Destroying Chinese war junks, by E. Duncan.

Repro ID: 0792

Description: The iron steam ship HMS 'Nemesis', commanded by Lieutenant W. H. Hall, with boats from the 'Sulphur', 'Calliope', 'Larne' and 'Starling', destroying the Chinese War Junks in Anson's Bay, on 7 January 1841. This was one of the actions in the First Opium War with China, 1839-42. As a result of this morally dubious conflict, Britain secured Chinese markets for Indian opium and acquired Hong Kong. The Chinese governments finally suppressed opium imports from India in 1917.

Creator: E. Duncan (painter and engraver), Messrs Fores (publisher)

Date: 30 May 1843

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London