new year (the 2nd of February), and to be carried
on at Whampoa till further arrangements are practicable at the new
settlement. Details to remain matter of negociation." The terms of this
convention were much censured; and Lord John Russell declared in the
house of commons, on the 6th of May, that they were not approved of by
her majesty's government; that Captain Elliot had been recalled; and
that Sir Henry Pottinger had been appointed plenipotentiary in his
stead. In the meantime it had become evident that the Chinese had no
intention of fulfilling these engagements. On the morning of the 19th of
February, a hostile shot was fired at the boat of the _Nemesis_ steamer
from North Wangtong, and hostilities again commenced. The British
squadron now attacked the Anunghoy batteries, which were soon silenced,
and they then landed, and both the ships and land troops proceeded
towards Canton. The British colours were soon hoisted on Howqua's fort;
and while Sir George Brewer and General Gough were preparing to attack
those forts which still remained between them and Canton, the Kwang-chow
Foo, as prefect, accompanied by the Hong merchants, came down and
admitted that Keshen had been degraded, and that no commissioner had yet
arrived to treat for peace, or make any new arrangements. Keshen had, it
appeared, delayed the execution of the treaty until he could obtain the
emperor's confirmation of it. The emperor, however, looking upon the
English "as dogs and sheep in their dispositions," and considering that
"both gods and men were indignant at their conduct, refused to ratify
a treaty with them; and Keshen was ordered to be delivered over to the
board of punishment." The Chinese again contemplated hostilities, and in
the month of May the British commanders again determined to advance upon
Canton. All the surrounding forts were captured, and it was determined
that the city should be taken by assault; but a flag of truce was
hoisted on the walls, and Captain Elliot again requested Sir H. Gough
to suspend hostilities. He was employed, he said, in a settlement of
the difficulties upon the following conditions:--"1. The imperial
commissioner, and all the troops, other than those of the province, to
quit the city within six days, and to remove to a distance exceeding
sixty miles. 2. 6,000,000 dollars to be paid in one week for the use
of the crown of England; 1,000,000 dollars payable before to-morrow at
sun-set. 3. British troops to r