2-979-643 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The War in China - The Port of Shanghai, 1857. 'Shanghai is one of the most important places of Chinese trade now open to Europe, and is situated up the Woosung River...The entrance is strongly protected by a long line of batteries...also a heavy round tower, or fort, mounting heavy metal; whilst the left bank is defended by a strong battery and castle...The trade between this port and Nankin is immense, the junks loaded with grain, sugar, &c., entering the Grand Canal at the city of Ching-Keang-Foo...and thence to Pekin. Few persons can form an idea of the beauty of this river, the extent and depth of which were unknown until our forces and squadron moved up in the year 1812, attacking and capturing the batteries...and...anchoring before the walls of Nankin...where our troops were...posted round the city until the treaty of peace was signed, and the expenses of the war paid or guaranteed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.