Operations in the Canton River in April, 1847,

£18,000 · Offered by Maggs Bros Ltd

In 1846 relations between the Chinese population and foreigners in Canton were at a low point. Riots broke out when a British merchant (Charles Compton) beat a Chinese fruit-vendor and in the following year attacks on foreigners increased. In April 1847 John Davis, the Chief Superintendant of Trade, mounted a punitive expedition against Canton which destroyed all the principal forts at the Bogue. They were preparing to storm the city when the Chinese Commisioner Keying relented to British demands of free and secure access. “Under these circumstances it became a matter of vital importance to teach the Chinese authorities and people that the British Government could redress its wrongs much more speedily than was imagined; and Sir John Davis found in General D’Aguilar and Captain McDougall two officers quite willing to undertake this service, even with the small amount of force immediately at their command.” (descriptive text). Printed by Day Son, lithographers to the Queen. The plates show the following views: 1. Title, with view of the Bay of Victoria, Hong Kong 2. Sketch of the River Chou Kiang (Canton River map) 3. Forts and Batteries of the Bocca Tigris 4. Taking Posession of the Annanchoy Batteries 5. The Staked Barrier, or second pass of the Canton River, above Whampoa 6. Forts and Batteries of the Staked Barrier of the Canton River 7. French Folly Fort, City of Canton8. British and Foreign Factories at Canton 9. The keep of the French Folly Fort blown up by the Royal Sap

• Year: 1848

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