The results of the capture of Chapoo, and of the total defeat of
the best troops the Chinese had yet brought against us, were very
remarkable. On the one hand, the people more than ever dreaded our
power, while they also wondered at our forbearance; and, on the
other hand, the tone of the government began evidently to change,
and overtures were now made (probably with a view to gain time)
to induce our military and naval commanders-in-chief to suspend
hostilities. Advances of a similar kind had been made at Chinhae, but
did not appear to be founded upon sufficient authority to permit them
to be entertained. They were renewed at Chapoo, but in an equally
unsatisfactory manner, and the agent of the Chinese on both occasions,
and also on subsequent ones, was a mandarin of low degree, the very
sending of whom was sufficient to point out that their object was
merely to sound our disposition, and blind our credulity.
At Hang-chow-foo the people were so much alarmed that they openly
expressed their dissatisfaction to the High Imperial Commissioner
Yih-king, who was also generalissimo of the forces, a member of the
imperial cabinet, and a relation of the Emperor. But above all, the
generous treatment of the Chinese prisoners by the orders of Sir Hugh
Gough, the attention shewn to their wounded, and their being at last
all given up before our forces left Chapoo, _each of them receiving a
present of money_, (about three dollars for each man,) all these humane
proceedings together produced a most powerful impression upon all
classes of the Chinese.
When the Chinese prisoners were sent back from Chapoo, a letter was at
the same time addressed to Elepoo,[63] in reply to the overtures which
had been made. It was to the effect, "that hostilities could not be
suspended until the Chinese government were disposed to negotiate on
the terms offered by the British government, through the medium of her
majesty's plenipotentiary, who was then daily expected at Chusan."
Elepoo was determined not to be outdone in courtesy, and before
our fleet entered the Yangtze river, he sent a very important and
remarkable letter, addressed to our commanders-in-chief, styling them
the "Honourable General and Admiral." He talked a great deal about good
faith and sincerity, and thanked them for sending back the prisoners,
and for the attention and kindness shewn to the wounded. He proceeded
to inform them, that he had in return sent back all _our_ prisoners
to Chapoo, who had been previously kept at Hang-chow-foo; but that on
their arrival there, it was found that the fleet had already sailed,
in consequence of which they were obliged to be taken back. He further
added, "that he was desirous to negotiate and make arrangements, in
order to protect _the lives of the people of both countries_."
Neither the prisoners nor the letter were, however, received for some
time afterwards. By Elepoo's orders, _thirty dollars were afterwards
paid to every white man, and fifteen dollars to every native of India,
or, as they call them, to every "black man;"_ thereby marking their
sense of the distinction between them. Altogether, there were sixteen
prisoners restored by the Chinese, two of whom belonged to the Nemesis,
one being an English seaman, the other a negro lad, who had been a
slave at Macao, but had escaped and came on board the Nemesis, where he
turned out a very smart, useful lad. They had been kidnapped at Chusan,
and thence carried over to the mainland.
After having been brought back to Hang-chow-foo, from Chapoo, the
prisoners remained there five days, and were well fed and taken care
of. They were then put into sedan chairs, and carried through the whole
Chinese army encamped to the southward of that city. The camp appeared
to be of immense extent, and full of soldiers, who crowded round the
sedan chairs with eager curiosity, but without attempting to offer
any violence. They appeared particularly amused at the appearance of
the black men. It was remarked, that about one in ten of the soldiers
was armed with a matchlock, the rest having only spears, swords, and
bows and arrows, the latter of which they seemed to be most proud of.
The danger they ran of having their clothes set on fire by the match,
particularly when wounded, or by the ignition of the powder, always
made them more or less afraid of arming themselves with the matchlock.
After travelling for several days, partly in sedans and partly along
canals, during which they passed a large town, called Chow-king,
apparently as large as the capital itself, the prisoners arrived at
Yuyow, on the 11th of June, whence they were conveyed to Ningpo, and
after a very short halt, proceeded down the river to Chinhai, where
they were most joyfully received on board H.M. brig Pelican, by Capt.
Napier.
Communications subsequently took place between Elepoo and our military
and naval commanders-in-chief. In one of these Elepoo says, that he
is surprised to learn that the fleet of our "_honourable country_ had
sailed up the Woosung river, firing guns and stirring up a quarrel;
and then expresses his regret that the war had already lasted so long,
and that many lives had been lost, and unspeakable misery produced. Is
it not far better to enjoy the blessings of peace than to fight for
successive years, and to fill the land with the bodies of the slain?"
This, however, was merely an attempt to lull the activity of our
commanders, and to delay their measures by pretence of negotiation.
The reply of Sir Hugh Gough and Sir William Parker was
characteristic--namely, "that they were thankful to Elepoo for having
sent back the British subjects who were prisoners, and begged to
assure him that they gladly recognised in this act the good feeling
which should always subsist between civilized nations. In respect to
the other letter they added, that with the utmost desire to lessen
the calamities of war, it was their duty to proceed with hostilities
until they were assured that a functionary, _duly authorized_ by his
Imperial Majesty, should be prepared to negotiate a peace, and to meet
those just demands which had been repeatedly submitted to his Imperial
Majesty. With every respect for his exalted position and acknowledged
probity, the high British officers must remind his excellency, that
they have not yet been apprized that he is _authorized to treat_, on
the conditions promulgated by the British government."
The high tone of these letters must have rather surprised both the
veteran Elepoo and the imperial cabinet. They had been so long
accustomed to communicate with foreigners only through inferior agents,
that they could hardly bring themselves on a sudden to adopt the
practice of conducting negotiations upon a footing of perfect equality.
The ingenious expedient was therefore resorted to of sending to Canton
to order up some of the Hong merchants to act as mediators. The aged
Howqua excused himself on account of his infirmities, but sent his
only surviving son in his place, accompanied by Samqua, another Hong
merchant of repute, and two linguists.
The journey from Canton to the province of Che-keang, or rather to that
part of it in which their services might be required, Hang-chow-foo, or
Soo-chow-foo, a distance of upwards of six hundred geographical miles,
was no pleasing task in the middle of summer, particularly in a country
where the only mode of travelling is in sedan chairs. However, they
were compelled to go, but were speedily sent back again without having
been permitted to hold any communication whatever with any of our high
officers. Indeed, Sir Henry Pottinger had long before so positively
refused to receive both the Hong merchants and the Prefect of Canton,
that it is surprising how any further expectation could have been
formed that their services would be required.
While speaking of the Hong merchants, it is worth mentioning, that
about this time notice was sent by the aged Howqua to the foreign
residents at Canton, that there was reason to believe that some of
the wells had been poisoned, and that there were vendors of poisoned
provisions about the streets. If this report was true, the diabolical
purpose was thus frustrated, and no bad results followed.
We must now return to the operations of our forces, subsequently to
the capture of Chapoo. Fortunately the health of the troops had been
good during their ten days' stay on shore, so that nearly the whole
force was in a condition to take part in the projected operations in
the Yangtze river. Lieutenant-Colonel Tomlinson, whose death was so
much lamented by all his brother officers, was buried at sea soon after
Chapoo was taken, being carried out in the Phlegethon, as it was feared
that if a grave were dug for him on shore, his remains might be taken
up by the Chinese, and a great boast made of their having killed one of
the high English officers.
On the 27th May, a great part of the troops were embarked on board the
different transports, and the remainder on the following morning, when
the whole fleet got under weigh. On the 29th, they anchored in a safe
and extensive sound, which had been discovered by Captains Kellett and
Collinson, at the Rugged Islands, about forty miles to the eastward of
Chapoo. Some days were spent at this anchorage, in order that a proper
channel into the Yangtze river for large vessels might be carefully
examined. During this interval, the Admiral took an opportunity of
revisiting Chusan, in the H.C. steamer Pluto, which had just arrived
from England, together with the small iron steamer Ariadne, from
Bombay.
On the 5th June, the whole fleet stood up towards the entrance of the
river, but their progress was much delayed by the great strength of
the tides, and also by fogs, so that they did not reach the appointed
rendezvous off the Amherst rocks, (a little to the eastward of the
mouth of the river,) until the 8th, having always been obliged to
anchor at night.
A further delay now occurred, while the Modeste, with the Nemesis and
Pluto steamers, were detached to intercept the communications up the
river, and to reconnoitre the defences of Woosung. A large fleet of
trading junks was soon espied near the latter place, and the Nemesis
was ordered to give chase, and bring them to. She very soon got ahead
of them, and cut them off, obliging them to anchor immediately. Some,
however, persisted in holding their course, until several shots had
been fired across their bows. The junkmen appeared terribly frightened,
although Mr. Gutzlaff, who was on board the Nemesis, assured them that
they would receive no injury, and would be allowed to depart again, as
soon as their cargoes had been examined.
A great number of junks were found laden with the most beautiful fish,
very carefully packed in ice, probably destined for Nankin, and for
places along the imperial canal; but it is remarkable that none of
these cargoes were fallen in with afterwards, higher up the river;
which tended to prove that there were innumerable canals by which they
could convey their produce into the interior, without proceeding up
the main river beyond a certain point, thereby avoiding the delays
occasioned by the currents, and the dangers of the navigation. This
excellent opportunity of getting well supplied with fish and ice was
not allowed to pass unheeded, but none of the junks were detained
beyond a few hours. _One_ junk, however, was always kept back, until
another made its appearance; but, as it was impossible for strangers to
distinguish at a distance the _kind_ of junks which were loaded with
such a welcome cargo, every captain was made to understand that he
would have to supply fish and ice for the use of the steamer, until he
could point out another junk coming up the river with a similar cargo,
which was then to take his place, and he was to be liberated. In this
way, one continued to succeed the other. This hint was quite sufficient
to put the fellows in excellent humour. It was curious to observe what
a sharp look-out they kept, frequently climbing up to the mast-head to
see if their longed-for substitute was approaching. The one who last
arrived soon reconciled himself to this fate very good-naturedly, when
informed by his predecessor that no great harm would be done to him.
They all, however, seemed very glad to get away, the moment permission
was given to them, and refused all kind of payment when offered. Fresh
fish of the best quality, and plenty of ice to cool the wine and beer,
were unexpected luxuries.
At Woosung, Captain Watson, with the Modeste, which was anchored
just out of range of the batteries, was occupied for several days in
sounding the channel, and was assisted in this duty by the Pluto,
under Lieutenant Tudor. They were ordered to reconnoitre the mouth
of the Woosung river, (which empties itself into the Yangtze, about
twenty-five miles up its southern branch,) preparatory to the grand
attack upon the batteries.
The night of the 11th of June was particularly dark and rainy, and
the opportunity appeared singularly favourable for making a close
reconnoissance of the batteries. The Modeste lay some way off shore,
and the tide was running so strong that it was impossible for Captain
Hall, who had anchored the Nemesis much nearer in, to communicate
with his senior officer, Captain Watson, concerning the plan which
he proposed for reconnoitring the batteries. About two hours before
midnight, the cutter of the Nemesis was ordered away, manned and armed,
to make a close examination of the batteries, and of the channel
leading into the Woosung river, which the former were principally
designed to protect.
Having carefully sounded the channel, Captain Hall boldly pushed in
as quietly as possible, towards the front of the batteries; and being
favoured by the boisterous weather, he landed on the beach without
being discovered. He could now distinguish the Chinese sentry quite
near him; and on looking through one of the embrasures he could see
one of the military mandarins on duty, going his rounds along the
battery, attended by two armed soldiers, one of whom carried a large
paper lantern before him, which threw a strong light in his face, and
prevented him of course from seeing objects, even at a very short
distance from him. It was evident, therefore, that the Chinese were
upon the alert; though it would have been very easy, with the help of
the boat's crew, to have made prisoners both of the mandarin and two
soldiers, before the alarm could have been given.
After three hours' examination, and a heavy pull against the rapid
current which prevails there, the boat of the Nemesis got back to the
vessel; and on the following day she rejoined the Admiral off the
Amherst rocks. It was about this time that the little Ariadne steamer,
having been sent to ascertain the exact position of a rock lying off
the mouth of the Yangtze, unfortunately ran directly upon it, and was
bilged. A sail was immediately passed under her bottom, to cover the
leak, and she was towed by the Sesostris into Chusan harbour, where,
owing to some unforeseen accident, she afterwards went down in deep
water, and all attempts to get her up again failed.
On the 13th, Sir William Parker, in the Cornwallis, accompanied by the
Blonde, Columbine, Jupiter troop-ship, and the Phlegethon, Tenasserim,
and Medusa steamers, together with twelve transports, got under weigh
from the anchorage off Amherst rocks, and succeeded in reaching the
mouth of the Woosung river, without any accident whatever. The Clio,
Bentinck, (since called Plover,) Starling, and two transports, had
been stationed as beacon-vessels, to mark the proper channel, which,
however, was so shallow, that for a part of the distance there was
little more water (only a few feet) than the actual draught of the
Cornwallis.
On the following day, the Admiral and the General proceeded in the
Medusa steamer, the smallest which was under his command since the loss
of the Ariadne, and jocularly christened the Pilot Fish, to make a
close reconnoissance of the whole line of defences extending along both
sides of the Woosung river.
It is here necessary to bear in mind the relative position of the
Woosung river in respect to the Yangtze, in order to avoid confusion
in reading the account of the operations. The former empties itself
into the latter on its right bank, and the village or small town of
Woosung, which contains nearly five hundred houses, stands at its
mouth. This place was visited by Mr. Medhurst, during his missionary
tour up the coast of China in 1835, and the people were there found to
be remarkably civil and well disposed.
The breadth of the river at its entrance may be about a mile, but the
channel for vessels of moderate burden is somewhat intricate, and
scarcely more than three hundred yards wide. The course of the river
runs nearly north and south, and, as it joins the great Yangtze, its
banks gradually widen out, until they are soon lost in the banks of
the larger river. The principal line of defence was situated along its
western bank, running from the upper end of the village of Woosung for
a distance of full three miles along the river's mouth, and curving
gradually round towards the banks of Yangtze river.
The town of Paoushan is situated nearly two miles in the rear of the
batteries at that end. This long line of embrasures mounted not less
than one hundred and thirty-four guns; but they were generally a great
deal too wide, and the battery was constructed of earth, very much like
the works already described at Chusan. Stakes were driven in along the
front to protect it from the sudden landing of troops, and probably to
secure the banks from the effects of inundations.
Just above the village of Woosung, and skirting it on its southern
side, was a large creek or canal, communicating with the river, and
protected by a strong semicircular stone battery, regularly built, and
mounting ten brass 24-pounder guns. From its position it served to
defend the river itself, for it commanded the whole reach, as well as
the mouth of the creek.
On the eastern side of the river, opposite Woosung, stood a strong
fort, principally built of brick, nearly of a circular form, and from
its elevation calculated to have a long range. It was flanked by a
line of embankments, with embrasures not yet completed, but mounting
altogether twenty-one guns. There were one hundred and seventy-five
guns mounted for the defence of Woosung. But it was not the number
of guns which constituted the strength of its defences. The choicest
Tartar troops had been collected at this point, who were prepared to
defend it obstinately. They worked their guns with great spirit, and
kept up a better sustained fire than they had done on any previous
occasion; and when their principal line of battery was turned by
the movement of a body of seamen and marines upon their flank, they
defended themselves with remarkable obstinacy and courage, and did not
hesitate to measure the sword with the cutlass, or to cross the spear
with the bayonet.
There was some difficulty in finding a spot where troops could be
disembarked with a view to turn the position, for the water shoaled
to three feet, within two hundred yards of the banks, and the
disembarkation could only be effected under cover of the guns of our
ships.
On the morning of the 16th, both the tide and the state of the weather
being favourable, the Admiral determined that the attack should be made
without further delay, and ordered that the ships should be towed into
action by the steamers, so that they would be enabled to take up the
precise positions allotted to them. There were five steamers ready for
the service, besides the little Medusa, which was reserved to meet any
unforeseen contingency. It was the first action in which the ships of
war were _all_ towed into their appointed stations. The little Algerine
was the only exception, as she was directed to get in as near as
possible under sail. Even the North Star, Captain Sir E. Home, which
only came in sight just as the action had already commenced, was towed
in by the Tenasserim, which, after placing the Blonde in her proper
position, was sent out on purpose to fetch her.
The Cornwallis and Blonde, being the two heaviest ships, were to take
up their positions in front of the batteries, just below the village
of Woosung, and the light squadron was then to pass them and proceed
up the river to attack the village, and the battery at the mouth of
the creek above it, and also the circular battery on the opposite or
east side of the river. The light squadron consisted of the Modeste,
Columbine, and Clio, towed respectively by the Nemesis, Phlegethon, and
Pluto.
The channel had been buoyed off the previous night, and two junks had
been moored so as to mark the entrance, on the eastern side of which
there ran out a long sand-bank.
At the dawn of day on the 16th all the ships of war got under weigh,
and by six o'clock they were in tow of their respective steamers. In
this instance, and indeed throughout all the operations in the north
of China, under Sir William Parker, the steamers were always lashed
_alongside_ the vessels they had to tow, instead of going ahead. This
plan was found to answer remarkably well in the intricate navigation of
the Yangtze river, as the movements of both vessels were more easily
managed. The Blonde, towed by the Tenasserim, led in towards the
batteries; the Cornwallis followed, bearing the Admiral's flag, and
lashed alongside of the Sesostris. This post of honour was assigned
to the Blonde, because, as soon as the light squadron had passed up
the Woosung, she would have been nearer at hand to support them, if
necessary.
The Blonde and Cornwallis received the fire of the Chinese, which
was opened with great spirit, without returning a shot, until they
had anchored by the stern in excellent positions. The light squadron
then passed them, except the little Algerine, which could not follow
the rest under sail, and therefore brought up a little astern of the
Admiral's ship.
The Modeste, under Captain Watson, who commanded the light squadron,
was towed by the Nemesis up the river in gallant style, boldly dashing
in towards the creek above the village of Woosung, and receiving a
severe and well-directed fire from the whole line of batteries, but
more particularly from the battery of ten brass guns situated at the
corner of the creek, the approach to which, as before described, it
commanded. Both of these vessels suffered a good deal in executing this
bold manoeuvre; and in order to shelter the men, they were all ordered
by Captain Hall to lie down at quarters, on board the Nemesis, until
the Modeste had been placed in a good position. The fire of the Chinese
was severe and well directed, and the Nemesis suffered a good deed as
well as the Modeste.
Some way further up the river, fourteen war-junks were in sight, and
also five large newly-built wheel-boats, each moved by _four wooden
paddle-wheels_. These vessels also opened fire, but at such a distance
that their shot fell short. The Columbine, towed by the Phlegethon,
and the Clio by the Pluto, followed their gallant leader up the river
towards the creek.
In the meantime, the North Star was observed just coming up towards the
mouth of the river, and the Tenasserim steamer, which had just cast off
the Blonde, was now sent out to tow her into action, and she was placed
just ahead of the Blonde.
The Nemesis cast off the Modeste as soon as she had carried her up to
the mouth of the creek, and within musket-shot of the ten gun-battery,
and then opened fire with her foremost gun upon the war-junks, and with
her after-gun upon the battery itself. The junks returned the fire
as the Nemesis advanced towards them, but the moment she came within
range of grape and canister, the Chinese Commodore, or Admiral, set the
example of running away, which all the rest were glad enough to follow.
They now made for the shore the best way they could, each trying
which could reach it the quickest, but the wheel-boats had a decided
advantage, and were moved through the water at the rate of about three
and a half knots an hour. Grape and canister were now poured into them
as fast as the guns could be loaded. The confusion among the Chinese
sailors was great: some took to their boats or sampans, others jumped
overboard, and tried to swim ashore, and a few of these must have been
drowned.
The wheel-boats were, as a matter of curiosity, the first boarded,
and it was afterwards ascertained that they were each commanded by a
mandarin of high rank: which marks the importance they gave to them.
These wheel-junks were fitted with two paddle-wheels on either side,
strongly constructed of wood. The shaft, which was also of wood, had
a number of strong wooden cogs upon it, and was turned by means of a
capstan, fitted also with cogs, and worked round by men. The machinery
was all below, between decks, so that the men were under cover.
They were all quite newly-built, and carried some two, some three,
newly-cast brass guns, besides a number of large ginjals. A quantity of
matchlocks, spears, swords, &c., were also found on board.
[Illustration:
Battle of Woosung.
From an Original Drawing by Capt. Watson. R.N. C.B.
London, Henry Colburn, 1845.
]
In pursuing two of the largest junks too close in shore, the Nemesis
took the ground when the tide was falling. The Phlegethon came up at
this time, and tried to tow her off, but without success, and she,
therefore, stuck fast for some hours. But the boats were sent away
manned and armed under Mr. Galbraith, with orders to capture and
destroy the rest of the junks which were floating about the river,
deserted by their crews. Other boats were sent to destroy those which
had been run ashore, but it was seen from the mast-head that the
Chinese were lying in wait to cut them off among the scattered trees
and buildings by the river side; and they were, therefore, ordered not
to go out of gun-shot from the steamer.
The Phlegethon, under Lieutenant M'Cleverty, took part in the
destruction of the junks, and out of the whole fleet only two war-junks
escaped. Three wheel-boats and one junk were afterwards towed down the
river to the fleet, but the rest were set on fire and destroyed.
To return to the advanced squadron. As soon as the Modeste was cast off
from the Nemesis, sail was made, and she was carried alongside a wharf
or small jetty within the creek, close to the village of Woosung. The
ten-gun battery opposite kept up its fire upon her, but, under cover of
a broadside, the Modeste was made fast to the jetty. In this position
she soon silenced the fort with her larboard-guns and small arms, and
received little damage from the fire of the enemy, because they could
not depress their guns enough to bear upon her with effect, so close
was she.
The pinnace was now sent ashore, manned and armed, to take possession
of the fort, and there was some skirmishing with the rear-guard of the
Chinese who were retreating. Mr. Birch, with a party of seamen, was
at the same time ordered to spike the guns; and at this moment the
Columbine, followed by the Pluto steamer, came up, and poured in a
well-directed fire upon the column of the retreating enemy.
During all this time, the Cornwallis, Blonde, and North Star were hotly
engaged with the batteries, abreast of which they were anchored, and
soon made the Chinese slacken their fire. Perceiving this, Captain
Watson boldly determined to land, with the marines and small-arm men
of the Modeste, Columbine, and Clio, within the creek, in the hope of
being able to turn the enemy's flank next the village, and also cut off
their retreat. A body of the Chinese were observed lying down under
cover of the embankment, apparently in readiness to meet their enemy.
Captain Watson now formed his men, and gallantly dashed on towards the
Chinese, but had to cross a deep canal, over which there were several
small wooden bridges, in the rear of the works.
The Chinese received them with a heavy fire of matchlocks and ginjals,
but gradually retreated as Captain Watson advanced, and fell back
upon their main body, who now shewed a most determined front, and
deliberately planted their ginjals directly in the only path by which
they could be approached. Captain Watson had already ten of his men
wounded; and, finding his party getting a little straggled, he drew
them outside of the line of embankment, in order to form them again.
The Chinese now came boldly out, brandishing their spears in defiance;
and threw a volley of hand grenades, which went over their heads.
At this moment, Captain Bourchier, seeing Captain Watson's party hotly
engaged with the Chinese, who were much their superiors in numbers,
dashed on shore from the Blonde, directly in front of the battery; and
at the same moment Captain Watson's party made a rush at the enemy, who
stood their ground so firmly, that for the second time the spear and
the bayonet were crossed, and no one who witnessed the obstinacy and
determination with which the Chinese defended themselves could refuse
them full credit for personal bravery. They were now driven back under
cover of some houses, where they rallied.
By this time the marines and seamen of the Blonde and Cornwallis were
landed nearly opposite those vessels, under Captain Bourchier, Captain
Peter Richards, and Sir Everard Home, and joined Captain Watson. Sir
William Parker also landed; and, as soon as the men were all formed,
they succeeded in driving the enemy out of the whole line of batteries.
A small party from the Algerine, under Lieutenant Maitland, boldly
landed before they could be well supported, and were a little cut up.
The Sesostris in the meantime had been closely engaged with the strong
fort on the eastern side of the entrance of the river, where she took
the ground in such a position that she was able to bring her guns to
bear, so as soon to silence the enemy, when Captain Ormsby landed at
the head of a body of small-arm men from the Sesostris and Tenasserim,
and took possession of the fort.
The troops were not landed in time to take any part in the engagement,
for most of the steamers had taken the ground, and it was not until
past twelve o'clock that there were any means of putting the troops
ashore. Sir Hugh Gough then landed just opposite the Cornwallis, and
determined to advance immediately upon the town of Paoushan in the
rear, towards which it was understood a large body of the Chinese
had fled, together with the governor of the provinces. Major-General
Schoedde was now ordered to move forward, so as to get in the rear of
the town, in hopes of cutting off the enemy who might be retreating
in that direction; while Sir Hugh Gough, with the rest of the force,
reinforced by the naval brigade, moved along the river batteries.
On reaching Paoushan, it was found already in the possession of
Major-General Schoedde's brigade, which had entered it without
opposition; the soldiers and a great part of the inhabitants flying
out of it in great consternation. The walls of the town were not found
to be in very good repair, but they mounted about fifty guns, of which
seventeen were brass. The main body of the Chinese were ascertained to
have fled in the direction of Soo-chow-foo.
The number of killed and wounded, on the Chinese side, was less than
might have been expected, probably not exceeding altogether a couple
of hundred; but among them was the commander-in-chief of the Chinese
troops. On our side, one officer (Lieutenant Hewitt, R.M.) and one
seaman, were killed; and among the wounded were Mr. Purvis, midshipman
of the Blonde; Mr. A. J. Smith, mate, and Mr. Roberts, master of the
Sesostris; together with fifteen seamen, one corporal, and five royal
marines, and one Bombay artilleryman, most of them severely, and
several dangerously.
Many large and well-made guns were captured, particularly some
newly-cast brass guns, of great length. Some of the best and heaviest
guns were mounted upon the ten-gun fort, at the point of the creek
where the Modeste was so hotly engaged. But the greater part of the
guns were of small calibre, and about one-half of the whole number
captured were 6-pounders, or under. The largest were 24-pounders,
and there were a good many varying from 10 to 18-pounders. About two
hundred and fifty guns were captured altogether, including those taken
at Paoushan; of these, forty-two were brass.
There was one very curious iron gun, of a peculiar shape, being very
small at the muzzle, and very large from the middle to the breach. It
was of Chinese casting, and had an inscription on it, which shewed
that it was upwards of three hundred years old. There was also another
curious old gun, with the arms of Spain upon it. Besides the above, a
number of large ginjals and matchlocks, together with military stores
of all kinds, were discovered and destroyed; and to these must also be
added the guns destroyed in the war-junks.[64]
The Chinese were not prepared to expect the complete defeat they
sustained at Woosung. The great extent of their preparations for
defence, the determined resistance they offered, and the improvements
they had adopted in the form and casting of their guns, and in the
construction of their junks, sufficiently indicate the importance which
they attached to the defence of this position. Precisely in proportion
to their previous expectations were the disappointment and panic
produced by their defeat.
Information was obtained, through Mr. Gutzlaff, that the Chinese were
removing their property and families from the important commercial
town of Shanghai, situated about fourteen miles up the Woosung
river; from which place it was known that there was very extensive
water-communication with some of the most important districts and
cities of China.
No time was to be lost in taking advantage of the prevailing panic;
and, accordingly, on the day after the capture of Woosung, the Nemesis
and Medusa steamers were sent up, with Captain Kellett on board, for
the purpose of sounding the channel, and to ascertain what defences the
Chinese had constructed higher up. The deepest channel was found to run
along the left bank for about two miles, and then to cross over towards
the right bank, by keeping which on board there was water enough for a
frigate at half-flood.
About seven miles up, they came in sight of two forts, one on either
side of the river. One of these fired off all its guns at the two
steamers, but the shot fell far short. Soon afterwards a blaze was
seen to burst out in each of the forts, and, on inquiry, it was found
that the Chinese had set the buildings on fire, and then abandoned the
works. Being ordered not to proceed further than this point, the two
steamers rejoined the Admiral, in order to report the result of the
reconnoissance.
The same afternoon, the Modeste, Columbine, and Clio, towed as before
by the Nemesis, Phlegethon, and Pluto, were sent up the river, under
the command of Captain Watson, with orders to place them near the two
batteries, but out of their range, and then to land and destroy the
guns, if the Chinese were found to have abandoned them.
On the morning of the 18th, these orders were skilfully executed; but
the Clio unfortunately grounded, and, as the tide was falling, could
not be towed off. Captain Watson landed with the marines and small-arm
men of the Modeste and Columbine, and took possession of the forts
which had been abandoned. In the larger fort on the right bank were
found forty-one guns, eight of which were brass, and, in the opposite
fort, fourteen guns, of which likewise eight were brass, or, more
properly speaking, of copper. Many of these were found dismounted, and
the carriages taken away. The tents and buildings had been already
destroyed. Higher up the river eight war-junks were discovered, which
were set on fire and destroyed, except one, in which the copper guns,
captured in the forts, were put on board and sent down the river.
Reinforcements had now arrived to join both arms of the expedition,
but were just too late to take part in the action at Woosung. H.M.S.
Dido, Honourable Captain Keppell, arrived the very evening after the
engagement; and, on the next day, the 2nd regiment Madras Native
Infantry, and detachments of Artillery, with Sappers and Miners, also
joined the forces under Sir Hugh Gough.
The 19th was the day fixed for the capture of Shanghai, for which
purpose one column of our troops was to march by land, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomerie, M.A., consisting of about one thousand
men, including the 18th and 49th regiments, with detachments of the
Madras horse artillery and the royal artillery, with Sappers and
Miners. The rest of the troops were embarked in the Tenasserim,
Nemesis, Phlegethon, and Pluto steamers, which took in tow respectively
the North Star, Modeste, Columbine, and Clio. The marines of the
squadron were also taken up in the little Medusa; and Sir William
Parker and Sir Hugh Gough, with their staff, accompanied by Captains
Bourchier, Richards, Keppel, and other officers, proceeded up the river
in that vessel.
They passed the deserted batteries, and met with no opposition until
they came within sight of the city, where a long, well-constructed
battery, situated below the town on the same or the left bank of the
river, opened fire on the North Star and the other vessels, as they
approached, but at such a distance as to do no damage. A couple of
broadsides from the North Star and Modeste, with a few shot from the
Tenasserim and Nemesis, sufficed to drive the Chinese out of the works.
Captain Bourchier, with the seamen and marines, immediately landed and
took possession of the battery, upon which no less than forty-nine guns
were found mounted, seventeen of which were of copper.
The steamers conveying the troops soon reached the city of Shanghai,
where the 55th regiment was landed from the Nemesis, upon a small
jetty, without the necessity of using boats; another instance of the
great utility of flat-bottomed, iron steamers. The city had been
already taken possession of by the column under Colonel Montgomerie,
without resistance, and many of the respectable inhabitants were
hurrying off in great consternation, while the low rabble had, as
usual, commenced their work of robbery and destruction the moment the
authorities left the place.
Colonel Montgomerie's column had met with no opposition during its
advance, and but little difficulty, except occasionally in crossing
the guns over the narrow water-courses. They passed close in the rear
of the fort which had opened on the ships, without seeing it; but,
upon hearing the firing, they hastened on to the city, in the belief
that the sound of the firing came from that direction. A large body of
the Chinese however, was observed in full retreat, and a few rockets
were thrown among them to hasten their flight; but, owing to the many
water-courses, and the swampy nature of the rice grounds, it was
impossible to come to close quarters with them.
On reaching the north-gate of the city, there appeared to be no
preparations made for resistance, and the only two guns which could be
seen mounted at the gateway looked harmless enough. In fact, there was
no one at the gate; and two or three of our men, having contrived to
get over the wall, soon opened the gate, and admitted the rest. It was
now discovered that the place had been abandoned by the authorities the
previous evening. The people generally shewed no ill feeling towards
the foreigners, but rather an inclination to conciliate their good
offices.
The city, which, though wealthy, and of more agreeable aspect than
most other Chinese towns which had been visited, was not given up to
plunder; indeed, Sir Hugh Gough used every means in his power to
prevent the commission of any excesses whatever. Very little plunder,
or, as it was called, "loot," was obtained, and was almost entirely
limited to curiosities. There was no wanton aggression. Many of
the houses were found deserted, and these were the only ones which
suffered, except where downright robbery was committed by the gangs of
Chinese plunderers.
Every effort was made to put a stop to these abominable proceedings,
and some of the most respectable inhabitants were called upon to take
charge of a few of the large deserted establishments, particularly the
pawnbrokers' shops, which, in all Chinese towns, are establishments of
enormous extent.[65]
As soon as the city was taken possession of, and guards placed at the
gates, the Columbine and Medusa were sent a little way up the river, to
endeavour to check the depopulation of the city, for the inhabitants at
that time were hastening away in crowds, so that the river was actually
covered with boats of all descriptions, laden with furniture and goods.
The Nemesis was also sent up in search of war-junks, and to reconnoitre
the country. No further hostile preparations, however, were discovered.
Quiet was maintained within the city, and the vessels of war and
steamers were all anchored directly opposite the town.
The vast number of large trading-junks, which were lying there,
surprised every one. Many of these were laden with valuable cargoes;
both banks of the river were completely lined with them; and there were
also numerous large stone warehouses, filled with merchandize, some of
which contained large quantities of sugar, salt, and provisions; there
were also extensive timber-yards, and several large junks upon the
stocks.[66]
Shanghai must be a place of immense commercial importance, not only
as regards the internal traffic of the country, but also in respect to
its foreign commerce, or at least its trade with the remoter parts of
China, and even with Siam and Cochin-China. It is said to rank second
only to Canton in commercial importance, particularly as the junks
belonging to the southern provinces are prohibited from trading further
north than this city, which therefore, in a certain degree, enjoys a
monopoly. During Mr. Medhurst's visit to it, he reckoned that there
were a thousand large junks in the river; and on visiting it, not long
after it was taken, and when the trade was almost entirely stopped, I
was myself much struck with the large size of the junks, which crowded
both sides of the river.
Mr. Gutzlaff states that the imports of Shanghai already far exceed the
exports; and, therefore, the difficulty again arises as to the mode of
payment for the _additional_ imports, which will soon find their way to
Shanghai since the opening of the port. The Americans look forward to
getting a large supply of green tea at Shanghai in exchange for their
cotton, green tea being in extensive use among them.
Shanghai has immense internal communication with all the central parts
of China; it is situated in the richest and most productive part of the
country, and the adjacent district has been called the Chinese Arcadia.
The country is one fertile flat, occasionally subject to ravages by
inundations, but generally drained and cultivated with great care. In
some parts, the land, lying below the level of the rivers, is only
maintained by strong and extensive embankments. The whole country is
covered with hamlets and villages, and cotton is cultivated in great
quantities.
The inhabitants of Shanghai have, on all occasions, shewn a friendly
disposition towards foreigners; and where the latter have been treated
with rudeness, it has been solely by the orders of the mandarins, or at
their instigation. Both Mr. Medhurst and Mr. Gutzlaff bear testimony
to this fact, during their early visits; on which occasions the people
eagerly asked to receive books, of which several thousand copies
were distributed. So important is the trade of this place, that the
appointments in the public service are anxiously sought for, and the
office of superintendent of customs is considered extremely lucrative.
Mr. Gutzlaff's testimony respecting this place is curious. Speaking of
his visit, in 1832, he says, "the mandarins never directly interfered
with my distributing books or conversing with the people; and after
issuing the severest edicts against us, they gave us _full permission
to do what we liked_. They afterwards praised our conduct, but gave
the people their paternal advice to have nothing to do with us. An
imperial edict arrived, ordering us to be treated with _compassion_,
but not to be supplied with rice or water. But they sent us quantities
of live stock and flour, upon the sole condition that _we would not pay
for them_." It is, in fact, a curious thing to observe how easily the
Chinese evade all regulations when their interest leads them to do so,
and how readily they adopt every subterfuge.
I chanced to pay a visit to Shanghai the very day after the conclusion
of peace was first made known in the town. We landed from our boat,
at a little stone jetty in front of a deserted temple, before which
there was an open paved court, or square, crowded with people. Nothing
could surpass the good order which prevailed; not a noise or groan was
heard, or inconvenience of any kind experienced. Curiosity seemed to
be the sole absorbing feeling, and one could hardly imagine that this
was only the first week of peace, and that a hostile force had a short
time before occupied the city. A Chinese crowd is the most orderly in
the world; and, if we may judge of civilization by the quiet, sober,
deferential bearing of a large body of people crowded together in
narrow streets, certainly the Chinese deserve to bear the palm. A few
soldiers were appointed to attend us through the town, who, instead of
arms, carried a fan-case, tied round their waist, and a whip in their
hand, with which they cleared the way with apparent good will, as we
proceeded along the streets of the suburbs.
It was a curious sight to look down the long, narrow, paved street,
on each side of which were crowds of shaved heads, each trying to
raise itself an inch or two higher, to catch a glimpse of the passing
strangers. The steps and doorways were crowded, and also a few of
the windows; but most of the shops being shut, and the houses having
generally only one story, there were none of those groups of figures,
men, women, and children, rising in stages, one above the other, such
as are seen in Europe from the bottom of the house to the top, when
anything remarkable is to be seen.
The greatest contrast, next to the immense collection of bald heads,
and brown, roundish, ugly-looking features, consisted in the total
absence of women, which, in any part of Europe, would have formed
perhaps the most numerous and noisy part of the assemblage. There was
no appearance whatever of rudeness or hostility; and when the people
were warned out of the way, or pushed aside, and reminded, by a gentle
touch of the whip, that they must move out of the way, they did so in
apparent good humour.
The inner town appeared to be only separated from the suburb by
the actual wall, there being little difference in the houses on one
side or the other. Two or three additional soldiers turned out of
the guard-house as we passed, and joined our escort, certainly a
shabby-looking set.
Much was said of the so-called tea-gardens of Shanghai; but, on
reaching them, great was our astonishment to find that they ought
rather to be called _tea-ponds_. According to our notions, land and
grass, and plants and flowers, are supposed to belong to gardens--even
to tea-gardens; but, at Shanghai, it is quite the reverse, for water
predominates.
Ornamental gardening in China, properly so called, is extremely
uncommon. At Canton there is a very good garden belonging to a Hong
merchant; but, generally speaking, the land is too precious, for the
purpose of producing food, to permit the Chinese to devote much space
even to fruits.
At the entrance to the tea-gardens our approach was greeted by the
plaintive voice of an old woman, who professed to sing songs to the
accompaniment of an instrument of a peculiar kind, covered with
snakeskin. It had three strings fastened to a long handle, with a small
drum at the end of it, and was played with a bow.
The gardens were more remarkable from their novelty than their
beauty. The place consisted in reality of a sheet of nearly stagnant
water, with paths or platforms, or little islands, intersecting it in
various directions, upon which were built summer-houses, or pavilions
of various shapes, in Chinese style, in which the good citizens of
Shanghai assemble to drink tea (at any hour of the _day_), and smoke
the pipe, which is a Chinaman's invariable companion, for recreation.
There were also a few walks among heaps of stones, called artificial
rocks, with seats scattered here and there; but in most respects the
whole place greatly disappointed our expectations.
Among the most remarkable objects at Shanghai were the enormous
ice-houses, both within and without the city, in which ice is stored
for public use. This was a perfect luxury to our soldiers and sailors
when the place was taken.
We spent the night in a deserted joss-house, close to the
landing-place; and, during the evening and the following day, crowds
of curious visitors came to look at us, and made themselves agreeable
as well as they could. They seemed to be particularly pleased with the
Company's new rupees with the queen's head upon them, and willingly
gave half a dollar each for them;--being rather more than their value.
Glass bottles were in great request, and the _brandy_ was pronounced
excellent.
One of the principal mandarins came down to pay us a visit, preceded
by criers and runners; then came whippers-in, and a couple of
executioners, with chains in their hands, as a sign of their calling;
then came the great man, seated in a very gay sedan-chair; next
followed a couple of dirty-looking fellows with gigantic fans; and
two or three men mounted on ponies closed the procession. The people
stood on either side the street, and gazed in silence. They had
little curiosity about the movements of the great man, but a vast
deal concerning every step or look of the strange-looking foreigners.
The mandarin was extremely courteous and well-bred towards us, and we
observed that he was treated with great deference, and no one except
ourselves dared to sit in his presence.
An interesting incident occurred at Shanghai, not long after the peace.
Sir Henry Pottinger, on his return from Nankin, went up in a steamer
to Shanghai, to make arrangements about the future place of residence
for our consul, and also to settle about the ransom-money of the city.
One morning, a boat came alongside the steamer, having on board a very
respectable-looking man, in Chinese costume, who sent up his card as
"M. l'Evêque de Nankin," at the same time requesting an interview with
the plenipotentiary.[67] This was readily acceded to. It now appeared
that this gentleman was the head of the Roman-catholic missionaries
of the province or district of Nankin; that he had been many years in
China, suffering great tribulation, and in continual danger of his
life; that the missionaries had suffered great hardships, and many
of them had lost their lives. For a great length of time he had not
been able to hold any communication with his fellow-labourers in any
other part of China, and had been deprived of all tidings from any
other country. He had lived in fear and trembling, but had personally
escaped persecution by leading a very retired and unobtrusive life, and
particularly by avoiding all interference in public matters. He had
been afraid to make himself known, or to have any communication with
Europeans, as long as the war lasted, as it would probably have caused
him trouble. His flock was numerous, but scattered. He had supported
himself entirely by his missionary labours, and had now joyfully seized
the opportunity to request that letters might be conveyed for him to
Macao. He had removed from Nankin, on the approach of our forces; and
altogether there was much interest attached to his history.
There is a great abundance of game to be found in the neighbourhood of
Shanghai, principally pheasants, and various kinds of wild fowl. But it
greatly astonishes the Chinese that any man should take the trouble to
shoot birds, or find any amusement in the sport, when he could easily
get people to shoot them for him upon very slight payment.
The sum agreed to be paid for the ransom of Shanghai was said to be
three hundred thousand dollars, which was considered in the light of
a contribution, similar to the ransom-money of Canton. Whatever the
amount may have been, it was reckoned as part of the money stipulated
for by the treaty of Nankin.
A quantity of guns, arms, and military stores, were, as usual, found in
the arsenal within the city, and also large stores of rice. Sixty-eight
guns (exclusive of those in the batteries below the town) were captured
at Shanghai. Seventeen of these were of copper, newly-cast, and very
heavy, and, consequently, valuable for the prize fund. In a battery
facing the river, fifty-six guns were found, of which seventeen were
brass 6-pounders. Altogether at Shanghai one hundred and seventy-one
guns were captured. But, reckoning the whole number of guns taken in
these operations, both at Woosung and at Shanghai, and in the various
batteries on the river's banks, they will be found to amount to the
amazing number of three hundred and sixty pieces, exclusive of those
destroyed in the junks. Of these seventy-six were of copper, some of
them of great length and weight of metal, but of proportionably small
bore. They looked very well outside, but the casting of many of them
was defective, and not a few were made with a coating, or rather tube,
of iron, about one and a half to two inches thick, along the bore, over
which the copper was cast. At Shanghai also full nine tons of gunpowder
were found, contained in three hundred and thirty tubs and jars. All
the military stores were destroyed.
It was evident that great preparations had been made for the hoped-for
defence of this important place; but, when the hour of trial came,
and the news of the action at Woosung reached the city, the principal
mandarins quitted it in despair, and all hope of defence was given up.
On the morning of the 20th (the day after the city was taken), Captain
Bourchier and Commander Kellett were ordered to proceed in the
Phlegethon, accompanied by the Medusa, together with the barge of the
Cornwallis, carrying a few marines, and also a boat from the Columbine,
to reconnoitre the river for a distance of thirty miles above the town.
Two small field-works of five guns each were discovered upon the right
bank of the river, and a considerable body of soldiers were discovered
at some distance in the rear. Lieutenant Wise was sent, with the boats
and marines of the Cornwallis, for the purpose of destroying the works,
which was effected without any resistance.
The report of what had been seen and done this day was considered
so important and interesting, that Sir William Parker determined to
continue the examination in person next day, still further up the
river. About fifty marines and seamen were embarked in the Nemesis, and
the Admiral hoisted his flag in her, accompanied by Captain Bourchier,
Honourable Captain Keppel, Captain Lock, and other officers; and
about noon, on the 21st, they proceeded up the river, followed by the
Phlegethon and Medusa.
The river gradually became narrower, but still carried from four to
six fathoms water, and appeared to have an immense number of canals
and water-courses connected with it. Many of these led directly
towards the towns and villages, some of which could be just seen at a
distance, others not far from the banks. The country looked rich, and
was carefully laid out in rice-grounds, and otherwise well cultivated.
It was not so picturesque as about Ningpo, but there was all the
appearance of a thriving and industrious population. A heavy storm of
thunder and lightning came on in the afternoon, and the three steamers
were brought to anchor for the night a little above the two forts
destroyed the day before.
On the following morning they again pursued their course up the river,
and soon found that it divided itself into two branches of equal
size, one flowing down from the eastward, and the other coming from
the westward. They followed the latter, which gradually took a more
northerly direction, but the water shoaled as they proceeded, until,
at the distance of a few miles from where they started, there was
only one fathom; and, as the Nemesis and Phlegethon could not safely
ascend higher, the Admiral, with the other officers, removed on board
the Medusa, which being smaller, drew a foot to eighteen inches less
water. But they were not able to go up more than eight or nine miles
further; for they were stopped by the increasing shallowness of the
water at the entrance of a large lagoon. It was ascertained, however,
from some boatmen, who stated that they had left Soo-chow-foo only the
previous day, that there was a direct communication by water with that
city, which could not be a great many miles distant. It could not be
doubted, therefore, that this important city was easily accessible to
our forces, should it be thought advisable to advance upon it.
Several large boats were coming down the river, laden with coal, said
to be brought from the neighbourhood of Soo-chow-foo, where iron also
is believed to abound. Indeed, coal of very fair quality is found in
many parts of this province, and the Nemesis was using it for steam
purposes at that very time.
The whole distance ascended above Shanghai was about forty-five miles,
and it was matter of regret that time could not be spared to explore
the other, or eastern branch of the river. Several large pagodas were
seen at a distance, one in particular to the northward, probably
pointing out the neighbourhood of a large town.
The same evening the three iron steamers returned to Shanghai,
and anchored abreast of the town, where his Excellency, Sir Henry
Pottinger, had just arrived from Hong-Kong, having touched at Amoy
and at Chusan on his way up. It was also announced that strong
reinforcements had arrived at Chusan, and might be expected to join
our forces in the Yangtze-Kiang in a few days. The names of ships and
regiments will be given together, in the order in which they moved up
the river leading to Nankin. It will be sufficient here to mention,
that no less than seventy-three vessels of war and transports set sail
from Woosung together; besides which two others were left at that
anchorage, in order to blockade the river leading to Shanghai. Several
other vessels joined the expedition on its way up to Nankin, and
afterwards.
FOOTNOTES:
[63] At this time, the venerable and high-minded Elepoo, who was
Lieutenant-General of Chapoo, was partially restored to favour by
the Emperor, after being disgraced and deprived of the government of
the two Keang provinces, which he formerly held. This is the same
officer, who, when he was sent down as Imperial Commissioner to the
province of Che-keang, for the purpose of "_arranging_ affairs with
the barbarians," nobly gave up all our prisoners, including Captain
Anstruther, Lieutenant Douglas, and Mrs. Noble; but was disgraced and
punished by the Emperor.
[64] Names of Her Majesty's and the Honourable Company's vessels, and
of their Commanders, engaged at Woosung, June 16th, 1843.
Cornwallis 72 Captain P. Richards.
Blonde 42 Captain F. Bourchier.
North Star 26 Captain Sir J. E. Horne, Bart.
Modeste 18 Commander R. B. Watson.
Columbine 16 Commander William H. Morshead.
Clio 16 Commander E. N. Troubridge.
Algerine 10 Lieutenant William Maitland.
HONOURABLE COMPANY'S STEAMERS.
Sesostris Commander Ormsby, I.N.
Nemesis Lieutenant W. H. Hall, R.N.
Phlegethon Lieutenant J. J. M'Cleverty, R.N.
Pluto Lieutenant John Tudor, R.N.
Tenasserim Master commanding, P. Wall.
Medusa Lieutenant H. Hewitt, I.N.
[65] This fact may, at first view, be taken to indicate great
fluctuations in respect to wealth or poverty; but this is not the case.
These immense warehouses are frequently made use of to deposit articles
of value, such as furs and other costly things, which are by this
means well preserved and taken care of until required for use; and in
the interim the owners have the use of a portion of the value of the
articles.
[66] The traffic in timber alone must be considerable, as there is none
found in the neighbourhood adapted for ship-building; and the fine
large spars which are required for the masts of junks, are all brought
from the northward. The size of some of these spars may be judged of
by the following measurements which were taken of the mainmast of one
of the largest junks. It was eleven feet six inches in circumference a
little above the deck, and one hundred and forty-one feet long; and the
main yard was one hundred and eleven feet in length. Very strong spars
indeed are necessary, for they carry an enormous sail, without any
shrouds or stays to support them.
[67] This anecdote is repeated as it was told, without vouching for its
details.