2-982-303 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Attack on the "Braves" near the White Cloud Mountain, Canton - sketched by our special artist and correspondent, 1858. British forces attack in China. 'Information having been received by General Van Straubenzee that some "braves" had pitched their tents somewhere under the mountains to the north-east of Canton, his Excellency determined on a reconnaissance to White Cloud Mountain on June 2; and, having arrived there, perceived a camp of braves, which it was resolved to attack...The hills were covered with the braves and their flags. They pitched rockets, but quite harmlessly. The marines advanced in three single files across the paddy-fields; they could not advance in double files, for between the ridges the mud is deep and slushy. Of course the braves bolted as we advanced...The sun was our greatest enemy...the thermometer in the shade being up to 90 degrees. Three men fell dead in the field, and were buried there. More have died since...It is supposed there were 100 casualties by sun and wounds...[The sketch shows] the moment when the marines were advancing...across the paddy-fields...Under the clump of trees in front are the 59th...and in the background the braves within sight, every one of them yelling tremendously'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.