2-979-022 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Part of the Destroyed Walls of Canton, from the Dutch Folly Fort - from a sketch by an officer engaged in the operations, 1857. China, Second Opium War. '..., it was found necessary to strike, and the first blow was as severe as it was sudden. In two days Sir Michael Seymour had dismantled the whole of the forts on both branches of the river, together with the Red Fort, Bird's Nest, and Shameen Forts, contiguous to the city...The next step was to breach the city walls, which was speedily done by landing guns on a small island in the river, called Dutch Folly; and the day following the Admiral, at the head of about 300 men, entered the new city, and penetrated into the interior of the Governor-General's yamun, or official residence'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.