File:French attack the Bridge, Pa-Li-Chian, 1860.jpg

English: French attacked the bridge, Battle of Baliqiao.

Newspaper: The French attack on the bridge Pa-Li-Chian, eight miles from Pekin. - From a sketch by our special artist in China. Battle Near Pekin. Sir J. Hope Grant, in a despatch to the Secretary of state for war, writes as follows respecting the engagement of the 21st of September, near Pekin - two striking incidents of which, from Sketches by our special artist accom - panying the allied forces, we have engraved.

Head-quarters, camp near Tang-Chow, Sept. 22. Sir, - I have the honour to report that after the action of the 18th instant I remained in Chang-Taia-Wan for two days, during which time the 1500 French troops left at Hooseiwoo joined of junks coming up the Peiho with further supplies. From reconnaissances on the 19th and 20th we had ascertained that the Chinese army was encamped in very large numbers about four miles off, on the road between Tang-Chow and Pekin, and on both sides of the canal which runs from the Peiho to the latter city.

At daybreak on the 21st I marched from Chang-Tsin-Wan, and parking the baggago in a village two miles in front, was there joined by the French, who advanced on the right. Soon after passing Tang-Chow the French troops got under fire of the Chinese works thrown up to protect a fine bridge crossing the canal, and on the Imperial high road to Pekin. At this point the enemy's infantry appeared in considerable force. On the left the Tartar cavalry showed in large masses, and advanced rapidly until within 200 yards of our guns, which, hastily unlimbering, drove them off with a fire of canister, assisted by skirmishers thrown forward from the 2nd (Queen's).