The northern elements of the expedition had…
January 1841 CE
Bremer judges that gaining control of the Pearl River and Canton would put the British in a strong negotiating position with the Qing authorities, as well as allow for the renewal of trade when the war ended.
While the British campaign in the north, Qing Admiral Guan Taipei greatly reinforces the Qing positions in Humen (Bocca Tigris), suspecting (sources state that Guan had been preparing for an eventual attack on the position since Napier's attack in 1835) that the British will attempt to force their way up the Pearl River to Canton.
The Humen forts block transit of the river, and are garrisoned with three thousand men and three hundred and six cannon.
By the time the British fleet is ready for action, ten thousand Qing soldiers are in position to defend Canton and the surrounding area.
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