 In the wake of China's military defeat, with British warships poised to attack Nanking, British and Chinese officials negotiated on board HMS "Cornwallis" anchored at the city.On 29 August, British representative Sir Henry Pottinger and Qing representatives Qiying, Yilibu, and Niu Jian signed the treaty, which consisted of thirteen articles.The treaty was ratified by the Daoguang Emperor on 27 October and Queen Victoria on 28 December.