CHINA.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 49, 8 December 1860, Page 3

CHINA.

CAPTURE OF THE TAKU FORTS. We have Hongkong papers to the 11th September, from which we extract the following report of the progress of the war in the North of China, by the British and French against the Chinese: — On the 12th August the allied armies left Pehtang, soon after which the second division diverged to the right, and was the first in action, as they came across the enemy’s cavalry about a mile beyond the joss poles. These made a gallant rush at one of the Armstrong guns; but were met by some Sikh horse, and being utterly routed, they then retreated to the Tarter Camp. Soon after, the first division came up to the entrenched camp, and soon shelled the enemy out with Armstrong guns, on which they retreated to the second entrenched camp, and were again attacked and driven out, when they took refuge in Sinho, together with the cavalry that had been driven out of the entrenchment by the second division. About 10 a.m., Sinho was attacked by both divisions, and the 'Barters evacuated it, and retreated to Tang Koo, a large fortified village, about 11 miles from the North Peiho forts. Near Sinho the troops stopped till the 14th August, when they stormed Tang Koo. The Armstrong guns did splended service, and totally eclipsed the French rifle cannon. Major Probyn’s horse had a smart rencontre with the Tartars, cutting fifty of them to pieces and capturing 800 ponies. The second division remained at Tang Koo till the 21st, the first division being at a place a little to the westward, ferae guns were sent to the front on the evening of the 20th, and on the morning of 21st the second division of the army and about 1,500 French marched to the attack of the Peiho forts. At 5’30 p.m. the firing began on the part of the Chinese, to which we replied with such spirit that within three hours and a half 1,500 shell were fired into fort No. 3. At 9 a.m. the place was carried by assault, the Chinese defending everjr inch of ground, and being bayonetted by scores and driven out after the most desperatc'reistance. Our loss is said to be 40 killed and 162 wounded; the French loss being somewhat similar. It is considered hymen of all arms that it is impossible to conceive a more resolute defence —in fact the Chinese have covered themselves with glory. A Victoria Cross has been awarded to Ensign Chaplain of the 67th Regiment, who, by his bravery, well deserved the medal. The great chief Sankolinsin is of course in disgrace. A letter from the North, furnished by a subscriber of the Hongkong Ragister, after relating the events attending tiie landing of the Allies, the capture of Pehtang, and the attack upon the Tartar camps, proceeds to give the following particulars:— “ On arriving st the Peiho they found the forts very strong and well defended, but owing to the efficacy of the Armstrong guns and patent shells the enemy were bombarded out of them after a vigorous resistance of eight hours. . “ General Hope Grant said that the Mandarin who defended them deserved the Victoria Cross for the skill and courage he displayed. “ Paring the latter part of the attack, which

was in tlie evening, the air seemed alive with bursting shells and rockets, and~bccasionally a tremendous glare as some powder- magazine exploded. In two days after, the droops had possession of the forts on both sidesjof the river. “On entering them they fourn the Chinese lying dead by scores round thAr guns, Our loss in proportion was trifling—.pOO killed and wounded on the side of the Allies, including about 20 officers. “Previous to the attack, a Mandarin came with a flag of truce, but Lord Elgin refused to treat until the forts were given up, and I believe he will make.no terms but with the Emperor in person.”