Throughout 1857, British forces began to assemble in Hong Kong, joined by a French force. In December 1857 they had sufficient ships and men to raise the issue of the non-fulfilment of the treaty obligations by which the right of entry into Canton had been accorded. Parkes delivered an ultimatum, supported by Hong Kong governor Sir John Bowring and Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, threatening on 14 December to bombard Canton if the men were not released within 24 hours.
throughout 1857 british forces began to assemble in hong kong joined by a french force in december 1857 they had sufficient ships and men to raise the issue of the non-fulfilment of the treaty obligations by which the right of entry into canton had been accorded parkes delivered an ultimatum supported by hong kong governor sir john bowring and admiral sir michael seymour threatening on 14 december to bombard canton if the men were not released within 24 hours