[Illustration: Tombs of the Kings, and sculptured Monsters] NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGES AND SERVICES OF THE NEMESIS FROM 1840 TO 1843, AND OF THE COMBINED NAVAL AND MILITARY OPERATIONS IN CHINA: COMPRISING A COMPLETE ACCOUNT OF THE Colony of Hong-Kong AND REMARKS ON THE CHARACTER & HABITS OF THE CHINESE. FROM THE NOTES OF COMMANDER W. H. HALL, R.N. WITH PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS, BY W. D. BERNARD, ESQ. A.M. OXON. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1845. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. The design originally proposed, when the following work was undertaken, has been somewhat departed from during its progress towards completion. Not only did the interest awakened by the various subjects treated of greatly increase, as the Author proceeded in his attempt to describe the scenes in which the Nemesis bore so distinguished a part, but the introduction of much collateral matter seemed to be called for, in order to enable him fully to illustrate the current of passing events. Hence the narrative of the adventures of the Nemesis gradually expanded itself into a complete history of the origin, progress, and termination of all the recent interesting occurrences in China, including a full and accurate account of all the operations of the war, and of the complicated difficulties from which it originated, as well as of the peculiar features that marked its progress. In addition, therefore, to her own interesting tale, the Nemesis supplied a valuable foundation upon which to build up a more enlarged history. The Author had long taken a deep interest in all that concerned our relations with China; and with a view to study personally the character of the people, and to obtain accurate information by observation on the spot, he paid a lengthened visit to that country in 1842. He there had the good fortune to fall in with the Nemesis, and through the kindness of Captain Hall, he subsequently proceeded in her to Calcutta in the beginning of 1843. He has thus been enabled to add to the history of the operations copious notices of the various places visited by the expedition; and has given a full description of the New Colony of Hong-Kong, with remarks upon its vast importance as a possession of the British empire upon the threshold of China. Incidental observations have been introduced upon the character of the Chinese people, and the new prospects which have been opened to us, through the extraordinary changes which have taken place in our intercourse with them, in a social, moral, mercantile, and religious point of view. These will be met with according as they were suggested by particular occurrences, or prompted by localities described in the work. The Maps and Illustrations will also contribute to give interest to the Narrative.