Chapter II: Part 2

On the 11th of September, the English and Austrian Admirals of the fleet off Beyrout, sent a joint note to Suliman Pacha the Governor, desiring him to withdraw his troops from the town and thus put a stop to further effusion of blood. A verbal answer, however, only was returned, to the effect that the Pacha was holding a council of war, and would send a reply the next morning. As this was evidently an evasion to gain time, the bombardment was renewed with shot and shell till the 16th, when the Egyptians retired from the town.

Great care was taken on every occasion, throughout the war, to fire at the castles and strongholds, and to do as little injury as possible to the towns and non-combatants.

SKIRMISH ON THE KELBSON (DOG RIVER).

The Egyptians had taken up a strong position on the left of the Kelbson (or Dog River), and as it became necessary to dislodge them, Commodore Napier marched out of cantonments on the 24th, to effect that object. He had with him four Turkish battalions under Selim Pacha, the 2nd battalion of Royal Marines under Captain Fegan, and an Austrian rocket detachment under Alfiere di Vasielli Baldisiretto. The ground on either side of the Kelbson is very high and precipitous, and would afford its defenders very great advantages over an attacking party. To counteract this, a Turkish battalion descended unobserved near the entrance of the gorge, through which the Dog River runs, and gained the heights on the opposite side; the marines and Austrian rocket detachment crossed higher up, crowned the heights, and advanced on the enemy's position about two leagues off. The Turkish battalion remained in position to cover the right in the event of Suliman Pacha advancing from Beyrout to disturb their operations.

The enemy then took up a new position on the heights of Ornochojonen, in consequence of observing the advance of three Turkish battalions to attack them.

The Turks advanced with great gallantry, General Jochmus, the chief of the staff, accompanied by the Commodore's aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Bradley, of the 'Powerful,' put himself at the head of the skirmishers, and showed a gallant example, which was admirably followed by Selim Pacha, at the head of a battalion well supported by the people of the country.

The enemy's skirmishers were speedily driven in, and their main body, consisting of some 700 men, fired two volleys and retired in great confusion; the Turks following them up with so much vigour that between 400 and 500 prisoners were made and the rest dispersed.

Lieutenant Bradley, from the way in which he particularly exposed himself in front of the skirmishers, was highly spoken of in the despatch. In this operation, which opened the whole of the Kata district, and enabled a number of mountaineers to obtain arms, none of the British were killed or wounded. The next day the Commodore recrossed the river to his former position, and made preparations for an attack on Sidon.

CAPTURE OF SIDON.

As the possession of Sidon was considered of much importance to the Sultan's cause, from giving confidence to his subjects, and as its loss would be embarrassing to the measures of Ibrahim Pacha, an attack was resolved on, in case the Governor should refuse to surrender it. The command of the expedition was given to Commodore Napier, who, with characteristic confidence, undertook to perform the work and to be back again off Beyrout within three days.

At midnight, on the 25th of September, the Commodore left Beyrout with the 'Gorgon' and 'Cyclops,' his broad pennant flying on board the 'Gorgon.' A battalion of 500 marines under Captain Morrison, and a Turkish one of similar strength, had been embarked on board the two ships, which immediately proceeded to Sidon. At daylight next morning, the castles of Sidon appeared above the horizon, and at the same time the 'Thunderer,' Captain Berkeley; the Austrian frigate 'Guerriera,' commanded by the Archduke Frederick; a Turkish corvette, and the 'Wasp,' joined, as also the 'Stromboli,' from England, with 284 marines under Captain Wylock.

At 11 o'clock the town was summoned to surrender, but as no answer was given by the Egyptians, preparations were made to attack.

The following were the ships employed on the expedition:--'Thunderer,' Captain M. E. E. Berkeley; 'Guerriera,' Austrian frigate; 'Gorgon,' Captain Henderson; 'Cyclops,' Captain Austin; 'Wasp,' Commander Mansel; 'Hydra,' Commander Robinson; 'Stromboli,' Commander Williams; 'Gul Sefide,' Turkish corvette.

The Egyptian garrison consisted of nearly a thousand men, under the command of Ibrahim Pacha. His family had previously been embarked on board a French steamer, to be out of harm's way.

The wind being light, the 'Cyclops' towed the 'Thunderer' to her position, previously fixed by Captain Berkeley. The 'Stromboli' towed the Austrian frigate 'Guerriera' and the Turkish corvette, which were placed by Captain Berkeley abreast of the town. The 'Wasp' and 'Stromboli' anchored more to the southward to flank it. The 'Gorgon,' 'Cyclops,' and 'Hydra,' which joined from Tyre with Walker Bey, up their positions to the northward, close to the castle.

All preparations being made, the Turkish battalion was put into the boats and rendezvoused round the 'Cyclops,' ready to land. The 'Gorgon' then commenced the engagement by firing a few shot and shells at the castle and barracks, and shortly after the whole squadron opened their broadsides for the purpose of driving the troops from the houses and the entrenchments they had thrown up to prevent a landing. At the same time the Egyptians commenced firing from their great guns and small arms at the ships. The cannonade having lasted for half an hour, it being supposed that the enemy would have been driven from their entrenchments, the ships were ordered to cease firing; and Captain Austin, on that, landed the Turkish battalion at the castle, which is joined to the town by a narrow causeway. In effecting this, he was obstinately opposed, and several of his followers were killed and wounded. As it was found that the enemy still remained in their entrenchments, the ships again opened their fire, and battered down the houses in front of the town.

The 'Wasp' was anchored abreast of a strong castle, and Commander Mansel was directed to seize the first favourable moment for throwing the detachment of marines brought out by the 'Stromboli' and the Austrian marines into it. After taking it, they were ordered to work their way to the upper castle, which commands the town. Commander Mansel performed this work in the face of a hot fire, with great judgment and gallantry. It was on this occasion that Lieutenant Hoskin, of the marines, a promising young officer, who had only just arrived in the 'Stromboli,' from England, was killed. Several marines also were killed and wounded.

The Commodore now saw that the moment for storming the town had arrived. The first battalion of marines was landed by Captain Henderson, of the 'Gorgon,' on the beach to the northward of the town, where they formed and advanced to the walls. The Turkish battalion, headed by Walker Bey and Captain Austin, pushed along the causeway and entered the town. Captain Napier put himself at the head of the British marines, and broke into the barracks; and as soon as Captain Henderson and another party had lodged themselves in a house above the barracks, he marched the battalion above the line wall of the upper gate, broke it open, and seized the castle. Numberless acts of gallantry were displayed. Among others, there was a complete race from the spot where they landed, between Mr. James Hunt, a midshipman of the 'Stromboli,' and Signor Dominica Chinca, a midshipman of the Austrian frigate 'Guerriera,' who should first plant their colours on the walls of the town. All now appearing quiet in the town, the Commodore left a guard in the castle, and descended into it. He led his party through several streets arched over, where occasional skirmishing took place with several parties of Egyptian troops. These were, however, easily driven back, till they finally took refuge in a vaulted barrack, where upwards of a thousand men were found concealed, prepared for a sortie should circumstances have favoured it. As it was, they were too glad to lay down their arms. No town was ever taken where less blood was unnecessarily spilt, or disorders more speedily put a stop to. This was owing chiefly to the exertions of Captain Berkeley, assisted by the Archduke and the Captains of the squadron, as also to the good conduct of the British marines, the Austrians, and the Turks.

Commander Mansel was highly spoken of, as were also Captains Henderson and Austin, Commanders Robinson and Williams, and Captains Morrison and Wylock, of the Marines. Mr. Cumming, a mate of the 'Cyclops,' particularly distinguished himself by his gallantry, as did Messrs. M'Guire and Price, mates of long standing, who were both severely wounded.

Not one of the garrison, 3,000 in number, escaped. Commodore Napier speaks of the patience with which the wounded Egyptians, who were found in various parts of the town, bore their sufferings. A black man was found in a corner, with his leg broken, but though he was evidently in great pain, he did not utter a murmur, and on a shutter being brought, refusing assistance, he placed himself on it, holding his wounded leg in his hands, and in this way was carried to the hospital. Leaving a battalion of Turks in the town, and a squadron before it, under Captain Berkeley, the Commodore returned to D'Jounie Bay that same afternoon, after an absence of only forty-eight hours.

The following graphic sketch of the gallant old Commodore at Sidon appeared in the 'Malta Times,' from which I quote--

"Charlie Napier, when talking with the Admiral on Friday last, the 25th September, observed that Sidon was not yet in our possession, and said to him, 'If you like I will go down and take it, and be back again in eight-and-forty hours.' He started, and was as good as his word. He had the 'Thunderer,' 'Cyclops,' 'Gorgon,' and 'Hydra,' with 800 Turks and 500 marines. On their way he fell in with the 'Stromboli,' from England, with a detachment of 200 marines: these he took with him, and after firing shot and shells at the town for a couple of hours, he made a breach, and landed at the head of his men. The struggle was a sharp one; but after destroying a great number of the enemy, who would neither give nor receive quarter, they at last killed the Egyptian commander, who died game. With two marines' bayonets at his breast, he refused quarter, and resisted--so they fired, and he died, when his troops, to the amount of 500, threw down their arms: 1,500 were afterwards taken, and the whole 2,000 have been brought round to the fleet at D'Jounie; I believe they will be sent to Cyprus. Napier was most daring. On the tops of the houses he made his way, waving his hat on the point of his sword, and cheering on his men. Our loss amounted to 15 marines killed and wounded--2 mates badly wounded, Motley and Shears, of the 'Wasp;' and a mate of the 'Revenge,' with five seamen, one since dead; and one of the 'Thunderer's' launchers killed. A marine officer who had only that morning arrived in the 'Stromboli' was killed in the breach; his name is Hoskin, and he has been serving on the coast of Spain. I hear another has been wounded.

"The 'Castor' and 'Pique' took Tyre."

BATTLE OF BOHARSOF.

Our business is, properly speaking, only with affairs afloat, but we do not preclude ourselves from describing any display of gallantry by naval men on shore. We therefore give a slight sketch of the last of Commodore Napier's actions on shore before he delivered up the command of the Turkish army to Colonel Sir Charles Smith, who was now sufficiently recovered to assume it.

On the 15th of October, the Commodore was at breakfast in the convent of Ornagacuan, on Lebanon, with the Egyptian army strongly posted before him, when news was brought him that the 'Emir Bechir' had arrived, and that Ibrahim Pacha was expecting strong reinforcements. This decided him to attack the enemy forthwith. He and the officers with him, among whom, were Lieutenants Bradley and Duncan, Mr. Pearn, master of the 'Powerful,' and Lieut.-Col. Hodges, her Majesty's Consul-General in Syria, instantly threw themselves on horseback, and galloped to the advanced posts. The gallant Napier amusingly describes the novelty of the occurrence of a British Commodore standing on the top of Mount Lebanon, commanding a Turkish army, and preparing to fight a battle which would decide the fate of Syria. The enemy were strongly posted on lofty eminences, among rugged and almost inaccessible rocks; but the Turks and mountaineers, led on by their own and the British officers, gallantly stormed their position, and put them to the rout. They fled, leaving their baggage, ammunition, and provisions: night terminating the pursuit. Ibrahim Pacha escaped with a few men; 600 or 700 prisoners were taken, and the rest dispersed. In consequence of this victory, Beyrout was abandoned, and the Turks took possession of it.

In one month the Commodore succeeded with his small army of marines and Turks in freeing nearly the whole of Lebanon, in taking 5,000 prisoners, and in gaining over to the standard of the Sultan nearly 5,000 deserters. After this battle he went on board the 'Powerful,' though he was not long idle before the attack on Acre was decided on.

CAPTURE OF CAIFFA BY CAPTAIN COLLIER,

17th September.

As it was necessary to take possession of Caiffa, Captain Collier, of H.M.S. 'Castor,' with the 'Pique' and Ottoman frigate 'Dewan,' were sent to accomplish that work. The squadron appeared off the place on the evening of the 16th September, and the following morning a boat was despatched with an officer of the Turkish frigate, accompanied by Lieutenant Shadwell, in one of the 'Castor's' boats, both bearing flags of truce, to demand the surrender of the place to the Sublime Porte. The flag was refused, and peremptorily warned off. The ships took up their berths, Lieutenant Wellesley, of the 'Castor,' ably assisting in placing the Ottoman frigate, and the 'Castor' commencing, the ships opened their fire on the batteries. These were manned and ready for defence, with 500 men in the town, but such was the effect of the first few broadsides, that the troops abandoned their posts, and fled from the town, leaving their arms, knapsacks, &c., in all directions behind them. The Ottoman flag was soon planted on the ramparts by Lieutenant Patey, accompanied by Lieutenant Winthrop; Messrs. Connelly and Boyd, mates; Mr. Hunt, midshipman; and Mr. Cole, second master. They were immediately joined by Lieutenants Carey and Macdougall, and a party of seamen and marines from the 'Pique,' and the whole party proceeded to spike and destroy the eight guns on the ramparts, by knocking off the trunnions and burning their carriages. A quantity of arms, stores, and munitions of war were found in the magazines, all of which were either destroyed or brought off.

The following morning the 'Castor' and 'Pique' opened their fire on a castle in the rear of the town, and drove out its garrison; and a party of seamen and marines afterwards landing, destroyed its guns and shook its walls to their foundation. The officers employed in this service were Lieutenants Varlo, Moubray, and Hamley, of the marines; Lieutenant Wellesley; Messrs. Cockburn and Gibbard, mates; Mr. Foley, midshipman; and Mr. Ramage, clerk--under the command of Lieutenant Patey. While spiking one of the guns, which had been left loaded, Lieutenant Macdougall, of the 'Pique,' and Mr. Grill, carpenter, were severely wounded. Lieutenant Galway, who accompanied the boats of the 'Pique' both days; Messrs. Morris and Heath, mates; Messrs. Hawkins, Kenly, and Bridge, midshipmen; and Mr. Partridge, volunteer of the first class--were highly spoken of; and Lieutenant Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the 'Castor,' and Mr. Cockburn, Senior Mate, were recommended for promotion for their officer-like, cool, and steady conduct employed on shore.

CAPTURE OF TYRE,

24th September.

The 'Castor' and 'Pique' arrived off Tyre on the 24th September, and took up their positions about noon. The Ottoman frigate, from calms and light winds, did not come up in time. The town was summoned by an officer with a flag of truce to surrender to the Sultan, which the civil authorities agreed to do; but as 500 Egyptian troops still kept possession, Captain Collier warned the inhabitants to quit the town, as it was his intention to dislodge the soldiers. Having allowed the inhabitants a sufficient time to retire a fire was opened by both ships, at the distance of about five hundred yards, which soon compelled the troops to fly. At daylight the following morning Capt. Boxer, having gallantly landed and reconnoitred to prevent surprise, the marines of the two frigates, with a few small-arm men under the command of Lieutenant Patey, Senior Lieutenant of the 'Castor,' landed and took possession of the town. Two guns were found mounted on the works, the trunnions of which were knocked off; also a vast quantity of grain in the public stores, and some munitions of war, which latter were brought off. During these operations the seamen under Captain Boxer and Lieutenant Carey, Senior Lieutenant of the 'Pique,' were arduously employed in the gun-boats day and night, watching 1,500 of the enemy's troops, in levelling sand-banks ten feet high, to cover the approach to the town, and in loading vessels with grain after its capture. Not a man was hurt during the whole affair.

ATTACK ON TORTOSA,

25th September.

Captain Houston Stewart, commanding H.M.S. 'Benbow,' while watering off the island of Ruad, in company with the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra,' was informed that a large quantity of provisions were stored in the town of Tortosa, from whence the enemy's troops in the neighbourhood received their supplies. Several deserters had come off; and all agreed that if the proyisions were destroyed the troops must shift their quarters, and thus leave open the communication with the mountains, whose inhabitants were anxious for arms. The British were informed that the chief store-houses were situated close to the sea; that a breach might be made in the outer wall, and immediate access obtained to them; also that there were no troops in the town, but that the Egyptians were about to remove the provisions.

On this Captain Stewart ordered the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra' to anchor within five hundred yards of the town, and some large bags of powder, with boxes and fusees, were prepared for blowing up the storehouses.

The space from the margin of the sea to the spot it was intended to breach does not exceed sixteen yards, and as only a few loopholes could be perceived commanding that space, it was supposed that even should a fire be opened on the men, their advance from the boats would be too rapid to allow of its being effective, and that, once within the breach, they would easily make good their way.

At fifteen minutes past one P.M. the 'Carysfort' and 'Zebra' commenced an admirably well-directed fire, and very soon opened a large well-built-up archway in front of them, and which now showed a considerable space within. The boats, which had rendezvoused on board the 'Carysfort,' on this shoved off. Lieutenant Charlewood, being prepared with the necessary means for blowing up stores, buildings, &c., accompanied by Mr. Turner, gunner of the 'Benbow,' with eight steady men as pioneers, embarked in the cutter, while a portion of the marines serving on board the 'Benbow,' with those of the 'Zebra,' and twenty seamen of the 'Benbow,' under Lieutenants Maitland, R.N., and Harrison, R.M., immediately followed. It was arranged that all the boats (after disembarkation) should lie off, prepared to cover the landing-party with their guns and small-arms, and to re-embark them. The beach under the town appeared so smooth and deep that no one entertained a doubt that the heavy boats would be able to reach it, but as they went in, a ledge of rocks or an ancient building was found to extend itself across the bay at some distance from the shore, with such deep water inside that no man could land and keep his ammunition dry, while only the light boats, of which there were but two, could pass over it. Thus the marines in the launch, barge, and two pinnaces were unable to land. Lieut. Charlewood, in the cutter, with the pioneers, powder, and three deserters as guides, landed at once, and proceeding towards the breach, had nearly reached it before a shot was fired; but the moment the large boats touched the rocks they became exposed to a destructive fire from every minute loophole and crevice, and even from the holes which the cannon-shot had just made. Lieutenant Maitland had succeeded in getting about fourteen of his men landed with himself by another turn of the same cutter, and worked his way up to the breach. As soon as the firing began, the guides fled to the boats. Lieutenant Charlewood, proceeding with his pioneers, broke open several stores, and at length reached one filled with rice and another with corn, when he ran back to urge Lieutenant Maitland to bring more hands up. During his absence his men had hewn open another door, when, to their surprise, they found it entered upon a place filled with infantry soldiers, and a struggle ensued. Two soldiers were killed by the seamen; but having nothing but axes, they were obliged to give way: Mr. Charlewood's return, however, checked the enemy, and they did not venture to follow him.

Captain Stewart, fearing that something was wrong, and seeing Lieutenant Maitland still in the breach, hastened towards him in his gig, and hailing him, learned that as his ammunition was expended, and much of that of the marines was wet, there was no longer any prospect of success; he, therefore, ordered the party to retire, and all got off, Lieutenant Charlewood even bringing his exploding apparatus away.

Mr. J. C. Dalrymple Hay, midshipman of the 'Benbow,' who commanded the first cutter, with his boat's crew, who were much exposed, gained great credit for the spirited way in which they pulled backwards and forwards under fire, as did also Mr. W. H. Stewart, who commanded the jolly-boat of the 'Carysfort,' the only other light boat employed.

It was afterwards found that, on that morning before daylight, 200 infantry and 100 dismounted cavalry had entered the town, who were opposed to the mere handful of British, who were able to land, though the latter were much aided by the precision of the fire from the ships during the whole of the attack.

The following is a list of the boats and officers employed, and the men killed and wounded in the affair:--

'Benbow's' launch.--Mr. William King Hall, mate; Lieut. Harrison, R.M. Killed, 4 marines, 1 seaman. Wounded, 4 marines, 2 seamen.

Barge.--Mr. G. F. Day, mate. Wounded, 4 seamen.

1st Gig.--Hon. A. Cochrane, volunteer 1st Class.

Pinnace.--Mr. A. G. West, midshipman. Wounded, 1 seaman.

1st Cutter--Mr. J. C. D. Hay, midshipman. Killed, 1 seaman. Wounded, 2 seamen.

Landing party.--Mr. F. H. Stanfell, mate; Mr. J. P. Ross, midshipman. Wounded, 1 seaman.

'Carysfort's' pinnace.--Lieut. Stephens; Hon. -- Douglas, midshipman. None killed or wounded.

Barge.--Mr. Gennys, mate; Mr. Loney, second master.

Jolly-boat.--Mr. W. Houston Stewart, midshipman.

'Zebra's' pinnace.--Mr. J. Simpson, mate. Wounded, 3 marines.

'Benbow.'--Killed, 2 seamen, 3 royal marines. Wounded, 9 seamen, 3 royal marines, severely. Wounded, 1 seaman, 1 marine, slightly.

'Zebra.'--Wounded, 2 seamen, 1 marine, slightly. Total killed, 5; total wounded, 17.

It is always melancholy to contemplate a heavy loss like the above without any result: but such must constantly occur in the course of warfare; and on the other hand we must remember that some of the most brilliant and important exploits are performed with little or no loss: nor must we refuse our meed of praise to those brave men who are exposed to equal dangers in affairs which appear to be of little consequence to the nation at large.

We must now turn to the final event of the war in Syria.

BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF ACRE,

3rd November, 1840.

The defence of Acre, by the bravery and exertions of Sir S. Smith, and the gallant officers and crew of the 'Tigre' and 'Theseus,' which compelled Napoleon to raise the siege, after being before it two months, is well known. Had Napoleon succeeded in capturing Acre, in all probability, the Grand Prince of Lebanon would have declared for him, and enabled him to take possession of Syria. In December, 1837, Ibrahim Pacha invested Acre by sea and land, and took it after a siege of six months. Mehemet Ali had begun to strengthen it still further; but its newly-designed fortifications were not complete when the allied squadron appeared off it on the 2nd November, 1840.

It having been determined, therefore, on the 29th September, by Sir Robert Stopford and Sir Charles Smith, that the siege of Acre should be undertaken, Omar Bey was ordered to advance from Sidon, with 2,000 Turks, upon Tyre, and then to occupy the White Mountains to the northward of Acre; while 3,000 men, under the immediate command of Selim Pacha, and small detachments of Royal Artillery and Sappers, under Major Higgins, of the former corps, and Lieutenant Aldrich, Royal Engineers, embarked on board the squadron.

On the 26th of October, the Turkish Admiral sent in a flag of truce, summoning Acre to surrender; but it was not received; and the garrison threatened to fire on the boat which brought it.

Captain Edward Boxer, of the 'Pique,' and Captain Codrington, of the 'Talbot,' had been surveying the coast for some days, and buoying several shoals which were not known, thus enabling the ships to go in without risk of getting on shore. Owing to light winds and calms, the squadron did not get into action till 2 p.m. on the 3rd November.

The following ships were engaged in the bombardment and capture of Acre:--

'Princess Charlotte,' 104 (flag-ship of Admiral Sir Robert Stopford, Commander-in-Chief), Captain Fanshawe; 'Powerful,' 84 (broad pennant), Commodore Napier; 'Thunderer,' 84, Captain Berkeley; 'Bellerophon,' 80, Captain Austin; 'Revenge,' 76, Captain Waldegrave; 'Benbow,' 72, Captain Stewart; 'Edinburgh,' 72, Captain Henderson; 'Castor,' (frigate), 36, Captain Collier; 'Pique' (frigate), 36, Captain Boxer; 'Carysfort' (frigate), 26 (heavy 32 H. S.), Captain Martin; 'Talbot' (frigate), 26 (carron. 32 H. S.), Captain Codrington; 'Hazard' (sloop) 18, Commander Hon. C. Elliott; 'Wasp' (brig), 16, Commander Mansel; 'Gorgon' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Captain Henderson; 'Phœnix' (steam-frigate), 2 and 2, Commander E. Stopford; 'Stromboli' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander W. Williams; 'Vesuvius' (steam-frigate), 2 and 4, Commander Henderson; Turkish Flag-ship, 84, Rear-Admiral Walker; small cutter, captured, 8; Austrian Flag-ship, 60, Admiral Bandeira; Austrian frigate, 46, His Royal Highness Archduke Frederick; corvette, 20.

Acre presents two sides to the sea, one facing to the west and the other to the south; and this made it necessary for the squadron to attack in two divisions.

Commodore Napier led the way in the 'Powerful,' to the northward, closely followed by the 'Princess Charlotte,' 'Thunderer,' 'Bellerophon,' and 'Pique;' while Captain Collier, of the 'Castor,' commanded on the south, with the 'Benbow,' 'Edinburgh,' 'Carysfort,' 'Talbot,' 'Wasp,' and 'Hazard.'

Sir Robert Stopford, accompanied by Sir Charles Smith, embarked on board the 'Phœnix' to superintend the attack, though his flag was still flying on board the 'Princess Charlotte.'

The 'Powerful,' followed by the other ships, having got round the shoal, bore up and ran along shore towards the north angle.

As they drew near the fortress, the colours were hoisted from two flag-staffs, one on the citadel, and the other lower down. The bow guns of the 'Powerful' were now fired to prevent the Egyptians from pointing with correctness. In a few minutes she passed the circular redoubt, where only three or four guns were mounted, and then anchored abreast of the sea wall, defended by forty guns, in six and a half fathom water, and at about 700 yards distance from it. The wind was on the land; the weather was uncertain; and, as they were not sure of their soundings further in, had they been obliged to swing and veer, they might have tailed on shore. The other ships, as they came up, anchored in succession astern of the 'Powerful.'

At the same time the southern division, led with great judgment and gallantry by Captain Collier, were fast approaching their position. As soon as they were within range the Egyptians opened their fire on them, though the shot passed considerably over the ships.

As the ships successively anchored, they opened a tremendous fire on the batteries; and so well were the shot directed that it would have been almost impossible for any human beings to have stood their ground. The Egyptians, consequently, were soon thrown into confusion, many of them endeavouring to make their escape as they best could. Five guns only, placed in a flanking battery, were well served, and never missed; but they were fortunately pointed too high, and did damage only to the spars and rigging of the 'Powerful.' The main-top-mast and mizen-topsail-yard of that ship were shot through, and her rigging was much cut, though only two shot struck her hull, without doing much damage. The ships astern of her suffered much in their rigging. The 'Princess Charlotte' had one man killed; and the 'Thunderer' had her quarter-gallery shot away.

Captain Waldegrave, in the 'Revenge,' had been ordered to keep under weigh as a reserve, but Commodore Napier now signalled the 'Revenge' to take up a position a-head of him, to attack a heavy battery of five guns. This Captain Waldegrave did in gallant style, in place of the 'Thunderer,' which was ordered by the Admiral to do so, but had got so jammed between the 'Princess Charlotte' and 'Bellerophon' that she could not weigh without fouling one of them.

While these proceedings were taking place on the west face, Captain Collier's squadron were engaging the batteries with admirable spirit on the south, supported by the Austrians under Admiral Bandeira. Admiral Walker, also, much distinguished himself. He ran inside all the squadron and took up a warm berth abreast of a new and very strong work. The steamers outside, the 'Gorgon,' 'Vesuvius,' 'Phœnix,' and 'Stromboli,' were not idle, as they kept up a hot fire of shot and shell--some of their shells doing much execution.

After the ships had hotly engaged the batteries for nearly two hours, the grand magazine blew up with a most tremendous explosion, whether caused by a shell or by accident it is difficult to say. A large number of the garrison were blown up, and many probably were buried alive in the ruins or in the casements. The five guns before mentioned, notwithstanding this catastrophe, kept up their fire with great spirit to the last. About sunset the signal was made to discontinue the engagement, but the Commodore kept the fire up some time after dusk, lest the enemy should be tempted to reman their guns. The Flag-Lieutenant then brought the orders to withdraw. The 'Revenge' slipped her stern anchor, and made sail without difficulty; the 'Princess Charlotte' picked up both her anchors and made sail, but casting the wrong way, nearly got on shore. She was, however, conducted in the most seamanlike-manner, and not a word was heard on board her. The 'Powerful' was towed out by the 'Gorgon.' The 'Thunderer' and 'Bellerophon' remained in their position. The southern squadron also remained at anchor, and this probably induced the governor to abandon the town, which he did about midnight, with the greater part of the garrison.

In the middle of the night a small boat brought off the information that the Egyptian troops were leaving the town, and in consequence, at daylight 300 Turks and a party of Austrian marines landed and took unopposed possession of the place. The havoc caused by the guns of the squadron on the walls and houses was very great, though, notwithstanding the hot and long-continued fire they had been exposed to, the ships escaped with little damage, and the amount of casualties was very small, being 14 English and 41 Turks killed and 42 wounded.

An entire battalion, which had been formed near the magazine, ready to resist any attempts to storm, were destroyed. The appearance of the dead and wounded, as they lay scattered about the town, was very dreadful, but they seemed to excite but little sympathy in the breasts of the Turks. Every living creature within the area of 60,000 square yards round the magazine had ceased to exist, the loss of life being computed from 1,200 to 2,000 persons; certainly two entire regiments were annihilated, with 50 donkies, 30 camels, 12 cows, and some horses.

This was the first occasion on which the advantages of steam had been fully proved in battle, by the rapidity with which the steamers took up their positions, and the assistance they rendered to the other ships, as also by the destruction caused through the shells thrown from them.

On the 4th another explosion took place, by which a marine was killed and Captain Collier had his leg fractured.

The garrison being placed in a state of order, was left under the command of Sir Charles Smith, with 3,000 Turkish troops, and 250 marines under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, with the protection of the 'Pique' and 'Stromboli.'

Return of killed and wounded in the squadron under the orders of Admiral the Hon. Sir Robert Stopford, Commander-in-Chief, in the attack of the fortifications of St. Jean d'Acre, 3rd November, 1840:--

'Princess Charlotte.'--Killed, 1 seaman.

'Powerful.'--Wounded, 1 seaman, severely; 2 seamen and 1 marine, slightly

'Bellerophon.'--None killed or wounded.

'Revenge.'--Killed, 1 seaman, 1 drummer of marines. Wounded, 3 seamen, severely; 1 marine, slightly.

'Thunderer.'--None killed or wounded.

'Castor.'--Killed, 4 seamen. Wounded, 1 seaman 2 marines, severely; 3 seamen 1 marine, slightly.

'Edinburgh.'--Killed, 2 seamen, 1 drummer, 1 marine. Wounded slightly, Commander F. D. Hastings, Mr. John Davies, master, Mr. Joseph Plimsoll, assistant-surgeon, Mr. Henry Boys, midshipman, 1 seaman, 1 boy, 1 marine.

'Benbow.'--None killed or wounded.

'Pique.'--None killed or wounded.

'Carysfort.'--None killed or wounded.

'Talbot.'--Wounded severely, Lieutenant G. B. Le Mesurier, who died from his wounds; Mr. Henry Haswell, mate, slightly, 1 seaman severely.

'Gorgon.'--None killed or wounded.

'Wasp.'--Wounded, 5 seamen, 1 marine, severely,

'Stromboli.'--None killed or wounded.

'Phœnix.'--None killed or wounded.

'Vesuvius.'--None killed or wounded.

'Hazard.'--Wounded, 1 marine, 1 boy, slightly.

Turkish Flag-ship, Rear-Admiral Walker.--Four killed, 3 wounded.

'Medea,' Austrian Flag-ship, Rear-Admiral Bandeira.--One killed, 4 wounded.

'Guerriera,' Austrian frigate.---One killed, 2 wounded.

Total killed, 18; total wounded, 41.

Nearly 2,000 Egyptians were killed by the explosion of the magazine, and 300 on the ramparts, wounded unknown; 3,000 prisoners were taken.

The booty captured was as follows:--

On the walls of Acre 121 mounted guns and 42 not mounted; 20 mortars. In store and ready, 97 boxes field-pieces and 97 mortars; arms, ammunition, shot, shells, stores of all kinds, military chest, hospital stores; specie, supposed to be 5,000_l._ value.

The results of the capture of Acre were very important. The Egyptian garrison of Caiffa and Jaffa forthwith evacuated those places, and endeavoured to fight their way through Palestine into Egypt. The Mutualis and Naplous insurgents, however, cut many of them off, and those who escaped retreated to Acre and surrendered as prisoners of war. The army of Ibrahim Pacha, which at the commencement of September amounted to 75,000 men, had dwindled to 20,000. The Syrian tribes declared for the Sultan, and the garrison and inhabitants of Jerusalem also returned to their allegiance. On the fall of Acre, Commodore Napier was sent to Alexandria, where he made a convention with Mehemet Ali, in which the Pacha agreed to order his son Ibrahim to evacuate Syria, and to restore the Turkish fleet as soon as he received official notification that the Sultan would grant him the hereditary government of Egypt, the Commodore, on his part, undertaking that hostilities should be suspended against Alexandria or any other part of Egypt, and that the Egyptian array under Ibrahim Pacha should have an unmolested passage through Syria.[1] These terms were not, however, ratified, and it was not till the 11th of January, 1841, that, by a fresh treaty, Mehemet Ali gave up the whole Turkish fleet, which sailed for Marmorice under Admiral Walker; and soon after the Sultan sent a firman according to the Pacha the hereditary possession of Egypt, without any interference on the part of the Porte, while a yearly tribute of 2,000,000_l._ was to be paid to the Sultan, besides about 2,000,000_l._ more of arrears.

Thus terminated the part taken by the British in the affairs of Turkey and Egypt.

[1] In a private letter, dated November 21, from an officer of the squadron, he says:--

"The Commodore joined this morning. We were all cock-a-hoop expecting a brush with the batteries; but our expectations soon fell to the ground on hearing that he remains here only a short time, and then proceeds to Malta. The ships manned rigging and cheered him on passing, the band playing 'Charlie is my Darling,' with which 'Old Charlie' was much pleased. The 'Powerful' had the warmest berth at Acre; but strange to tell, she was hulled only twice, one shot in the cut-water, and one hitting the main bits on the quarter-deck; three men were slightly wounded from one of their own guns."

WAR IN CHINA.

NARRATIVE OF EVENTS WHICH LED TO THE WAR.

A glance at the map of Asia will show us China occupying a large portion of its south-eastern shores.

Towards the north, at some distance from the coast of the Yellow Sea, is situated Pekin, the capital, the residence of the Emperor. South of it is found the city of Nanking, on the banks of the mighty river Yangtse-Keang, second in size only to the Amazon and Mississippi. Some distance again south of the mouth of this river, and off the large city of Ningpo, is situated the island of Chusan, while on the southernmost part of the country, on the river of the same name, is the celebrated commercial city of Canton. The river of Canton is navigable up to the city for large ships, but there are numerous bars, and a succession of forts to be passed. As Canton was the only Chinese port allowed for foreign commerce, a crowd of merchants from all the provinces collected there, and the warehouses contained the most valuable productions and manufactures of the country. The city consists of three towns divided by high walls: the streets are narrow, paved with small round stones in the middle, and flagged at the sides. A large portion of the population exists on the water in boats. The British and other foreign merchants have factories where they reside, and where their property is stored.[1] The lower orders of Chinese are supposed to have come originally from India, but they were conquered by the Tartars, by whom they are now governed, and from whom all the upper orders are descended. The population of China amounts to 260,000,000 souls. They are the most industrious people of the East, but though they had reached a high state of civilization two thousand years ago, they have probably made but little progress since that time. Their chief characteristic is to adhere to all that is established, and to reject all that is new. Though they have great guns, they still use a firearm, similar to the ancient matchlock, fired from a stand, called a jingal, as well as bows and arrows and shields; and their war junks, though of great size, are very unwieldy and unfit for sea.

The Chinese are ruled by an Emperor, who is absolute, and their government is most despotic. They were taught to consider themselves superior to all the world, and to look upon foreigners with the utmost contempt, fit only to be the slaves of their Emperor. For many years the English, as did all other European nations, submitted to every description of indignity they chose to inflict for the sake of the benefits derived from a commercial intercourse with them. The chief officers of Government are called Mandarins. They rank in classes--those of the first class being Ministers of State, Rulers of Provinces, Generals and Admirals, while captains of ships and governors of towns rank also as mandarins of lower grade. The most important product and export of China is tea, which is shipped from Canton, a certain number of Chinese merchants enjoying a monopoly of the trade, and transacting all business with the foreign merchants. The chief article of import which more particularly demands our notice is opium. The three chief places in India where the poppy grows, are Malwa, Patna, and Benares. The opium trade with China has existed since 1780, from which time till the year 1834 the East India Company enjoyed a monopoly of it, but by a bill introduced by Lord Glenelg (then Mr. Grant) in 1833, the trade was thrown open; and three officials were appointed at Canton to superintend it. The East India Company were also debarred from trading. It is supposed that throwing open the trade very much increased smuggling; at all events the Chinese Government now turned their attention to the subject, and the importation of opium was forbidden under severe penalties, the pretext being that the drug was highly injurious to the habits and morals of the people. The real, or at all events the chief, reason was, that as silver alone was given in exchange for opium, they were afraid that the country would be drained of that precious metal, and probably also those in authority who were accustomed to receive bribes for allowing its admission, found that it entered the country by other channels from which they gained no benefit. Be that as it may, the court at Pekin seemed resolved, in 1839, to put a stop to it, and appointed a High Commissioner, Lin, to proceed to Canton for that purpose. To prove that he was in earnest, he ordered a Chinese opium smuggler to be strangled, and then shut up the British merchants in their factory, and demanded the delivery of all the opium on board the ships in the river. At the same time the British flag was fired on, British ships were violently detained, and a Chinaman having been accidentally killed by a British seaman, the life of a British subject was demanded in return.

In short it became evident that all commercial intercourse would soon be put a stop to, and that probably much British property would be destroyed, and the lives of British subjects sacrificed, unless some strong measures were instantly taken by the British Government to bring the Chinese to order. Captain Elliot, R.N., who was at that time Chief Superintendent of Trade, acted on the occasion with the greatest promptitude, courage, and decision.

He sent home despatches with an account of the state of affairs, declared himself and the British merchants forcibly detained, and demanded a delivery of the opium from the merchants for her Majesty's government, and then gave it up to the Chinese authorities. By these proceedings, he gained time, and enabled all the teas ready to be shipped to be got off, as their non-reception in England would have caused a serious defalcation in the revenue. It must be understood that the war in China was undertaken not to compel the people to receive a pernicious drug like opium, but to punish the Government for the numerous injuries and insults they had offered to the English, and by teaching them to respect our power, to induce them to trade with us on fair and equal terms, and to treat us in future as one civilized people should treat another; also to demand reparation of grievances, and payment for the property of British subjects destroyed at Canton, to obtain a guarantee against similar occurrences in future; and, what was of the greatest importance, to open up the trade at the different ports along the coast.

With these objects to be accomplished, a large squadron, with a number of transports containing a considerable body of troops, were despatched in 1840 by the Governor-General of India to the China seas.

The following were among many other causes the British had of complaint against the Chinese, and for which the latter refused any compensation or redress:--

The general insolent behaviour of all officials, both towards British authorities and merchants.

The breaking open Lord Napier's luggage. Driving away his native servants. Firing on Her Majesty's ships 'Imogene' and 'Andromache.' Closing the communication for purposes of commerce to the English between Canton and Whampoa.

Firing on a British boat from the Forts of the Boca Tigris.

Seizing the property of British merchants. Imprisoning British merchants.

Claiming the life of a British subject, on account of a Chinaman having been killed accidentally by an Englishman. The attack on a British boat, and murder of her crew by Chinese.

[1] Situated on an island at the entrance of the Bay of Canton is Macao, a town and settlement of the Portuguese. It was given to them by the Chinese Emperor in 1586, in return for assistance they afforded him against the pirates who infested the coast. About ten miles below Canton is the port of Whampoa.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR. ACTION BETWEEN H.M.S.
'VOLAGE' AND 'HYACINTH,' AND A SQUADRON OF
CHINESE WAR-JUNKS,

November 3rd, 1859.

Her Majesty's ships 'Volage,' Captain H. Smith, and 'Hyacinth,' Captain Warren, were lying in the mouth of the Canton river, when information was sent by Captain Elliot, the Superintendent of Trade, to Captain Smith, that a large fleet of war-junks, under the command of Admiral Kwan, was assembled near Chuenpee, for the purpose probably of attempting the destruction of the British merchant shipping off Hong Kong. The intention of the Chinese was evident from the erection of batteries overlooking the shipping of Hong Kong, the assemblage of war-junks in the neighbouring bay, and the encampment of numerous bodies of troops at the back of the boundary wall at Macao; in addition to which, High Commissioner Lin and the Governor had issued proclamations, threatening the seizure of the Superintendent and all British subjects. Captain Elliot went on board the 'Volage' on the 28th of October, when both ships got under weigh, but, owing to light winds, did not reach the Bogue till the 2nd November, when they anchored in front of an imposing force of war-junks and fire-vessels. Here a letter was sent on board the Admiral's junk to the Commissioners by Lieutenant Hamilton, accompanied by Mr. Morrison, the Chinese Interpreter, demanding the intentions of the Chinese. These gentlemen were well received, and a request forwarded by them for the ships to move further down, and they were informed that a reply would be sent the next day. No reply, however, came, and on the 3rd, at 9:30 A.M., Captain Smith perceiving the war-junks and fire-vessels, 29 in number, getting under weigh and bearing down upon him, the 'Volage' and 'Hyacinth' immediately weighed anchor and stood towards them under easy sail. On this the Chinese flotilla anchored in a line about a mile from them. Captain Smith now sent the interpreter for a reply to his communication, when his own letter to the High Commissioner was returned to him. After this want of courtesy, as it was evident the Chinese had sent this imposing force out for the purpose of intimidation, Captain Smith considered, for the honour of the British flag and the safety of the merchant vessels, it was necessary to compel them to return to their former anchorage, lest they might slip by him at night and carry their menaces into execution.

He accordingly at noon gave the signal to engage, and the British ships, then lying-to at the extreme end of the Chinese line, bore away in close order, having the wind on the starboard beam. In this way, under easy sail, they ran down the Chinese line, pouring in a destructive fire. The ships, having the wind abeam, were able to run up again from the other extremity of the line, with their larboard broadsides bearing on the enemy. The Chinese, undaunted at first by the tremendous fire to which they were exposed, answered it with spirit, and their Admiral Kwang behaved with much courage. His war-junk was evidently better manned and armed than the rest of the fleet, and relying on this, he weighed or cut his cable, and bore down in handsome style to engage the British ships. His junk carried twelve guns, which he fought with much skill and courage; in less, however, than three-quarters of an hour, the shots from the British ships had told with terrible effect on him and the rest of his fleet. One blew up, three sunk, several were shattered and deserted by their crews, and the remainder retired in the greatest confusion, that of the Admiral, evidently in a sinking state, to the anchorage above the battery. The 'Volage' escaped without any injury; but the 'Hyacinth,' which was for some time surrounded by the junks, had one man slightly wounded, and got her main-yard much damaged.

Captain Smith having effected his object, the return of the war-junks above the fort, and not wishing to cause any unnecessary bloodshed, at one, P.M., made the signal to terminate the action, and returned that night to Macao. He there embarked a number of British residents who had gone there while negotiations were pending, and proceeded to Hong Kong, leaving the 'Hyacinth' at Macao.

It afterwards appeared, that from the British ships retiring without inflicting further punishment on the Chinese, Admiral Kwan, on his return to Canton, boasted that he had gained a great victory, and was in consequence covered with rewards and honours, while it encouraged his countrymen to persevere in the contest. Captain Smith acted perfectly right; but it is another of many examples of the difficulty of dealing with barbarians, and the danger often of treating them with leniency and forbearance until they have completely succumbed. All trade with the English was now prohibited, though American vessels brought down teas from Canton to the ships lying outside the Boca Tigris, and carried back goods in return.

ARRIVAL OF BRITISH SQUADRON AND TRANSPORTS.

Soon after the event we have just described, the Chinese authorities at Canton sent a boat-load of poisoned tea, packed in small parcels, to be sold to the English seamen; but the boat falling into the hands of Chinese pirates, her cargo was sold by them to their countrymen, many of whom died in consequence. About this time a proclamation was issued, offering 20,000 Spanish dollars to any one who would capture an English 80-gun ship; and for taking alive a foreign mandarin or captain 5,000 dollars, and so on for other officers in proportion to their rank, while a third of the sum was to be paid for killing them. The Chinese were making preparations at this period for future operations in the Canton river; troops were exercised, fire-ships were prepared, and guns collected. Lin also got up a sham fight at the Bogue, dressing some of the troops in red clothes, who were soundly beaten, to teach the Celestials to conquer the barbarian English. The Chinese had also purchased a large English merchant-ship, intending to turn her into a man-of-war, and had built some odd little craft in imitation of English schooners.

On the 24th of March the 'Druid' frigate, commanded by Lord John Churchill, arrived off Macao, and thence proceeded to Tongkoo Roads.

The expedition having reached Singapore, and waited there till the 30th of May for Admiral the Hon. G. Elliot., who was expected from the Cape of Good Hope, began to assemble in Macao Roads towards the end of June. It consisted of the following ships and 27 transports, having on board the 18th, 26th and 49th European Regiments, 37th Madras infantry, a body of Bengal volunteers, and a corps of Madras sappers and miners. The troops, who numbered about 4,000 men, were under the command of Colonel Oglander. On his death he was succeeded by Colonel Burrel.

_British squadron employed on the coast of China_.--'Melville,' 74 (flag-ship), Rear-Admiral the Hon. George Elliot, C.B., Captain the Hon. B. S. Dundas; 'Wellesley,' 74 (bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Sir J. G. Gordon Bremer, C.B.), Captain Thomas Maitland; 'Blenheim,' 74, Sir H. S. Fleming Senhouse, K.C.B.; 'Druid,' 44, Captain H. Smith;[1] 'Blonde,' 44, Captain F. Bourchier; 'Conway,' 28, Captain C. D. Bethune; 'Volage,' 28, Captain George Elliot; 'Alligator,' 28, Captain H. Kuper; 'Larne,' Captain J. P. Blake; 'Hyacinth,' 20, Captain W. Warren; 'Modeste,' 20, Captain H. Eyres; 'Pylades,' 20, Commander T. V. Anson; 'Nimrod,' 20, Commander C. A. Barlow; 'Cruiser,' 18, Commander H. W. Giffard; 'Columbine,' 18, Commander T. J. Clarke; 'Algerine,' 10, Lieut.-Commander T. S. Mason; 'Rattlesnake' (troop-ship), Master Commander Brodie; Hon. East India Company's armed steamers 'Queen,' Commander Warden; 'Madagascar,' Commander Dicey; 'Atalanta,' Commander Rogers; 'Enterprise,' Commander West.

The Admiral not having arrived, the fleet was under the command of Sir Gordon Bremer. While at Singapore, Captain Maitland had drilled 350 seamen of the 'Wellesley' as light-infantry troops and brought them into an admirable state of efficiency. Instead of at once passing the Boca Tigris and attacking Canton, part of the fleet was ordered to proceed north, along the east coast, while the remainder blockaded the mouth of the Canton River.

[1] Lord John Churchill dying, Captain Smith was appointed to the 'Druid,' and G. Elliot succeeded him in the 'Volage.'

PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. 'BLONDE' OFF AMOY,

July 3rd, 1840.