11. The British captured Canton and reopened it for trade in March, 1841
British forces, both naval and ground troops, captured Canton on March 18, including the 13 Factories. In the days following, they secured most of the region surrounding the city in a series of military victories. Within days trade was reopened, negotiated with the Cohong, whom the Emperor declared to be traitors, as well as any others trading with foreigners at Canton or along the Pearl River. Chinese forces of the Qing built up a large army surrounding the area, and in the temporary absence of British warships (Elliot had withdrawn them) hidden artillery batteries along the Pearl River.
On May 21, Qing forces attacked the British at several positions and launched fire rafts against British ships. British forces counterattacked from Hong Kong, and for several days there was heavy fighting between Qing troops and British naval and ground forces. Canton was recaptured, and another peace was signed by Qing authorities and Elliot (who no longer had the authority to do so, though he was as yet unaware of it). The peace had the British withdrawing troops from Canton, with trade remaining open. It was called the Ransom of Canton.