Royal Navy.- China.- Chimmo (William) [Log of proceedings on H.M.S. Cornwallis, H.M.S. Rose, H.M.S. Modeste, H.M.S. Castor, and H.M.S. Agincourt], manuscript, 74pp. (loose sheets), 14 pen & ink drawings including vessels, 'Assault on the City of Chang Jiang', 'Hoisting on board a mortar at Madras', and 2 topographical views, pen & watercolour naval signals, some text faded, holes, chips and repairs, water- / damp-stained, some spotting, lightly browned, 4to, 1841-1844.

⁂ Chimmoentered the Royal navy as a midshipman during the first Chinese war and retired in 1873 at the rank of Captain. In the First Anglo-Chinese War (1839-42) while on H.M.S Cornwallis he took part in actions off Canton in the fleet commanded by Sir William Parker. In the present log he provides an hourly account of the action at Chang Jiang: '4am: Daylight landed 4500 troops, by the steamers, from the troop ships. 7am: All troops landed and marched to the hill... 11.45am: Troops gained the rampart and gradually drove the enemy from their retreat. 12pm: Magazine blew up the city... 6pm: Departed this life- Major--- from a Coup au Soliel [sic]'. Other entries relate to lashes for desertion, gun carriages, refitting the steamers and Robert Peel.