Before the battle, Rear-Admiral Michael Seymour, commander-in-chief of British forces, sent a summons to the Chinese commander of the Bogue forts: The British Admiral wishes to spare life, and is not at war with the Chinese; and as it is necessary for him to hold possession of the Bogue Forts, until the conduct of the Viceroy Yeh can be referred to the Emperor of Pekin, one hour will be given for the purpose of clearing out; if this offer is at once accepted, boats will be permitted to pass to and from the main land and the Wantungs.

[2] After an hour, Seymour received an answer; the Chinese commander could not give up the forts because he would "lose his head" and must therefore fight.

[2] On the 12 November, the British squadron attacked the two Wangtong Island forts, which were fully manned and had over 200 guns mounted.

The Chinese, who stood to their guns up to the moment of the British entering the embrasures, had boats ready to escape.

The forts were captured after what Seymour called a "considerable, though ill-directed" resistance of about an hour.