The Yangzi Campaign: Pottinger 1841–42

Abstract

Elliot’s replacement as sole plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent arrived at Macao on 9 August 1841 in the new steam-frigate Sesostris. Sir Henry Pottinger was a very different character from his predecessor. An active, burly figure with a splendidly upturned moustache, he was energetic, shrewd, determined and notably tough. Born in Belfast, he had spent his entire career with the East India Company. He had had an adventurous time of it, including intelligence work on the Afghan borders and service in the Mahratta wars. After that, he spent much of his time as British political agent at the court of Indian princes. He rose to be senior political officer in the strategically vital province of Sind, covering the mouth of the Indus River, the frontier region of Western India with close links to neighbouring Persia and Afghanistan. His work there earned him a baronetcy. He retired back to England in 1840, at the relatively young age of 50, with a prospect of boredom. So he was glad to be offered the China appointment, especially since it came with a salary of £6000 (tv: £234.400), or double that of Elliot.