage, is reduced from a very large Chinese
manuscript, kindly lent by Captain Scott, who states that he found it
_approximatively_ correct. Indeed, it was the best guide to the Nemesis
(except the lead) as she proceeded, for the native pilots were not
found to be of much use. The distances _from place to place_, however,
cannot be depended on as exact; but in the original manuscript every
fort and military station was marked in its proper position. The names
given in Captain Scott's despatch are spelt somewhat differently from
what they appear on the original chart, but upon the whole they are
sufficiently correct.
[40] Inquiry has often been made what method was adopted in order to
open a passage through obstacles such as I have described above. It
may, therefore, be here remarked, that several modes were at different
times resorted to, according to circumstances. Where the stakes were
not driven in very firmly, it was easy, by fastening a hawser round
the top of them, and making it fast to the steamer, to back her out,
and pull them one by one away; but as this was a tedious process, a
hawser was sometimes fastened round ten or a dozen of them in a line
across the river, and carried from one to the other, but fastened to
each of them in such a way as to leave about a few fathoms of slack
rope between each pair. The end of the hawser was made fast to the
steamer with a tolerable length of line out, and she was then backed at
full speed. The momentum thus acquired was soon sufficient to drag the
first pile away with a jerk; and this one being fastened already to the
next, as before described, with a fathom or two of slack line between
them, the force of the steamer, which still continued to back astern,
was sufficient to jerk that one away also; and thus proceeding at full
speed backwards, the steamer pulled them all away, one after the other,
still remaining fastened together by the hawser; but the power of the
jerk was only applied to one at a time.
In cases where the stakes were driven in to some depth, or where the
bed of the river was tenacious, it was necessary to pull them fairly
out perpendicularly, by luff-tackle led up to the mast-head. The piles
were gradually loosened a little by being pulled to and fro; for which
purpose chain-slings were passed round the head of the pile, and a
hawser being then made fast, was led aft along the deck; thus by being
pulled in various directions, sometimes one way and sometimes another,
the pile was at length drawn fairly out, something like drawing a
tooth. The bows of the steamer were run nearly close up to the piles
during this operation, and she was steadied by a hawser run out from
the quarter to the banks of the river.
A great point seems to lie in the management of the steamer itself, so
as to be able to apply the power in the proper direction, and at the
right moment. This is the more important, as the stream is generally
pouring through or over the stakes with the greater impetuosity, owing
to the obstruction it meets with from the obstacles in its way. This
also constitutes the difficulty of getting through the opening, even
after it is once made. It is often necessary to lay out a kedge on each
bow to steady the vessel, as she works her way through, and to prevent
her from falling broadside on to the stream.
Generally on these occasions the water was shallow, so that it was
necessary to raise both keels of the vessel, and also the drop-rudder,
and therefore it was sometimes extremely difficult to steer her
under those circumstances, and the use of the kedges became the more
necessary. In the present instance a space of twenty-two feet was
opened, and the steamer was got through with considerable care and some
difficulty.
[41] It should be here mentioned, that Capt. Larkins, who formerly
commanded one of the East India Company's vessels, and had been long
acquainted with the Chinese character, volunteered his valuable
services upon the occasion.