In China, a British attack on the Taku Forts is repulsed with heavy losses

In China, the Royal Navy suffered its only significant defeat between 1815 and 1914 against the Chinese Imperial forts guarding the Peiho River.  Losses were 436 killed and 345 wounded with four gunboats sunk.  United States naval vessels assisted the British by towing boats of wounded and moving reinforcements, American commander Josiah Tatnall making the famous statement in his report that, "Blood is thicker than water."   (By John Osborne)