Second Opium War in China
After American ships were fired upon during passage on the Canton River by Chinese forces in the river's Barrier Forts, the USS Levant, accompanied by the USS Plymouth, were ordered to return fire.
During the first night of the engagement, John Guthrie led a reconnaissance mission to evaluate the strength of the strongholds. Under heavy fire the next morning, Guthrie directed a party of sailors and marines ashore to storm the forts.
After a fierce battle , Guthrie's men forced the Chinese ton retreat, personally hauling down their flag.
No doubt, memories of his exploits on the Canton River in China and now his most recent exploit on the Congo River in Africa (capturing the slaver Nightingale) gave him good reason to believe he would get a promotion and perhaps command of the USS Saratoga when he got back.
--Old B-Runner
No comments:
Post a Comment