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The Congregational Observer
Hartford, New Haven, Hartford County, New Haven County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
British naval forces in China face fire-raft attack repelled without damage; prior poisoned tea plot uncovered causing deaths. Interpreters join expedition amid doubts on imperial audience and reported reward edict against English leaders.
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The ship Ann McKim, Capt. Martin, from Canton, arrived yesterday, having left that port on the 21st June.—Journal of Commerce.
ARRIVAL OF PART OF THE BRITISH EXPEDITION.
The first arrival of this armament was H. M. ship Alligator, 28th—Kuper, Esq., captain, between 2 and 3 A. M., on the 9th instant, in the Kapsuymoon, at the very moment that the Chinese officers had sent in about eighteen fire-rafts, constructed of old out-side fishing boats and some cargo boats, chained together, two and two, and filled with combustible matter of all descriptions, to burn the British shipping.
The fleet did not suffer any damage from these rafts, set adrift before the wind and tide; and they were speedily towed on shore by the boats of the squadron.
Thus at the very instant of his arrival, captain Kuper found his countrymen and the Chinese engaged in hostilities.
We may here repeat that previous to this third attempt to burn the English fleet, the Chinese government had sent a boat load of poisoned tea, packed in small parcels, to be sold to the sailors; this nefarious attempt it is reported was thus discovered: The boat was captured by pirates, who sold her cargo to their fellow countrymen; many deaths followed the use of the poisoned tea; so many, indeed, that it is said the attention of the district magistrates was drawn to the circumstances.
The Rev. Charles Gutzlaff, second interpreter to H. M's. commission in China has joined the Wellesley, and Mr. John Robert Morrison, the chief interpreter, remains, to join Admiral the honorable George Elliot, who is daily expected with his squadron either direct from the Cape of Good Hope or from Trincomalee.
The Chinese in Macao express their confident opinion that an audience of the Emperor will not be obtained; and we are inclined to the same opinion, particularly if we commence with protocoling.
It is reported that an edict is just published, offering rewards for Captain Elliot and the rest of the English, dead or alive! This is quite the style of Chinese bullying braggadocio.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
China
Event Date
21st June; 9th Instant
Key Persons
Outcome
fleet did not suffer any damage from fire-rafts; many deaths followed the use of poisoned tea among those who consumed it
Event Details
Ship Ann McKim arrived from Canton, left on 21st June. H.M. ship Alligator arrived on 9th instant in Kapsuymoon amid Chinese fire-raft attack on British shipping, which was repelled without damage. Previous poisoned tea attempt discovered via pirate capture and subsequent deaths. Rev. Charles Gutzlaff joined Wellesley; Mr. John Robert Morrison to join Admiral Elliot. Doubts on obtaining audience with Emperor. Reported edict offering rewards for English dead or alive.