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Fleet of Chinese junks, with H.M.S. Opossum, preparing to attack pirates at How-Chow, 1865. 'It was lately mentioned in our Journal that the pirates who infest the China seas have during the past twelvemonth committed some very daring acts in the vicinity of Hainan, attacking merchant-ships of considerable size under the English, German, and other European flags; and that consequently her Majesty's gun-boat Opossum, commanded by Lieutenant St. John, was sent down to co-operate with the Mandarins for the purpose of capturing the pirates. The accompanying Illustration shows the Chinese fleet, under Admiral Wang-Yung-Yow, with the Opossum in company, preparing for the attack at How-Chow. The Opossum on this occasion captured one pirate junk, heavily armed, which was taken on the 10th of July last; but as there is, no doubt, a nest of these daring outlaws somewhere about Hainan, the Opossum and other gun-boats are about to be sent to Hainan for the purpose of acting, in conjunction with the Chinese Admiral, for suppressing piracy in those parts. The expedition will be commanded by Lieutenant St. John.' From "Illustrated London News", 1865. Fleet of Chinese junks, with H.M.S. Opossum, preparing to attack pirates at How-Chow, 1865. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)