Hong Kong Letter Book (Office of the Inspector General of Fortifications, Whitehall)

Transcription of a letter book from the Office of the Inspector General of Fortifications, Whitehall, London, for the period 1 April, 1847 to 31 March, 1868. The transcription was prepared by Colonel J E Nowers (Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham) in 1996.

Colonel Nowers has provided a brief introduction to the two Parts of the letter book. Of Part 1, Nowers notes: "The first group of letters in the book covers operations against the Chinese in Canton in 1847, a fascinating first inspection report on the detachment of Royal Sappers and Miners (the rank and file of the Engineer corps) of 1850 and lengthy discussions on defence schemes for Hong Kong spanning 1855-1858."

Of Part 2, Nowers writes: "This part opens with reports of operations against the Tai Pings from April until June 1862. These reports mention the Disciplined Chinese Force under American Colonel Ward, later to become the Ever Victorious Army under Charles Gordon. Gordon played a prominent role in these actions and Part 2 includes his application for service under the Chinese Government. There is further discussion about the defence of Hong Kong and the letter book concludes with Moody anticipating possible military activity against Japan."

The file includes a covering letter from Colonel Nowers, sent to the RSAA along with the transcription, and a reply from the Society (both 1996). The text is © The Royal Engineers Museum.