The extension of British commerce caused the first Chinese war. The Government not only loathed the "Fan Kwei," or "foreign devils," but objected to the use of opium which the merchants sold. The destruction of about £2,000,000 worth of opium by Chinese officials, and the insult offered to Her Majesty's representative, Captain Elliot, R.N., led to the declaration of war against China, and a force under Brigadier-General Burrell was dispatched to China in June 1840, but following an attack on Ting-hae-hien the Chinese opened negotiations for peace, and after protracted _pourparlers_ they agreed early in 1841 to pay an indemnity, and to cede the island of Hong Kong. In accordance with the treaty the island was occupied by the British, but this was resented by the Chinese, who had determined not to carry out the terms agreed upon. Hostilities were consequently recommenced, and an expedition sent up the Canton River, where it quickly dealt with the batteries at Wantong, landed a body of British and Indian infantry, and captured considerably over 1,000 Chinese soldiers without losing a man. Pursuing its way up the river, the expedition imposed severe punishment upon the different forts, and the Chinese again sued for peace, mainly, however, for the purpose of gaining time to bring up reinforcements. The forts at Canton were silenced, and on May 24th, 1841, the British troops landed and carried the fortified heights, the 18th Royal Irish and the 49th charging in brilliant style. A flag of truce was hoisted on May 26th, and as a result of _pourparlers_ £4,250,000 sterling was agreed to be paid for the evacuation of Canton, which was to be opened to trade.