The eventful year of 1841 was now drawing fast to a close. The troops
at Ningpo had been moved into more convenient quarters for the winter,
the close of which was anxiously looked for in the hope that sufficient
reinforcements would arrive to be able to commence the next campaign
with vigour. The weather set in intensely cold, in the middle of
December. On the 14th of that month, the hills were all covered with
snow, which soon began to fall heavily in the town as well, and proved
that although the summers are very warm in China, the winters are
intensely cold and trying. The health of the troops continued good,
supplies were tolerably abundant, and the officers managed to beguile
the time by shooting-parties in the neighbourhood, where plenty of
game, woodcocks, snipes, pheasants, &c., were to be found.
For some time, as was before stated, reports had been brought in
of the assembling of large bodies of Chinese troops in some of the
neighbouring towns, with the object, it was supposed, of preventing the
people from holding friendly communications with us, and perhaps also
to threaten us with an attempt to recover the city. The continuance of
frosty weather, which rendered their soft paddy-fields firm and fit for
operations, determined the general to make a military expedition as far
as Yuyow, in order to ascertain how far these reports were correct, and
to dislodge the Chinese troops if any of them should be found collected
there.
On the 27th of December, the three steamers, Nemesis, Sesostris, and
Phlegethon, having a number of boats in tow, and carrying altogether
about seven hundred men, including the marines and seamen, proceeded up
the north-western branch of the river. The Nemesis conveyed Sir Hugh
Gough, Sir William Parker, and a detachment of the 18th Royal Irish,
together with a small detachment of artillery. The Sesostris, owing
to her greater draught of water, was compelled to bring up below the
intended point of debarkation. A few miles below the town a party of
Chinese soldiers were dispersed who had evidently been employed to
stake the river across, which they had already commenced.
In the evening, the Nemesis and Phlegethon anchored close off the town
of Yuyow, when crowds of Chinese were observed running down to their
boats and trying to make their escape up the river. The troops were
disembarked without delay, and took possession of a small undefended
battery of four guns recently erected, and then marched up the hill
overlooking the city, without opposition, and took up their quarters
for the night in the joss-house, or temple, upon the top of it, from
which a good view of the country had been obtained on a former occasion.
The city was said to be occupied by upwards of a thousand troops,
and preparations were made for escalading the walls on the following
morning, when the seamen and marines were landed with that object,
under the admiral in person.
Just at the critical moment, some of the respectable inhabitants came
out, and stated that the garrison had withdrawn during the night, and
that the gates were open for us. It was little expected that treachery
was intended, and the troops with the marines and seamen, entered the
town in two divisions; and having got upon the ramparts, they followed
them in opposite directions, in order to go round the town and meet at
the opposite side. At the same time, the Nemesis weighed and moved a
little higher up the river; and from the mast-head it was distinctly
seen that a body of Chinese troops were drawn up outside the town,
close to a bridge leading over a canal. The boats were, therefore, sent
further up the river, manned and armed, in case the Chinese should
attempt to escape in that direction.
Just at this time, the Chinese opened a fire of ginjals and matchlocks
upon the naval division, as they were advancing along the wall of the
town; but our troops, after some little delay, having found their way
out of the town by the northern gate, closely pursued the enemy, who
had already taken flight. The Nemesis, and subsequently the Phlegethon,
opened fire on them the moment they were perceived.
The pursuit was a toilsome one, owing to the peculiar character of
the frozen paddy-fields, covered with snow, which the Chinese could
scramble over faster than our own men; but some of the Chinese were
killed, and some were taken prisoners. Most of them threw off their
thick wadded jackets, and flung away their arms, and having a good
knowledge of the country, and of the direction of the causeways, which
were completely covered with snow, were able to make good their escape.
The pursuit was discontinued, after following them seven or eight
miles; but a military station, which was passed in the way, was set
fire to and destroyed.
In the mean time, the boats of the Nemesis, under Captain Hall, having
pushed on some way up the river, had overtaken two mandarin boats,
which were trying to escape. A quantity of official papers were found
in them, together with some Sycee silver, which was handed over to
the prize-agents; some valuable fur cloaks were also taken, and the
boats were then burned, the people belonging to them being first sent
ashore. Several farm-houses on shore were then searched for troops,
but none were found. At some distance, however, some men were seen
carrying a handsome mandarin chair in great haste across the country.
Chase was given, and it was soon overtaken; but, instead of a mandarin,
it was found to contain a very good-looking young _mandarin's lady_,
with an infant in her arms, and a quantity of trinket-boxes. The poor
thing was much frightened, but was allowed to be carried on without
molestation. On returning to the boats, they were pushed up further, in
the direction in which our troop had followed the enemy.
At Yuyow, an extensive depôt was discovered outside the town,
containing ammunition, arms, and clothing, and was totally destroyed.
Four guns, which were discovered concealed near the landing-place, were
embarked on board the steamer. It was now evident that the reports
which had been brought to us concerning the preparations of the Chinese
were perfectly correct.
In the town itself there was nothing particularly worthy of attention;
and on the 30th, our force was re-embarked, and the steamers returned
down the river, and came to anchor for the night, as near as they
could to the town of Tszekee, which lies, as before stated, about four
miles from its banks. On marching up to it the following day, it was
found unoccupied; and even the authorities of the town, alarmed by
the intelligence from Yuyow, had fled from the place. The inhabitants
appeared peaceably inclined; and, in order the better to conciliate
them, and to shew that our measures were solely directed against their
government, the large public stores of rice were distributed to the
poor people of the place. The same evening, our force returned to
Ningpo, having, during these five days, succeeded in spreading the
alarm throughout all the adjacent country, and in destroying all the
reliance of the people in the power of their own troops to protect them.
The year 1841 had now closed, and it had been the most eventful one
since the commencement of our difficulties with the Chinese. Our
measures had assumed a new character of vigour, while treaties had been
made and unmade by the Chinese with almost equal facility. But deep and
lasting humiliation had been inflicted upon them; the honour of the
English flag had been vindicated, and the strength of her arms had been
tried, and proved to be irresistible to the Chinese.
It was soon discovered that the effect of our descent upon Yuyow, and
our visit to Tszekee, had been to spread the utmost consternation
through all the district, and to alarm even the high officers at the
provincial capital, Hang-chow-foo. The imperial commissioner and many
of the wealthy inhabitants now fled out of that city, and sought refuge
in Soo-chow-foo, nearly one hundred miles further to the northward.
In fact, there was a general dread of our immediate advance upon the
former city; and there is little doubt that the general would have
gladly undertaken the expedition, had he possessed sufficient force to
do so without giving up Ningpo.
Some encouragement was given to this flattering expectation, by the
fact of the Phlegethon steamer and the Bentinck surveying vessel being
sent, early in January, to examine the great bay of Hang-chow-foo,
and the port of Chapoo, which, as it were, commands the approach to
the city, and is the centre of its commerce. This hoped-for movement
in advance, however, never took place. But, with a view to keep up in
the minds of the Chinese the impression which had been produced by our
movement upon Yuyow by the north-western branch of the river, a similar
attack was projected upon Fungwah, which lies nearly at the same
distance up the south-western branch. No authorized expedition had yet
been made to explore this branch; but, on two occasions, Captain Hall
and some of his officers and men had proceeded a considerable way up,
partly moved by curiosity, and partly with a view to examine the river.
On one occasion, they must have nearly reached the city of Fungwah
itself.
In both these excursions, the Chinese seemed very much astonished and
alarmed at the boldness of the attempt. The first excursion was merely
a walking and shooting party, but enough was seen of the country to
distinguish it as a rich, well-cultivated, and picturesque tract. The
small cotton-plant was cultivated in great abundance, and the women (at
least the elder ones) sat quietly at their doors, busy at the spinning
wheel, without appearing to be much alarmed. Several canals were
observed close to the river side, but not flowing into or communicating
directly with it. They were separated from it by rather a steep
_inclined plane_, _made of stone-work_, intended as a substitute for
locks, with strong windlasses for the purpose of hauling the boats up
on one side, and letting them down on the other; certainly an original
and curious contrivance.
The second excursion was much more extensive, and was made in one
of the steamers' cutters up the river. On passing through the first
village, four shots were heard, but it was difficult to say whether
they were fired at the boat, as the shots were not seen to fall. The
river was found to be remarkably tortuous, so as to appear sometimes,
when viewed from a distance, as if it ran in contrary directions.
Numerous pretty-looking villages were passed without any appearance of
hostility; and, at the distance of about eighteen miles, the river was
found to divide into two branches, one of which continued in a westerly
direction, and the other ran about south-east. Following the latter a
short distance farther, a well-built stone bridge was discovered, with
five arches, the centre one about twenty feet above the water, which
was here from five to six fathoms deep; the span of the principal arch
was thirty-five feet, and upon the top of the bridge was a sort of
sentry-box, or small look-out place, secured with a padlock.
Near at hand, upon the left bank of the river, was a very pretty
village, in which there was one large house, distinguished from the
others by having Chinese characters carved upon it, the meaning of
which, of course, could not be ascertained. About a quarter of a mile
above the bridge, the banks of the river were studded with well-built
houses, surrounded by groves of trees, among which the tallow-tree was
the most striking, by the peculiar reddish tint of its foliage at that
time of year. The course of the river was now about south-east, and it
was still nearly one hundred yards broad, with three fathoms water.
Three miles above the first bridge a second one was discovered, and
the river now turned due south. A little beyond this point the party
landed, as it was now getting late, and ascended a hill upon the
left bank of the river, from which there was a beautiful view of the
surrounding country and the hills in the distance. A high pagoda
could be distinguished some way off to the westward, and a round,
white watch-tower, or look-out house, upon a hill to the eastward,
covered with fir-trees, about a mile distant. At first the villagers
seemed terribly frightened, but, soon perceiving that no mischief was
intended, they approached with the utmost eager curiosity, anxious to
examine everything, particularly the boat and the men's clothes. Their
manner was respectful and orderly, which is generally the case with the
Chinese, if properly treated.
It was now time to descend the river, although the flood-tide was still
making. On approaching the principal stone bridge, it was found crowded
with people, so that it was necessary to arrange some plan of defence,
in case their purpose should prove to be one of hostility rather than
of curiosity. If necessary, Captain Hall resolved that all the party
should hastily land at the extremity of the bridge, except two men,
who were as quickly as possible to push the boat through the nearest
arch, and then pull it across to the opposite side; while those who had
landed were to force their way across the bridge, and re-embark in the
confusion on the opposite side. On coming up to the bridge, however,
no opposition was offered, and indeed it was noticed that there were
a number of women among the lookers-on, and that many others were
hobbling out of their houses, led by irresistible curiosity to get a
first look at the strangers. Abundance of wild fowl were seen along
the banks of the river, several of which were shot; and, late in the
evening, the party again reached their vessel at Ningpo, well rewarded
for the day's excursion. The small walled town of Fungwah is situated
less than thirty miles up this same branch of the river.
On the 10th of January, the General started from Ningpo, with the
object of making a descent upon Fungwah, in the expectation that some
military stores, and probably a small body of Chinese soldiers, would
be discovered. The Nemesis and Phlegethon were both employed on this
service; the former vessel carrying detachments of the 49th, 18th, and
55th regiments, with artillery, sappers and miners, and followers, and
having also on board Sir Hugh Gough and Sir William Parker, with their
suites. Several boats were also taken in tow. As the steamers could not
pass beyond the first bridge, the troops were all landed at that point,
with Sir Hugh Gough at their head, intending to march direct upon
Fungwah, while the Admiral continued to advance up the river, with the
boats carrying the seamen and marines. No opposition was met with, and
both divisions arrived simultaneously at the city walls. It was found
that the Chinese soldiers had abandoned the place, and the authorities
had also fled. The inhabitants and the neighbouring peasantry all
seemed peaceably inclined, though apparently overcome with astonishment
and curiosity. The prospect from the hills at the back of Fungwah was
very striking, and abundance of rice and other grain crops appeared to
be cultivated.
On the following morning, nothing remained to be done but to destroy
the government buildings, and to distribute the contents of the public
granaries to the people, as had been the case in other places. In the
afternoon, the whole force rejoined the steamers, and next day returned
to Ningpo.
The effect of these various movements must be viewed, not as involving
matters of military skill or courage, but as calculated to have the
most salutary effect upon the people and upon the government, not
only by the alarm which they created, but by the good feelings and
forbearance which was uniformly shewn towards the inhabitants, when in
our power, and _abandoned_ by their own authorities.
The result of the examination, by the Phlegethon and the Bentinck, of
the character of Hang-chow-foo Bay, appears at this time to have rather
discouraged the idea of advancing upon the capital by the river which
leads up to it. The tides were found to be so strong at the mouth of
the river, that it was impossible to attempt to push even a steamer up,
with any degree of safety. The Phlegethon made the attempt to enter
the river's mouth, but became perfectly unmanageable, and was very
nearly carried upon a sand-bank, where she would probably have been
lost. She was, however, got out of danger with some difficulty when the
tide slackened, which it does very suddenly in that part. But no power
of steam and sails combined was sufficient to stem the current, which
seemed to hold the vessel completely at its mercy for some minutes.
A reconnoissance of the position of Chapoo, however, sufficed to shew
that it was accessible to our ships, and could be reduced without much
difficulty; in which case, the road to Hang-chow-foo, by the hills,
would be open to us, with a good causeway the whole distance of about
fifty miles to the capital.
We may judge of the size and volume of water in most of the Chinese
rivers, by the fact, that, even at Hang-chow-foo, the river is not less
than four miles broad, opposite the city, at high water; while the
rapidity of the current may be judged of by the fact of its diminishing
to about two miles in breadth, at low water, leaving a fine level
strand as far down as the eye can reach towards the sea. This was
noticed during the short visit paid to it by Lord Macartney's embassy.
Rumours now continued to be brought, of the arrival of reinforcements
at Hang-chow-foo, and other parts of the province; and, before the
end of February, Sir Hugh Gough also received reinforcements, by the
arrival of part of the 26th regiment, in the Jupiter troop-ship. The
Cornwallis arrived at Chusan in January, for the flag of Sir William
Parker, having succeeded in beating up the whole way from Hong-Kong,
against the north-east monsoon, contrary to the anticipations of many,
who doubted whether so heavy a ship would be able to accomplish it. The
movement upon Hang-chow-foo, however, if at any time seriously thought
of, seems now to have been quite abandoned; and, as we shall presently
see, Chapoo was destined to be the grand point of attack for opening
the next campaign.
In January, Sir Henry Pottinger and Sir William Parker went over to
spend some time at Chusan, in the Nemesis, which vessel now required
considerable repairs, and was ordered to undergo a thorough refit.
It is astonishing how easily an iron vessel can be repaired. At
Amoy, a large hole had been knocked in her bottom; and from being so
continually employed in exploring rivers, running along coasts, and
landing troops, it is not surprising that some repair was required; but
it is worthy of remark, that she had been able to do her duty so long
and so well without it.
In the evening of the 5th of March, the arrival of the Clio, Captain
Troubridge, was announced, (fourteen days only from Hong-Kong,)
bringing the mails, and the joyful news of the promotions in the
service, consequent upon the taking of Canton, and the exploits in the
Canton River.
On the 7th of March the Nemesis was sent to reconnoitre Chusan, having
Captain Collinson also on board, for the purpose of making surveying
observations during the trip. They passed round the western and
northern sides of the island, and having reached Tai-shan, which is
about six or seven miles distant from it, they steamed all round that
island, looking into the different bays, and spying into the villages,
to see if they could discover a camp, or any signs of the presence of
any troops. The navigation round the island is dangerous, for there are
several rocks, at different points, barely covered with water.
At length they anchored off a small town in a bay on the south-eastern
side of the island, where several junks were seen at anchor. To the
north-east of the town stood a remarkable hill, from which it was
expected that a view of the whole island could be obtained. Here the
officers landed, with Captain Collinson's boat's crew, and part of
that of the steamer, together with eight artillery men. There was no
appearance of hostility, and they all marched on to a second village,
in which, as well as in the first one, it was asserted by the people
that there were no soldiers left in the island, as they had all gone
away to another island in the neighbourhood. The party then returned on
board, and the steamer moved up towards a creek, at which the water was
too shallow for her to enter.
In the evening Captain Collinson again landed in his gig, with a view
to ascend to the top of the hill; and so confident was he that there
were no armed men upon the island, that he declined taking an escort
with him, and was with some difficulty persuaded to allow two armed
artillerymen to follow him, and was himself quite unarmed. Lieutenant
Bates accompanied him. Scarcely had they reached the top of the hill,
and were beginning to take their observations, when a large body of
armed Chinese were observed, emerging from their hiding-places in
the creek in which they had landed, which was at a point about two
and a half miles from the steamer. Evidently their intention was to
cut off their retreat, and make them prisoners. Flight was therefore
the only resource, and had it not been for the assistance of the two
artillerymen, they would have stood little chance of effecting their
retreat to the boat. These two men, however, by coolly retreating
alternately, the one firing, while the other reloaded as he withdrew
towards the landing-place, managed to keep the Chinese in check, so
that Captain Collinson reached the boat in safety.
It was now a question what steps were best to be taken on the following
day; for there could be little doubt that if the steamer left the
island without landing a body of men to attack the Chinese soldiers,
who evidently were in force, a report would be sent to the Emperor
of a great victory having been gained, in which the barbarians were,
of course, driven into the sea, and their vessels sent away from the
coast. It was therefore resolved to _make an impression_ upon them;
and accordingly at five o'clock in the morning, the four boats of
the steamer, manned and armed, under Captain Collinson and Captain
Hall, with Lieutenant Bates, Mr. Freeze, and other officers of the
ship, pushed off from the vessel, and proceeded up the creek. They
had also eight artillerymen with them; and the two engineers likewise
volunteered their services. The party numbered altogether sixty-six,
including officers.
About two miles and a half up the creek they discovered a number of
transport junks, crowded with Chinese soldiers, with their banners
flying. A little distance from the banks of the creek, which gradually
sloped up towards some detached houses above, were posted another body
of the enemy; altogether, there were probably five or six hundred men.
Gradually, as the boats advanced, the soldiers who had not before
landed joined the other body on shore, and commenced a distant fire of
ginjals and matchlocks, without doing any mischief. It was, however,
returned by the boats as they neared them, and their crews were just
about to land, when a thick smoke was observed to issue from one of the
nearest troop boats. It immediately occurred that this might arise from
a train having been laid to blow up the boats if they should be taken
possession of. It was therefore thought prudent to land a little lower
down.
The moment the boats began to descend, the Chinese, thinking they were
retreating, set up a loud shout, and advanced upon them, brandishing
their spears in defiance, thinking that the victory was already won.
In this they were soon to be undeceived. Our men all landed as quickly
as possible, and were formed into two columns; the right, or advanced
one, led by Captain Hall himself, and the left by Mr. Freeze (mate
R.N.), the chief officer of the Nemesis. Immediately they were ordered
to advance, the Chinese began to waver at their bold front, and the
first volley poured into them, within pistol-shot, completely put
them to flight. They were now so closely pursued that their military
chest was captured, in charge of a mandarin and two soldiers, who were
killed. The prize was found to consist of only two thousand dollars,
but even that was a pleasant addition to the prize fund. The Chinese
were pursued for some distance, about fifty of them being left upon
the field, and eight taken prisoners. The houses on the rising ground
above, in which some of the soldiers had been quartered, and also
several of the transport junks in the creek, were immediately set on
fire.
After collecting some of the scattered arms, as trophies of victory,
the little party again returned to the steamer, the Chinese having
been totally dispersed. She rejoined the Admiral, at Chusan, the same
evening.
So far this little gallant affair had been perfectly successful, in
discovering the rendezvous of the Chinese; but it was believed that
many of their soldiers had already crossed over to Chusan, disguised as
peasants, in readiness to act in concert with other parties, whenever
the attack should be made on the island. Captain Collinson was,
therefore, sent back again in the Bentinck, with orders to prevent the
escape of the soldiers from the island of Tai-shan, and the Nemesis was
directed to follow as soon as she could get in her fuel.
It was now discovered that the Chinese had managed to extinguish the
flames in their boats before they were seriously injured, and had by
this means made their escape over to Chapoo. But the Admiral afterwards
made a personal examination of the island, with a party of seamen and
marines of the Cornwallis. No military depôt was discovered, but two
government stations were completely destroyed. The effect of this
spirited discomfiture of the Chinese, at Tai-shan, was to secure Chusan
from future hostile attacks.
The assembling of these troops so close to Chusan was, doubtless,
connected with the grand scheme of attack upon all our positions, which
was attempted, at this very time, more particularly against Ningpo and
Chinhae. It was probably also well known to the Chinese that Sir Hugh
Gough was absent at Chusan, whither he had proceeded, in consequence of
rumours afloat concerning the projected attack on that place.
The Chinese seem to have planned their attacks remarkably well; but so
many reports had been before brought in, of some projected operations
by the Chinese, that at length very little attention came to be paid
to them; and when it was positively asserted by Mr. Gutzlaff, the
interpreter, on the evening of the 9th, that, from certain information
which he had received, there could be no doubt of a grand attack being
resolved on that very night, no one really believed that anything of
a serious nature would occur. It was doubted whether the Chinese,
after their recent defeats, would have the moral courage to become
themselves the _aggressors_. There were no external indications of any
preparations for an attack, although some of the inhabitants were seen
leaving the town on that day; and many of the tradesmen, with whom our
men were in the habit of dealing, plainly told them that they would
have hot work that night. All this was treated merely as a specimen of
Chinese bravado.
It is remarkable that we should have had no certain tidings of the
collection and preparation of such a vast number of fire-rafts and
vessels, higher up the river, as soon proved to have been the case, for
the iron steamers might at all times have been sent up, to ascertain
how far any such reports were well grounded. The fact is, the Chinese
_did_ take us a little by surprise, and that is often the result of
holding an enemy too cheap, and having too great a confidence in
one's own resources. Circumstances favoured them to a certain extent;
the smallness of our force rendered it impossible to keep a line of
sentries along the whole circuit of the walls, which were nearly
five miles round; the extent and nearness of the suburbs beyond the
gates gave the enemy an easy approach without being observed, and the
darkness of the night favoured the attempt.
The first intimation of the attack was by the firing of two guns which
the Chinese had brought down to the river's bank, against H.M.S.
Columbine, which, together with the Modeste, was anchored before the
town, as were also the H.C. steamers, Queen and Sesostris. This was
at half-past twelve, P.M. But the firing was not repeated, (it having
probably been only meant for a signal,) and nothing further occurred
until about three o'clock; but, by this time, the garrison were under
arms.
Four fire-rafts were now discovered dropping down the river, from its
south-western branch, (leading to Fungwah,) towards the Sesostris; and,
but for the quickness with which one of her cables was slipped, and the
assistance of her own boats, aided by two other boats from the Modeste,
in towing them clear towards the shore, they would have been across the
hawse of the Sesostris. Fortunately the rafts took the ground clear of
the steamer, and exploded without doing any mischief.
All this time, the Chinese kept up a fire of small arms from the
banks of the river, but without effect. But the Modeste, which was a
little lower down the river, below the Sesostris, opened her broadside
upon the eastern suburb, with the object of stopping the advance of
the Chinese in that direction, and on the following morning it was
discovered that her fire had demolished the walls of one or two houses,
which fell in, and disabled the gun which had been brought down on
purpose to attack the Modeste.
So far, then, the attempt upon the river-side proved a total failure;
but it served as a signal for the general attack upon the town, which
began simultaneously at the southern and western gates. The extreme
darkness of the night rendered it at first impossible for those who
were at a distance to ascertain the precise points of attack. The
principal assault, in the first instance, seems to have been upon the
south gate, from within and without at the same time. The alarm was
given, the bugles sounded throughout the town, and word was brought to
Colonel Morris, who commanded the garrison, that the guard at the south
gate had been driven in, and the same intelligence was also brought to
Colonel Montgomerie, commanding the Madras artillery, who were already
under arms upon the ramparts.
A company of the 49th, under Captain M'Andrew, was immediately ordered
up by Colonel Morris towards the south gate, which they were to retake,
if it was found to have been carried by the enemy. At the same time,
Colonel Montgomerie, with two howitzers, and a party of artillerymen
armed with fusils, commanded by Captain Moore, and reinforced by a
strong patrol of the 18th, under Lieutenant Murray, proceeded also
towards the south gate, which he now found in the possession of Captain
M'Andrew and his company, who had gallantly _retaken_ the gate, after
charging down the street which led to it, driving the Chinese before
him with the bayonet, and killing a great many of them. The Chinese
had penetrated as far as the market-place; many of them had scaled the
walls, and were seen upon the ramparts; but upon being challenged, and
seeing the troops advancing, most of them jumped back again over the
ramparts, and in this way many were killed, or were shot at random as
they were seen running away. Thus the south gate was completely cleared.
There is reason to believe that a good number of the Chinese soldiers
must have previously come into the town in disguise, for the gates
were attacked simultaneously both _from within_ and _from without_.
The movements of the Chinese were so well concerted, that their
approach was not discovered until they actually attacked the gates,
and gallantly succeeded in _scaling the walls_. Had not the alarm been
given by the firing of the ships in the river, and had the Chinese
been well officered, it would have caused us heavy fighting to have
ultimately dislodged them from the town, a part of which was, for a
few minutes, in their possession. But even their successes, such as
they were, only served to embarrass them, for they did not know how to
turn them to account. It should be remarked, however, that Sir Hugh
Gough had skilfully disposed his troops long before this event, by
concentrating them in one part of the town, where their quarters were
close to each other, and where they could be mutually supported in case
of attack.
It was afterwards discovered that the attacking party were a new
body of picked men, from a distant province, who had never yet come
into contact with our troops. Money was also found upon the persons
of those who were killed, four or five dollars upon each, which had
probably been given to them either as arrears of pay, or as a sort of
bribe or extra allowance to induce them to fight. But other incentives
were also employed, for some of the wounded prisoners were evidently
under the excitement of opium. Many of them were remarkably athletic,
fine-looking men, and everything tended to prove that this was a grand
and desperate effort.
Daylight was beginning to dawn, and the west gate was at this time
found to be the principal scene of action; indeed, it was in that
direction that the _main body_ of the Chinese seem to have advanced.
Orders had been sent to reinforce the guard at the west gate with the
grenadiers of the 49th, and Colonel Morris also hurried up to it in
person, with another company of the 49th; while Colonel Montgomerie,
with the artillery, having been joined by Colonel Mountain, with a
party of the 26th, proceeded on in the same direction.
On arriving at the west gate, it was found to have been gallantly
and successfully defended by Lieutenant Armstrong, who commanded the
guard of the 18th, assisted by a small detachment of the 49th, under
Lieutenant Grant. The enemy had attacked it in great force, rushing
boldly up to the very gate, which they attempted to force, while others
were endeavouring to scale the wall. The grenadiers of the 49th arrived
just in time to assist in completing the repulse of the Chinese.
Colonel Montgomerie, having now come up with his reinforcement, dashed
at once through the gateway in pursuit, the enemy having been driven
across a small bridge into the suburbs. Numerous dead bodies of Chinese
were found close to the gate, but they appeared to be in great force
in the suburbs, from which a smart but ineffectual fire of matchlocks
was kept up. A few shells were thrown into the suburbs from the two
howitzers; but it was evidently necessary to continue the pursuit
through the suburbs, for the Chinese appeared to be in full retreat
across a bridge at some distance down, which seemed to be the principal
thoroughfare.
Our force on the spot was extremely small, amounting, when they had all
fallen in, including artillerymen, to not more than one hundred and
twenty-six rank and file, and ten officers. But with this small force
Colonel Montgomerie determined to dash on, being assisted throughout by
Colonel Mountain, C.B., Deputy-Adjutant-General; and, accordingly, they
immediately advanced up the principal narrow street of the suburbs.
Having followed it for about half a mile, they came upon the main body
of the enemy, who crowded the whole length of the street in a dense
column, but without appearing to be at all wavering or inclined to
give way. On the contrary, a high officer on horseback was seen to
encourage the men, who set up a great shouting, and brandished their
swords and spears in defiance. But in a narrow street the dense mass
was necessarily incommoded by its own numbers, and the steady fire
of the head of our column, as they advanced upon them--one section
delivering its fire, and the next taking its place for the first to
reload--brought down all their foremost and boldest men, every shot
telling with unerring certainty. They could neither advance to charge
our column, nor could they retreat, as long as the rear of their column
chose to hold their ground.
On coming up within about fifty paces of them, the two howitzers were
ordered up to the front, while a party of the 18th, under Lieutenant
Murray and Lieutenant Molesworth, of the artillery, were ordered round
by a side lane to act upon the enemy's flank; Colonel Mountain and
Colonel Montgomerie also went round, (having first waded across a
canal,) and witnessed the terrific effect of the fire of three rounds
of grape, in quick succession, from the howitzers, which dealt terrible
havoc among them. At the same time, the detachment of the 18th fired
upon them down the lane as they fled, and a more complete scene of
discomfiture and slaughter could not be imagined.
The Chinese were soon in full flight in all directions across the
country, the main body of them retreating along the banks of a canal
in a continued line, not less than a mile long, while numerous smaller
parties broke off from the main body, and tried to escape the best way
they could. Many were supposed to have been drowned in the canal. The
pursuit was followed up for about seven or eight miles, and the loss of
the enemy was estimated altogether at not less than from five to six
hundred men, and only thirty-nine prisoners were taken. On our side,
one man only was killed, and a few were wounded. The principal loss of
the Chinese was inflicted by the fire of the howitzers upon their dense
masses, in the narrow street, and the sustained fire of our column as
it advanced upon them. Not a few, however, were killed inside the walls
of the city. The force they brought against us is supposed to have
exceeded five thousand men, consisting of their best soldiers, and a
great part of them were evidently under the excitement of opium.
Early in the morning, the boats of the Modeste and Sesostris moved
up the south-west branch of the river, in search of fire-boats, but
found none. In the afternoon, however, the boats of the Columbine,
under Captain Morshed, together with the Queen steamer, proceeded
up the other, or north-western branch, and discovered, not far up,
thirty-seven fire-vessels. They were all in a state of perfect
preparation, being filled with combustibles and jars of powder, and
also provided with _leather caps and fire-proof dresses_ for the men
who were to have the charge of them; each of them had also a small
punt, or sampan, attached, for the escape of those on board. The early
discovery of those which were first sent down, or probably their having
been sent adrift too soon down _the other branch_ of the river, had
evidently disconcerted this part of their plan. The whole of these
boats were scuttled and destroyed.
Some miles higher up, near Tsekee, many more junks, of every size
and shape, were found filled with combustibles; and still more were
discovered higher up, moored on each side of the river. It was also
observed, that on the hills opposite Tsekee, there were three Chinese
encampments, one of which was set on fire by the soldiers, as the boats
approached. In fact, it became evident that preparations of a much more
extensive kind than we could have anticipated, had been made, for one
grand combined effort to drive us into the sea, before reinforcements
could join us.
The attack upon Chinhae took place about the same time, but was much
less important in its nature, and conducted with less vigour and
resolution, than that on Ningpo. Early on the morning of the 10th
March, the alarm was given that ten fire-vessels were floating down the
river towards the ships of war and transports at anchor off Chinhae.
The boats of the Blonde and the Hyacinth, under Commander Goldsmith of
the latter vessel, and Lieutenant Dolling of the former, immediately
dashed at them, and drove them on shore, out of the way of the
shipping, where they exploded.
About the same time, a body of Chinese soldiers got up close to the
west gate of Chinhae, without being discovered, until they opened
a fire of ginjals, and attempted to force their way in. But Captain
Daubeny, with a company of the 55th, immediately sallied out of the
gate, and pursued them into the suburbs, whence they fled towards
a joss-house, or temple, about a mile from the walls, where they
joined the main body, about twelve hundred strong. Colonel Schoedde,
with three companies of the 55th, now joined Captain Daubeny, and
immediately charged them, and put them to flight. But it was very
difficult to follow, or come within musket range of them, owing to the
peculiar nature of the ground, which was cut up in all directions by
water-courses; although the labyrinths of paths and causeways were, of
course, perfectly well known to the retreating enemy. About thirty of
the Chinese and two of their officers were killed, but the number of
wounded could not be ascertained. A quantity of military weapons and
some powder were captured.
The plans of the Chinese had thus signally failed at all points of
attack; but it must be admitted that at Ningpo they shewed a great
deal of determination and personal courage, and their plans were, in
reality, very well arranged.
Information of these important attacks was immediately sent over to Sir
Hugh Gough and Sir William Parker, who were at Chusan, and induced the
General instantly to return to Ningpo. Sir William Parker also returned
as soon as he had completed his examination of the island of Tai-shan;
and he brought with him the Phlegethon and Nemesis, merely stopping at
Chinhae on the way, to pick up a few marines and small-arm men from the
Blonde. No time was then lost in pushing up the south-western branch of
the river above Ningpo, whither the General had preceded him with part
of the 18th and 49th regiments, and two guns, in order to learn if the
enemy were in force there.
Tidings had been brought to Sir Hugh Gough, that a strong body of
several thousand Chinese troops were posted not far from Fungwah,
preparatory to another descent upon Ningpo. But as soon as he had
marched about six or seven miles up, the Sesostris steamer moving
parallel with him by the river, with part of the 26th regiment on
board, positive information was obtained that the enemy had retreated
over the hills the preceding night, and that it would be useless to
attempt to follow them.
It only now remained to advance against the strong body of the Chinese
who were known to be posted along the banks of the other branch of the
river, and who were reported also to have thrown up strong entrenched
camps upon the Segoan hills, at the back of the town of Tsekee, and to
be commanded by three of their most famous generals.