China (March, 1857)
The Polynesian. Honolulu: March 13, 1857, page 357.
We have Hong Kong dates to November 15. The American Commissioner had arrived at Hong Kong in the Minnesota.
The English fleet was about to move into the Canton river. The French fleet will co-operate with the English, who were expected to commence immediately.
The Russian Commissioner was at Hong Kong.
It was rumored that Lord Canning, as soon as transports could be procured, would send 2,400 troops from India to China.
The London Times says:- By the present time, probably, Canton has been attacked and captured. It has been determined to make dispute entirely local. Should the Emperor answer the capture of Canton by the expulsion of the English traders from Shanghae, then, indeed, matters will grow serious; but should he determine that the Canton Governor and mob have been justly punished, it is possible that hostilities may be confined to the operations which were to be commended in the South. The British force seems to be sufficient for the purpose of retribution at Canton. “In a few days,” says our correspondent, “we may reasonably expect to have 700 gun and 7,000 men in these waters. Of the latter we shall be able probably two land 4,000.” The “blue jackets” were being drilled for service on land. We learn that the French have also determined to resort to hostilities against the Chinese. It should be understood beforehand such a union is by no means analogous to the combined operations in the Crimea. There is no military convention.
Baron Gros has with a naval force from which he can land 600 seamen. He has therefore resolved to join in the operations against Canton. Thus we shall have the singular spectacle of two nations simultaneously prosecuting hostilities against the same people on different grounds, and without any formal convention or alliance. In fact, the two expeditions maybe looked upon as entirely separate. It is well understood that the Americans are to retain their position of looking on.
