Narrative of a Voyage Round the World is in Victorian Books.
On the return of the commodore on the 24th, we were directed to proceed to Hongkong, and commence its survey. We landed on Monday, the 26th, at fifteen minutes past eight, and being the bona fide first possessors, her Majesty's health was drank with three cheers on Possession Mount.
On the 26th [January 1841], the squadron arrived; the marines were landed, the union hoisted on our post, and formal possession taken of the island, by Commodore Sir J. G. Bremer, accompanied by the other officers of the squadron, under a feu-de-joie from the marines, and a royal salute from the ships of war.
On the Cowloon Peninsula were situated two batteries, which might have commanded the anchorage, but which appeared at present to be but thinly manned ; these received due notice to withdraw their men and guns, as part of the late treaty.