As I foresaw further work preparing for us, I lost no time in making myself better acquainted with the river, and hoped to find the famed Fatshan as a second position for our next campaign. As it was necessary I should repair to Macao for a short time, I moved down to Whampoa, in order to ascertain from the commodore what his further intentions were respecting us, but I was not a little surprised to hear that I was too late; that he had quitted for Calcutta in one of the steamers, and that I must now look to Sir Le Fleming Senhouse for instructions.

On my arrival at Macao, I found the Blenheim there, and learned from Sir Fleming that it was expressly ordered that I should be detained. He directed me to retain the command at Macao, until my operations were concluded, and then to resume my examination of the river, as I might see fit.

Two officers of the Blenheim, Messrs. Toole and Bligh, were going off to the ship at night in a small cutter, when they were fallen on board of by pirates or fishermen, and were supposed to be murdered. It appears that they were in company with an Englishman who had charge of the cutter, and on the vessel falling foul of them, either to save themselves, or resent the affront, as they deemed it, they jumped into the Chinese vessel, which falling clear, made off. The body of one of them, Mr. Field, was afterwards picked up in Carlisle Bay, near the barrier, and bore marks of violence. Nothing had since been

1841.]

OFFICERS OF BLENHEIM MISSING.

171

heard of the others. It is suspected to have been the act of a notorious pirate belonging to Cum-sing

moon.

On the 26th, the Melville sailed for England, followed by the Samarang, on the 29th, and the Madagascar and Queen for Calcutta, on the 31st. From Sir Le Fleming Senhouse, I learned that the commodore hoped to resume the command about the first week in May, and that it was probable we should be required for active service (to proceed to Amoy) on the 10th of May, at which period he hoped I would rejoin him at Hong-kong. Accompanied by Sir Hugh Gough, he moved off in the Atalanta steamer, to arrange affairs at Canton, rejoining the Blenheim (which sailed next morning) at Hong-kong. The Jupiter sailed at the same time for Singapore and Trincomalee, for stores, troops, &c.

CHAPTER VI.

Examine the channels of the river-A fresh rupture-Treacherous edict-Many boats and junks destroyed-Reconnoitre for landing troops-Preparations for the advance on CantonStorm the heights-Camp deserted-Casualties-Truce-Memorial-Chinese view of affairs-Memorial of Yishan to the Emperor Reception of the terms of truce-Death of Major Beecher Approach of the Chinese-The ransom paid-Premature death of Sir Le Fleming Senhouse-Commodore Sir J. Gordon Bremer returns-Typhoon-The Plenipotentiaries in the hands of the Chinese-Procure freedom by ransom.

174

PROCEED TO EXAMINE THE RIVER. [1841.

CHAPTER VI.

ON the 28th April we quitted Macao with the Starling in company, and moved up the river to the Wangtong Islands, the survey from that point upwards being entrusted to Lieutenant Kellett, of the Starling, until we should meet again. We moved up in the Sulphur to Macao Fort passage, when I proceeded by boat to call on Captain Herbert at Canton Factory, where our officers still maintained guard. Nevertheless, the river extortions (dues I can no longer call them) were duly paid to preserve peace.

I found every one extremely averse to my proceedings, and I fully believe that if I had not taken the precaution to obtain special permission upon every tittle of my intentions, from Captain Elliot, (through Sir Fleming, and officially forwarded to me for my guide,) I should have lost a golden harvest. To prevent discussion, I took short leave, commenced operations, and before sunset was out of sight in the other arm, leading to Fatee Creek.

By this course I became prepared for further