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China, 'the Times' Special Correspondence From China in 1857-58. With Corrections and Additions
China 'the Times' Special Correspondence From China in 185758 With Corrections and Additions Author:George Wingrove Cooke General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1858 Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million book... more »s for free. Excerpt: CHAPTER IV. AFTER THE BATTLE. Trial of Commodore Keppel for loss of the Raleigh -- Honourable Acquittal -- Visit to the Wounded of Fatshan -- Preparations for Reception of Lord Elgin -- List of Casualties at Escape Creek and Fatshan. Hongkong, June 9. When the admiral had returned to his anchorage a naval court-martial was held on board the Sibylle upon Commodore Keppel and his crew for the loss of the Raleigh. The report of the officer sent to survey the spot rendered this trial almost a matter of form. It was chiefly remarkable for a speech from the commodore, who appeared with his breast quite covered with orders and medals, and never alluded in any way to himself during the whole of his defence. The fact is that no great loss has been sustained in the Raleigh. For modem naval warfare, and especially in these seas, your old 50-gun sailing ships are useless. They are pleasant as marine residences, but for fighting you might as well arm your men with bows and arrows. The commodore received back his sword, and is left in command up the river. To-day I visited the wounded men. All the severe cases are on board the Hercules. With the exception of two cases -- one where the poor creature has the back of his head shot away, and lingers still with half a brain -- the men are all doing well. The main deck of the Hercules might be envied as an hospital ward by the surgeons of Guy's or Bartholomew's. Many of the wounds are of the most frightful description. They are all caused either by cannon-shot or jagged pieces of iron. It is wonderful to find the men so cheerful under the pressure of such wounds. I h...« less