1842 Rajamundry HG 2 Cover

1842

5 March 1842, Ningpo; Engaging the Battle of Ningpo The postscript of the letter describes the fighting of the batter in Ningpo: “……The operation this year will be carried on in the central provinces, unless an order compels Sir Hugh (Gough) to move upon Pekin and large reinforcement join us. About 40 miles from us is a force of about 20,000 Chinese but we know that they do not mean fight, and it is hopeless to get them to stand their ground. They are fortifying themselves with all their might. I believe the most likely thing to happen is that in about 6 weeks or 2 months, we shall take Chapoo, the town on the North side of the Hangchoo for Estuary, and at the same time advance by land, drive the Chinese from their position at Tsouno-O and get to the river bank opposite Hangchoofoo, collect boats and force the papage …… If the Emperor does not yield when we are on the main artery of the country, it is hoped by all that we shall set up a sovereign over Sothern China, with the Yangtse(kiang) for a boundary, and that toll upon the corn trade to the capital for ever ……” On the top of the address panel, it indicates “China Expedition Letter – Free”. According to the India Post Master General, who issued a notification in the Calcutta Gazette dated 22 April 1840, the officer mails from China Expedition will be free of charge. However, it is strange that incoming ship postage in India was actually taken despite the government order and subsequent post office notification. The sender endorsed the letter “China Expedition letter Free” but it was ignored!