The Chinese War

An invaluable account of the first of the 19th century 'Opium Wars' between Britain and China for control of the debilitating and dangerous but highly profitable drugs trade. The author, an Indian Army officer of the Madras Engineers, witnessed many of the events he describes. The action moves from Hong Kong, to Canton, Shanghai and finally Nanking, where the outgunned Chinese are compelled to sign a treaty ending the conflict. The author is critical of the 'ignorance' and 'cruelty' of the Chine