'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎155] (174/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAYY.
155
Third Division. —H.M.'s troop-sliips Belleisle' and 'Jupiter.'
Hon. Company's steamer ' Queen;' and nine transports.
Fourth Division, - — H.M.S. 6 Endymion,' forty-four guns.
Hon. Company's steam frigate 6 Sesostris;' and thirteen
transports.
Fifth Division.—RMS. ' Dido,' twenty guns ; and troopships
4 Apollo' and 4 Rattlesnake;' and eight transports.
Thanks to the exertions of the surveying officers, chief among
whom were Commanders Kellett and Collinson, the fleet pro
ceeded up the river, a distance of 170 miles, without loss,
though, owing to the difficulties and unknown dangers of the
navigation, "every ship of the squadron and many of the
transports," says the Admiral, ^ have been on shore," but
the bottom being everywhere of soft mud, they sustained no
damage. Some opposition was offered from three batteries at
Sheshan, about five leagues below the intersection of the Grand
Canal, but they were abandoned, and the whole of the works
destroyed.
The fleet was detained some days off Seshan by scant winds,
and the Hon. Company's steamers 'Medusa' and 6 Phlegethon,'
while prosecuting the surveys, were opposed, on the 15th, at the
entrance of the narrow channel between the island of Tseaoushan
and a commanding promontory on its south side, by a battery
of twelve guns. Lieutenants McCleverty and Hewett engaged
these works and silenced them, 44 with much credit," as the
Admiral wrote. The same afternoon. Sir Hugh Gough and Sir
William Parker proceeded, with the 4 Vixen' and 4 Medusa,' to
reconnoitre the approaches to Chin-Kiang-foo, when they not
only found the battery and adjoining village deserted, but passed
on without the slightest opposition close to the suburbs of the
city, and above the island of Kinsham.
On the 17th, Captain Bourchier was sent with a strong
squadron to blockade the entrances to the Grand Canal, and,
on the 19th and 20th, the remainder of the fleet succeeded in
reaching the anchorage at the entrance of the South Grand
Canal, and preparations were made to attack the great city of
Chin-Kiang-foo. The disembarkation of the troops was com
menced at daybreak on the 21st of July, under cover of the
guns of the 4 Auckland,' the small steam vessels, and the armed
boats. The right brigade, under Lord Saltoun, moved forward
to attack the entrenched camp, which was carried after a brief
resistance, and, about the same time. General Schoedde, with
his brigade, ascended the heights on the river-side, 44 supported,^
w 7 rites the Admiral, 44 by a well-directed fire of shot and shells
from the 4 Auckland,'" to which, on this occasion, was allotted
the place of honour. General Schoedde, with the left brigade,
entered the city by escalading the northern wall, while General
Bartley, with the centre brigade, accompanied by Sir Hugh