1 P. M. 28.96 N. E.
hard gusts.
Journal of Occurrences.
instant have occasioned great distress. The state of the atmos- phere in Macao is indicated by the following notices furnished by Mr. Beale.
Wednesday the 21st.
8 a. m. 29.42 N. W. showery fresh.
29.32 N. W. fresh wind.
Monday the 26th.
7.30 a. m. 29.17 N. W. rain.
28.94 N. W. heavy rain.
28.94 W. high wind.
29.00 S. W. rain, high wind. 29.08 S. W.
10 10.40
0.25 r. M. 29.25 S. W.
28.92 E. N.
E. harder gusts.
29.33 S. S. W. moderating.
28.94 E.
29.37 S.
29.04 E.
29.40 S.
less wind.
29.10 E.
29.44 S.
heavy rain.
29.21 S. E.
rain, gusty.
29.49 S.
29.27 S.
hard puffs.
29.53 S.
do. from wind.
29.34 S.
rain, moderating,
29.58 S.
high breeze.
29.38 S.
rain, moderating.
29.58 S.
29.45 S.
rain, high breeze.
29.64 S.
29.53 S.
rain, strong breeze | 10
29.68 S.
29.54 S.
29.70 S.
fresh breeze.
29.54 S.
fresh breeze.
29.70 s.
fresh breeze.
The wind from the north in the first tyfoon was remarkable for its strength and duration. The effect upon vegetation in Macao was very destructive, everything appearing as if it had been scorch- ed; the air was filled with salt spray. Fortunately, the greater part of the rice crop in this vicinity had been harvested.
The above table shows that the wind on the 2d day veered from N. round to W. and S. W; but at Whampoa and Hongkong, we have been told, it veered from N. round to E., S. E., and S. W.; this would indicate, according to the theory of Redfield, that the vortex was between Macao and Hongkong.
We regret that our information respecting these tyfoons is so limit- ed, and shall feel particularly obliged by any additional information that may be communicated for our next number. Native craft of every kind has suffered severely. One instance is thus described in a letter to the editor of the Canton Register, written July 24th, by captain W. Fraser of the Good Success. He says—
"On Thursday, the 22d instant, at daylight, blowing strong from the S. to S.E., we passed a quantity of wreck, chairs, &c.; at noon moderate with a heavy sea; observed a man on a piece of wreck close to the ship; shorten- ed sail and instantly hove the ship to; lowered the quarter boat, and for- tunately picked the poor fellow up, in the last state of exhaustion. From his account he had been three days adrift, on the piece of plank from which we took him; he is a native of Portugal, and had been a seacunnie on board the schooner Rose,' from the east coast, bound to Macao; which vessel appears to have foundered during the dreadful tyfoon of the 21st instant, when the unfortunate commander and crew met a watery grave.
"At noon, the Grand Ladrone bearing N. E. distant 29 miles, after se- curing the boat and making sail, observed a junk off the weather bow, with loss of mizzen mast, making signals of distress; hauled up, and passed close to windward of her; she appeared to be a total wreck and sinking; the whole of her sails, bulwarks, and rudder were gone, and the sea was making a continual breach over her; she had a numerous crew on board, who were
Journal of Occurrences
making most earnest intreaties on their knees for assistance; hove the ship to, lowered both quarter boats, and fortu..ately succeeded in taking off the whole of the crew, 46 in number; the poor fellows, when safe on board, knew not now to express their thankfulness for their narrow escape from the awful death to which they were so imminently exposed; the junk was evidently settling down fast in the water, and no doubt in a few hours more would have sunk. I feel thankful to Providence that made me the humble means of saving so many human beings from a watery grave; at the same time 1 assure you I feel thankful for my escape from the late severe weather; for although we had not a tyfoon, being well to the southward, still we en- countered a heavy gale from the S. W., with a tremendous sea, which en- dangered the ship in running before it, and forced me to lie to for nearly 18 hours under a close-reefed main-topsail."
How different this treatment from that shown to those who were on board the unfortunate cutter Louisa. Our readers cannot fail to be interested in the narrative, given in preceding pages, of the loss of that vessel. She was brought out from England, and formerly belong- ed to the factory of E. I. Co. in China; on the arrival of the king's commission she was taken into royal service, and ever since has been a conspicuous object; repeatedly under fire, from the Chinese forts and men-of-war, she always escaped unharmed. But she could not withstand the dreadful fury of the tyfoon. She started from Macao on the morning of the 20th in company with, or a little before, the Young Hebe-both bound to Hongkong. The Young Hebe returned to Macao disasted in the forenoon of the 23d, having narrowly escaped shipwreck, near Chungchow off the southwest extreme of Lantao. The Louisa was reported to have been last seen by the people in the Hebe three or four miles ahead of them, in the Lan- tao passage, rather far to leeward. Of her fate, however, nothing was reported in Macao, either by boats or by the steamers that came in during the 23d, and the morning of the 24th, and great anxiety began to be felt for the safety of those who were in her. From I- chow, she seems to have been driven on towards Chook-chow, round the Great Ladrone southward, and thence almost due west to the place where she struck this was south of Santchou, on an island north of Ty-loo. The proper name of island we do not know; its south point is called Tee-loo, and its northwestern
Kaoulan; and
Fei-sha tseun is believed to be the village
near which the cutter was lost.
Totally lost. H. B. M.'s cutter Louisa; ships James Laing and Prince George; schooner Rose; Snarleyyow; and Black Joke.
Wrecked or on shore; transports Framjee Cowasjee and Nazareth Shah; brig Jane; schooner Sylph.
Dismasted or otherwise injured; H. B. M. ship Sulphur, schooner Young Hebe; and brig Algerine; ships Penang; Royalist (late Mary Gordon); Isabella Robertson; Austin; Fatima; Urgent; Pestonjee Bomanjee; Sulimany; Helen; Beulah; America; City of Palaces; Arun; Mermaid; John Barry; Agnes; John Tomkinsou; Betsy and Sarah; City of Derry.
Journal of Occurrentes
The Dutch ship Middelburg, bound from Batavia to Japan, en- countered the tyfoon on the 25th, and came into Macao Roads on the 31st for repairs.
British trade at the port of Canton has been reöpened by a procla mation, issued on the Itch instant, in obedience to the imperial will, by the three commissioners Yihshan, Yang Fang, Tseshin, and the governor and it.-governor of Canton, Ke Kung and Eleäng.
Ex-governors Lin and Tang have been ordered to be transported to Ele, in disgrace: and there they are to try to make atonement for their crimes committed against the state. The order for Táng came during the first tyfoon, on the 21st, requiring his departure instan- A similar order was sent for Lin in Chekeäng. It is generally supposed that Keshen is again in the ascendant.
The three commissioners now in Canton, it is said, will shortly pro- ceed to Peking, and the troops from the other provinces return "in triumph to their homes! The death of Lungwan occurred near the close of the last month; from some superstitious notions, the demise of this commissioner was for a time concealed from the public.
Indemnity from the Chinese has been obtained for the Bilbaino, the Black Joke, and in part for the property lost by the destruction of the factories in Canton : the whole, we suppose, will soon be forth- coming. N. B. In the items of ransom money, given on page 319, in our last, the sum of $250,000 should have been $320,000.
The British expedition is still at Hongkong, and its future move- ments are uncertain. Some reinforcements have arrived during the month; among them is the H. Co.'s armed steamer Phlegethon, in construction, armament, &c., quite like the Nemesis.
The prospects of the war at present are much clouded. Has the emperor changed his purpose! Is the decree for extermination revoked! Is the hostile attitude all at once to be exchanged for peace? Are the demands of the British crown about to be granted? But will foreign merchants, or foreign diplomatists, put any more faith in the promises of this perfidious government? Apparently there is a change in the councils of the government, and there are signs of a disposition to yield. Their reality will soon be tested.
Sickness and death have prevailed much among the military and naval forces, since the capture of the heights; the sickness has abat- ed, and the deaths are becoming less frequent. The Chinese troops also have suffered. Nor have the foreign residents escaped without admonition. One of our oldest residents, James Innes esquire, died on the 1st instant, aged 55 years. There have been some other deaths during the mouth.
Mrs. Noble, widow of captain Noble, of the Kite, sailed for Eng- land on the fɔ̃th, in the Appolline, captain Deane. Subscriptions in China for Mrs. Noble, made by her countrymen and other foreigners, have been raised to near ten thousand dollars. Donations are also being made in India on her behalf.
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-AUGUST, 1841.- No. 8.
ART. I. Notices of Chusan: its geological formation; climate; productions; agriculture; commerce and capabilities; people, &c. In continuation of the article on Chusan in the June number, a few remarks on the geology of the island and coast, extracted from the Calcutta Journal of Natural History, may not be uninteresting. The article in that Journal was written by lieutenant Ouchterlony, Madras engineers.
“The prevailing rock of the island belongs to the ancient volcanic class, and comprises many varieties, but principally clay-stone, clay- stone porphyry, felspar, compact and porphyritic, and trachyte.
In portions of the cliffs on the south and north coasts, the rocks are observed to assume a columnar structure, and dykes and masses of greenstone burst through the beds of clay-stone on various points, in- durating and altering them to a considerable extent, On the west coast, the clay-stone porphyry assumes a slaty or laminated structure, and appears to be quarried extensively both for use on the island and for exportation to the main land, affording excellent slabs for paving and for floors, and good blocks for common building purposes. A coarse conglomerate is also to be seen, intervening between beds of the claystone, imbedding angular fragments of many descriptions of igneous rocks, and passing into a compact and workable porphyry, which is also quarried and made use of for pillars, blocks for corn mills, basement slabs, &c., &c. The very best materials for road- making and repairing are readily procurable in most parts of the island; and for buildings of any descriptions in the sea-port town of Tinghar, such as barracks, warehouses, docks &c., stone could be
VOL. X. NO. VIII.
Notices of Chusan.
quarried to almost any extent from the neighborhood of Sin-kong, on the western coast, and delivered in Chusan bay by water convey- ance at an economical rate. No limestone is of course procurable on the island, and the small quantity of lime which is used by the natives is obtained from shells of the Ostrea tribe, which it is probable abound among the islands of the archipelago. Sand also is not procurable on any of the coasts, but a supply may be obtained from several of the islands, which are exposed to the direct wash of the sea; it is however scarce, and generally speaking not well adapted for making mortar: The clay formed by the decomposition of the trap ranges, and washed down by the numerous streams, makes ex- cellent bricks."-The following observations of lieut. Ouchterlony refer to a few points along the coasts of China and Leaoutung.*
Commencing with the southern province, called Kwangtung, the capital of which is Canton, we may observe in the promontory and head-lands of Macao, the extremity of a range of granitic hills, which appears to run to the north-eastward, being there connected with higher and more important chains at the distance of about 70 miles in- land. Extending from the boundary of this province, and forming the seacoast as far as Namoh, there appears to be a continuous but rugged range of igneous rocks, much dislocated and broken up in various parts, but preserving the same general characters throughout. Fur- ther north as at Amoy, these rocks assume a trappean appearance, and the provinces of Chekeäng and Keängsoo, as far north as the estuary of the Yangtsze keäng, seem to be traversed by lofty but ir- regular ranges of hills and mountains of an igneous or perhaps vol- canic nature, having a direction nearly due north and south. ...The group of islands forming the Chusan Archipelago, has already been described, as composed of ancient volcanic rocks. Our infor- mation now becomes imperfect as far as Shantung province, but from analogy it is reasonable to suppose that the same system of rocks continues along the coast, as far as the northeastern extremity of that province, which forms the southern arm of the bay of Cheĭhle. The continuity of the same rocks seems evident from the geological character of the Ta-koa and other scattered islands in the narrow gorge at the entrance of the bay, indicating a connexion with the high ridges in the opposite district of Leaoutung in Tartary.
The great alluvial plains of Cheihle next require notice: they are bounded by the trap ranges of Tangchow foo to the southeast, and
Subsequent observations show that sand may be procured in several of the small bays, &c., in different parts of the island.
Notices of Chusan.
to the eastward by the bay, and by lofty Alpine ranges seen in N. latitude 40, beyond the line of the Great Wall, and trending away to the northwestward. It is in Foochow that a most interesting disco- very—that of coal —has been made, which will presently be noticed,
“On the subject of ores and minerals, but little information could be expected from a hasty examination of a line of sea-coast, nor are deposits of this kind likely to exist in the volcanic hills, and alluvial, plains, which prevail throughout the tract of country visited by the expedition. As regards organic remains, and for nearly similar rea- sons, I have little to communicate. There are however raised beaches near Canton, which contain bivalve shells of the genus Ostrea,* pre- senting a remarkable feature of resemblance with those elevations of lines of coast prevailing so generally in Europe, and recognized also, in America. These raised beaches have probably been produced by. the latest upheavings or expansions of igneous rocks before, noticed, as existing on this part of the coast.
"The existence of coal in China, and its being worked by the inhabitants has long been known, and two localities of this mineral have come under my notice-one near Canton, and the other in Chi, nese Tartary. The former of these carboniferous deposits is situated to the northwest, of Canton, where a chain of hills running east and west separate the province from the low lands of central China.
"One of the most interesting geological facts elicited during the progress of the expedition to the northward, was the existence of a second of these carboniferous deposits. The locality of the mineral, though not actually visited, was pretty accurately ascertained, being about latitude 39° 10′ north, and longitude 121° 25′ east, and situated within a mile of the seacoast. Some junks were found laden with this coal, of which it is rather difficult to form a correct opinion from the small quantity brought away: I should however pronounce it anthra, cite. of inferior quality. Some specimens of the rocks prevailing on the coast were brought away by the parties who visited, this district, and prove that igneous rocks prevail there also. A slaty rock of the nature of shale was said to have been found in the water courses, but unfortunately no specimens were preserved. The mere existence of the rock would however imply the occurrence of a regular coal series, in which more of better quality may be found,
“No metallic ores of any description were seen in any spot visited by the expedition, during the past year (1840), nor does the general appearance of the country to the eastward convey an impression of
See Chinese Repository, vol. IX., page 366.
Notices of Chusan.
their existence, excepting that iron might perhaps be met with in the mountains. The gold and silver produced in China, are obtained, ex- clusively it would seem, from the western provinces bordering on Ti- bet; but upon this point no information as to the precise locality of the mines has been obtained. Veins of the metallic ores are however very unlikely to be found among the igneous rocks of the eastern coast, so far at least as they came under my observation.
Climate. During the southerly monsoon, the weather was hot, and sometimes very oppressive; the range of the thermometer, with the maximum and minimum for each month, can be seen by turning to the tables inserted on pages 353-376. During the northerly mon- soon, generally speaking, the weather was very cold, with fine clear days. During the cold season of January and February, there was much ice on all the ponds, though the duration of this low tempera- ture was never long enough to freeze the canals completely over. Little snow fell during the winter 1840-41, and never in sufficient quantity to cover the plain; the hills around the city were once only capped with snow, which lay three or four days. The natives of the island said that the winters were frequently much more severe, that the ice was very thick, and snow lay in the vallies. It was subse- quently ascertained that the winter at Canton and vicinity had also been mild.
Effects of climate on health. It may be asked, seeing the favora- ble position of the island, and the comparative mildness of the cli- inate, what was the apparent cause of the unhealthiness of the troops there? To this it may be answered, that there were several circum- stances which produced disease. The expedition reached Chusan at the hottest season of the year; and after the occupation of Tinghae, the soldiers had unavoidably to submit to severe laborious duty, and that at a time when it was impossible to procure fresh provisions for them. The men were also much exposed to the heat of the sun by day, and to the unusually heavy dews by night; indeed so damp was the air at night, that the clothes of those who were exposed to it were speedily saturated with moisture. The strength of the men was in this way exhausted; and, while thus weakened they were also exposed to the malaria of the district which arose from the extensivé paddy cultivation over the whole valley,a vast sheet of flat muddy ground-opened to the rays of the summer sun; it was then that in- termittent fever seized upon them, followed by severe dysentery, which proved fatal to a most fearful extent. To so great a degree did
Notices of Chusan.
fever prevail, that of the whole force very few individuals escaped without suffering from attacks more or less severe.
Some parts of the city, being very low and damp, were extremely unhealthy of these the office of the cheheën, or magistrate, was a striking example; for of the whole number of British officers, civil and military, who lived there, not one escaped severe attacks of fever or dysentery. The place had to be evacuated, and another chosen for the magistracy. Several intelligent Chinese, when ques- tioned on the subject of the prevalence of fever, said that it was very common over the whole island, especially in the vallies, where the fields were kept constantly flooded; but that during the past year disease had prevailed to a very much greater extent than was gene- rally the case, and not only in the island itself, but also at Ningpo, Chinhae, Hangchow foo (the provincial capital), and other places. Indeed, the number of Chinese who were seen to be laboring under fever was very great, and proves that intermittent fever was very com. mon among them. All the low lands and plains in Chěkeäng and Keängsoo are said to be unhealthy in summer, and especially to for reigners.
It is a question of considerable interest, whether the unhealthiness of Chusan is inherent to the place itself, or rather dependant on ac- cidental circumstances. To form a careful judgment on this point, would require a much longer residence on the island than was af- forded last year; but there can be little doubt, that the mode of irri- gating the vallies is the chief source of disease, especially where it is carried to so great an extent, as it was in the two vallies of Yung- tung and Yentsang. It was said, by those best able to form an opi- nion on the subject, that the surface of the valley in which Tinghae is situated could be effectually drained, it being above high water mark. If Chusan, or any other place where the land is devoted to rice crops, should in future be occupied by foreigners, it would be à subject well worthy of attention, whether, if the land should be drain- ed and other grains cultivated, the salubrity of the place would not be increased.
Commerce. The island did not appear to have been a place of much trade. Large quantities of distilled spirits were produced and exported, and also paddy and salt-fish; these were the chief exports, and many junks were employed in these branches of trade. No silk was produced, and but little of a coarse kind of tea, which was chiefly grown in small patches for domestic use, the chief supply of the city coming from the main land. Salt was made from sea-water, at all
Notices of Chusan.
points on the beach, where it was practicable, but not in large quantities. Ice was imported from the northern ports, and stored in large houses having thick mud walls and well thatched roofs, and was used for the preservation of fish. In the suburbs, were several large timber-yards, well stocked with good spars and blocks of wood. These yards belonged to persons of wealth, who however deserted all on the first arrival of the troops, but eventually returned, and begged to have their property restored, which was done. This wood does not grow on the island, but comes over in rafts from the main. Great numbers of fishing-boats, of various sizes, belonged to persons at Tinghae, but the chief place for their resort, as also of junks from Fuhkeën, was Shinkeä mun (Sinkamong) the southeastern point of the island, where there was always a considerable degree of bustle and activity.
Bricks were made in large quantities at several places, as also tiles, earthern jars, and water pipes: these were well burnt, with charcoal, in a kind of kiln; the clay is of a blue color; and the bricks were hard and durable, and emitted a strong metallic sound when struck. The bricks of which the parapet of the city wall was built, were of large size, and each had the date of its manufacture stamped upon it. Lime was made from oyster and other shells, and burnt with charcoal in an open hearth, having a large blowing ap paratus or air bellows, of simple construction, attached to it.
Great numbers of tallow trees were grown in the island, which yielded abundance of vegetable tallow; and several large candle ma- nufactories were seen in full operation, where candles of all sizes and colors were manufactured.
Cotton is also grown, but not to any very great extent; the seeds are removed by the small mill in common use in the east, with horizontal cylinders, and a rough kind of fly wheel. Carding, spinning, weav ing and dyeing, were also frequently seen in the various villages. Indigo was also produced in good quantity, and many large jars of this article, in process of making, were seen in some of the houses. Var- nish trees were common; and the transparent varnish, of which the Chinese are so fond, was also produced, but not to any large amount. Numerous grains, vegetable productions, &c., were produced in the island, as wheat, buckwheat, rice, millet, Indian corn (or maize), barley, sugar-cane, sweet potatoe, spinach, beans, brinjal, onions, carrots, yams, lettuce, turnips, ginger, thubarb, tobacco, and perhaps even some more that were not noticed. ' Of fruits, there were pears, peaches, plums, oranges, limes, loquats, and a kind of cherry. In
Notices of Chusan,
some situations, the rice was sown at different periods, so that while one part of the crop was ready for the sickle, another was yet in the blade. Whether by this means the ground was made to yield more abundantly could not be clearly ascertained, but that was the impres- sion obtained by conversation with the natives.
Agricultural implements were few and simple: a hoe with a long blade, a rake and fork, a plough and a rough kind of harrow, were used. The plough was substantially made; and just within the south- ern gate of the city was a foundry for casting the shares. For the irrigation of the fields, a very good chain pump was used, made wholly of wood, and the chain was formed of short pieces carefully jointed together; sometimes in place of this, a coarsely made rope was used; when the water had to be elevated only a short distance, and the pump was worked actively either by men or oxen according to its size, a large body of water was speedily raised. All the larger farmhouses had one or more of these pumps.*
After the rice is cut, it is tied up in bundles, and the heads beaten violently on a strong wooden grating, by which means the grain is separated; this is husked or cleaned, sometimes by being pounded in a large mortar with a stone headed beater, but at others by means of a large stone wheel, drawn by a bullock, and made to traverse in a stone gutter or channel in which the grain is placed. The fanning- mill is of good construction, and similar to those now used in Europe, which are doubtless copied from a Chinese original. The mill consists of two granite stones; the nether millstone is fixed and has a deep groove round it, with a spout for the exit of the flour; the up- per stone is somewhat smaller, with a handle by which to turn it, and a hole near the centre for the entrance of the grain; the flour is cleaned by means of a sieve.
The Chinese are remarkably fond of a kind of bean paste, which is made by boiling beans in a large caldron for several hours; they are then passed through the mill, and a kind of 'souring' added to the semifluid mass, which is allowed to stand for some hours, and afterwards put into small wooden frames, covered with cloth; these are submitted to the action of a strong press, to remove the water; after which the paste is exposed for sale, sometimes in mass, or made
like very thin pulse cakes, and occasionally taken and formed into a solid brown cake.
Capabilities of the island. There can be little doubt from the mildness of the climate, and the great variety of land, in the vallies,
See Chinese Repository, vol. V., page 485.
Notices of Chusan
the table-lands, and the ridges of the lower hills, that, with care and judicious management, most of the grains, vegetables, fruits, &c., commonly grown by Europeans, might be successfully cultivated in Chusan, and thus the unhealthiness arising from the extensive paddy fields be in a great measure avoided.
Wheel carriages are not used on the island, and the only instances in which the wheel was found were in some old gun-carriages, with spoked wheels, seen in one of the arsenals, and some fire-engines con- structed after European models. These engines were well made of lead, with double pumps and air-vessel, the pipes had also revolving joints of good construction, and the whole apparatus was placed in a large wooden tub, on low wheels: most of these engines had but a single pump; but besides these, one very good double pump was seen in the arsenal, which was almost new, and great pains had apparently been taken with it.
Detachments of soldiers, composed of frora 20 to 100 men, were frequently sent, under command of an officer, to various parts of the island for one or two days; captain Caine, as chief magistrate, also went repeatedly, with a small body of men, to the neighboring vallies and towns, for the purpose of issuing proclamations, attending to any complaints that might arise, and of convincing the people that the soldiers were orderly and well behaved. These expeditions were always well conducted, everything that was procured for the use of the soldiers was paid for, and at the places where refreshment was taken, generally one of the large temples or the principal house in the village was used for this purpose; the people helped the soldiers to get everything in readiness, and when they saw no harm was in- tended or happened to them, by the presence of the strangers, they readily brought provisions, &c., for sale.
At the time when provisions were scarce, some encounters took place between the villages at different places and the parties sent out, doubtless in part owing to the fault of the foreigners; but in several instances, the attack was began by the natives, because they either did not wish to sell their stock, or feared that they should not be paid for it; also some disturbances arose from the natives, who seeing the parties were small, sometimes called out all the neighbors and attack- ed them, for the purpose of beating them and stealing their money. Complaint's were also made, occasionally, by the country people, that their provisions were taken from them near the gates, and pay- ment not always rendered; but the men were in absolute want of frosh provisions, and it is said that hunger will break through
Notices of Chusan.
stone walls. After a time, when the people of the island saw that they could dispose of their bullocks, goats, and poultry, profitably, and that the proper price was freely given, abundance of provisions came to market, and all these irregularities ceased. For the last three months of residence at Cliusan, there was a good display of all table requisites constantly brought, not only from the island itself, but from the neighboring islands, Ningpo, and other parts of the main ; Shantang cabbages, Nanking pears (of very good quality), Kéängse walnuts, Fuhkeën oranges, with all the vegetable products of the islands; as well as bullocks, milch goats, geese, wild and tame ducks, fowls, and abundance of fish; occasionally deer, pheasants, par· tridges, and snipe, were offered for sale at very moderate prices; on two or three occasions woodcocks were shot by some of the sports-
in their rambles over the hills.
The people. At first great difficulty was experienced in obtaining cookies to perform the various duties required of them, and it often took'a morning's hard work, to collect a few men together; but after a while, finding that they were well and regularly paid, they flocked in great numbers to the city, so that any amount of able-bodied strong men could at once be procured.
On the whole it may be remarked, that the soldiers behaved with great propriety at Chusan, complete order and regularity being main- tained over them by their officers; some of the respectable Chinese householders expressed their surprise, that they had so little annoy- ance from the English soldiers, who, as they often said,' were so well behaved, and so very different from those of their own army, whà never let at an opportunity slip of enriching themselves at the ex- pense of those in whose city thay dwelt. On one or two occasions, when there were rumors of an attack, being made on the city, by Chinese soldiers to be sent from Ningpo, some of the friendly Chi nese were warned not on any account to allow the officers or soldiers of their own nation to secrete themselves on their premises, lest they should bring themselves into trouble; when they all said, that, far from wishing to harbor any of the soldiers, they would as soon take in the same number of the most arrant thieves, and that they knew their own interest far too well to do anything of that kind. Of those liouseholders who remained in their own dwellings, after the occupa- tion of the city, very few if any were at all molested, but retained their houses and property to the last; and if their buildings were wanted for barracks or hospitals, rent was paid for them according to valua- tion. Had the shopkeepers, &c., taken care of their goods at first.
VOL. X. NO. VII.
Collections made by Dr. Cantor at Chusan. AUG.
and not left their shops, little of the injury to property that did occur would have taken place; but almost all, both rich and poor, fled away, leaving their houses entirely unprotected, a portion of whose contents were taken by various people of the expedition for their own immediate use, but by far the greatest part, indeed almost the whole, by Chinese thieves from the villages, who ransacked the deserted
For some time, three of the regiments were quartered in the centre of the city. Chinese shops were instantly opened near, and even among the quarters of the men; and the sellers, seeing that the sol- diers had plenty of money, used every effort to obtain their custom. It was amusing to see the mode of bargaining carried on; it was done partly by signs, showing the amount of money asked and offer- ed for various goods, and partly by words-for the foreigners, soon acquired a knowledge of a few of the most common Chinese words, and the Chinese picked up a few English and Hindustanee terms, as also the numerals and names of coin, from which a curious com- pound or mixed language arose, which however answered the
pur- pose to the satisfaction of all parties.
ART. H. Conspectus of collections made by Dr. Cantor, assistant surgeon, during his employment with H. M. 26th regiment. on the expedition to China, 1840.
[This article first published in the Calcutta Journal of Natural History, No. 5, has been kindly forwarded to us, with a few corrections, by Dr. Can- tor. It will form a valuable addition to previous articles on Chusan.] Penang.-Fishes, Shells, Zoöphytes, Insects, Plants. Singapore.-Fishes, Shells, Zoöphytes, Crustacea, Plants China Sea. Fishes, Molluscs, Zoöphytes, Animalcula.
Lantao I. (Canton Prov.)-Fishes, Shells, Crustacea, Plants, Geo.
logical specimens.
Chusan.—Mammalia, Birds, Reptiles, Fishes, Shells, Crustacea, Annulata, Arachnidæ, Insects, Plants, Seeds, Geological specimens.
Conspectus of Animals observed and collected at Chusan. (Rough
Collections made by Dr. Cantor at Chusan'
1. MAMMALIA.
Noctilio?
Canis Sinensis,
Felis catus?
Felis -? (wild cat.)
Equus caballus.
Bos taurus (allied to the Brahmuny
Manis (the Indian species.)
None of the larger wild beasts occur, most likely in consequence of a thick population. Of domesticated animals, the pig, affording the most favorite animal food, is prodigiously numerous. horses and oxen, the latter used exclusively for the plough. Goats
numerous.
2. AVES.
Few wild birds, (in consequence of the absence of forests,) chiefly gralla- tores, crows, sparrows, swallows. Of domesticated fowl-geese, ducks, and fowl, plentiful, and of large size and excellent quality.
3. REPTILIA.
Emys, Hemidactylus,
Lycodon,
Trionyx, Naja, Tropidonotus,
Agama, Coluber,
Southern and central China is crowded with reptiles beyond description. In Chusan, Naja appears to be the only venomous ter- restrial serpent. None of the larger saurians. All the forms of rep- tiles are tropical, except Rana esculenta.
4. PISCES. A. Fresh-water.
Anguilla,
Synbranchus,
Ophicephalus, Anabas,
Eleotris, Cobitis,
Gobius, Colisa,
Cyprinus,
Silurus.
All tropical forms, with the exception perhaps of Anguilla, which resembles the European species.
B. Sea and Estuaries.
Carcharias,
Trygon, Macropodus, Lates.
Hemiramphus, Trichiuris,
Stromateus, Nebris,
Little can be said of the pelagic fishes, as unfortunately the fisher- men followed the example of most of the other inhabitants, and de- serted the vicinity of the English.
5. MOLLUSCA. A. Terrestrial, Fresh-water, aud Estuaries.
Pupa, Achatina, Cyrena,
Paludina,
Succinium,
Bulimus, Mytilus.
Cerithium, Melania,
Ampullaria, Clausilia,
Bulla (Bullæa,) Vitrina,
Planorbis,
Anodonta,
Collections made by Dr. Cantor at Chusan.
Considering the limited extent of the locality, the number of genera is remarkable. The Lymnea bears a strong resemblance to L. rivalis, Sowerby; but appears to be the only European form.
B. Pelagic (inhabiting the Chinese Sea, from the Southern extremity up to Chusan).
Serpula, Vermilia,
Terebella,
Auricula,
Balanus,
Bulla, Strombus, Lepas,
Pterocera,
Spirorbis,
Anatifera,
Pollicipes,
Aspergillum,
Gastrochæna,
Erycine,
Amphidesma,
Cytherea,
Isocardia,
Cucullæa,
Modiola,
Mytilus,
Malleus,
Placuna,
Gryphæa,
Meleagrina, Spondylus,
Pileopsis,
Neritina,
Ianthina,
Sigaretus,
Stomatella,
Haliotis,
Pyramidella,
Scalaria,
Delphinula,
Solarium,
Trochus,
Monodonta,
Planaxis,
Phasianella,
Turritella,
Cerithium,
Pleurotoma,
Turbinella,
Canularia,
Fasciolaria,
Struthiolaria,
Ranella,
Rostellaria,
Cassidaria,
Ricinula,
¡Buccinum,
L'erebra,
Columbella,,
Ancillaria,
Nautilus,
Argonauta,
Tellina,
Cardium,
Spondylus,
Strombus,
6. ANNULATA.
Hirudo officinalis.
Hirudo? (Head in the shape of a hammer. Also
found by Mr. Griffith in the Naga 'hills in 1836.)
7. CRUSTACEA.
Crangon.
8. ARACHNIDÆ.
Pagurus,
Thomisus,
Limulus.
Phalanginum.
Remarkable for their specific and numerical strength.
9. INSECTA.
- Dytiscus,
A podens,
Hydrous,
1. Lamia'
Gytinus, petak
Acrocinus,
Cyclous,
Eumolpus,
Ateuchus,
Coccionella,
Ontophagus,
Cassids,
Chrysomela,
Pharœus,
Macraspis,
Coriarus,
Cetonia,
Gryllotalpa,
Gymnetis,
Gryllus,
Lucanus,
Forficula,
Spectrum, Cimex,
Vespa, Bombus,
Acrydium,
A pis, Xylocopa,
1841. Collections made by Dr. Cuntor at Chusan.
9. INSECTA. (Continued.)
Trigona,
Notonecta,
Melipoma,
Polistes,
Papilio,
Bocydium,
Libellula,
Phalena,
Panorpa,
Tabanus,
Myrmelion,
Oestrus,
Phryganea,
The greater number not identified. Tropical forms prevalent; strong resemblance to the insects of Assam and Sylhet, collected by Messrs. M'Clelland and Griffith, in 1835-6; Nepa, and a few but- terflies, apparently European.
10. ANIMALCULA.
Not identified, several forms found all over the earth, in the ocean, as well as in fresh water.
PLANTS flowering in Chusan in July, August, and September.*
Araliacea,
Ranunculaceæ.
Ranunculus,
Celastrineæ,
Hedera helix.
aquatica,
Papilionacea,
Umbelliferæ,
Nymphaeacea,
Many species.
Carum carui,
Cruciferæ,
Nymphæa nelumbo. Rosacea.
Thlaspi bursa-pastoris? Amygdala persica,
a. Amygdaleæ.
Brassica,
Sinapis arvensis.
(Apricot,)` -- Prunus,
Resedacea,
Reseda luteola?
Oxalidea,
B. Dryadeæ,
Geum rivale,
Daucus Carota.
Caprifoliacea,
Sambucus Japonica. Curcubitacea,
Cucumis Melo,,
(Water-melon and se- veral other species,).
Rubus idæus,
Momordica balsamina.
Oxalis stricta.
Chamæmorus, Composita,
Hypericineæ,
Fragaria.
H. perforatum.
Ampelidee,
Vitis vinifera.
Hypericum montanum, y. Rosea,
♪ Pomacea,
Gnaphalium,
Rosa Sinica,
Senecio,
Chrysanthemum,
Artemisia Sinensis, and
2 or 3 more species. Labiata,
Aurantiaceæ,
Citrus (3 to 4 species)
Camelliæ,
Thea viridis,
P. Cydonia.
Granateæ,
Rosmarinus officin.
Punica granatum.
Camellia.
Myrtacea,
Malvacea,
Origanuin
Gossypium,
Portulacace,
Hibiscus.
Acerinæ,
Portulaoca.
Crassulacea,
Sempervivum,
Sedum acre.
Boragineæ,
Symphytum ? Verbenacea,
Verbena:
• The greater number, in Dr. Cantor's Herbarium have not yet been identified.
Nicotiana tabacum,
Datura metel,
Amentaceœ,
Solanum nigrum,
a. Cupuliferæ,
Edicts Relating to Military Operations..
PLANTS (Continued),
Solaneœ,
Juglandeœ,
Juglans regia,
Alismacea,
Alisma plantago? Liliacea,
S. dulcamara,
Asphodeleœ,
Capsicum.
B. Salicineæ,
Allium (several sp.)
Convolvulaceœ,
Convolvulus batatus,
S. babylonica.
Conifera,
Gramineœ,
Polygoneœ,
Polygonum (several sp.) Juniperus
Rumex acetosa,
Scitamineæ,
Zingiber officinalis.
Chenopodea,
Triticum, Oryza,
Zea mays,
Milium panicum.
Filices,
C. bonus-henricus.
attain a small Musci,
Atrocarpa,
Borassus,
size, produce Fungi,
Morus nigra,
no ripe fruit,
M. alba,
and are all
Urticea,
found in gar-
Cannabis
Humulus lupulus.
European forms much more frequent in the botanical, than in the animal, kingdom. Plants characteristic of this part of China are the tea shrub; Stillingia sebifera (tallow-tree); Dryandra cordata (varnish tree); Humulus lupulus (hops). The tropical forms attain but a small size, their fruits do not ripen, and the brilliancy of the flowers is strikingly inferior to that of the Indian Flora. In the month of August, the thermometer rises to 115°, in December it sinks to 22°.
The geological features of Chusan are primary rocks (the highest about 1800 feet), and vallies with alluvial soil. The whole line of coast from Macao to Chusan appears to be primary formation.
ART. III.
Memorials and edicts relating to the military opera tions on the coast, during the visit of the first English expedition.
THE slave Yukeën, an imperially appointed high commissioner, and lieu- tenant-governor of the province of Keängsoo, kneeling presents this me- morial, on which he prays that a sacred glance may be cast.
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
Your slave has just received a communication from the Board of War to the following effect.
"We have received an imperial edict stating that the foo-tootung (or Tartar lieut.-general) Haeling has memorialized us, praying, that, 'the whole of the ports and harbors along the sea-coast be secretly and suddenly closed, so that neither a single individual nor a single ship be permitted to go out or in; by which means the grain and rice of the Central land shall not be fur- tively conveyed to the outer seas for the support of the foreigners, and by which means we shall be able at once to pounce upon all the native traitors, and thus get good information as to the positition and intentions of the fo- reigners, &c., &c.' The said memorial refers to Tinghae, which has just been recovered; command, therefore, that the high commissioner presiding in that quarter examine carefully into the actual circumstances of the case; and let him with his whole heart and soul ponder and deliberate if the proposal may be put in force or not, and duly report the same in course to us; and at the same time let the original proposition of Haeling be fairly copied out and sent on for his careful inspection, &c., &c. Respect this!” Your slave, in respectful compliance, has made due examination, and found that along the whole line of sea-coast, salt is. produced (naturally) in large quantities; the people have no constant means of employment (on shore), and their disposition is to follow a sea life. Those who possess some little capital, trade to the north and south of the empire; they bring foreign goods and produce into general consumption, and thus give employment and sup- port to multitudes of the poorer classes; those who possess no capital make their vessels their homes, while the wide ocean is their estate; these sink and rise amid the tempestuous billows, aud when their fishing is successful they exchange their commodities for an humble measure of rice and common food! Thus, if we number those who live chiefly by the sea in the two provinces of Keängsoo and Chěkeäng alone, they cannot be under several tens of thousands of individuals; while those who reap benefit from the commerce carried on through them, are absolutely innumerable! In reference to the two provinces of Canton and Fuhkeen, their saline productions are still greater, and their commerce is still more extensive; and as the people who are employed in it are more numerous, so in proportion is their power of working evil! Were we at once to shut all the ports as has been proposed-granting that those who have capital might invest it in some other form and engage in another line of business (as some in anticipation have already been petitioning me about), -yet those who possess no capital, being thus suddenly deprived of their means of support, must fall into the stream of evil, and become robbers and pirates!
Moreover, on looking back to what took place last year, after Tinghae was jost, the fishermen, because that their means of livelihood were cut off, cherished in their hearts a strong thirst of revenge, The tungche of She- poo, Shoo Kungshow, chief magistrate of Tinghae was at that time chief magistrate of Kinheën, (a minor district of Ningpo foo), and at a single wave
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
of his hand several hundreds of these fishing-vessels flocked to him, all burn- ing with desire to re-conquer the place; but as the regulations of the army would not allow it, they were compelled, in a short time, one and all of them to disperse ;-this however shows that they (the fishermen) had no share in supplying the foreigners with necessaries,
After the 6th moon of last year, the foreigners made a practice of getting into their ship's boats, and sailing along the whole line of coast of the eastern part of the province of Chëkeäng, trying to purchase bullocks and looking for fresh water. Now, although our poor people might desire to make a profit by them, yet they did not dare to hold any intercourse with them ; but after- wards, seeing the officers bestow cattle and sheep, and eatables (alludes to Elepoo's presents to the admiral), they publicly gave themselves up to the business of supplying the foreigners without the slightest dread about the matter, for the magistrates having put on no prohibition, the people thought that they were doing no wrong! And thus affairs went on till the arrival of the new fooyuen, Lew Yunko, who strictly forbade such inter- course, and then they gradually began to retrace their steps.
Thus then they were the stupid poor people, dwelling along the sea-coast, who supplied the English rebels with necessaries, and even they had an exam- ple shown them to do so;-the merchant ships and fishing-vessels had really nothing whatever to do in the matter. Moreover, the owners of these mer- chant vessels are people of solidity, and have some property at stake; some of these vessels with their cargoes are worth several · thousands of taels, and many more are worth several tens of thousands of taels of silver. The district officers give them a stamped chop or pass; when they arrive at any place, it is therein stated; when they sail, they have an appointed port to go to; the mandarins, soldiers, and police-runners along the coast all have their ears and eyes about them, they are ever on the qui vive; if these vessels were carrying necessaries to the foreigners, impossible would it be to conceal it from or deceive them! This would cause the officers and their fol lowers to squeeze and extort as the price of their connivance, and the profit they obtained from one party would not pay the bribes required by the other party; therefore the most of them have the good sense to keep well while they are well.
Aand touching the fishing-vessels, though the owners of these may be poor 'people, yet they leave in the morning and return at night, by regulation; they have a specific point which they set out from and which they come back to. There is a petty officer duly appointed to search and examine them, and as they are but small craft, it can be seen at a single glance if they have anything on board prohibited or not. And further, last year it was the native merchant ships that assisted the imperial troops to beat back the foreign ships of war from Chapo. It was the merchant ships of the two pro- vinces of Keängvoo and Chekeäng that` carried over the troops intended to slaughter the English rebels. It was the fishing-boats that spied for us, and brought all information about the affairs of the foreigners and rescued the
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
unfortunate natives of Tinghae. It was the fishing-boats that aided us to prepare all manner of combustibles, whereby to attack the foreign ships by fire; and it is at this moment the fishing-boats that regularly carry the grain and the pay for the imperial troops now in garrison at Tinghae;—thus then the trading junks and the fishing-boats are what we must of necessity em- ploy, and there is no principle of reason by which their egress may be stop- ped, or their means of livelihood cut off.
But granting that there are trading junks which, setting the laws at de- fiance, still hold illegal communication with foreigners, and continue to sup- ply them with provisions,-these must anchor off the small uninhabited`is- lands, or out-of-the-way nooks and corners, where the footsteps of the authorities never reach; they cannot possibly enter the regularly appointed trading-places and harbors before the eyes of all men. Now, if the pro posal to close our ports suddenly were to be put into effect, we should only be throwing obstacles in the way of the fair trading merchantmen and the well disposed fishermen, while we should be as far as ever from finding a clue by which to put a stop to the illegality of supplying the foreigners with provisions.
I find that our fishermen devote themselves exclusively to their occupation. of taking fish and mending their nets; they are most actively employed during the whole year, and even then they can hardly get food to put in their inouths with all their exertions; and there are many among them who in their whole life-time never see such a thing as a silver dollar; if these people were to carry provisions to the foreign banditti, it could only be with the prospect of making a large profit by doing so, and what they would really gain by such transactions would be small indeed. If we, therefore, by promis- ing them handsome rewards, could awaken their cupidity, we might thus turn them to very good account; for they would most certainly never throw away the chance of obtaining inexhaustible riches, for the paltry sums to be scraped up by clandestinely supplying the foreigners with necessaries. Acting upon this principle, your slave, after his arrival at Chèkeäng, pub- lished a proclamation offering certain rewards for capturing alive, or killing the foreign robbers-and instigating every class of people from the highest to the lowest to join heart and hand in the good work,-if there were any who clandestinely supplied the foreign banditti with necessaries, then were they immediately to be beheaded for holding such traitorous intercourse ;- and at the same time, I sought out Paou Hingtse and the others who last year captured the false foreign mandarins Anstruther and Douglas, and had them handsomely rewarded ou the spot ;-thus for the last month and more the disposition of the Tinghae people has been exceedingly favorable, their spirits are up, and they are overflowing with a desire to show their valor.
In fine, I have collected from all parts a great many runners, whom I have stationed at out-of-the-way places and little islands off the coast; these are instructed to go con board the foreign ships, either under the pretence that they have got fish to sell, or that they want to buy opium, and they are to spy out the best plan by which they may get the foreigners ensnared and
VOL. X. NO. VIII.
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
captured. By this system of extending the rewards to all classes, the impe- rial troops will feel ashamed to be outdone in courage and activity, they will therefore fight with the keenest animosity; and in fine, this being the time when we must of necessity make use of all our vessels and all our people. the proposals of the gallant foo tootung to close the ports is quite imprac- ticable, and needs not further to be discussed.
Regarding the subject of “ native traitors,” those who, properly speaking, belong to the two provinces of Keängsoo and Chěkeäng are very few indeed. And those that are from Canton and Fuhkeen, are yet born the children of your sacred majesty. Perhaps through desire of gain, perhaps pressed by want, they have entered the service of the rebels. But both these supposi- tions admit of palliation, and the door of repentance may still be left open to them; if they can indeed assist in killing the robbers let them be praised, and rewarded on the same footing as your majesty's well-behaved subjects. Those who are sensible of their crime, who fear the punishment, and who voluntarily give themselves up, let them only be required to give some proofa of their sincerity, and get some person or persons to become security for them, when they should be let freely go and absolved from all further con- sequences on account of their previous conduct. But those who know well what they are about, and contentedly follow the rebels, plans must be laid, and money must be paid to have them seized and brought to trial, when their heads will be struck off and exposed on the sea-beach in terrorem ; their pro. perty will be confiscated and their crime laid at the door of their families and relations, in order to reform men's hearts, and strikingly manifest the laws of the land. If, however, we proceed on one broad principle of seizing in. stanter, the whole of the native traitors, not only would this be blocking up the road of self-renovation to them, but we should thereby confirm them in their intention to follow the fortunes of the rebels; and not only would the search (in the maner proposed) be like pursuing fish through the ocean, but I fear that it would likewise give vent to a great deal of malignity; mutual recriminations, and false accusations would be the consequence, whereby numbers of innocent people would be involved, which is by no means proper.
Your slave in one word takes this stupid view of the question :-the sup- plies to foreigners must be interdicted, but the ports must on no account be closed; native traitors must be searched after and apprehended, but there must be method and discrimination in setting about it. I have communicated with the fooyuen Lew Yunko upon the subject, and finding that he takes much the same view of matters as myself, right it is that I obey the im. perial decree in memorializing your majesty on the subject. Moreover, at the present moment Tinghae in Chekeäng has been recovered, and the foreign ships have all fled away, therefore the circumstances of the case now, are widely different to what they were previously. Your slave dares not in the slighest degree to procrastinate or throw obstacles in the way of public business, but as in duty bound submits his real opinious to your ma jesty in the foregoing statement. A most respectful memorial.
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
An imperial edict to the following effect has just been received. Tăng Tingching, viceroy of Fuhkeën and Chokeäng has handed up to us, a me- morial, stating how that at Heämun (or Amoy) they had beat off an Eng- lish ship, &c., &c., of which the following is an extract:
Upon this occasion (6th moon, 5th day, i. e. 3d July, 1840, an English ship of war sailed into the harbor of Amoy, under the pretence, as they said, that they wished for peace! At that time both civil and military of ficers went forward to impede their landing, and gave them a hearty scold- ing; they did not permit them to come on shore. Whereupon these rebel.. lious foreigners had the hardihood to change their flag and fire off their guns ; and a principal person of the ship, dressed in foreign clothes, but speaking the Flowery speech, came right before our fort, and alternately made use of the most bland and the most abusive language. Just then Chin Seenfuh, acting as major (or show pei) of the central division of the admiral's troops, let fly an arrow and hit him right in the hollow of the breast, when he fell dead, and our soldiers in succession firing off their matchlocks shot two of the foreigners who fell into the sea. Chin Shingyuen, acting as a tsan- tseäng (or colonel), who was cominanding on the occasion, seized a long spear, with which he run a white foreigner through the body and killed him ; and the people of our war ships afloat, and our mandarins and soldiers from the shore, firing off volley after volley of great guns and matchlocks, hit and wounded an immense number of the foreigners, &c. &c. &c."
By this it would appear that they have managed the business remarkably well. Let all the civil magistrates who have exerted themselves in the affair-such as Tsae Kinlung, acting sub-prefect of Amoy, Koo Keängchung, ci-devant sub-prefect of Amoy, Hoo Kwoyung, acting magistrate of the Tung-gan district, and Kin Kwangyaou, head of the cruizing-station of Yungshih,-be recominened to the Board of Appointments, that they be promoted and rewarded on an extra-liberal footing. Let the officer who commanded on the occasion,-Chin Shingyuen, acting as a tsantseäng (or colonel) of the admiral's troops for the defence of Haetan, but actually a showpei [or major] of the right division,-be promoted to the rank of a toosze [or lieutenant-colonel], and immediately employed as such, having first changed his button for a higher grade. Let Chin Seënfuh, acting as showpei [or major] of the central division of the admiral's troops, but actually a tseentsung (or captain] of the right division, be promoted to the rank of toosze [or lieutenant-colonel], and employed immediately as such, having first changed his button for a higher grade;—and let each of these officers have a peacock's feather bestowed upon him as a mark of our favor. At the same time let the following military officers who signalized themselves in attacking and beating off the enemy, viz., Lin Keënyew, Loo Szejin, and Ho Yewshe, and Hing Kwei, a weiyuen [or special deputy] of the haekwan (hoppo or collector of customs) of the Fuhkeën seas, be all promoted as vacancies may occur, and have honorable employment in
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
the meantime. And let a special communication be made to the Board of War, that those who were wounded, and the relations of those soldiers who fell in battle, may have compassion shown them according to the established regulations. Respect this!
On the 12th day of the 8th moon (10th September 1840), the following im- perial edict was received. Tăng Tingching, viceroy of Fuhkeën and Chekeäng, has handed up to us a memorial, stating how that the English ships of war came to Amoy, raising disturbances, and how that our officers and soldiers with united effort attacked and beat them back. The following is an extract: "Two English ships have been at Amoy in the province of Fuhkeën, rais- ing disturbances. On the 25th day of the 7th moon [23d August], they hung out their red flags and entering by Taingkeën, they rushed right up to the admiral's reviewing ground. At that instant the said tetŭh [or ad- miral] Chin Keaeping, leading on his marine cruizers, civilians, military officers, &c., &c., opened his great guns and attacked them in rapid succes- sion, and hit one of the ships on the stern, and knocked her boat to pieces. Next day the said foreign ships again approached the fort, which covers the admiral's review ground, and commenced firing, whereupon the foo- tseäng (or brigadier] in command, Hingtih fired off all his great guns at one time, and thus hulled the foreign ships twice, which caused them im- mediately to desist from fighting, and to haul off. The said foreigners having lowered a boat from the ship's stern, the people in it were trying to over- take the large ship, when the yew-keen (or colonel] Seay Kwopeaou and others gave them chase and drove them into a small creek at the back of the Tsingkeen island; they then fired off their guns and hit five foreigners who tumbled head over heels in their boat. Immediately after this they hauled off again; and now having got up their anchors and stood far out to sea, there is no trace of them, &c., &c."
On this occasion having beat back the foreign ships with the thunder of our cannon, and every mandarin engaged in the affair having exerted his strength, let the said admiral make a memorandum of those officers who have been eminently conspicuous for their good services in the affair, and hand up their names to us, that we may make a manifestation of imperial goodness in their behalf. We cannot permit however any false substitution or exaggeration. As regards the yew-heě Ting Kingyew, who was wounded just as he was going into action and has since died—his case is indeed very much to be pitied. Let a special communication be made to the Board of War that imperial compassion be shown to his relatives. And as for those of our imperial troops who fell in action, let it be clearly ascertained who and what they were, and let our compassion be shown to their relatives accord- ingly. Respect this!
On the 21st year, 3d moon, and 9th day of Taoukwang 131st March 1841], the following imperial edict was received.
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
"Woo Wanyung, lieutenant-governor of Fuhkeën has handed up to us a memorial, regarding those mandarins who particularly distinguished them- selves in attacking and beating back the English ships.
"Last year the rebellious English foreigners went in their ships of war to Amoy, in the province of Fuhkeën, and there raised disturbances; when our magistrates and military with united effort attacked them and beat them back. Under these circumstances it appears to us right and proper that we should make a proportionate manifestation of our goodness, and forasmuch we now decree the following:
“Lew Yaouchun, a taoutae [or intendant] of the circuits of Hing, Yuen, and Yung; Lingtih and Ye Changchun, both brigadiers,-let these three be recommended to the Board of Appointments for promotion as may appear. "Sze Muh waiting to fill a district magistrate-ship, let him after he has filled said office for a time, be promoted, passing through the regular grades, as vacancies occur.
"Sun Chepung, acting as yewkuh in the rear-division of the admiral's troops, let him now be promoted to the rank of a tsantseäng, and let him be presented with a peacock's feather.
Seay Kwŏpeaou, a yewkeih in the left division of the admiral's troops; Chang Jeu, a toosze of the Mingan encampment; and Too Szejin, acting as a showpei in front division of the admiral's troops,-let these three be advanced in their respective grades as vacancies occur.
"Woo Kwŏyung, acting magistrate of Tung-gan district and ci-devant magistrate of Tihgan district, let him be advanced.
"The chief magistrate of Tung-gan district, having petitioned for leave of absence on account of illness, let him proceed to Szechuen, and be there be employed among his own kindred.
"Chin Yungshe, a cheheën or magistrate of a district, let him be prefer- red to a vacancy as soon as he arrives at the provincial city. Respect this!" No. 5.
An imperial edict has been received to the following effect. Yukeën has handed up to us a memorial regarding the capture of certain of the Eng- lish banditti, accompanied with a list of the officers and common people who distinguished themselves on the occasion. The English banditti in the course of last year having invaded the lesser districts of Tszeke, Yuyaou and other places on the coast of Chěkeang, at that time our civil and mili- tary mandarins dispatched a number of weiyuen (special messengers) who took alive several of their party; and having laid a deep plan by which they inveigled one of their ships among the quicksands where she was wrecked, the said rebels did not dare to come prying and spying any more about the coast of our central land. And we have further heard, that from the 6th. moon of last year until now, the mandarins and common people of those places, as well as the weiyuen, and shoolee (clerks or secretaries) have all assisted in keeping off the foreign robbers; it is right therefore that those who have thereby acquired a small degree of merit, as well as those who have
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
strenuously exerted themselves should have a small measure of imperial goodness awarded them in proportion to their services, that we may thereby inspirit them and stimulate (others to follow the good example).
Tang Tingtsae, the chief magistrate of Ningpo district, bas hereby a peacock's feather bestowed upon him which he may wear.
Hwang Meen, assistant magistrate of Soochow foo in the province of Keängsoo, now waiting to fill a chief magistrate's place, has hereby a pea. cock's feather bestowed upon him which he may wear; and let him be ap- pointed to fill the first vacancy of chief magistrate that occurs in Keängsoo. Shoo Kungshow, acting magistrate of Tinghae has hereby a peacock's fea- ther, and let him have rapid promotion passing through the regular grades.
Ye Kwan, chief magistrate of Chinhae, to be promoted to fill the office of a sub-prefect.
Kung Fayuh, formerly acting as assisant to the chief magistrate of Chin- hae now waiting to till the office of a choo poo (or confidential secretary) to be advanced to the first vacancy.
Wang Chungyang, formerly acting chief magistrate of Yuyaou district, now waiting to fill an assistant magistrateship, let him have a plain blue fea- ther bestowed upon him, and let him be at once promoted to a chief magis- trate's office without requiring him to be an assistant.
Sun Yingchaou assistant to the magistrate of Yuyaou, let him be promoted as a vacancy occurs.
Chaou Tingchaou, head police officer of Sinkong in the district of Ting- hae, let him have a plain blue feather bestowed upon him, and let him be employed as a magistrate's assistant.
Wang Tingpang, serjeant of Sinkong military station, let him have a plain blue feather, and be advanced to a lieutenancy.
Sun Ning, assistant to the magistrate of Keäting district in the province of Keängsoo, let him have a plain blue feather and be promoted to the office of tungpwan in Keängsoo.
Sun Fungyaou, an officer serving on the southern bank of the Yellow river, Leang Tsochung, waiting to fill a chief magistrateship in Keängsoo, and Kae Kingwen, acting as tungpwan in Keängsoo, let all these be advanced to the sub-prefecture. Woo Tingpaou, waiting to fill a clerkship in the court of the criminal judge of Keängsoo, and now acting as a lewan (con- fidential clerk) in the court of the treasurer of the province, let him be em- ployed immediately as a chief magistrate.
Fung Seihyung, chief magistrate of Taeping district, Wang Shetseng chief magistrate of Tungyang district, and Yin Tihfoo chief magistrate of Tae- huen district, let these three be advanced to be rulers of districts of the second magnitude.
Heu Gaechang, now waiting to fill a chief magistrateship, let him have the first vacancy.
Seay Trooleäng waiting to fill a clerkship to a prefecture in Kežngsoo, let him have an appointment the moment a vacancy occurs.
Edicts Relating to Military Operations.
Chin Cheyung, a choo poo of Changchow district in the province of Keängsoo, let him be promoted to the first vacancy.
Soo Joofun, waiting to fill the office of an officer of the 9th secondary rank, let him immediately have a place and employment.
Yen Chingche, assistant to the magistrate of the Ganhe district, let him be promoted as a vacancy occurs.
Fang Keih, waiting to fill a clerkship in the salt-department; Sun Eteaou, waiting to fill an assistant magistrateship, Seay Yungkwang of the same office, and Wang Hepeih, waiting to fill a we-juh-lew-ship, let all these be employed and promoted at the first opportunity. Kew Kingtsing, a bachelor of arts by purchase of Tinghae district, and Paou Hingtsae one of the com- mon people, let both of those have a button of the 6th rank (white stone) bestowed upon them.
Hoo Yotwan, and She Keae, let both of these be promoted to the we-juh- lew-ship 9th rank secondary, and their names returned to the Board of Ap- pointments, that they may be afterwards employed, in order to stimulate others to do likewise.
As for those other civil and military officers and soldiers who exerted themselves in the defence of the coast, let the high officers consult regarding them, and report their names and wait till we see it convenient to make a display of imperial goodness in their case, let there be no false substituting of names or exaggeration of services. Cause also that what are agreed upon to be reported to us be also handed over to the Board of Appointments for their information. The list of names is returned herewith. Respect this!
(Supposed to be issued some time in the month of April.)
On the 25th day of the 4th moon (14th June), the following imperial edict was received.
Elepoo having now arrived at Peking, cause that our blood relations, prince Juy, prince Chwang, prince Hwuy, the princes of the different prin. cipalities, the members of the cabinet, the members of the General Council, and the presidents of the six Boards, consult together with the Tribunal of Punishments, and examine into the merits of his case. Let his confidential attendant Changheě be handed over to the Tribunal of Punishments, and let a statement of his trial (or confession) be returned to us for further ex- amination !”
Notes. All the foregoing edicts, &c., Nos. 1 to 6, we have ex- tracted from the Canton Press. Yukeën, on the disgrace and re- moval of Elepoo, was appointed his successor, at which post he now remains, and will soon have work enough on his hands. It was under his administration, and by some of his minions not unlikely, that captain Stead of the Pestonjee Bomanjee was murdered.
The man who was shot by an arrow from Chin Seënfuh's quiver, was Mr. Thom, by whose hand the edict was translated, twelve
Medical Missionary Society.
months after the dreadful accident occurred. (See vol. IX. pp. 222, &c.) For some particulars of the affair alluded to in No. 3. above, see also vol. IX. page 327.
The vessel and parties alluded to in No. 5, are the Kite, Mrs. Noble, and others, who were imprisoned at Ningpo. See present volume p. 191.
ART. IV. Minutes of a general meeting of the Medical Missionary Society in China, held 1st July, 1841, with its second annual report.
THE Second Annual Meeting of the members and friends of the So- ciety was held at the residence of A. Anderson, esq, at Macao, on Thursday, the 1st July, 1841. At 2 P. M., the Rev. E. C. Bridgman, vice-president, took the chair. There were present, the Rev. Messrs. Bridgman, Boone, Ball, and Roberts, and A. Anderson, W. Bell, W. Leslie, W. Blenkin, P. Young, J. Holliday, B. Hobson, W. Lock- hart, S. W. Williams, John Slade, J. R. Morrison, esquires.
Mr. Bridgman opened the meeting, by ob erving, that the friends of the Society had now been called together with the view of inform- ing the public of the proceedings of the Society, and of affording to the members an opportunity of electing new office-bearers.
The report of the committee was then read, detailing the proceed- ing of the Society's agents since the last general meeting, on the 20th November, 1838; the continuance of Dr. Parker at Canton until the close of June, 1840, when he proceeded on a long purposed visit to the United States; the consecutive arrivals of Mr. Lockhart and Mr. Hobson from England, and of Mr. Diver from the United States; and the return of the latter gentleman to America, owing to continued ill health.-The treasurer's account showed a balance in the hands of the treasurer, on the 30th of June, of 1561 dollars, car- ried to the credit of the Society,-after an expenditure, since the 30th of November, 1838, of little more than 1700 dollars.
The medical reports of Messrs. Hobson and Lockhart, of the hos- pital at Macao, since August 1st, 1839, and at Chusan between September 1840, and February 1841, were also read. It was then Hoved by MR. BELL, Seconded by MR. BLENKIN, and resolved,
Medical Missionary Society.
"That the several reports which have just been read be accepted and approved."
Moved by MR. BLENKIN, seconded by MR. WILLIAMS, and re- solved,
"That the best thanks of the meeting be returned to Messrs. Lockhart and Hobson, for their very able services, and interesting reports."
Mr. Hobson returned acknowledgments both for himself and Mr. Lockhart.
The meeting then proceeded to ballot for the election of office- bearers. The result of the ballot was:
President. T. R. COLLEDGE, Esq.
Rev. P. PARKER, M. D.
W. JARDINE, Esq.
R. INGLIS, ESQ.
A. ANDERSON, Esq.
G. T. LAY, Esq.
Vice-Presidents.
REV. E. C. BRIDGMAN. Lancelot Dent, Esq.
WILLIAM BELL, ESQ. JAMES MATHESON, ESQ. W. BLENKIN, Esq.
Recording Secretary. J. R. MORRISON, ESQ. Corresponding Secretary. Rev. S. R. BROWN. Treasurer. W. DELANO, Jr. Esq.
Auditor of Accounts. W. LESLIE, ESQ.
On the motion of MR. HOBSON, seconded by MR. BOONE, the thanks of the meeting were returned to the committee for their past services.
On the motion of MR. LESLIE, seconded by the other members of the committee, the thanks of the Society were returned to MR. MOR- RISON, for his services as secretary.
On the motion of Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Lockhart, the committee were instructed to collect the annual subscriptions due, and to endeavor to improve the funds of the Society, by obtain- ing donations in its behalf.
The meeting then adjourned.
E. C. BRIDGMAN, Chairman.
SECOND REPORT.
THE disturbed state of affairs in China for two years past, and the frequent dispersion of the community incident upon that condition of things, have hitherto prevented the committee of management from calling together a general meeting of the Society since the time that its first stated meeting was held, in the month of November, 1838. The objects of the Society have in the meanwhile, however,
VOL. X. NO. VIII.
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by no means been neglected: and, although its operations were for a time hampered by the state of public affairs just alluded to, yet have the institutions maintained by the Society yielded, upon the whole, not less of happy results than in days of greater freedom from dis- turbing influences.
It is a year since the committee, in publishing the hospital reports thought it their duty to give to the public some particulars of their proceedings during the time that had intervened since the friends of the Society had met together. But as there may be those now pre- sent who have not had opportunities of perusing that statement, it will be not inappropriate here briefly to recapitulate the particulars of what was then published.
When the whole English community had been compelled by the proceedings of the Chinese government to leave Cauton, Dr. Parker was enabled, as an American citizen, to remain there. The house which had hitherto been always occupied by him as the Ophthalmic Hospital had been shut up, during all the time that the foreign com- munity was held in confinement, from March to May, 1839; and to repeated requests afterwards made that it might be reöpened, the senior hong-merchant invariably returned a decided refusal. Dr. Parker was so fortunate, however, as to find a convenient place for receiving applicants (very few in-door patients being admitted), in the dispensary of Messrs. Cox and Anderson, both then at Macao. The report of his proceedings there during the year 1839, as also a previous report for the last quarter of 1838, have been already pub- lished by the committee. Dr. Parker remained at Canton till the month of June, 1840; when, upon the establishment of a blockade of the port, he closed the hospital; and, with the full approbation of the committee, took that occasion to pay a long-purposed visit to his native land. He went with the expectation of returning to resume his labors here after an absence of a year or two.
At the time of the Society's last meeting, the 20th of November, 1838, the hopes entertained of the arrival of a physician from Eng- land or America, to extend the Society's operations had not yet been realized and after the hospital at Macao had been kept open by Dr. Parker, during the months of July, August, and September, it had become necessary to close it on the return of that gentleman to his usual field of labor at Cauton in October. In the following January, however, the expectations of the Society were gratified by the arrival from England of William Lockhart, esq., M. R. c. s.; a gentleman of whose high professional talents and character most of the members
Medical Missionary Society.
present have long since become acquainted. He came out in con- nection with the London Missionary Society; and having immediate- ly offered his services to the committee, they were not less imme- diately accepted. On the 28th of February, 1839, the hospital at Macao was accordingly placed under his charge. The study of the language engaged all his attention at the first, and the hospital was not therefore formally opened (though some few patients were received) until the 1st of July. Unfortunately, it had not been long open, when the measures of the Chinese government against all bear- ing the name of Englishmen, compelled Mr. Lockhart, on the 13th of August, again to close it.
Seeing little to be done at that time, Mr. Lockhart, with the ap- probation of those members of the committee whom he was able to consult, resolved on spending some months at Batavia, with the view of further studying the Chinese language under the tuition of Mr. Med- hurst, and of gaining an acquaintance with the Chinese in those parts. He left China in September, 1839, and did not return till towards the close of June, 1840.
In the interim, two other medical missionaries, Wm. Beck Diver, M. D., from the United States, and Benjamin Hobson, M. B., M. R. Č. S., from England, the former in connection with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the latter in connection with the London Missionary Society,-had arrived in China, and notified to your committee their desire of offering to the Society their ser vices. This offer was made, and their services accepted on the 1st of July, last year; and Mr. Lockhart having, August 1st, reöpened the Macao hospital, these gentlemen gave him their assistance until his removal to Chusan at the end of that month, when the hospital was placed, for the future, under their joint care. In December, however, Mr. Diver's health failing, he was compelled to take a voyage for its recovery; and finding little benefit from a short trip, taken in the first instance, to the straits of Malacca, he was induced to proceed from Singapore to the United States. Mr. Hobson has continued in charge of the hospital till now, receiving assistance from Mr. Lock- hart, since that gentleman's return from Chusan in March last. Mr. Hobson's report is in the hands of the secretary, and will be read to the meeting.
During the time that Canton was thrown open to merchants of England, by the occupation of the river by the British forces, in April last, Mr. Hobson made a renewed attempt to reopen the hos- pital at Canton; but the senior hong-merchant continued to refuse
Medical Missionary Society,
permission for the old house to be reoccupied. It was in contempla- tion to engage another house; but, looking at the uncertain posture of affairs, and the probability of having soon again to close it, that, step was not taken.
Allusion has been made to the removal of Mr. Lockhart from Macao, in August last year, to Chusan, and the meeting will have. pleasure in hearing the interesting report of his operations there. He opened his house, in the town of Chusan, or Tinghae, on the 13th of September; and it was constantly crowded with applicants for me- dical relief from that time till the day of his embarkation, the 22d of February, when the removal of all the British forces from thence of course rendered his longer stay there impracticable. While wait- ing to be guided by the progress of events in the choice of a new station, Mr. Lockhart continues to improve hiinself in a knowledge of the language, and to afford assistance to Mr. Hobson in the care
of the hospital at Macao.
The number of patients that were admitted into the hospital at Canton during the year 1839, was about 800, making an aggregate, since the commencement of the Institution in November, 1835, of about 7000. For the six months of 1840, that it remained open, Dr. Parker has left no report; but the eagerness for medical aid, and thé number of patients, were never greater than at the time he left Can- ton, on the 17th of June. The number of patients admitted to the hospital at Macao, during one month and a half of 1839, and eleven months (from August 1st to June 30th) of 1840-41, was: 1457,- making, with those admitted during three months of 1838, a total of 2150. At Chusan, during of a period of little more than: five months, amid much greater opportunities of free access to the people, the number of patients attended to was 3502.
The treasurer's accounts are submitted to the examination of the meeting. In those exhibited at the first annual meeting in Novem- ber, 1838, after an expenditure, during three quarters, of $1741.85, a balance was shown of $780.71. The expenditures since that date has been $1631.07, and the receipts $2411.98, leaving a balance in the bands of the treasurer, at this date, of $1561.62.
It remains to be observed, that, owing to the departure from China of several office-bearers of the Society, the committee have found it necessary to make some provisional appointments, which they hope will meet the approbation of the meeting. Mr. Wetmore had become treasurer on Mr. Archer's departure from China, when he and Mr. Green, the auditor of accounts, both notified their return
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan,
hoine. Mr. Snow and Mr. Leslie were then requested to fill their re- spective places. But Mr. Snow being also called away, it became necessary to fill up anew the office of treasurer: Mr. Delano accepted it, at the request of the committee. Mr. King having also left China, Mr. Brown of the Morrison Education Society has undertaken the duties of corresponding, secretary. Though the president, and all but two vice-presidents are at present absent from China, yet as these officers have no specific duties to perform, it has not appeared neces- sary to supply their places.
In conclusion, the committee have to hope, that the Society will feel satisfaction with the proceedings of its agents; and with this hope they now resign their offices into the hards of the meeting.-- They cannot refrain from expressing gratitude to Him whose creatures we all are, for opportunities afforded them of benefiting their fellow- men, while they look forward, with confident expectation to continual- ly enlarging fields of usefulness, and increasing opportunities of con- veying to the minds of their patients the healing influences of moral care, and especially of the hopes that the Gospel alone offers.
ART. V. Report of the Medical Missionary Society's operatios
at Chusan in 1840-41. By W. Lockhart,
THE island of Chusan having been brought under British influence, it was judged desirable, by the committee of the Medical Missionary Society, to send one of its agents to Tinghae, the chief town of that district, with the view of establishing a Hospital there, for the relief of the natives, and for carrying on the objects of the Society, as far as possible, and thus in a new station to test the advantages of this means for obtaining a beneficial influence over the minds of the peo- ple.
Accordingly, the operations of the M. M. S. were commenced at Chusan, September 13th, 1840, and terminated February 22d, 1841; during this period, as will be seen by the list of cases, 3502 patients were attended to.
At the first establishment of the hospital, the inhabitants did not understand its object; but by attention being paid to some of the sick, who were met in the streets, and by explaining to others that me-
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
dicine would be given for the relief of their ailments, if they applied for it, some few were induced to attend; and shortly afterwards great numbers came daily at all hours, desiring that medicines might be given to them. At some times as many as 200 old and new cases presented themselves in one day, but this large number was unusual; from 80 to 120 being the common amount on fine days during the latter weeks the hospital was open.
Besides attendance on such persons as resorted to the hospital, several were attended at their own homes; by which an opportunity was given to observe the management of families in that part of the country, and freer intercourse maintained with the people, than might otherwise have been practicable. Occasionally, when parties were sent to various parts of the island, visits were made to distaut villages, and medicines afforded to many afflicted with disease; and where the cases could not, for various reasons, be attended to at the moment, cards of direction were given, to enable them to come to the city, where they could receive the required aid.--Papers stating the nature of the hospital were also sent to the villages, in various vallies; and in a short time patients came from all parts of the island, seeking relief; also from Ningpo, Hangchow foo, (the capital of the pro- vince), and other neighboring towns on the main, as well as from Pooto, Lowang, and other islands: many Fuhkeen men from the trading junks at Sing-keä-mun (a large seaport town at the S. E. point of the island) were applicants. Indeed, the number of patients from the city itself was very small, compared with those who came from a distance. During the last six weeks of residence, the number of individuals who came from Lowang, a large island about 30 miles south of Chusan, was sometimes 40 or 50 in one day. Of these, some, who required frequent attention, remained in the city; others came and went as their medicine was expended, or according to the time prescribed to them.
In respect to the climate, it may be observed that during the south monsoon, the weather was hot, and sometimes very oppressive-the thermometer in the shade frequently standing at 90° during the day: the average for the night being about 72°. During the north mon- soon, the weather was generally very cold, with fine clear days. Towards the latter end of December, 1840, and during the whole of January and February, 1841, the thermometer was as low as 25° or 26° during the night; and occasionally, when the wind was high, it stood at 28° during the day. Of course, at this time, there was much ice on all the ponds, though the duration of this low temperature was
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
never long enough to cause the canals to be frozen over.
snow fell during the winter, and never in sufficient quantity to cover the plain. The hills round the city were once only capped with snow for three or four days. The natives of the island said that the cold of winter was frequently much more severe, that ice was very thick, and that much snow lay in the vallies.
It may be asked,-seeing the favorable position of the island (in lat. 30° N., and long. 122° 5′ E.), and the comparative mildness of the climate,—does much disease exist among the natives themselves, or was it from particular causes alone that the British troops suffered so severely while located there?
Several intelligent Chinese, when questioned on the subject of the prevalence of fever, said, that it was very common over the whole island, but especially so in the vallies where the fields were kept con- stantly under water, and that during last year disease prevailed to a very much greater degree than is generally the case, and this not only on the island of Chusan, but about Ningpo, Chinhae, Hang- chow foo, and other places. Indeed the number of Chinese, who were seen to be suffering under fever or its consequences, was very great. Some parts of the city, being very low and damp, were ex- tremely unhealthy; of this the cheheën, or magistrate's office, was a striking example, for of the whole number of British officers, civil and military, who lived there, not one escaped severe attacks, either of fever or dysentery, and the place had to be evacuated, and other quarters chosen for the magistracy. There can be no doubt that the malaria exists to a powerful degree, in nearly the whole of the val- lies, arising from the excessive moisture in which the surface of the ground is kept by the banking up of the streams from the hills, and during wet weather the canals and dikes overflow, and the country is flooded with water. During the summer months, the days are very hot; and at night the dews are exceedingly heavy, so that if any one be exposed at this time, their clothes soon become saturated with moisture.
As to the reasons to be assigned for the degree of sickness that prevailed among the troops while at Chusan, this is not the place to speak fully of them, and doubtless the medical gentlemen connected with the force will publish portions of their own reports. But a few of the causes may be hinted at, of which the most prominent were→ the laborious but unavoidable duties which the men had to perform- their exposure to the sun by day and to the heavy dews by night, united to which was the want of fresh provisions, which could not at
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
first be at all procured. When the strength of the men was worn down, being exposed to the malaria of the locality in which they were, fever seized upon them, followed by severe and almost incura- ble dysentery, which proved fatal to a most fearful extent. To so great a degree did these diseases prevail, that of the whole force very few of the men escaped more or less severe attacks.
It is by no means clear, whether the island of Chusan would be at all more unhealthy than any other place of the same latitude, were it not for the mode adopted in the cultivation of rice by means of stagnant water. If a good system of draining the fields were esta- blished, or even the flood-gates removed from the streams, whereby the water is dammed up, it is very probable that the land would in a few months become dry, and the excess of malaria would subside, its cause being in a great measure removed, It is impossible to say whether the ground could be thoroughly dried, and whether this would effect the desired change or not; it is at least probable that it would do so, and if the island be ever again in British hands it inight be tried.
The mode of irrigation is well shown in the extensive valley of Yungtung, in which Tinghae is situated. Sluices are placed in all the streams and the whole valley is one swamp, indeed so wet, that it is impossible to walk across the valley, except on raised flagged path- ways.
In all the other vallies where a stream is available, the same mode is adopted, and by much the greater portion. Yentsung, the next valley to the above, is a pool of shallow water. And that mala- ria should be rife in such districts, when during the hot summer months so large a surface of mud is exposed to the rays of the sun, cannot be wondered at.
In illustration of the report of cases, it may be well to make a few general observations on those diseases which most prominently pre-
sented themselves..
Intermittent Fever. This disease prevails to a very great extent among the people; and from all that could be ascertained, regarding its prevalence in various districts, by repeated inquiries of respectable Chinese and native medical men; it is very general.
Of the cases which presented, those in which quinine was ex- hibited soon recovered: but this remedy was only given to patients who came regularly; to others general remedies were given, which appeared in some cases to be beneficial. Several Chinese physicians also applied for relief from this disease, and finding that the quinine was of service to them, would sometimes bring friends for the medi-
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusạn.
cine. They themselves used tiger's bones, ginseng, and other things; · but acknowledged that their remedies were not very effectual. Some were pressing in their intreaties for a supply of quinine, which could not be given, as the quantity on hand was very inadequate to the large demands for it.
The two cases of paralysis of the arms from torture, occurred in respectable men. One of these was in the country, endeavoring to buy provisions and other things for sale in the city, when some Chi- nese soldiers seized him, and having beaten him severely, tied his arms behind him round a tree for a length of time, until he had lost all power of motion. The other man had some property, of which he was robbed by a party of thieves, who then tied his arms behind him in the same manner. Both these cases were benefited by medical
treatment.
Opiam smoking. It was said, by one or two householders, that this was a very common practice among the respectable people, who usually lived in Tinghae, even affecting one third, some said one half, of these persons. But few of them, however, presented them- selves at the hospital, desiring medicine to cure them of the habit. Occasionally, persons were seen in private houses using the opium pipe, but no considerable data were afforded, whereby to judge re- garding this subject.
Elephantiasis prevails to a great extent throughout the island, and many cases were seen in which fearful ravages had been committed by this disease. It presented itself much more frequently in Chusan than it does at Canton, but from what cause is not apparent. Some of the incipient cases were slightly benefited by frequent purgatives, repeated bathing of the limbs with warm water, followed by the use of stimulating liniments. But the period during which the cases were attended to was not sufficient to show whether the benefit: would be permanent or not.
Psora, and other cutaneous diseases, existed among the people in much the same degree as in other parts of China.
In the case of opening into the trachea, the disease commenced nine years ago, when a small abscess appeared in front of the trachea : this increased in size and probably a large slough came away, and ulceration went on till in course of a short time, an opening was made into the trachea just below the cricoid cartilage, and this en- larged until it attained its present size-three quarters of an inch in diameter, and comprising the whole breadth of the trachea, and is now stationary; the edges have not cicatrized, but secrete a small
VOL. X. NO, VIIL
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
quantity of pus. While the wound is open, the man cannot of course speak at all, and breathing is painful to him, as the instant admission of cold air into the lungs produces severe cough; but to obviate this inconvenience, he uses a solid flat plug of paper of proper size, and by carefully adjusting it to the opening, he is able to breathe freely through the mouth, and to speak distinctly though with a rough and hoarse voice. The man had no pain, and enjoyed tolerable health, though he had an emaciated appearance, and was subject to cough, and occasionally to asthmatic attacks.
The case of mortification of both feet occurred in a beggar, who was found lying on some straw in one of the Chinese public offices. He had been much exposed to the severe cold, while poorly clad, and not having had sufficient food, numbness came on in both feet. When he was first seen they were both cold and black; there was also a black gangrenous spot on the tip of the nose. The use of wine and of nourishing diet was of much service at first; a line of separation formed, the man began to rally and was stronger; but suddenly a change took place, great prostration came on, inability to open the jaws supervened, and he shortly died.
The man having disease of the os calcis came from Lowang; large abscesses had formed round the heel for some months, and when he came to the hospital, the posterior half of the os calcis was found to be black and loose, and was easily removed. Considerable hemor- rhage took place on the removal of the bone, but soon ceased; heal- thy granulations sprung up from the surface of the sound bone, and the wound gradually contracted and closed, and shortly afterwards the man was able to walk about with ease.
The compound fracture of the humerus was in a boy 14 years old, and resulted from a gunshot wound received during an affray be tween a foraging party and some villagers in the valley of Chaeho. A party of sipahis, accompanied by one of their own officers, were buying provisions for the regiment, and had purchased a quantity of fowls and vegetables, when some of the Chinese knocked the money out of the officer's hand, while others ran off with a musket belong. ing to one of the men; the rest of the party fired at the thieves, and this little boy, who was standing by, received a wound. The ball passed through the left arm a little above the elbow; great hemor- rhage had followed, as was evident from the boy's clothes having been saturated with blood; to stop this a small cord had been tightly bound round the arm. When he was brought to the hospital, some days after the accident, the cord was almost buried in the flesh, and
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
the limb was much swollen; at first, it was thought that the ball had traversed the elbow-joint, but this was found not to be the case, and that the humerus only had been fractured. He remained two months in the hospital, during which time the wound on the inner side heal- ed, and on the outer side 2 or 3 sinuses only remained, at the bottom of which were felt some small portions of loose bone. The fractured bone became consolidated, and the elbow could be moved without pain; and the case promised to terminate favorably in every respect when it was last seen.
The case of compound fracture of the os frontis was in a boy of 16
years, and occurred in a quarrel which took place between some foreign sailors and villagers regarding the sale of a bullock, for which the price had been paid: but a misunderstanding arose, and the owners, wishing to get back the bullock, attacked the sailors, who, in self-defense, drew their cutlases on their opponents, and this boy received a wound in the head. Much blood flowed from one of the large branches of the temporal artery, which was wounded. The external wound was three-inches long, the os frontis was cut through about one inch, and a portion of loose bone lay at the bottom of the wound, which being removed, left the dura mater exposed for the space of a circle, half an inch in diameter. The bleeding gradually ceased, the wound was dressed with simple ointment and wet lint, and a bandage rolled tightly round the head. No symptoms of dis. turbance of the functions of the brain took place, but profuse sup- puration of the whole surface of the wound ensued; this, however, gradually diminished, and the wound closed completely, and the boy left the hospital, having merely a slight pain in the neighborhood of the wound with occasional feelings of uneasiness over the scalp. This case, as well as the former, required watching at the time the island was evacuated, and the hospital necessarily closed; however, it is to be hoped that they will both do well.
It is an interesting subject of inquiry as to what may be the pro- bable cause of the large amount of disease of the eye, which exists among the people of this country. From the delicacy of the organ, and its exposure to irritating agents of various kinds, it is in all coun- tries subject to many diseases, to which this people are liable in com- mon with others; but as will be seen from the subjoined list of cases, trichiasis, entropium, granular lids, catarrhal ophthalmia, pterygium, contraction of the tarsi, and opacity of the cornea, prevail to a very great extent, much greater than is the usual proportion in other parts of the world. It is evident that this cannot arise from the formation
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
of the eye itself, for though the eyes of the Chinese are small, arıd the eyelids drawn inwards and downwards, in many cases, so as tʊ make a distinct fold at the inner angle, as is especially seen in many of the females, still this is the natural condition of the eye throughout the whole nation, and it is difficult to understand how the natural state of
any organ can make it liable to disease. It is true that sorne individuals are born with such a conformation of body, that they are more prone than others to disease, but this is altogether an abnormal condition: whereas the form of the eye in this people is, as before mentioned, perfectly natural. And how can it be supposed that al- snost one third of the human race should be thus predisposed to a diseased condition of so important an organ! It would appear, as the result of observation, that the more frequent occurrence of the above nained diseases, arises in a great measure from two causes.
1st. The severe inflammation of the organ, which comes on at the commencement of the northerly and northeasterly winds in October; November, and December: this being permitted to run its course without relief being obtained, leaves as its consequences, various changes in the tissues, of a more or less injurious nature according to the intensity of the primary inflammation of the eye and its append- ages, and the healthy or unhealthy condition of the sufferer.
2d. The injurious effects of a practice which is commonly followed by the Chinese barbers of everting the lower lid, and rubbing its in- ner surface gently with an ivory or bamboo instrument, shaped like a small scoop, which they also pass under the lid and deep into the iuner and outer canthi; this they call washing the eye,' and the declared intention is the removal of any portion of mucus that may be lodging on its surface. This is a very common habit and may be seen daily in the barber's shops, where, after the head has been shaved, the man sits composed as if enjoying exquisite delight, while the barber is thus operating on his eyes. If the person's eyes be examined after this process, they will be found to be very red and in a state of consi- derable irritation, and in process of time chronic conjunctivitis supervenes, and this being considered as the result of the eye not being sufficiently cleansed, the practice is persisted in, and the con- junctiva of the lid becomes covered with granulations. In other cases, the conjunctiva becomes indurated like thin parchment, the tarsal cartilages contract and induce entropium. Other diseases also result in process of time, variously modified according to circum- stances; as for instance, exposure to the cold wind inducing an attack of acute inflammation of the organ.
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
The cases of entropium were operated upon in the usual mode of removing a fold of skin from the upper lid and dividing the tarsal cartilage. This was, generally speaking, completely successful, and the state of the eye much improved in most of the cases; in others the cornea had become so opaque from the long continuance of the disease that, although the constant pain and irritation caused by the inverted lids were removed, the power of vision was little increased.
The Chinese surgeons adopt a plan of operating for this disease, which is common in Canton as well as in Chusan. The object is to inclose a fold of the upper lid, between two narrow strips of bamboo, which are then bound tightly together at their ends by thread; the fold of skin sloughs and falls off, and the contraction that occurs dur- ing the healing of the wound everts the edge of lid. But this is objectionable; in the first place, on account of the pain caused during the separation of the slough, and still more so, from the circumstance that when the disease is thus treated, considerable transverse con- traction of the lids takes place, which induces a shortening of the tarsal cartilage, and if this condition of the lid exists to any extent, it is almost as prejudicial to the eye as the original disease, and if it have continued for a length of time, is not remediable by a surgical operation.
During the northerly monsoon, and especially at its commence · ment, several cases of severe catarrhal ophthalmia presented them- selves; in some of these the disease had existed for several days, extensive destruction of the cornea had taken place, and in a few cases, one or both eyes were lost; but when the disease was recent, al- though very severe, it was in most cases speedily relieved. The plan of treatment adopted was that which is now generally followed; namely using the strong solution of nitrate of silver (10 grains to an ounce of water). This was dropped into the eye, blisters were ap- plied to the temples, and active purgatives administered. The strong solution was applied daily for three or four days, and then changed for one of 5 grains, and occasionally fresh blisters were applied after the first had healed. The success of this practice was on the whole very gratifying; and in no case that can be remembered, did loss of the eye, or deep ulceration of the cornea ensue, when the case had come early under treatment. And it would appear, as the result of the cases met with at Chusau, that the use of the nitrate of silver was much more beneficial in removing the disease, than depletion would have been under the same circumstances. Granular lids prevail to à great extent, and are the result of long continued irritation of the
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
conjunctiva as above mentioned. This state of granulation of the palpebral conjunctiva induces in course of time entropium, which has already been spoken of: but still more frequently, more or less dense opacity of the cornea itself comes on. It does not appear that persons afflicted with granular lids often become completely blind, but constant pain and lachrymation are produced, and the sight mate- rially injured by the degree of opacity of the cornea which almost constantly accompanies this affection. The application of sulphate of copper, solution of nitrate of silver, and other remedies, were useful in relieving the irritation of the organ, and removing more or less of the opacity of the cornea.
It may not be out of place to mention here, that of all the females who came to the hospital (and they were not few), and of others seen in various parts of the island, not one among thein had feet of the natural size. Some were not so much compressed as others, but the practice of confining the feet, during its growth, is universal at Chusan, while at Canton and Macao many women have their feet completely free, and of natural size. Though several females came to the hos- pital affected with various diseases, and with ulcers of the leg, only in one or two instances was there seen any ulcer or other disease apparently caused by the compression of the foot, and the forced dis tortion of its bones. It cannot be said with any degree of certainty how far this practice is injurious to health; but it would appear, from the observation of numerous instances, among different classes of society, both in children and adults, that it does not cause so much misery as might be expected from the severe treatment to which the feet are subjected in infancy. Very frequently when walking in the open country, strong healthy women, though having their feet very much compressed, were seen walking about with readiness, and not apparently suffering from any pain in the feet whatever others also have walked several miles to the hospital, and have had to return home the same day, so that locomotion is by no means prevented.
It is ever interesting to observe the effects on health, which are caused by the habits and customs of a people, and this is one not undeserving of some attention as more intimate acquaintance with the Chinese is obtained. And torturing as this treatment of the feet would appear to be, and unsightly as are its consequences, it is perhaps on the whole not more injurious to health and comfort, than are the practices inflicted by fashion on the female sex in western nations. The accompanying list of diseases is not entirely without interest in its relation to vital statistics. It shows that intermittent fever
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusan.
prevails to a cousiderable extent among the natives of Chusan and the neighboring districts, also that some of the diseases of the eye are very frequently met with; but it is at the same time evident, that the hospital was not open to the admission of patients for a sufficient length of time, to afford any certain data, on which fully to rely; neither is the amount of the population in these districts, so accurately ascertained, as to show the relative amount in that and other localities in China. However, as other openings occur, and fresh stations of the Society are established, some interesting facts regarding the exact state of health among this people may be arrived at, especially if longer residence at any place be afforded than was the case at Tinghae. And, though the trial of the Society's operations at Chusan, was short and imperfect, there can be little doubt that the step which was taken, in sending one of its agents there, was well advised, and shows the advantage of at once occupying every new station that may be practicable; since by endeavoring to administer to their relief, and to remove the diseases to which they are exposed, much can be done among the people for their individual benefit, a better insight. obtained into their manners and customs, and a beneficial influence obtained over their minds.
Register of cases from September 23d, 1840, to February 20th, 1841.
General and constitutional
diseases.
Intermittent fever
Anasarca after fever Ascites
Rheumatism Nodosity of joints
423 Partial paralysis of arms
3 Paralysis of arms caused by tor-
Enlargement of spleen
ture inflicted by Chinese
Dysentery
officers
Dyspepsia
died, 1 recovered)
10 Prostration from starvation; (1
5 Erysipelas of face and limbs
Cutaneous diseases.
3 Salacia
2 Opium smoking
2 Elephantiasis of one leg
2 Elephantiasis of both legs, with 4 deep sloughs upon leg.
1 Elephantiasis of both legs, loss
of toes, protrusion of meta- tarsal bones
Gastrodysia Constipation Hæmatemesis Chronic hepatitis Hæmoptysis Tussis Asthma Bronchitis
Chronic laryngitis. Cynanche tonsillaris Headache
Toothache
61 Elephantiasis of both legs
3 Elephantiasis of both legs, with
deep ulcers
Disordered bowels in children
Eethvina
Purpura hæmorrhagica
Abscesses of various parts
Thecal abscess of fingers
Report of MM S Hospital at Chusan.
Psoriasis inveterata of whole
body Psoriasis of leg Psoriasis of nates
Psoriasis of hain
Psoriasis of face
Pra inveterata
Lepra of body and limbe
Tinea capitis
Tinea scutulata
Contusion of various joints Syphilis, chancres
16 Gonorrhea and bubo
4 Stricture of urethra
General surgical affections.
2 Mortification of both feet, and sloughing of part of the nose from cold
43 Sloughs on both feet
12, Large slough on the larynx
6 Large slough on nates with great induration of cellular
1 Large slough on face in children 2 Anchylosis of wrist with carious
5 Caries of tibia
Sinus of thigh
1 Necrosis of tibia
Inflammation of knee joint
Sloughing of tendon of index
1 | Removal of half of the os calcis
by exfoliation
Caries of ulna, great bony depo.
Accidental amputation of finger
sition from periostitis
Inflammation of submaxillary
Inflamed maınma
Necrosis of humerus
Caries of alveoli of supra-max-
illary bone
Irritable ulceration round the
Caries of ilium
Caries of one of the phalanges
Carbuncle
Tumor of neck
Large tumor of face
on back of neck
Indurated swelling of leg Enlarged glands of neck Polypus nasi (both removed) Ulcers of various parts Large opening into trachea
below the cricoid cartilage Paraphymosis
Varicose veins of leg
Excrescences round the anus Fistula in' ano
1 Caries of glenoid cavity of the
1 Perforation of bony palate,
secondary syphilis
2 Compound fracture of humerus,
from blow of a cutlas
1 Old dislocation of the head of
the radius
6 Contraction of elbow
Fistula in ano, very extensive,
traversing the whole of the nates
4 Dorsum of hand thrown back on forearm, from burn Distortion of foot, sole looking
upwards and backwards, so that the man walked on his
Large bleeding hæmorrhoids
Severe burns on leg
Lupus of nose and face
Severe bite on the leg by a pig 1 Contraction of supinator radii
Wounds of head and limbs Contusion on thorax
longus, with inability to move the wrist joint
10 Dislocation of lower jaw both
of the middle finger
a gun-shot wound
679 Compound fracture of os frontis,
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macao.
Retraction of foot inwards
Scrotal hernia
Inguinal hernia
Umbilical hernia
Diseases of the ear.
1 Ulceration of cornea, severe 1 Opacity of cornea.
1 Opacity of cornea, very dense 1 Staphyloma
Surditas from excess of cerumen 6 Surditas from caries of tem-
poral bone.
Surditas from disease of mastoid
cells, large external opening behind the ear
Diseases of the eye and its appendages.
Abscess on eyelid Hordeolum
Small tumor of lid
Ulcer of lids -
Inflammation of Meibonian
Abscesses of eyelids and scalp,
causing great contraction of eyelids, and loss of vision 1 Loss of vision in both eyes from dense vascular opacity of
1 Loss of vision in one eye from
entropium
Loss of vision in both eyes from
entropium
Loss of vision in one eye from
opacity of cornea
Loss of vision in both eyes from
opacity of cornea
Trichiosis
Entropium (operated on 22)
ing cornea from catarrhal ophthalmia
Ectropium
Contraction of tarsi
Contraction of tarsi (after na-
Loss of vision in both eyes,
sloughing cornea from ca- tarrhal ophthalmia
tive operation for entropium)
Hernia tridis of one eye.
Lippitudo
Hernia tridis of both eyes
Conjunctivitis
Closure of pupil by lymph
1 Loss of vision in one eye, slough.
Catarrhal ophthalmia, severe Chronic ophthalmia Granular lids slight opacity Granular lids with much opa-
Pterygium (operated on 6) Contraction of puncto lacry-
malia Ulceration of cornea, slight
134 Contraction of both pupils to
220 Synechia anterior
Synechia posterior
30 Cataract lenticular 146 Cataract capsular
Amaurosis
Total 3502
ART. VI. Report of the Medical Missionary Society's operations
at Macao in 1840-41. By BENJAMIN HOBSON.
IN July, 1838, the Society's hospital in Macao, as mentioned in a former report, was first opened for the reception of patients. It was closed on the 5th of Oct. following, in consequence of the absence of any other medical officer to take charge of the establishment.
VOL. X. NO. VIII.
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macão.
On the first of July, 1839, it was reopened; but owing to the ex- traordinary events of that year, it was found necessary to suspend its operations on the 15th of the subsequent month. During that short space, 167 persons applied for medical relief. Although medicines were administered for some months afterwards to occasional appli- cants, the doors of the hospital were not again thrown open to receive either in or out-patients until August, 1840.
From that time up to the present (June 39th, 1841), with the ex- ception of occasional interruptions from the unsettled state of affairs, there has been a portion of each day devoted to this department of the Society's operations.
The capabilities of this institution have not as yet been fully test- ed, both from its recent origin, and the fear and disquietude which per- vaded the native community a few months since, as well as from a reluctance to allow its medical duties to encroach upon the time that was necessary to devote for acquiring some attainments in the lan- guage: all of which have induced a less extensive opening of the hospital than otherwise would have been desirable. But now, judg- ing from the increase of attendance for the last few months, from this city, and the numerous and populous towns and hamlets in this vici- nity, it is reasonably anticipated that its influence and usefulness will rapidly advance.
The cases that have come under treatment have been varied, but as will be seen from the subjoined list are chiefly surgical. A few of the more important ones were admitted into the house, and if their circumstances required it, a small allowance of money was grant- ed to buy rice and fuel. Many more would have gladly availed them- selves of the convenience which the wards afforded, had it been con- sidered expedient at the time to receive them. While speaking upon this subject it may not be out of place to observe, that when the hospitals are not under the surveillance or jurisdiction of Chinese officers, as they have been at Chusan and Macao, there are most pleasing facilities afforded for distributing religious books, and hold- ing free intercourse with the people.
If we may judge from the experience of the past, both here and at Chusan, there appears no want of readiness on the part of the natives to acknowledge the superiority of foreign medical skill, nor any indis- position to avail themselves of the gratuitous aid proffered to them. But until full confidence is experienced, there is a strong and natu ral aversion to submit to operations, or patience sufficiently great to continue for any length of time, the use of the remedies prescribed·
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macao.
The treatment of chronic diseases is as usual less satisfactory than the acute, as the patient not being wholly disabled by the former is less anxious about recovery, and more unwilling to persevere in the mode of treatment recommended. But although there is often im- patience manifested in not receiving immediate cure, and great dread of enduring pain, yet when the patient has decided to submit to the operation proposed he generally bears it with fortitude. In minor operations, it is found better at once to perform them without con- sulting the patient, as they are completed before there is time for the fears to be excited. A few general remarks upon the tabular list of cases will close the present report.
Of the diseases of the eye which form such an essential and im-. portant class of the maladies of this people, catarrhal and chronic ophthalmia, acute conjunctivitis, granular lids, entropium, pterygium, and trichiasis, seem to be the most general. These ophthalmia, which the native physicians appear never to attempt to remedy, from neglect or irritation, usually excite a varicose state of the vessels of the con- juuctiva, and a thickened vascular condition of the cornea and tarsi, terminating in opacity, leucoma, and final loss of vision. In the ca- tarrhal and acute ophthalmia, although the practice of employing local stimulants is not recommended by some high authorities in ophthal- inic surgery, yet the use of nitrate of silver from 5 to 10 grains to an ounce of distilled water, has been found very successful, con- joined with aperients in their treatment. Strong solutions also of sub-acetate of lead, and sulphates of copper and zinc, have proved of* the greatest service in the chronic ophthalmia with granulations and opacity.
The natives of this province, especially aged persons, appear very liable to cataract, and it is hoped that the next report will contain data of some value, regarding their general character and treatment.
Cutaneous diseases also form a principal part of the diseases of the Chinese. Pustular scabies affects the lower orders to a great extent, and although often formidable in its appearance, is rapidly cured by the union of sulphur with some oxide of mercury. A similar kind of treatment has been very successful in curing psori- asis annulata.
The ulcers enumerated include ulcerations succeeding wounds, injuries, and other causes, affecting different parts of the body, but chiefly the lower extremities. They are very numerous among the working classes, arising probably from the heavy weights borne, a poor vegetable diet, or want of cleanliness. From neglect and in-
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macao.
appropriate applications they often become large and indolent, but by means of ablution and dressings of warm water, escharotic solu- tions, or stimulating ointments, they speedily assume a healthy ap- pearance. As linen is difficult to obtain, and oiled silk expensive, a kind of paper manufactured by the Chinese, which is soft, flexible, not easily rent, and peculiarly well adapted to spread ointments upon, has been in a great measure substituted for the former; and for the latter, oiled paper of a superior quality, also prepared by the natives; the same brushed over with a thin coating of gum ara- bic forms an efficient sticking plaster for small wounds.
In September, a boy aged 16, from the country, was admitted as a patient with three large sloughing ulcers of the leg. His health was impaired, and his pulse quick and feeble; some medicines were administered, and the ulcers at first poulticed, and afterwards dressed with solutions of nitrate of silver, sulphate of copper, and the ordinary stimulating ointments,-but no benefit followed their use; on the contrary the ulcers assumed a phagedenic character, and attended with irritative fever; other remedies also equally fail- ed in checking the progress of the ulceration. Opium, dissolved in nitric acid slightly diluted, was now applied, which happily produc- ed an immediate change, the deep sloughs of muscle, nerves, and vessels were thrown off, and all the sores presented a healthy gra- nulating appearance. The warm water dressing, with the occasion- al use of sulphate of copper in solution, now speedily healed them. The abscesses usually met with are large and chronic. Those of the scalp are frequent. Carbunclés, which are so common in hot climates, often come under treatment.
Acute rheumatism has not yet been observed, but on the contrary, chronic rheumatic pains of the joints and muscles, are daily seen, arising probably from the usual causes of cold and damp in winter.
Wounds and contusious have been numerous, some have been severe from attacks by pirates. The chief character has been lacerated and superficial. A few have been punctured and gun-shot wounds.
In April, a patient aged 24 was admitted with a gun shot wound of the leg; he stated that he received the shot from a Portuguese sol- dier, who suspected him unjustly to be a thief; it was followed by considerable hemorrhage and pain. A native friend, seeing the ball near the outlet of the wound, forthwith by a gash cut it out. About two days afterwards he came to the hospital. The ball had entered posteriorly by the side of the tendo achilles, two inches above the inferior extremity of the fibula, leaving a round ragged wound; and
Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macao.
comminuting that bone, remained flattened and uneven at the sur- face of the wound in front. The incision which had been made to extract it was three inches in length, parallel and close to the anterior tibial artery. Several loose portions of bone were removed, warın water dressing applied, the leg rolled, and its position fixed.
The wound quickly granulated and healed, with the exception of a sinus anteriorly, which was kept open by portions of loose bone still felt deeply in the wound. These gradually becoming more superfi- cial, were taken out with little injury to the soft parts; in a month the patient was dismissed, the leg being straight and strong.
In September, a man aged 40, from the island of Honam near Can- ton, entered the hospital suffering excruciating pain from retention of urine. On examining the patient, it was discovered that he was fre- quently subject to these seizures, but they were of short duration compared with the present, which was three days. The bladder was readily recognized, distended with fluid rising up to the umbilicus, the pulse quick, and countenance anxious. The urine was imme- diately drawn off by a silver catheter; it was dark, of strong am. moniacal odor, and exceeded two quarts. The next day it was again necessary to renew the operation, and for many days after- wards, changing the size. The prostate was five times its natural size, and the urine deposited large quantities of thick white sedi- ment, which on examination was found to be chiefly the magnesio- phosphates. Active purging, with the daily use of the catheter, in three weeks restored him to his usual health; he returned subsequent- ly to offer thanks, and had continued well. As future attacks might reasonably be expected, a silver catheter was made for him at his own expense, which he learned how to use. Other cases of reten- tion from stricture, or enlarged prostate, have been similarly treated, with the warmest thanks for the relief imparted.
Two cases of dislocation, one of the humerus into the axilla, and the other of the first phalanx of the thumb upon the anterior surface of the metacarpal bone may just be noticed. Both had been dislocated for more than six weeks when they applied for admission. The first was occasioned by a fall from the mast to the deck of a ship, and the other from a blow. In the one case, extensive and counter-exten- tion was steadily maintained for two hours and a half, by means of ropes and pullies; and the other for a considerable length of time and repeatedly, by a small cord fixed with a clove hitch; but neither of them could be reduced, although the system was nauseated by tartarized antimony. Farther efforts could not be employed.
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
ART. VII. Illustrations of men and things in China: angling for frogs; trials of strength; economy of Chinese workmen; quad- rating cash. From a private Journal.
ANGLING for frogs. I observed a lad one evening, with a fish-pole and line, walking about in the grass, along the banks of the rice- fields, and on making up to him found that he was catching frogs, or 'field hens,' as he called them. He bobbed the pole up and down in the tall sedge a few times, and presently pulled up a lusty croaker, which was straight conveyed to the basket hanging by his side to join a dozen more already in it. There was no hook attached to the line; the bait, a live young frog, was only tied around its body, and at this time apparently writhing with pain from the bite of the frog just caught. This strange kind of bait-strange to me because it seemed to prove the whole race of frogs guilty of downright cannibalism- was employed by several other lads, companions of my new acquain- tance, who were angling for their dinners out of the paddy-fields. Frogs are constantly seen in market, sold as articles of food, and I am informed that they are usually caught in this manner; but per- haps the charge of devouring their species can be explained away by supposing that the bobbing and kicking of the bait at the end of the line attracts their attention, and they jump at it.
Trials of strength. The Chinese have a mode of testing the bodily strength of persons by causing them to lift stones of different weights. These stones are placed like wheels at each end of an axle about four feet long, and weigh from 15 to 50 catties each. Light ones are made of wood for young persons to practice. They are lifted with one or both hands, either over the head or at arm's length while standing erect or akimbo-indeed in all possible ways to ex- hibit their muscular prowess. This was the mode of testing the candidates for military renown at Canton, as is described on page 167 of the last volume. A note, explanatory of the 3d verse of Ze- chariah, chap. XII, in the Pictoral Bible says, when speaking of a burdensome stone, 'that according to Jerome, large and heavy round stones were kept in the towns and villages of Judea, and the youth, exercised themselves in trying who should lift it highest.' In the piratical Barbary states, it is said that European captives, when dis- posed of as slaves, were compelled by their captors or intended pur- chasers to afford evidence of strength by lifting large stones, provided for the purpose.
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
Economy of Chinese workmen. The number of itinerant work- men of one kind or another, which line the sides of the streets, or occupy the areas before public buildings in Chinese towns, is a re- markable feature. Fruiterers, pastry-men, cook-stalls, venders of gimcracks, and wayside shopkeepers, are found in other countries as well as in China; but to see a traveling blacksmith or tinker, an itinerant glass-mender, a peripatetic umbrella-mender, a locomotive seal-cutter, an ambulatory barber, a migratory banker, a peregrinatory apothecary, or a walking shoemaker and cobbler, one must travel hitherwards. These movable establishments, together with fortune- tellers, herbsellers, chiromancers, &c., pretty well fill up the space, so that one often sees both sides of the street in Canton literally lined with the stalls or tools of persons selling or making something to eat or to wear. The money-changer has simply a small table, with a few drawers, behind which he sits; the cutter of seals has a similar stand on which he works. The barber has the chest of drawers hold- ing his apparatus contrived like a seat, and if he has not a furnace of his own he heats his water at the blacksmith's, or the cook's fire near by, perhaps shaving his friend gratis by way of recompense. The herbseller or apothecary chooses an open place, where he will not be trampled upon, and there displays his simples and his boluses, with gay signs and promises to all around. The book-pedler, fortune- teller, and chooser of lucky days, arrange themselves on either side, with their tables and array of sticks, pencils, boards and pictures, all trying to "catch a little pidgeon." The spectacle-mender, the cutter of rings, the razor-grinder, the maker of clay puppets, and the cob- bler, are not far off, all plying their trades as busily as if they were in their own shops. Then besides the hundreds of stalls for selling articles of food, dress, or ornament, there are innumerable pedlers going to and fro with baskets slung on their shoulders, each bawling his own peculiar cry, which, with coolies transporting burdens, chair- bearers carrying sedans, and passengers following one another like a stream, so fill up the streets, hardly six feet wide anywhere, that it is no easy matter to navigate among them. Notwithstanding all these obstructions, it is worthy of note, and highly praiseworthy in the Chinese, that these crowds pass and repass with the greatest rapidity, without altercation or disturbance, each one giving in a little, and passing by his neighbor with the utmost quietness.
Among all the street workmen, hardly one of them excels the black- smith for the portability of his establishment. The construction of his bellows has already been explained (Vol. IV. page 38), but that is only
VOL. X. NO. VIII.
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
a part of his economy. I saw one a few days since, mending a pan, and the arrangement of his tools was very unique. The fire was held in an iron basin, not unlike a coal-scuttle in shape, and the mouth-piece of the bellows entered on the back corner. The anvil was a smail square mass of iron placed on a block, and a partition basket close by held the coal and his tools, with the old iron and other rubbish he carried. The water to temper the iron was contain- ed in an earthen pot, which just at this time was most usefully employed in boiling his dinner over the forge fire. After he had done the job, he took off his dinner, threw the water on the fire, picked out the coals and put them back into the basket, threw the ashes away, set the anvil astride of the bellows, and, laying the fire-pan ou the basket, slung the bellows on oue end of his pole, and the bas- ket on the other, and walked off.
· Quadrating cash is a term which may be applied to a very cominou game among the Chinese, and which consists in throwing down a handful or an unknown number of cash, and counting them out by fours; the issue of the game, depends on the remainder. This game is called cha tan, and in this part of the country, is one of the most popular; even beggars, who have hardly a cash, and people in the streets, who are waiting for employment, are often seen playing it, and in the gambling-houses, it is one of the most common games. Small stones, bits of crockery, and buttous, are sometimes used as well as cash. There are three modes of betting. In one case, suppose the bettor simply says one odd, and stakes 30 cash on his bet, he sweeps up-90 cash, if that proves to be the case, but only loses his stakes if the remainder is 0, 2, or 3. This is called fan tan, and goes on the principle, that as there are three chances to one that the bettor will lose, so if he wins, in fairness, he trebles his wager. A second variety, called tae ming, goes by opposites. To do this, a square is drawn, or supposed to be drawn, having the side nearest the holder marked 1, his right hand side 2, his left hand 4, and the opposite side 3. If the bettor says one odd, he doubles his stakes if that remainder turns up, but loses them if there be three left. Should 2 or 0 be left, neither party loses or wins. In a third sort, called the wagerer says he will buy I remainder to get 2, (or 3, or 4 as he pleases). Then, if on quadrating the pile, one cash be left, he doubles his stakes, but loses it if there be 3 or 0 left; while each party keeps his own if there be 2 left. One reason of the popularity of the
game is perhaps owing to the ease of playing it, the difficulty of deception, and the number of persons who can play it at once-all of
Journal of Occurrences.
them the same variety, or each taking a different one. Ten, twenty, and more men, are often seen around a table, different members of the group exhibiting all the passions of the gambler-fear, hope, success or disappointment, as they win or lose alternately. A clerk on the in- side of the table holds the stakes, and keeps the accounts, remunerat- ing himself and his master from the winners by a small percentage. The petty officers of government also receive a sum from these esta- blishments for connivance, the amount of which depends altogether upon the arrangement the parties can make, since the laws strictly interdict all gambling.
ART. VIII. Journal of Occurrences & new plenipotentiary and ad· miral; their rapid traveling; their line of policy; British forces in China; second expedition northward; manner of con- ducting the war; Hongkong; H. Rustomjee's donation for sea- men; departure of capt. Elliot and commodore Bremer from China; visit of the prefect of Canton; affairs at Canton ; Yihshan and his colleagues.
THE new plenipotentiary and admiral. During the night of Tuesday the 10th, the H. E. I. Co.'s steam frigate Sesostris arrived in Ma- cao Roads,—having left Bombay on the 17th ultimo,-bringing as passengers-their excellencies sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, &c., &c., her Britannic majesty's SOLE PLENIPOTENTIARY AND MINISTER EXTRAORDINARY to the court of Peking, charged also with the duties. of the chief superintendent's office-sir William Parker, K. C. B., rear-admiral, and commander-in-chief of the British naval forces in the East Indies;-major G. A. Malcolm, 3d It. dragoons (a regiment now in India), secretary of legation to the special mission-Mr. assistant-surgeon W. Woosnam, medical attendant to sir Henry ;- B. Chimmo, esq., naval secretary to the rear-admiral, and C. E. Tennant his flag-lieutenant.
Wednesday morning, at daylight, the Nemesis went out to the Sesostris, and by 8 o'clock sir Henry Pottinger and sir William Par- ker had landed,-which they did under a salute from the battery on the Praya Grande. They immediately met the major-general, sir Hugh Gough, coinmander-in-chief of the land forces of the expedi- tion (who happened to be for a few days in Macao): after which, ac- companied by captain Elliot and Mr. Johnston, who had gone off in the Nemesis to receive them, they proceeded to wait upon his excel- lency the governor of Macao.
Journal of Occurrences.
After a conference between sir Henry Pottinger and capt. Elliot, and another between sir Henry and the rear-admiral and the major- general, sir William Parker reëmbarked in the Sesostris and pro- ceeded, soon after noon, to Hongkong to assume command of the squadron.
His excellency, sir Henry Pottinger, took up his residence at the office of the chief superintendent, in Macao.
2. The rapidity of their traveling is notable, we believe exceeding that of any who ever came from Europe to China. The June mail came on with them. They left London on the 5th of June, and on the 7th of July reached Bombay, which they left on the 17th, arriv- ing in China in 67 days after they left England.
3. The line of policy which has been marked out for and by these high officers may easily be conjectured from their public acts- prompt, vigorous, warlike.
On Thursday the 12th, sir William having returned in the Queen from Hongkong, a second conference took place between sir Henry Pottinger and the two commanders-in-chief. The governor of Ma- cao returned the visit of their excellencies, the plenipotentiary and the rear-admiral. In course of the day, sir Henry Pottinger inspect- ed the steamer Queen, and engaged (so we understand) a passage in her for himself and suite to proceed northward up the coast.
The following notices, &c., are from the Hongkong Gazette extra.
NOTIFICATION.
The annexed extract of a letter addressed on the 15th of May last, by H. M.'s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs to sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, and likewise a transcript of one the commissions therein referred to, are published for the general information and guidance of H. M.'s subjects in China.
Macao, 10th August, 1841.
By order.
G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary to H. M.'s special mission to China.
EXTRACT.
Foreign office, May 15th, 1841.
"The queen having been graciously pleased to select you to be H. M.'s pleni. potentiary on a special mission to the government of China, and also to act as chief superintendent of the trade of H. M.'s subjects with that country, I herewith transmit to you, in your former character, a full power authorizing and empower. ing you to negotiate and conclude with the minister or ministers vested with similar power and authority on the part of the emperor of China, any treaty or agreement for the arrangement of differences now subsisting between Great Britain and China and also a commission, under the royal signet and sign-manual, stituting and appointing you H. M.'s chief superintendent of trade in China.
"These two instruments invest you with all the power and authority requisite for enabling you to discharge the duties which are confided to you.
(Signed) True extract.
** PALMERSTON.”
G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary to H. M.'s special mission to China.
L. S. VICToria R. VICTORIA, by the grace of God, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Bri- tain and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c., &c., &c.
To all and singular to whom these presents shall come, greeting! Whereas, by a certain act of parliament made and passed in the session of parliament hold- en in the third and fourth years of the reign of our late royal predecessor, king William the fourth, intituled "An act to regulate the trade to China and India,"
Journal of Occurrences.
it is amongst other things enacted, that it shall and may be lawful for Us, by any commission or commissions, warrant or warrants, under our royal sign-manual to appoint not exceeding three of our subjects to be superintendents of the trade of our subjects to and from the dominions of the emperor of China, for the purpose of protecting and promoting such trade, and by any such commission or warrant as aforesaid, to settle such gradation and subordination among the said superin- tendents (one of whom shall be styled the chief superintendent, and to appoint such officers to assist them in the execution of their duties, and to grant such sa- laries to such superintendents and officers, as we shall from time to time deem expedient. And whereas, by a commission or warrant bearing date the tenth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, our said late royal predecessor, king William the fourth did, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the said act of parliament, appoint William-John, lord Napier, William Hen- ry Chicheley Plowden, esquire, and John Francis Davis, esquire, to be such superintendents as aforesaid:-and whereas, in consequence of the death of the said William-John, lord Napier, who by the said commission or warrant was appointed the chief superintendent, and of the resignation or removal of the other persons, who have from time to time been provisionally appointed to fill the office of chief superintendent, a vacancy has arisen in the said office.-Now know ye, that we, reposing especial trust and confidence in the loyalty, integri- ty, and skill of our trusty and well-beloved sir Henry Pottinger, a baronet of our United Kingdom, and a colonel in the service of the East India Company, do by these presents, in pursuance and exercise of the authority in us vested by the said act of parliament, appoint him the said sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, to be chief superintendent of the trade of our subjects to and from the dominions of the em- peror of China, for the purpose of protecting and promoting such trade. And we do declare and direct, that the office of him, the said sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, as such chief superintendent aforesaid, shall be holden during the plea- sure of Us, our heirs, and successors:—and we do hereby strictly charge and require him, the said sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, in the execution of this our commission, to conform to and observe all such rules and regulations, as are or shall be given to him for his guidance, either under our royal sign-manual, or in such instructions as shall from time to time be given to him in our privy council, or by us through one of our principal secretaries of state.
Given at our court at Buckingham palace, the fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, in the fourth year of our reign.
(Signed)
By her majesty's command. Sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, commission.
True copy.
PALMERSTON.
G. A. MALCOLM.
Secretary to her majesty's special mission to China.
NOTIFICATION.
In taking charge of the offices of her majesty's sole plenipotentiary, minister extraordinary, and chief superintendent of British trade in China, sir Henry Pot- tinger deems it requisite and proper to publicly notify, that he enters on his im- portant functions, with the most anxious desire to consult the wishes, and to promote the prosperity and well-being, as well as to provide for and secure the safety, of all her majesty's subjects, and other foreigners (so far as the concerns of the latter can be affected by his proceedings), at this moment residing in any part of the dominions of the emperor of China; and that he will be ready and happy, at all times and under all circumstances, to give his best attention to any questions that may be submitted to him. At the same time, it becomes his first duty to distinctly intimate, for general and individual information, that it is his intention to devote his undivided energies and thoughts to the primary object of securing a speedy and satisfactory close of the war, and that he therefore can allow no consideration connected with mercantile pursuits, and other interests. to interfere with the strong measures which he may find it necessary to authorize and adopt, towards the government and subjects of China, with a view to com, pelling an honorable and lasting peace.
Journal of Occurrences,
Sir Henry Pottinger is conscious, that among the persons to whom this notifi- cation is addressed, there are few individuals who are not as well qualified as himself, to form a correct estimate of the reliance to be placed on the agreement and promises of the provincial government of Canton. He has intimated to that government, that he is willing for the present to respect the existing truce, but that the slightest infraction of its terms will lead to an instant renewal of active hostilities in this province; and it is accordingly to be borne in mind that such an event is not only highly probable, from the well understood perfidy and bad faith of the provincial officers themselves, but also because they may be com- pelled, at any moment, by orders from the imperial cabinet, to set aside and disavow their own acts: with these views and sentiments, it only remaius for sir Henry Pottinger to warn her majesty's subjects, and all other foreigners, against putting themselves or their property in the power of the Chinese authorities, dur- ing the present anomalous and unsettled state of our relations with the emperor and to declare, that, if they do so, it must be clearly understood to be at their own risk and peril.
Sir Henry Pottinger avails himself of this opportunity to announce, that the arrangements which have been made by his predecessor, connected with the is- land of Hongkong, will remain in force until the pleasure of her majesty regard- ing that island, and those arrangements, shall be received; and on this point, sir Henry Pottinger further desires to call the attention of all concerned to the public notice issued by her majesty's plenipotentiary on the 10th of June last.
Dated at Macao on the 12th day of August, 1841.
(Signed)
HENRY POTTINGER, Her majesty's plenipotentiary.
On Friday the 13th, further conferences having been held between these high officers, the two commanders-in-chief, sir William Parker and sir Hugh Gough, repaired on board the Queen, which moved off immediately for Hongkong.
Major Malcolm, accompanied by Mr. Thom, joint-interpreter, pro- ceeded in the Nemesis to Canton, bearing letters to the provincial government-the tenor whereof may be conjectured from the notifi cation given above. We understand the authorities in Canton have been duly notified of sir Henry's appointment as plenipotentiary, and of his assumption of the office of chief superintendent.
The arrival of major Malcolm in Canton on the morning of the 14th, produced no small excitement among the Chinese.
4. The British forces, now in China, are partly on the coast of Fuhkeën, and partly off Canton. Those in this neighborhood, under command of captain Nias, senior officer, are the Herald, Alligator, Sulphur, Starling, Royalist, Young Hebe, and one steamer-and some hundreds of troops at Hongkong—in all quite enough to repel any aggression the Chinese may be disposed to make.
5. The second expedition northward, moved from Hongkong on the 21st instant, and was to proceed up the coast in three divisions, with the ships of war cleared for working their guns. Amoy seems to have been fixed on for the first point of attack, and its fall will proba- bly be announced by the first arrival from the north.
6. The manner of conducting the war will, we apprehend, be left to the wisdom and skill of the two commanders-in-chief, sir Hugh Gough and sir William Parker, and be waged in right good earnest, until such time as the Chinese may deem it proper to sue for on honorable terms.
Journal of Occurrences.
7. Hongkong-at least the Chinese part of the new settlement- was desolated by a fire on the night of the 12th, from which it has rapidly recovered; the number of inhabitants is again increasing. Lt. William Pedder, R. N. has been appointed harbor-master and ma- rine magistrate; Mr. Alexander Lena, assistant; and Mr. Joseph R. Bird, clerk of the public works. Mr. Samuel Fearon, interpreter and clerk of the court, has been appointed notary-public and coroner. Henry Holgate, esq., has been appointed acting colonial surgeon.
8. Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee's donation in behalf of foreign seamen in China, is thus announced in the Hongkong Gazette.
My dear sir,-The large number of foreign seamen at all times adrift in China, and their entire dependence upon the charity of the foreign hospital in Macao, for the comfort they require when suffering from diseases, has frequently at tracted my attention. Being aware that this institution is kept up by your person- al exertions and gratuitous attendance, and that the funds received for the main- tenance of patients sent from on board ship, by which alone it is supported, have been at all times insufficient to meet the expenses of the hospital, I deem it highly desirable that some provision should be made for the support of a useful institu- tion, and to prevent pecuniary losses being entailed on those devoting a large portion of their time to the relief of their suffering fellow-men.
It will afford me much satisfaction to promote this subject, by such means as are in my power, and I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that I propose to de- vote the sum of twelve thousand dollars for that purpose. This amount shall be placed in the hands of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co.; the interest to be de- voted to the maintenance of those patients now dependent upon the hospital; and to meet such expenses as are necessary for the support and efficiency of the institution.
For the management of the funds, I have appointed James Matheson, esq., J. Robt. Morrison, esq., and yourself, granting you conjointly the power of appro- priating the whole amount to the founding of a hospital for foreign seamen at Hongkong, or any other British settlement on the coast of China, should such a step he afterwards deemed advisable, and this be considered the most useful way of applying the funds to the object in view.
Hoping that such an institution will continue to prosper, that by it many may be benefited; and that it will receive from government the support and assis- tance which are necessary to its efficiency,
Believe me, my dear sir, your's faithfully,
(Signed)
HEERJEEBHOY RUSTOMJEE.
To Alexander Anderson, esq., acting surgeon to H. M. superintendents.
9. Capt. Elliot with his lady and family, commodore sir J .J. G. Bremer, and Alexander Anderson, esq., embarked on the 24th in the Atalanta. Captain Elliot, upon his embarkation, was saluted with 13 guns, from one of the Portuguese forts. The French corvette, 'Danaide,'-recently arrived-saluted sir Gordon Bremer's broad pennant. The Atalanta proceeded to sea the same evening.
10. Affairs in Canton continue quiet, though a great deal of an- xiety exists among the Chinese in certain quarters. This is caused mainly by the movement of the expedition northward.
11. The prefect of Canton, who has acted so prominent a part in negotiations at the provincial city, came post-haste to Macao to seek an interview with sir Henry Pottinger; he saw major Malcolm, and then went back again to his superiors.
12. Yihshan and his colleagues still remain at the provincial city : and doubtless continue to deceive their master with their false state-
Journal of Occurrences.
ments-of which a goodly number may be seen in the accompanying mnenorial—which we copy from the Canton Press.
The imperial appointed great rebel quelling general Yihshan, and his colleagues Lungwan and Yang Fang most respectfully present this memorial before the throne of the great emperor, detailing how that the ships of the English foreigners have left the provincial river; bow that they (the English) have given us back the forts: how that our militia and volunteers have slaughtered a great many native traitors and foreign robbers who were raising disturbances: and how that we have restored tranquillity to the provincial city,—ou all of which, looking upwards, we pray that a sacred glance may be cast.
Your slaves, after having sent off their memorial to your majesty, on the 15th day of the 4th month (i. e. Friday, 4th June), detailing the temporary expedients they had had recourse to in the exigencies of the case for the placing of affairs on a perfectly secure basis,--at one and the same time took the greatest precautions for the defense of the city and its tranquilization, and commanded that the English ships should forthwith get up their anchors and depart. The said fo- reigners immediately got more than ten sail of their ships under weigh and left the river, when one of their commanders, Warren, petitioned us saying, that “the real truth of the matter was the foreign merchants of every nation were very hard pushed for money, and worrying him for payment of their debts, and there- fore it was that he and they (captain Warren and the English) had no resource but to beg that they might be cleared off;-that they had no intention whatever to offend or commit any act of agression upon the heavenly dynasty;—and foras- much he implored us, the great general and colleagues and all the high officers of the province, that we would supplicate the great emperor to show them mercy, and pardon their offenses."
Your slave finds, that the foreign ships having on this occasion bolted into the river by violence, was all caused by the native traitors showing them the way; which in fine led to the rude people of the islands and the foreign robbers avail- ing themselves of the state of things to work evil; they robbed and plundered the villages so that we could not but take strenuous measures to extirpate them root and branch. But the traces of these native traitors are exceedingly secret, and cunningly concealed; there are some who put on the clothes of foreigners; there are others who dress like (our) soldiers and militia; their ramifications extend everywhere, so that we must send detachments to scour the whole coun- try to catch them. If we send our regular troops after them in so many direc- tions, it is to be feared that they might not discriminate clearly before slaying, and thus calamity would be entailed on the peaceably disposed people, which might lead to some very shocking catastrophe. It therefore appeared to us the best plan that the country people of the different villages should form themselves into armed associations for mutual defense. The headman (of one of these armed associations) Leäng Tsaeying and others, divided themselves into several bodies, and going in different directions, they succeeded in capturing upwards of two hundred native traitors and foreign robbers, black and white; among which last were two chief persons. Your slave thereupon sent orders to the militia, gentry and others, that as they took them, so should they behead them at Namoan! In reference to one of these chief persons, the said gentry and others reported to us by petition, that “he was in reality Bremer, and that they (the English) were willing to pay a hundred dollars to ransom the body, which they (the said gen try and others) had stowed away in a secluded house ;"--but whether this really be the case or not, we shall first investigate clearly and afterwards duly memo- rialize your majesty thereupon.
Their excellencies proceed to state that they have already sent troops to occupy the forts, issued proclamations to quiet the people, and will immediately commence the work of repairs, &c. After hav- ing suffered what they have, we think they will be very slow in pro- ceeding with any work of defence or aggression that will be likely to lead to a renewal of hostilities. Yihshan and his colleagues have earned for themselves a bad reputation among the people of Canton.
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-SEPTEMBER, 1841.- No. 9.
Reminiscences of Chusan, during its occupation by the British in 1840-41. From a Correspondent.
THE hearts of all the people in the fleet beat high, when the ships had assembled at Buffaloe's Nose. This island is remarkable for a per- forated rock, which forms an extensive cavern that shows to great advantage when one is coming in from sea. The spot itself is hilly, and produces only a few vegetables, with a little rice sufficient for its poor inhabitants. For the benefit of mariners it may be remarked, that there is a mountain streamlet containing abundance of water, clear as crystal, where any quantity may be obtained at the lowest ebb, by merely damming up the rill. There is another watering place, though not available at low tides, on the side which fronts the main. As there are few natives living on the island, water may al- ways be procured here with the greatest ease, and without fear of molestation.
Several communications now took place between the commanders of the squadron, and slow was our movement towards the place of our destination. We came across a fisherman, a poor ignorant man, who however understood very well the depth of the water, and could also point out various dangers; but there his knowledge ended. When he first came on board the Wellesley, he was quite bewilder- ed, and really imagined that his life would fall a sacrifice to the ruth- less barbarians. But by degrees he became more composed.. The visions of dreadful revenge, on the part of the Chinese officers, now started up before him, and he began to quake. Once he even point-
VOL. X. NO, 18.
Reminiscences of Chusan.
ed out a smack, which he said was manned by soldiers. A boat being dispatched to take her, the prize was brought alongside, and proved to be a leaky concern with only one old fisherman in it. This was the commencement of our heroic deeds.
To obtain a knowledge of the passage to Chusan harbor, which not one individual amongst all our sailors had yet done, the Atalanta was sent ahead to reconnoitre. On entering the harbor, several war- junks were discovered close in shore. The Chinese had no warning of our arrival; but as soon as it was ascertained, that the fleet had anchored near Chusan harbor, a furious edict was issued by the dis- trict magistrate Yaou, who, by a carte blanche from the It.-governor, had been enabled to promulgate such orders in cases of emergency. This paper, however, only mentioned the sale of opium, and never once alluded to any hostile intentions on the part of the barbarians; though it made considerable demands on the good citizens of Chu- san. To insure obedience to his orders, the worthy Yaou had made the principal firms, both in the suburbs and the city, responsible for any acts of aggression on the part of the foreigners, and actually took hostages from the people, to insure the good behavior of the invaders!
The sudden appearance of the first steamboat caused a great sen- sation amongst the inhabitants, who came in thousands to the beach in order to behold the strange vessel. To do this they had leisure enough, for she had grounded on a sand-bank, and could not get off before the water had risen to a considerable extent. No native boats came near, though there was a great stir amongst the musketoe fleet in the harbor. The master of the Wellesley, on approaching Pagoda Hill, in order to take the soundings along shore, was beckoned off by a fierce officer with a fan. But this rude barbarian actually believed, that he night have taken the place with his boat's crew, which was by no means one of the strongest. Having ascertained that the largest vessel could approach close to the shore, the fact was communicated to the commanders. They would have done well if they had imme- diately proceeded with the favorable breeze then blowing. As it was, however, the progress of the expedition was deferred a whole day, several vessels grounded, and the transports got in with consi- derable difficulty.
The Wellesley had, on Saturday the 4th July, taken up her posi- tion close to the suburbs. The merchaut junks in the meanwhile had left, and now commenced an enrigration, which very soon empti- ed the harbor of a large number of native craft. This lasted
Reminiscences of Chusan.
throughout the night, and on the morning we discovered nothing, but war-junks, with a few of their boats.
The Wellesley having taken up her position, and no official person. having made his appearance, it was considered high time to summon the island with its dependencies and citadel to surrender. Lord J. accompanied the mission, which proceeded on board a very sorry, look. ing junk. Here the British officers had not long to wait, before the vice-admiral, with his aid-de-camp and flag-captain, made his ap- pearance. He was a decrepit, ill-favored, elderly man, without bad- ges of rank, so that he might have been taken for a common citizen. He told the party, that he had only recently arrived from Fukning foo in: Fuhkeën, to enter upon the duties of this station; he behaved in a very friendly manner, while his flag-captain grinned, and his aid-de-camp frowned. The summons being handed to him, he gave them to the latter, on the plea that he could not read, a thing not uncomnion amongst Chinese naval officers. The brow of this gal- lant son of Neptune contracted, sadly as he perused the summons, whilst the old admiral listened with a vacant smile. It was now pro- posed, that they should adjourn, and go on board the Wellesley, lord J. most generously offering to remain behind as a hostage. This proposition all the three Chinese rejected with the utmost indigna- tion, saying,' we put too much faith in your word, to doubt our safety on board of one of your vessels.' They came, therefore, with great glee over the gangway. The district magistrate Yaou, in the mean- while had made his visit, and for a little time proudly paced the Wellesley's deck, without taking notice of anything around him. As soon, however, as he saw the old admiral coming on board, he ran away, without giving any reason for so doing.
The three worthies were now seated in the large cabin, next to the commodore, and whilst sipping their tea, the captain proposed to show them the vessel. They however refused to enjoy this treat, and with serious countenances deliberated about the surrender. To this they finally appeared inclined, but observed at the conclusion, that they were too weak to offer any resistance, and that therefore all the loss of human life would be on their heads, if any conflict commenc- ed. With this declaration they left the vessel, promising to give a decisive answer within a very short time. The old admiral continu- ed to laugh, appearing not to be at all aware of any impending danger.
On Sunday morning we perceived great activity on shore, and a messenger had been dispatched to Ningpo for additional assistance.
Reminiscences of Chusan.
This puny host, therefore, from sheer ignorance, was determined to defend itself, and for this purpose the soldiers had put a number of miserable cannon between paddy bags, in order to repel the bar- barians by celestial fire.
Towards the afternoon the soldiers had all embarked in boats, and it was an animating sight to see the whole harbor covered with red coats. The music played as they passed the flag-ship, and all ap- peared one joyous scene. There was at that time scarcely one sick man among them.
A shot from the Wellesley, fired over the heads of the Chinese forces, was intended to induce them to surrender. But they were too ardent in hope to meditate such a thing. Off went their cannon like crackers, the balls struck the Alligator in several places,-one actual- ly took away some paint, another carried away a halliard, a third (strange to say) lodged in a gun carriage. Such was the damage done to the British fleet. The ships now opened a tremendous fire, and the Pagoda Hill was instantly cleared of its crowded military occupants, and the suburbs were forsaken. The British forces land- ed instantly, and took possession of the heights on Temple Hill. They might have pushed on without any obstacle, for the enemy was panic struck, but the attack on the city was deferred till Monday.
The junks nearest the men-of-war were very much riddled, and à humane surgeon shortly afterwards went to see whether he could do anything for the wounded. The first indication of slaughter, ob- served on board the admiral's junk, was a raven ominously perch- ed on the mast, looking down with his bright eyes into the cabin. The party, sent to afford relief, shuddered when they saw the bird of prey over a heap of corpses. Several balls had passed through the junk, and the frightened sailors had either crowded into the cabin for protection, or had huddled their dying comrades together there, with the hope of carrying off their bodies, which they indeed essayed to do, during the hottest fire from our guns. And here we must bear testimony to their bravery. The Chinese will venture everything; face the cannon's mouth, in order to carry a disabled or dead com- rade from the field. One poor fellow was seen climbing up the shore with great difficulty, having lost a limb, but still trying to save him- self, undaunted by the loss of blood.
In the admiral's cabin, orders for attacking the barbarians were found, and also a part of a Chinese Bible! He himself was badly wounded in the side, and his flag captain fell at the first discharge. The worthy Yaou had embarked with all his effects and retinue, and
Reminiscences of Chusan.
was paddling down the canal into the open sea, when one of his clerks inquired whether his was the behavior of a faithful servant. This sarcasm went to the heart of the highminded magistrate, and he jumped overboard, never to rise again, whilst the head of the police followed his mad example.
The worthy Samaritan, above alluded to, took one of the wounded men on board the flag-ship, for his leg had been smashed and it re quired amputation. This he willingly underwent, and when the operation had been performed, he asked for a pipe and a cup of tea with the utmost indifference. He was indeed a philosopher, and, fortunate man, has lived to receive a pension from the great emperor, The suburb was now nearly abandoned, and some of the Indian sailors made very free with their neighbors' property, having absolute- ly forgotten, the distinction between meum and tuum. ' It proved to be a very filthy place, with only very few good and spacious houses, There was an immense quantity of ardent spirits stored in the ware houses; the streets were redolent with the fragrancy of salt-fish ;, and stores of wheat and pulse were found in some of the houses of the merchants. When our officers set to work to dash in pieces the pots of liquor, it literally, flowed through the streets, and the air was in- fected with the noxious smell.
Proclamations, issued by the commander-in-chief, were stuck up promising security of persons and property to the Chinese. Officers were seen standing in the streets, threatening to punish every sol- dier who dared to lay hands on plunder. But you might as well have preached against the entrance of musketoes; for scarcely was the eye turned to watch, one depredator, when ten might be seen coming forward from various quarters with their booty.
Two solitary Fuhkeen men were seen unconcernedly smoking their pipes, near the body of an unfortunate man, who had been struck by a ball, and was ga.ping his last breath. On being made acquainted with the peaceful intentions of the British, they remarked, that such benevolence wanted no more striking proofs than that be- fore them, and if their designs were so kind, why then did they come at all to Tinghae. They were however anxious to avail of the prof- fered protection for their own benefit, and if they did not share in the booty, they certainly amassed enough in one day to support them- selves for a whole year.
Thousands were now seen leaving Tinghae, through the northern, eastern, and western gates, and a general flight from the city seemed to be determined upon.
Reminiscences of Chusan.
The Chinese troops were still firing from the walls near the south- ern gate, and threw one ball very near our outpost, when the British artillery came up, and with shells quieted these brave fellows. The commandant was killed by the first shot, and the whole host of at- tendants, when they saw him a lifeless corpse, immediately dispersed. The night passed away tranquilly, but on the next morning a ge- neral storining of the city was to take place, and besides the three regiments and Volunteers, a party of blue jackets was to assist in this affair. But alas! the city was mute, and only the suburbs show-` ed that some miscreants had been at work. A fire raged amongst the dense hovels, formerly the seat of filth and vice, and were in a very short time reduced to ashes. By the exertions of the English, however, the fire was soon extinguished.
When the stillness of death reigned throughout the city, the staff approached closely. Happily a ladder had been left, perhaps on pur- pose to scale the walls; and a few planks from the adjacent houses served as a bridge over the ditch; and thus the invaders got directly into the city. At first not a living being was to be seen; after long waiting, there crawled forth a poor frightened creature, begging hard for his life; and when others ascertained that no harm was done him, they gradually ventured out. In a short time a small number had assembled and read the proclamation, whilst one individual offered his services to post up the remaining copies throughout the town; these were read with great eagerness, but were soon torn down, pro- bably by some myrmidons of government. Before the doors of several houses a large inscription, spare the lives of intelligent creatures,” was stuck up. Upon the walls of the southern gate was found a tablet, evidently placed there by the officers, intreating the enemy to spare their children, the people. Banners, bows and arrows, powder, shot, &c., were found thrown about in extraordinary confusion, thus showing that their owners had fled in the utmost trepidation. What most attracted attention, were the guns with immense touch- holes, loaded with stones and grape to the very muzzle.
"At length the poor inhabitants gained courage, and to show their confidence they boiled large quantities of tea, which they served out to all who passed by, they themselves first tasting it, to show that it contained nothing poisonous.
The admiral's house was found in great confusion, the silks strew- ed about in confusion; two very valuable caps were placed on a shelf, and many curious articles covered the ground. It was unfortunate, indeed, that the soldiers first discovered the library of this veteran,
Reminiscences of Chusan.
which contained a number of very valuable works, principally statis. tical, and mostly unknown to the sinologues of the west. With Van- dalic destruction this valuable collection was soon thinned ; and only when it was too late, the loss of such a treasure was discovered by its few remaining fragments. The collection of official papers was ¡mmense, and literally filled one considerable building. They were huddled together without any order, and the worms had indeed done their best. Still there were picked out of the mass, some edicts issued as early as Shunche's reign. The office itself was in a miserable condition. How the old gentleman could spend a winter in such a
hovel is quite inexplicable.
The civil magistrate's office was still worse than that of the admi- ral's, and the smell in the rooms as bad as that arising from moulder- ing graves. Even the ladies' apartments, which had only a few hours previously been abandoned, were so uncleanly that a Chinese coolie actually fainted on entering them. There were numerous rooms for clerks and officers of every description, but it is difficult to under- stand how people could live in such damp and infected places, unless they possessed something of the amphibious nature of the toad. There was also a public treasury, labeled with large letters, and sealed in the Chinese fashion, to prevent the barbarians from forcing the deposit. The latter, however, might have spared themselves the trouble, for when our commissioners went to ascertain what the place contained, they found only four dollars, a quantity of small and useless cash, with rusty guns in abundance and a few old nets, and a good deal of rubbish. Here also, in the office of the civil magistrate, were the Luh Poo, or Six Boards, in miniature; and each of the buildings, dedicated to their use, contained the necessary papers. None other however was so well stored as that appropriated to the Board of Punishments, for there were lawsuits literally ten yards long, with -sundry remarks of the magistrates. In any museum they would be a great curiosity. To rummage them, however, could not be done with impunity, for they had been heaped up for many generations, and at the least touch they would fly about as if they had gotten wings, occa- sioning such a disagreeable smell, that one person got severely ill for having ventured to examine them. Order seems to have been en- tirely forgotten, and there was an utter want of arrangement in all the archives.
These papers had been abandoned, even by the soldiers, when all at once some emissaries sent by the officers of Ningpo began to steal them. And then it was that one of them lost his tail for his temerity,
Reminisceners of Chusán
and that the admiral's records, like the Alexandrian library, were doomed to the flames, not to heat the public baths, for there was no such thing in Tinghae, but to make bonfires. And a hard work the police had of it, for the edicts refused to burn, as if they had been made of asbestus. When this work of destruction was going for- ward, an officer of the engineers, attracted by curiosity, picked out a chart from among them, and a doctor discovered some papers, on which the emperor had written with his vermilion pencil. But with the exception of these two individuals, nobody else was moved by this rude conflagration, at which the Chinese were most indignant.
The most valuable parts of this establishment were the granaries, in which the paddy was laid up in good order, each building being labeled with the year, when the grain was deposited. When rice was becoming scarce, the stock on hand was offered for sale at a very re- duced rate, but none of the inhabitants dared to buy for fear of future punishment. So the whole remained, except what the fowls and ducks consumed, and of these there was at first a very small quantity in possession of the foreigners. All the side courts were overgrown with rank grass; the artificial tanks were full of stagnant water; but there was no garden to please the eye or to perfume the air with its flowers or fruit. Chairs and tables there were enough, with basins sufficient to have served a battalion. The worthy magistrate also had laid up a stock of spirits, and had a large quantity of furs scattered about in the house. But so rapid had been his flight, that the very supper was left on his table, and not a single article, not even the indispensable opium pipe, had been removed. Whilst beholding all these things, there stole in a number of Chinese and quickly walked off with a load of furs. And not even satisfied with this booty, they took away the chair, that had served them to get over the wall.
.: Some writer has compared Tinghae with Venice, and if that com-
·parison · holds good, Mongha near Macao certainly resembles Ver- sailles, and its straw hovels are comparable to the Thuilleries, for both are the habitations of men. Tinghae has a few tolerable streets with good shops and many hovels. There are all together in the city -3000 dwellings, and reckoning ten inhabitants for each, there will be -30,000 citizens. Some calculators would only allow five individuals for each house, but we request them to show us a single habitation containing only five inmates. There is, generally, the man and his wife, with four, five or six, or more children, and also some relative, friend, or domestic. In the larger abodes there are often found from forty to sixty individuals. This is not mere conjecture, but has
Reminiscences of Chusan.
been ascertained on the spot. Now by giving an average of ten in- habitants to each dwelling we do not overstep the mark. The whole island counts about 47,000 houses, including every hamlet, accord- ing to a census taken by the magistrate; Chusan, therefore, mast have a population of 470,000.
The wall of Tinghae is very old, and in some places tumbling down. It was repaired in the times of Kanghe, when the Mantchous had obtained firm possession of the island, and remains in the state in which the ancestors of the present race left it. The principal buildings have towards the street a mere bare wall, and consist of a row of houses, the wood of which is beautifully varnished, superior to anything we have ever seen in the southern parts of the empire. The walls of the houses are composed of a kind of gypsum. What at- tracted most attention, were the numerous beautiful carvings of land- scapes, diversified with bamboos, birds, &c. The handsome red lackered bedsteads, with very elegant designs cut in wood, and splendidly gilded, could not easily be exceeded.
Two temples, one dedicated to ancestors, the other to the god of cities, contained many specimens of native art. The colossal figures at the entrance are larger, perhaps, than those at Honam, and the Budha that sits upon the lotus flower might well pass for a giant. Nothing, however, is so remarkable as the Goddess of Mercy, riding on a dolphin in a troubled sea, and exhibiting her power to save. Had such a piece of workmanship been found at Athens, it would have passed for the greatest work of ancient genius ever known; but unfortunately it was in Chusan. There were also to be seen in these temples, images of the disciples of Budha, exhibiting in their coun- tenances the human passions, very exquisitely executed.
The pantheon, or too skin meaou, is another very large temple, without a single idol; having in it a kind of pagoda, and a very large' bell. There was a foundling hospital, a great part of whose walfs the barbarians demolished, and moreover, another one for the old and decrepit. Besides these two, there were three buildings used as arsenals, full of flags, balls, guns, arrows, bows, uniforms, &c., of all of which the foreigners took possession. The cannon were almost useless. The plaited soldiers' jackets, so inlaid with iron as to be ball proof, served as excellent winter clothing for the lascars,' who looked very: grotesque, when stalking about the city in this dress. The arrow rockets were curiously constructed, but in such a manner, as to render them entirely harmless. All the military stores were very well arranged. Some of these articles were sold at auction,
VOL. X. NO. IX.
Reminiscences of Chusun.
others were destroyed, and a few sent home as trophies. There were arms enough to equip 1300 men, the amount of the naval and land forces of the Chusan group.
Tinghae has two colleges, one of which is a very extensive build- ing. In the smaller one were stuck up all the themes which the students were working out, when the assault took place. Judging from the many books found in these colleges, the inhabitants must be a reading race. By far the greater part of the works were poetical. Orders were sent out, that they should all be brought to the magis trate's office, but, alas, the greater part had already perished. There were also the books of a tract society, established in order to circulate religious works gratis. Of these there were a good number in the houses of the poor. The situation of a temple dedicated to Confucius was romantic enough, though rather worse for its age. Close to it was another building of a different nature, a pawn- broker's shop, the most extensive house in the city. The stores found in this place were large. It is extraordinary that this building should have been completely full, for so large a collection rather betokens a very low state of morals. The owner was again and again cited to take possession of his property, but he never made his appearance. A great quantity of the clothes were stolen, others were sold at auc- tion, and the remainder were still on hand when the place was eva- cuated, and were then seized upon by pilfering natives.
Beyond the wall, there was a temple in a very romantic glen, filled with trees, and planted in the rear with bamboos. There were also two powder mills, but only one had powder in its stores; and this was condemned and thrown into the water.
On the day of capture, the city presented a very curious scene. As soon as the rabble had ascertained that they were not to be kill- ed outright, they got up a system of plundering, which was carried on with a great deal of boldness. It was very apparent that the most respectable class of people had left the place, and that only desperate characters, who had nothing to lose, remained. The cri- minals in the prisons had probably been set at liberty, before the officers finally abandoned the city. One of them was seen dragging along his chain. A humane officer knocked off his fetters, and the first use the fellow made of his freedom was to commence robbing.
When matters became very bad, a representation was made to the commander to put a stop to such deeds of villany, by not allowing the least article to pass out of the gates. He however replied, that this would interfere with the liberty of the subject, and that the in-
Reminiscences of Chusan.
habitants themselves ought to look after their own affairs, provided there was free egress of every article. This answer was most satis- factory to the light fingered gentry. There were, however, some fel- lows who reasoned in this manner: if we retain the most valuable articles of the citizens, they will certainly come back; but if they are allowed to carry away everything, they will no longer trouble themselves about Tinghae. This proved in the end to be true.
The 7th was a very rainy day, and the native marauders were busy in clearing the suburbs of salt-fish. In this laudable effort, they were charitably assisted by the soldiers on duty, who helped them to carry the bags down to the beach to their boats, being no doubt thank- ful, that some of the causes of the abominable odor were removed. There were also found a great number of paper dollars, well execut- ed, which served as a currency in hades; for being once burnt, they are supposed to pass for good coin amongst the shades. But it seems that no Ferdinands are there current, those found being all Carolus- es. The robbers were also very eager after cash, a commodity which the military at first viewed with the utmost contempt. They afterwards learnt the use of this heavy circulating medium, and deep- ly regretted that they had cast away whole bags of this coin.
In the city no shops were yet open, and the removal of property went on at such a rate, that within a week it might be expected the whole city would be empty. All fear was at length banished, and the good citizens began to draw up papers full of complaints, which if verified, would have made many an applicant a rich man.
Tenders were now issued for coolies, but if any were to be had, they must be caught by main force, and even then they would run away, as soon as they could do it with safety. Two clerks happened to be taken into the magistrate's office. They stole the very ink and pencils that were given them to write with, and then, taking as much clothing as they could get hold of, walked away. There were also two clamorous cooks, who walked off with the kitchen uten- sils, as complacently as if they had been their own. It was therefore no wonder that the houses very soon became empty, and that the peaceful owners became clamorous for protection.
Orders were finally issued, to stop these robbers at the gates, and not allow them to climb over the walls. This regulation gave rise to still greater evils. The thieves, if they could not force the gates, which they very often attempted, left their booty there and ran away; if it happened that an honest man went the same way, he also was forced to deliver up his load. An immense quantity of goods of every
Reminiscences of Chusan.
description was thus collected at the guard-house. Complainants then rushed in crowds to the magistrate's office to claim their own, and if their petition was granted, they helped themselves indeed very li- berally, indemnifying themselves for their previous losses. Mistakes took place without number, and the most clamorous of the whole set were often the greatest rogues. Now and then the true owner receiv ed his own. Once, a musiciau, with a great quantity of instruments, had left the gate, and was stopped by a field officer.
a field officer. As soon as the latter wanted to seize him, the former hoping to act the part of Orpheus, and anxious to clear himself from malicious intent, began to play a very lively air on one of his pipes. But the harmony did not affect the veteran's ears, and the poor musician was marched off to the office, for feloniously abstracting musical instruments. By no means abashed, however, the delinquent put his arms a-kimbo; and thus began his speech: "When I listen to the regimental music, the sound of my instruments appears to be harsh and grating, how could 1, then, longer enter into competition with its strains? Moreover it appears to me, that you have quite music enough; and, as the voice of mirth will be heard no more in this city, of what use is my abode amidst the afflicted? I can carry on my profession only amongst joyous parties." For this speech, the blythe musician was liberated, and received a passport to depart in peace.
In one instance, a coffin having been allowed to pass, the applica- tions for permission to carry out old fathers and mothers became very numerous, until the sentries opened these receptacles, and instead of corpses they generally found silks. This no longer succeeding, other stratagems, and some not very reputable, were had recourse to. Some carried their plunder over the walls. One man was going to
pass a recruit who stood sentry on the walls. The latter beckoned him to leave off his illicit business, yet was not heeded. But in- stead of obeying, the man came with a whole load, and being repell- ed, he attempted to force his way. The soldier then fired, and the' robber fell dead.
An elderly rogue had stationed himself below the city wall, and was in the habit of taking care of the stolen articles, in order to carry them over the ditch. By some means he was overloaded, and sunk in the water to rise no more. In some instances, the venge- ance of the people overtook these marauders, and they administered Lynch law. For instance, a man was found bound hand and foot in a ditch, who had attempted to empty a house of its contents. Ano- ther was seen tied to a post near the market place, with such force
Reminiscences of Chusan.
that the eyes started out of their sockets, and the blood from his hands and body. Had the cords not been immediately loosened, he would have died within less than an hour. A third was brought to the office bound in the most frightful manner. The agony the fellow had endured had robbed him of speech, and it was two hours before he could give an account of himself. His captor, a literary graduate, was surprised at being upbraided for his cruelty, but merely remark- ed in self-vindication, that what he had done was simply an act of common justice. He could not or would not bring a witness, and though the prisoner had not the appearance of a gentleman, he was dismissed for want of evidence.
After a few days had elapsed, several shops were opened, poultry became very plentiful, and it was of the best description. But the pork was very inferior, and repulsive even to a hungry stomach. Beef was likewise brought into the market. All this, however, was only of short duration. As soon as the shopkeepers had sold off their stock they removed from the city, and the supplies failed entirely, for some emissaries had been sent to threaten the inhabitants with death, if they dared to supply the English with provisions. Such interfer- ence ought never to have been suffered, and its tragical conse- quences should serve as a warning example in future. As soon as the authorities at Chinhae ascertained that this prohibition was borne patiently, they seized the comprador that used to supply the com- missariat. The people of the island got the credit for having com- mitted this misdeed, and several respectable persons were imprisoned for six weeks, though the Ningpo government subsequently declared, they had kidnapped the man-an enterprize worthy of such dignita- ries. This was done again to try how far the patience of the English would stretch. As they were not forced to give up this man, which they certainly would have done, had they been obliged to do so by strength of arms, they grew more bold, first carried off servants, then took captain Anstruther, and next murdered an artillery-man.
The authorities at Ningpo were thunderstruck by the occupation of Chusan. They could collect only a few hundred men to attempt a reoccupation. In this emergency a large subscription was got up by a patriotic graduate, who enlisted a body of militia, to guard Chinhae, a place which had been left without defense. If, when the provocation was given, a force had been sent to Ningpo, the moral effect would have been lasting, provisions would have come in abun- dance, death, which made such havoc amongst the troops, would have been prevented, and the terms obtained at the Pei ho would have
Reminiscences of Chusan.
been honorable. But the men who never could be our friends were spared, and our own people were sacrificed.
Tăng Tingching was then the governor of Fuhkeën and Chě- keäng. We saw his severe proclamations against opium stuck up at every corner, threatening death and destruction to every smoker, for Tinghae was full of people made wretched by this drug. His name, however, was little known in this part of his jurisdiction, for he had never yet made a tour through Chĕkeäng. Still he was charged with the loss of Chusan, and summoned to appear at a court of inquiry. In great haste he sent his general, a Chinese by birth, but a Tartar in heart, to protect Ningpo. This man, a hero of the first order, would fight at all hazards, and determined upon annihi- lating the barbarians. His agents were constantly lingering about Tinghae, but so betrayed their master, that all his plans were speedily made known to us.
Next after Tăng was Lew, the previous lieut.-governor, a Man- tchou, who was called to Peking to answer for his misdeeds in losing Chusan. He, likewise, was a hero, fierce as a lion in his edicts, and cruel to our prisoners; but a lamb in the execution of his military exploits.
When the emperor heard of the fall of Tinghae, he dispatched Elepoo to Chinḥae, as his special commissioner. This heavy headed statesman held the office of governor of Keängnan and Keängse. He was in the confidence of his sovereign, and therefore considered as the most suitable personage to execute his behests. It was indeed an occasion for displaying his power, but being an infirm man, he was fond of ease and peace, and on no account would engage in hos. tilities. For this he was very much abused, and lost his influence, so that the war party, though by no means the most numerous, got the upper hand at Peking.
As soon as the people of Chusan perceived that the English did not rescue the comprador, they lost all confidence, and withdrew to the interior or to Ningpo. When hardly pressed for an answer for so doing, they answered, “there is no security for life and property we may be seized by the agents of our government, and lose our life for traitorous intercourse.” A very decent man, at that time employ- ed by a foreigner, incautiously went out of the gate one day, and was seized and delivered over to the Ningpo authorities. This cir- cumstance struck great terror into the people, and the city was soon entirely deserted. Even the rabble was seized with fear, and unless engaged in plundering the houses, did not make their appearance, so
Reminiscences of Chusan.
that a Chinese became quite a rarity. When the inhabitants were invited to come back in order to receive protective papers for their houses and furniture, only a few availed themselves of the offer. In virtue of this notification, the untenanted dwellings were subsequently occupied by our soldiers.
It was a most melancholy task to walk through the city, now as much abandoned as if it had been visited by the plague. Even the sew vegetables that used to be brought to the market ceased to come in; there was literally nothing to be obtained for either love or money. When some stragglers were angling in the canals, it often happened, that a number of servants were standing around to buy the first fish or eel that was caught. For many miles around the city, not a single hen was to be seen, and if a stray cock unfortunate- ly happened to approach the redoubtable place, his life was forfeited, and he was in the pot before he could even have time to crow! If any poor peasant, in hopes of making a good profit on his produce ven- tured to direct his course to the gates, some straggling parties, in search of provisions were sure to intercept him. To get a single duck safe and sound to one's house required a convoy, and then even the poor bird might not reach its destination. Very ridiculous scenes and many curious accidents thus occured, and though most stringent orders were promulgated against seizing any provisions, still the sol- diers, urged on by hungry stomachs, proved the most refractory peo- ple in the world, Nobody will starve without a struggle; so long as there is still a morsel of food to be gotten, it will be sought for by some means, whether right or wrong.
Nothing gave rise to so many troubles at Chusan, as the visits of the military to the villages. In one instance, some stout peasants seized an officer, and one of them was shot with a pistol. A party of sipahis was likewise attacked, several Chinese were killed, and one of the detachment received a wound with a bill-hook, of which he died. In most instances there was as much wrong on the part of the foreigners, as on that of the Chinese, but the want of fresh pro- visions was the main cause of all these mischiefs. Private individuals, in the neighboring villages, stuck up papers on the gates urging the people to defend and preserve their cattle for ploughing. This had a great effect, and the consequence was, that in a very short time, not a single ox or cow was to be had, unless taken by force; it was so, that the people in the villages, on perceiving the approach of an English party, gave a signal, and drove away all their cattle. There were, moreover, always some invisible agents at work, to enforce the man-
Reminiscences of Chusun.
dates of the Chinese authorities. They wrote down names of indi- viduals who showed the least kindness to the strangers, and so fright- oned the possessors of stock, that they preferred to have their cattle carried off by main force, rather than sell them in a fair manner. There was another inconvenience quite unexpected. The natives had seen very little silver money, and at first would receive nothing but copper cash. We have often seen them taking one hundred Chinese copper coin in preference to a half dollar; indeed they had an utter abhorrence of all but Caroluses, and even these they would receive only at a discount. However, tulah (dollar), loopea (rupee), &c., ere many weeks had passed, were constantly in the mouths of the populace. The imperial currency lost all value, and there was a thirst after her majesty's coin, such as we have not yet seen any where else in all this world.
From time to time we heard rumors of landing of forces from Ningpo, yet only a few stragglers ever came to the neighborhood of the city. For awhile no hostile excursions were attempted into the country. But all at once the war cry resounded. A large force, it was stated had landed, at Tsinkong, the western extremity of the is- land. A large detachment of the 49th was immediately ordered out. Though no enemy was found, this enterprize effected one good ob- ject, it inade the English acquainted with the splendid harbor of that place, and they also discovered an excellent location for the troops, who had already suffered much from sickness. Had the 26th been dis- patched there at that time, hundreds of lives might have been saved. Subsequently another alarm was given, on the appearance of some war-boats along the eastern part of the island. This roused the active sir Fleming Senhouse, who soon afterwards went around the whole island. This was the most extensive excursion made during the occupation, and its importance was greatly enhanced by au able pa- per he subsequently wrote upon the subject. In most places the people were sullen and refractory, but finding they had to deal with a staunch veteran, they changed their tone, and become subonissive. Had these tours been more frequently taken, the island would, in all probability have submitted entirely to our control.
It may be in place to speak a few words here about this much decried island. When a man is attacked by a fever aud dysente- ry, he certainly has not much desire to prate about the romantic spot which has been the immediate cause of his sickness; he is far more likely to complain of his situation and the badness of the climate. After having gone through the silent city, and beheld the pillaged
Reminiscences of Chusan.
houses, with nothing but devastation and misery on every side, Chu- san was sadly lowered in one's estimation, and was looked upon as the most miserable place in all this wide world. But when a man in health and spirits, ascended the mountains and crossed the vallies teeming with abundance, he soon changed his opinion. With the exception of the northwestern part of the island, the whole is very fertile, producing rice, wheat, cotton, indigo, &c., in great abun- dance. Every one of these articles is of good quality; the vegeta- bles are in the highest state of perfection. Many flowers grow wild. One romantic scene follows the other, and the traveler seems to be on enchanted ground. These charming groves of bamboo, the stately trees, the murmuring rivalets, and the perfumes that refresh the senses, have an indescribable effect, and are in strong contrast with what one observes when landing at Tinghae. How often have the hearts of tourists bounded with joy and adoration on perceiving such beauties, all the handy works of the great Creator!
Chusan has great resources in itself, and, were proper duties le- vied on merchandizé, could easily support a government. Its valleys, teeming with plenty, are cultivated by a stout industrious race of laborers. The only beggars seen were a few cripples. The disad- vantages of this unfortunate island, so much talked of, were mostly of our own making. An impartial writer would find few causes for complaint, either in its situation, soil, climate, or productions. The capital, Tinghae, is indeed placed in the poorest valley, so far at least as salubrity of situation is concerned. The many instances of ele- phantiasis we saw, and the raging of the fever subsequently amongst the native population, sufficiently attest the unhealthiness of the place. It is indeed worse than Batavia throughout the whole sum- mer and Autumu; and this we learned to our cost. Many were sick under their tents, and the majority not in the most enviable situa- tion. We flattered ourselves, however, that as soon as the poor suf- ferers could be properly located in the city and regularly attended to, there would be some abatement of their diseases. In this we were' greatly deceived. The foundation of a destructive evil had been al- ready laid, all the strength of the sick men was gone, and in rapid succession they sank into the arms of death. The large pawnbroker's' shop was the hospital of the 26th, and there were at one time more ' than 400 patients crowding its spacious rooms. It was heart-rending to see so many young men stretched out on the floor, pale and ema-' ciated, and past recovery. On many a morning, from three to seven` - were carried out to be buried on the hill, where they had previously
VOL X. NO. IX,
Reminiscences of Chusan.
encamped. On that melancholy spot were the remains of several hundreds faid, to moulder until the last great day.
The hospitals of the 49th Irish were in several houses in the city, and the loss of life was proportionately as great as in the other regi. ments. The poor fellows sunk under exhaustion, without even a groan. The fever had a most disastrous effect in dampening the spirits, and in taking away even the love of life. It would shake the sufferer for six or eight hours, and leave him in a state of dreadful inertia. When the disease did not yield to remedies, the patient was soon a dead man, and he died as if he had fallen asleep from weari- ness. But a far more virulent enemy was the dysentery, which with malignant intent seldom gave up its victim. It raged with fearful fury. The Bengal Volunteers suffered dreadfully from this scourge. Their hospital being in the Pantheon, one of the lowest parts of the city, it gave the death stroke to numbers of the strongest men.
When the wretchedness was at its height, captain Elliot exerted himself with laudable zeaf, to alleviate the sufferings which he could not remove. He went into the hospitals, visited the sick, and pro- cured them all kinds of refreshment, without the slightest reference to expense. The admiral subsequently did the same, and the most hu- mane attentions and rich supplies were provided. But the epidemic had already singled out its victims, and the provisions came now too late!
Of the officers few suffered from the scourge, and there were only one or two instances, of any of them dying in consequence of the climate. They had generally healthy nourishment and exposed them- selves less to the enervating heat of the sun. Nobody however stood it better than the sappers, and miners, who had to do the hardest work, and were most exposed, yet scarcely lost a single man. The 18th too suffered comparatively less, being from the first quartered near the beach in the suburbs. In the fleet the cases of sickness were few, and though, there were many patients among the soldiers when the vessels were at the mouth of the Pei ho, yet they recovered rapid- ly on their return to Chusan.
In the meanwhile little progress was made with the internal go- vernment of our island. An attempt to create constables throughout the city proved abortive, the candidates for these high honors proving themselves to be great rogues, and utterly unconscious of the com- pliment paid them in being called to serve her gracious majesty, queen Victoria. In several of the valleys also some respectable na- tives were nominated to fill the same office; they quietly received
Reminiscences of Chusar.
their lithographed commission, but naught did they care about it. The silent influence of the Chinese authorities was everywhere felt, but their agents were never seized and brought to account. In the fort near Siukeä mun, the very cooking utensils were found, when it was captured, and their owners must have abandoned the place only a few hours before our troops arrived to seize them.
Chinhae was still blockaded, and several vessels were detained. · But as there was no intention of closing the harbor, they were soon set at liberty. On a certain day, the rumor spread, that a junk from Japan, richly laden with copper and other valuable articles, had been stopped. This attracted great attention, and the matter was imme- diately investigated. But the rich prize, to the great astonishment of every body, proved to be a Siamese junk, laden with sapan wood, black sugar, and other cheap articles. At another time; more than thirty vessels were brought into the Chusan harbor. Most of them were from Chaougan in Fuhkeën, and had brought sugar. The truce having been at last agreed upon, they were all set at liberty', with the hope of thus recovering the English prisoners at Ningpo. The Chinese officers, however, taking good care not to pay any atten tion to this act of clemency, continued to retain our unfortunate countrymen.
The announcement of the friendly intentions of the authorities at Chinhae was made by a large present of bullocks. Commissioner Elepoo did this, in imitation of similar grants made in the gulf of Cheihle. But he was not aware that the great emperor would visit, with severe displeasure, this act of giving away sacrificial animals to clamorous barbarians. The edict to this effect did not arrive, until after the admiral had left for Canton; it was, however, ‘as some rightly thought, an indication that a different line of policy had been adopted towards foreigners. And it must be remarked, that the threats towards the English were hurled with greater force, in the same ratio as our concessions and kindness were increased towards the Chinese authorities. This ought to be remembered as a matter of fact, and as a beacon in all future negotiations.
The steps in the transition were wonderful. Elepoo, who had been all politeness, gradually relaxed in his kind regards, and began to listen to those martial men, who constituted his cotery. These were a galaxy of heroes, such as the world has seldom seen, ready to swallow down the Britons, that daringly kept possession of Chusan. A strange order now came from Peking, ordering the commissioner to build some line-of-battle ships forthwith. The old man had heard
Reminiscences of Chusan.
of the British seventy-four's, but had never yet seen them. As his master wanted to have exact imitations of these vessels, he gave his directions to the naval inspector at Ningpo to construct them ac cordingly. This good mau considered the matter maturely, and knowing that the command was peremptory, and the task such as he could not accomplish, at once despaired of success, and committed suicide. His son was so exasperated by this, that he brought in an accusation against commissioner Elepoo for harsh and cruel treatment. This charge was carried before the high authorities at Peking, and caused great disasters to Elepoo. Unable to manufacture large ships, the Chinese set to work to cast immense guns, such as might de- stroy a whole fleet at a single discharge. The founder was express- ly ordered up from Wănchoo, and the workmen went to work in real earnest. Towards the end of 1840, it was announced that all the peices for the newly erected batteries were ready, and a trial thereof was ordered. The first piece, on being fired, killed a corporal and two privates; and nobody could be prevailed upon to make a further experiment. But, strange to say, Elepoo now resolved upon casting guns on a still larger scale. New junks likewise were to be built in the south, for a protection to the harbor. New fortifications went on with a good will, and in a short time, the whole of Chinhae was encased in armor like a tortoise. So far matters went on well, but the soldiers, of whom it was said 5000 had been collected, began to be clamorous for their pay, and the good citizens of Ningpo had to contribute considerable sums to satisfy their demands. The local authorities, moreover, had promised every body, that would fly from the contaminated city of Tinghae, a pittance of thirty cash per day ; these, on account of the great numbers, made rather a heavy draft upon their resources. Still the money was, as we were told, actually paid. It is said too that the supreme government placed a sum of 10 millions at the disposal of the generals at Ningpo for military operations!
As soon as the truce was concluded, and the admiral had left, an edict was published by Elepoo, declaring that he would henceforth catch no more foreigners. This totally changed the state of affairs in Tinghae. Thousands of people flocked into the city; shops were apened in every direction; and the provisions of the best description, became so abundant that they exceeded the consumption. The im- provement of the recently deserted city became every day more vi- sible. Such a sudden transformation perhaps has been very rarely witnessed. Hams, fowls, ducks, geese, pheasants, bullocks, pigs,
Reminiscences of Chusan.
and the most delicious fish, with a variety of vegetables and fruits, were crowded into the market; the prices too were moderate and the buyers were in high spirits. The magic words tolah and loopee, made every Chinese heart rejoice; it was the general watchword, that sounded in every street and shop. Many pedlars made use of these favorable circumstances, and brought over a very great quantity of curiosities, knicknacks, silks, porcelain and sundries, which al- ways found ready purchasers.
A remarkable circumstance must here be recorded. Since the population had become very numerous, and our soldiers were living much amongst the people, being quartered in their houses, crimes materially decreased. Cases of violence had been committed, be- cause there were no provisions; but now as the necessaries of life might be obtained, few cases of aggression occurred. The military cannot be praised enough for the good discipline they maintained from the moment they were quartered in town, At first, the good citizens permitted themselves to steal largely from the soldiers; but as this was usually punished with the loss of their cues and hard blows, and one robber in the attempt of breaking into a house, was nearly shot, the gentry ceased their illegal efforts; and during Janua- ry, 1841, there were scarcely thirty cases brought before the magis trate; and most of these culprits were punished for selling ardent spirits a prohibited article.
Such immense stores of this liquor had been amassed in the city, that it took several hundred coolies many weeks to carry it out of the gates, when the owners were ordered to do so, on penalty of seeing the pots smashed in case of refusal. Many hundred porters did no̟- thing else, but carry out furniture, and this did not cease throughout the winter. When, however, the stock was a little diminished, they began to pull down the uninhabited houses, and carried away the rafters, doors, and window-frames. In this an example had been set by our people. In November, the weather beginning to become cold, and fuel being rather dear and scarce, many houses disappeared very quickly. Yea, even the previous existence of some streets might have been doubted, if they had not been seen before, so leveling was the system to which cold winter gave rise.
Many representations, were made to put a stop to this proceeding, and orders were actually issued forbidding the use of houses and furniture for fire-wood; but Jack-frost had become commander-in- chief, and his stern commands alone became the rule of action. How the sipahis and camp followers would enjoy themselves at a
Reminiscences of Chusan.
rousing fire, and forget all troubles when they could but warm them- selves, need not be told. Under these circumstances, Elepoo made a grand proposal, through an emissary, to permit us the pleasure of warming ourselves on a large scale, and once for all :—he proposed setting fire to the great city, and so deprive us of our homes. When the emissary delivered the message, on a cold winter's evening, the barbarian to whom these comfortable words were delivered, turned around, and said in reply: “As his excellency shows such conside- ration for our welfare, tell ́him, that we are equally intérested for his, and to return the compliment, hoth Hangchow and Ningpo shall be burnt down in the sight of all the grandees now assembled ät Chin- hae, as soon as Tinghae is reduced to ashes." The emissary took a memorandum of this reply, and carried it' back to his master, and there was nothing more heard about firing the town.
Whilst negotiations were going où very comfortably at Cantón, the imperial cabinet entertained quite different designs, founded upon the clemency hitherto experienced. We may here remark, that' all the important state-papers, regarding the poor barbarians, were care- fully communicated to them, but by whom we must not tell. And so exact were these gentlemen in the information they gave to ùs, that on comparing it afterwards with various documents obtained at Canton, there was found to be not the least decrepancy. No change in measures or men, no manifestoes, no speeches, no letters in the secret department were exchanged, of which copies were not pro- cured. So it is believed.
The most curious perhaps is Keshen's correspondence with com- missioner Elepoo and the court. If you wish to prove the sincerity of this statesman, you have merely to read his advice to his fellow officers. In December, he told Elepoo to get possession of Chu- san by fair or foul means, no matter how, for hostilities must very soon commence, since the barbarians were unbending in their de- mands. He went even so far as to address a circular to all the mari- time authorities, strongly urging them to complete their fortifications, and not to delay their hostile preparations. To the emperor he said, "We must fight for our rights; there can be no peace granted by us; the barbarians must be humbled." The correspondence was doubt- less genuine, for it bore all the marks of Keshen's plain and un- adorned style. In consequence of these exhortations, and the more savage decrees of the great emperor, Elepoo goaded on by Yu and Lew resolved upon annihilating the English at once. The old man was, however, very much against it at heart, and so at first tried what
Reminiscences of Chusan.
words would do to accomplish his purpose. He therefore sent an emissary, who described in very strong colors the impending fate of the whole English army, and declared the readiness of the commis- sioner to spare their lives, if they would only quietly evacuate the island. As no decisive answer was given to this humane proposal, Elepoo was forced to side with the war party. But before he had declared his determination of exterminating the whole brood, he was accused of being too peacefully inclined towards the barbarians. Consequently he was deprived of his military seals, and the new lieut.-governor Lew, was appointed to lead on the attack. He was a very heroic man, and had lately came from Széchuen after having fought with the barbarians there; still he thought it prudent to defer the assault to the 12th or 14th of the first month. That day arrived, and most unfortunately it was then discovered, that, in order to attack an island, there must be transports for the troops, and men-of- war to protect them. Yu, general and guardian of the prince, im- mediately laid an embargo upon all the Fuhkeën junks then in the river, but the crews ran away, refusing to serve his imperial ma- jesty, for they would not come in contact with the barbarian ships. What was to be done under such circumstances? Lew wrote a very excellent epistle to the emperor, stating that one must wait heaven's time before venturing upon a hostile expedition, wind and weather not being at the disposal of poor mortals, and that on this account the expedition was to be deferred until everything was favorable. The emperor, well knowing that Lew was a fierce and valiant 'man,' told him to wait his time, and thus the matter rested.
The common people, however, were so much frightened at the impending attack, that they again left the city in crowds. In fact, they doubted whether the English prowess could really withstand the authorities at Ningpo, and protect them. To entertain such doubts was very befitting, for with the exception of the taking of Tinghae, a mere matter of moonshine; they had never seen an instance of their valor. When, however, they perceived that the authorities delayed to strike the death-blow, they again gathered courage, and brought in fresh supplies as usual. ››
At Tinghae was a very wonderful phenomena, for the convenience of both parties, the creation of a new language, so unique in its kind that it deserves notice. When our naval folks went into the country to buy bullocks, they held their two forefingers to the forehead, and exclaimed boo! boo! There was no mistaking the meaning of this boo, and the oxen were immediately brought for sale. Hence by
Reminiscences of Chusan.
general agreement, a cow was boo. When the camp-followers went to buy a fowl, they called out cackle! cackle! and cocks and hems went henceforth under the name of kake; a goose for the same rea- son was called wak; and a duck, kwak; and so on, with all articles in common use; There were moreover many Hindostanee and En- glish words, so much abridged, that they would have puzzled even Adelung; but still they were intelligible to all concerned. Behold then a lingua franca, springing up of its own accord, curious in its structure, wonderful in its grammatical bearing, and still highly use. ful to both parties. Any new comer, who at first heard the parlance of the market, laughed outright, especially when he was addressed by the title of foke, which had become the general appellation of all strangers, but when he perceived how easily business might be tran- sacted in this new dialect, which claimed affinity with the lan- guages of both Asia and Europe, and was neither polysyllabic nor monosyllabic, he very soon put on a serious face, and thought it al- most as euphonic as Greek or Italian.
Whilst our soldiers rapidly recovered during the cold weather, confidence between the strangers and the natives was daily gaining ground. The Chinese now discovered, that it was their interest to abide by their new masters, for they had tolak and loopee, while the foreigners were only too glad to keep them in good humor, lest pro- visions might fail. But for fear of the Chinese authorities, who kept the people from bringing teas and raw silk, Tinghae would have far- uished: these goods to our shipping; but as it was, none but pedlars made their appearance, though some very respectable houses at Ningpo sent over agents to test the market.
A few words here respecting our magistracy. At first difficulties were experienced in regard to penal punishments, for according to the manifesto promulgated, the Chinese law ought to have prevailed; but had this been strictly followed up to the letter, many poor fellows must bave lost their lives. As matters were, however, the culprits were generally urged to repentance by blows and imprisonment, and by the loss of their tails if they were felons.
During autumn and winter the legal and magisterial authorities made more frequent visits into the country, and a kind of government was thus established. The jarring elements would very soon have been reduced to order, and already good effects began to appear in various parts of the island. Order began to prevail in the valleys; the disaffected had in a few instances been severely punished; and there was no wish for new scenes of riot. Chusan in a little time would
Reminiscences of Chusan.
have been completely under our influence, had the proper measures been adopted. The news of the evacuation came like a thunder- clap, and just at the moment when we had received the authentic do- cuments of the emperor's resolution to carry on an exterminating war against us at all risks. Orders must be obeyed; accordingly the announcement was made to Elepoo, that the place would be surren- dered back into his hands.
At this the native population was deeply grieved, and the inhabi- tants left the city with greater speed, than when at first the English mandarins came into it. There was the fear of their rulers, who would certainly plunder them of every dollar, and accuse them as traitorous natives. The city, therefore, again became more deserted than ever before, and consternation was depicted in every coun.
tenance.
Our prisoners arrived from Ningpo on the 23d of February, when the troops had already embarked except a city guard. Then came the imperial commissioners, Chang the slave and confidential ser- vant of Elepoo, two sergeants, styling themselves captains, and one corporal. They went with the British officers to the city; and when our guards were released, they having brought no Chinese soldiers to replace them, the mob rushed into the temple of Confucius, and clear- ed the building of the pawnbroker's articles there deposited. When the city was restored to his imperial majesty, a few of the people as- sembled at the southern gate, and the soldiers having all marched out, and one foreigner remaining, they fell down upon their faces, and would have done him reverence in order to show the high veneration in which they held the British rule. The flag was then hauled down, and the guard embarked.
Thus did Elepoo recover Chusan. But his master was indignant at his having gotten possession of the place in a peaceful manner. He wanted him to display the terrors of the celestial empire, for which the old man had neither strength nor courage. From being governor of three provinces, he had now become a supplicant and a culprit, and may yet be transported in his old age, if he is not already on his way to banishment.
By this surrender the English lost the key of China, a splendid emporium, and a market which would in a short time have rivaled any other in Asia: This might be proved to nearly a mathematical certainty, but Chusan has at present a bad name; it is the Walcheren of these regions. With better management and caution, no such distressing sickness would have occurred; but living in swamps in
VOL. X. NO. IX
Capture of Captain Anstruther at Tinghae.
any part of the world must be productive of fevers and dysentery. Curtail the wholesome subsistence of a regiment, and place them under similar on a marsh circumstances in summer, and the con- sequences will be just the same as they were at Tinghae.
ART. II. Capture of captain' Anstruther at Tinghae, with notices of the conduct of the Chinese, and native drawing of the cage in which lt. Douglas was confined.
LORD Jocelyn, in his interesting little book, alluding to captain An- struther, says: "This officer was a particular favorite with the whole force, and in his frequent walks into the country around Tinghae, when performing his military duties, had apparently made himself a great friend with the country people, for whose amusement he used to sketch likenesses much to their astonishment. The night but one previous to his capture, the artillery camp was aroused by screams proceeding from his tent, and when some of his brother-officers trac- ed the sound to his quarters, he was found asleep, but upon being awoke, said that he had been dreaming that the Chinese were carry- ing him off, tied arms and legs to a pole, and gagged, within sight of the camp. This is curious, as from what we were able afterwards to discover, through the means of a paid agent, it was nearly the case, and he was borne within half a mile of the very tents."
The few particulars which we have now to lay before our readers, are derived from an authentic source, and present a striking picture, on the one hand of patient and cheerful endurance of sufferings, and on the other of dastard cruelty, which draws the Chinese into very unfavorable contrast with those whom they love to stigmatize as
barbarians.'
On Wednesday, the 16th September, 1840, captain P. Anstruther, of the Madras artillery, was seized and carried off by a party of Chi- He left the camp at 10 o'clock A. M., and passed out from the northern gate of Tinghae, about 1000 or 1200 yards, to a point, on the left of the great northern road, where there are several houses and gardens, and from whence a road branches off to the westward. Pro- ceeding along this road, he ascended the pass between the hills, and then turning to the left he gained the top of a knoll, where he pitch- ed a small flag, and took sundry bearings, in order to facilitate the
Capture of Captain Anstruther at Tinghae.
To the westward lay a long and
survey in which he was engaged. pretty valley leading to the level ground, northwest of the camp at Tinghae.
From the knoll, captain A. went down the western side of the pass, and in a very short time was sensible that he had gone too far. His path led by a joss-house, or temple, on the right, and on both sides was so overhung with thick trees as to make it quite dark. The temple stands in a walled garden, full of large trees. He determined, as soon as he could get through this dark and dangerous looking place, to return to the camp. But on reaching the end of the grove, he found that he and his attendant, an old Lascar, were followed by a crowd. He took no notice of this, but turned to the left, meaning to ascend the hill again. He had hardly turned, when a Chinese soldier, rushing out from the crowd with a hoe in his hand, struck furiously at the old Lascar, who, to avoid the blow, and in great alarm, ran up his master, and the captain, taking from him the iron spade, which he had used to pitch the flag-staff, met the soldier and drove him back: but a number of others, armed with double pronged spears, renewed the charge, and the poor old man and his master both had to run. Captain A. now bade the Lascar to make the best of his way up the hill, thinking the Chinese would only follow him (An- struther), and so allow the old man to make good his retreat. But he refused to leave his master. Moreover, the armed people kept on the hill-side so as to cut off, if possible, all chance of escape in that direction; the captain therefore determined to attempt to force his way through a long valley.
"I am," says he, “but a bad runner, and my poor old servant was worse, so I went slowly along the valley, turning round now and then to keep the Chinese at bay. Meantime, the whole population. of the valley gathered with loud shouts in our front, and it was evi- dently a hopeless job. I could not get my old man to leave me and try to escape unnoticed, so we went on together, and at a turn in the path, which had now crossed to the southern side of the long valley (which lies east and west), I was opposed by a few scoundrels with sticks and stones. I charged them, and they got all round me, and then my poor old man ran back about eighty yards, where he was met by the crowd following us, and struck down. I have an inex- pressible reluctance to write what follows-but must. I attempted to force my way towards him, but could not, and I saw the inhuman villains pounding his head with large stones, as he lay with his face downwards. I cannot doubt that he died."
Capture of Captain Anstruther at Tinghae.
The reader will be pleased to learn that the two sons of this unfor- tunate old Lascar are the pensioners of captain A., and are now at school. He says again :
"I now saw that attempt at flight was useless, and expecting a fate similar to that of my Lascar, I set to work to make the rascals pay for it, and fought my best. Numbers of course prevailed, and I was sent down. Instead of dashing out my brains they set to work, bound my hands behind me, and my ankles together, and tied a large gag in my mouth.
mouth. Then quietly taking a large bamboo, they ham- mered my knees, just over the knee-cap, to prevent the possibility of escape. I was then put into a palanquin, which was evidently kept ready for some such contingency, and hurried off to the northwest, and thence by a circuitous course round to the southwest angle of the island of Chusan, to a village about ten miles west of Sapper's Point. Here we waited till night-fall, my conductors comforting me by re- peating the word Ningpo, and by drawing their hands across their throats."
After many turnings and windings, with barbarous treatment added to the wounds and bruises already received, the prisoner arrived at his new quarters in Ningpo next day, about 3 o'clock, P. M. There he was immediately brought before the magistrate of the district, and examined as to the number of ships, men, &c., at Chusan, a compra- dor, who had been seized about a fortnight after their landing at Tinghae, acting as interpreter. He was then fed and sent to a pri- son, which was prepared for him by the removal of four officers who had been confined by the emperor's orders for allowing the English to land at Chusan. He ascertained also that by the first broadside of the Wellesley the naval officer of the station was mortally wound- ed, and the chief officer of the island killed by the first shell fired on shore. These two deaths struck great terror into the officers every- where, as they believed the English aimed at them.
In the jail, the prisoner was forced to get into a cage with wooden bars, one yard long, one yard high, and two feet wide outside the bars! An iron ring was put round his neck, his hands put into hand- cuffs locked to a stick about one foot long which was fastened to the ring on his neck. Very heavy leg irons had been put on him when at the magistrate's. These irons, he supposed, weighed 18lbs., and were worn for four weeks. In the cage, a chain was locked to his leg irons, and by night the jailor, with a light, slept close by him. Next day he went again to the office of the magistrate, who inquired about the steamers. The prisoner offered to draw one, which he did
Capture of Captain Anstruther at Tinghae.
Six Months with the China Expedition.
with the magistrate's permission; the sketch pleased his honor much, so that he became civil and friendly, and gave both the captain and the comprador a dinner. After this he got some hot water and washed off the blood and dirt which had accumulated during the struggle: "I found my head handsomely laid open to the bone, my legs and arms covered with bruises, but no wounds of any conse- quence."
On the 22d of September, he met lieutenant Douglas, R. N., who was also in a small cage-a picture of which, given on the preceding page, has been executed by a Chinese artist in a style so exceedingly barbarous as to render it quite comparable with the savage treatment endured by its occupant. Mrs. Noble was brought to the prison the next day; and several others, who were wrecked in the Kite, had also arrived these were all, not excepting Mrs. N., chained and confined in cages. Captain Anstruther, at this time, by his skill in drawing, had so far gained the good-will of the magistrate, that he was furnished with a new cage, 3 feet 6 inches, by 2 feet 1 inch.
"This was comparative comfort." A narrative of the captivity of Mrs. N., and of the liberation of the whole party in February, was published in our number for April. Referring the reader to that narrative, we here conclude this brief notice, only remarking that the treatment of captain Anstruther, It. Douglas, and the other gentleman and sai- lors, was much more cruel than that, savage as it was, endured by Mrs. Noble.
ART. III. Six Months with the China Expedition; or leaves from a soldier's note-book. By lord Jocelyn, late military secretary to the China mission. London: John Murray, 1841. Doude- cimo, pp. 155. FROM this little book, we are able to glean a few incidents, which will be new and interesting to most of our readers. Six Months with the English Expedition to China,' would have been a better phrase. than Chinese expedition, for a Chinese expedition it was not. The leaves of the soldier's note-book, which we expected to find fresh and untouched, appear in several instances mutilated with long erasures. Many things, which must have occurred under his lordship's own eye, and which a military secretary would be very apt to put in his
Six Months with the China Expedition.
note-book, are wanting. "Reasons of state," perhaps, caused these omissions. The words China and mandarin, used as adjectives, never sound well in our ears; indeed, we thoroughly dislike the word 'mandarin,' for it is neither English nor Chinese, and is often so used as to convey an erroneous idea of its meaning. To talk of man- darin guns, mandarin swords, mandarin boats, mandarin chopsticks, mandarin wine, &c., is both ridiculous and nonsensical. For “Chi- na mission," authority may be had by citing such phrases as Burmah mission, Canada mission, &c.; and then we might go on, and write America mission, Holland mission, England mission. Thus too we may have all manner of China things-China tea, China rhu- barb, China opium, China pride, China language, China religion, China emperor, China mandarin, and such like.
In turning over the leaves of lord Jocelyn's book, we have observ- ed some things, given as facts and opinions, which we think are
erroneous.
Thus, he says, "when a Chinaman leaves the flowery land to wander in countries beyond the sea, he rarely, if ever, is permitted to return to his native land;" and adds, in a note, this is "an expres- sion taken from the Chinese, a liberty which it will be seen the au- thor often avails himself of in other parts of his narrative." (p. 2.) Now the truth is, the Chinese, who go abroad, are never forbidden to return, and they generally do return. This erroneous statement he cites to substantiate another, which we also consider as unfound- ed; viz., 'the Tartar rulers deem it necessary to their system to keep their subjects as blind as possible to the movements and feelings of all foreign nations.' Now so far as we can discern, they entertain no such opinion or purpose; and 'systematic darkness' is no more inculcated by the rulers than it is by the people. Instead of taking this opinion second-hand, and endorsing it, lord J. ought to have exploded it, as he has done another, which is akin to it, viz., that, 'the Chinese people are hostile to their Tartar rulers.'
On page 4th, he says the military power rests in the hands of the Tartars (Mantchous), while the civil appointments and magistracy rest with the people. Here again he is in error; there is no such division of power.
On the same page he says, "the police have strict orders never to interfere [with mobs], as they conceive that difficulties are far more likely to arise from meddling with, than benefits to accrue from sup- pressing, them." The case he cites in confirmation of this, is inap- posite. The police very often interfere to suppress mobs; and some
Six Months with the China Expedition.
of our readers may remember an instance of this, which happened on the 12th of December, 1838, at Canton, when a mob of some ten thousand of the black-haired race had driven the fankwei into their factories, and would have soon driven them out again, but for the timely interference of the police. In the case cited by lord Jocelyn, the people took a stand against the government, and refused to let its agents enter their houses to search for opium, until the people them- selves had first searched the said agents. And we remember many similar instances, in which the people en masse have resisted success- fully the will of their rulers. As for Taoukwang's life, it is in no more jeopardy from his people, than is that of the king of the French, or that of queen Victoria, from their "loving subjects."
Again, when his lordship tells his readers that the opium-trade did not occupy the attention of government until 1820, he is out of his reckoning by at least twenty years. All he says about the injurious effects of the drug is quite true. When at Singapore,
"I had the curiosity to visit the opium-smoker in his heaven; and certainly it is a most fearful sight, although perhaps not so de- grading to the eye as the drunkard from spirits, lowered to the level of the brute, and wallowing in his filth. The idiotic smile and death- like stupor, however, of the opium debauchee has something far more awful to the gaze than the bestiality of the latter. Pity, if possible, takes the place of other feelings, as we watch the faded cheek and haggard look of the being abandoned to the power of the drug; whilst disgust is uppermost at the sight of the human creature leveled to the beast by intoxication.
"One of the streets in the centre of the town is wholly devoted to the shops for the sale of this poison; and here in the evening may be seen, after the labors of the day are over, crowds of Chinese, who seek these places to satisfy their depraved appetites.
"Some entering half distracted to feed the craving appetite they had been obliged to subdue during the day; others laughing and talking wildly under the effects of a first pipe; whilst the couches around are filled with their different occupants, who lie languid with an idiotic smile upon their countenance, too much under the influence of the drug to care for passing events, and fast merging to the wished- for consummation: The last scene in this tragic play is generally a room in the rear of the building, a species of death-house, where lie stretched those who have passed into the state of bliss the opium- smoker madly seeks-an emblem of the long sleep to which he is blindly hurrying.”
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
Lord Jocelyn thinks-nay he affirms, positively-that 'some part' of the twenty thousand chests of opium surrendered to Lin was ac- tually destroyed, and this "no doubt was so," in order "to keep the face of the commissioner clean.” (p. 15.) He supposes that very much of it was not destroyed, and proves this by a curious train of reasoning, thus: "the present sale, being one chest of Patna and Benares to two of Malwa, (it having, previously to the surrender of the opium, been generally the reverse,) gives the merchants of Ma- cao the idea that the market is already overstocked with their own article, privately sold by the mandarins-a view of the subject that seems more than probable." That Lin and Tăng, or their agents, did not abstract one half of the twenty thousand chests, canuot in- deed be disproved by direct evidence. That Tang had a disposition bad enough to do such an act, no one can doubt, who knew that man. But that Lin did, or would, aid or abet, or connive at, such conduct, no one who knows him will believe. The opinion, that the whole was faithfully destroyed, which was at the time expressed in our pages,-an opinion advanced after having seen the extensive preparations made under Lin's own eye for its complete destruction at Chinhow we have never seen cause to reverse or question.
After the British government had determined to send an armed expedition to China, one of the first objects sought for was the pos- session of an island as a depôt for the troops and commissariat, which might at some future day answer as an establishment for trade. The Indian government proposed, that immediately upon the arrival of the expedition in China, the forts at the Bogue should be razed to the ground, and the island of Lantao occupied as a point d'appui; 'but as the authorities on the spot took a different view of the case, the expedition proceeded northward passing by Canton. This was done in accordance with instructions from the government at home-so lord Jocelyn tells us, and so we long ago supposed. And he adds, that it was a sad disappointment to all the combined force, "and those who had been rejoicing in the expectation of new laurels to be gathered on the battlements of the Bogue, now walked the decks listlessly, un- willing and unable to conceal their disappointment."
There is something like inconsistency between the course of con- duct here and that at Chusan : the forts at the Bogue were spared, because it was the great wish of the government at home to save the effusion of blood, until all pacific negotiations had failed;' at Chusan, 'However, it happened otherwise; and the morning of the 5th of July, 1840, was the day fated for her majesty's flag to wave over the
VOL. X. NO. IX
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
most beautiful island appertaining to the Central empire, the first European bauner that has floated as conqueror over the 'Flowery Land.' The dawn of day brought much the same spectacle as the preceding, excepting that a few guns were mounted on the joss-house hill, and the mandarins were seen actively employed running about along the wharf. Soon afterwards they were remarked to take their different stands with the troops, one among them with his party in the martello tower being particularly conspicuous. The war-junks were drawn up and crowded with men. The British men-of-war were lying in line with their larboard broadsides towards the town, at a distance of two hundred yards from the wharf and foot of the hill. They consisted of the Wellesley, 74; Conway and Alligator, 28; Cruizer and Algerine, 18; and ten gun-brigs. At eight o'clock, the signal was hoisted to prepare for action; still, however, time was given by the commodore, hoping to the last they would repent, and it was not until two o'clock that the troops left the transports in the boats of the squadron, and took up their position in two lines in rear of the men-of-war, to land under cover of the fire. At half-past two the Wellesley fired a gun at the martello tower: this was immediately returned by the whole line of junks, and the guns on the causeway and the hill; then the shipping opened their broadsides upon the town, and the crashing of timber, falling houses, and groans of men resounded from the shore. The firing lasted on our side for nine mi- nutes, but even after it had ceased a few shots were still beard from the unscathed junks. When the smoke cleared away a mass of ruin presented itself to the eye, and on the place lately alive with men, none but a few wounded were to be seen; but crowds were visible in the distance flying in all directions." Page 54.
Lord Jocelyn, in laboring to justify the conduct of the leaders of the expedition in attacking the Chinese, blames "these infatuated people;" yet he adds, " they most justly observed, it seemed hard that they should be made to suffer for the sins of the Canton govern- ment." It certainly was so. Those officers, we think, behaved manfully. They knew well their position. To have yielded without a struggle, would in them have been mean and traitorous. Far bet- ter would it have been to have taken some uninhabited spot for a place of rendezvous, and thus have "saved the effusion of blood, until all negotiations had failed." The first attack should have been inade, if made anywhere, at Peking, or on the obstructions to the capital-for to that point the expedition ought to have moved at once and directly, with all its combined forces, provided all just and pro- per demands were not met at Teëntsin.
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
In the several engagements which have taken place. between the British and Chinese forces, there have been instances of brave con- duct, which would do honor to the people of any country. Speaking of an affair of the Blonde at Ningpo, our author says, "the Chinese are described by those engaged here to have shown no want of personal courage; nor did it appear that any imputation could be cast upon them at Chusan, where our force was so infinitely superior and their defenses so utterly puerile." So at Chapon, "a mandarin ou the ramparts made himself particularly conspicuous, vauntingly parading his person and directing his soldiers, whilst the shot from the Alge- rine was falling around him in all directious." The Chinese lack discipline more than courage. Let then be trained and well found with European implements and munitions of war, and depend on it they will prove themselves no contemptible foe.
The following is lord Jocelyn's account of the fire which occurred in the suburbs on the night of the 5th of July.
"Before sunrise that morning a fire had broken out in the suburbs where some of the regiments were quartered, and where the guns from the squadron on the previous day had done their chief havoc, At the hour it was first perceived the boats of the men-of-war were collecting with their seamen, to act as a reinforcement in the attack on the town. They were immediately countermanded, aud directed to land with fire-buckets to assist in extinguishing the flames. It was still dark; and the large warehouses on the beach were stored with samshu, a composition something like whiskey, and extracted from rice. The ammunition of the dismounted ordnance was scattered on the ground; and amidst the fallen ruins of the place the killed and wounded Chinese still lay stretched. The fire burst out in a sudden flame; it soon communicated with some of the tubs of aminu- nition, which went off in loud explosions. The flames were then seen to leap along the tops of the houses containing the samshu; and these, blazing out in volumes of light, communicated with one ano- ther, until all the shipping in the harbor was illuminated with the blaze, the glare from the spirits shedding its sickly light over the sol- diery and seamen. Every endeavor had been made by the officers the previous evening to destroy the sainshu, but it afterwards appear- ed the whole place was a manufactory, and flooded with the spirit. Some people imagine that the fire was occasioned by the Chinese, but it seems far more probable that it arose from the carelessness of the soldiery themselves." Page 61
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
The attack made on some piratical craft in the Chusan Archipe- lago, when the ships were proceeding thence to the north, is thus described:
During our passage, the Pylades corvette, captain Anson, fell in with three pirate junks, and not being aware of their character, sent two of her boats to board one. As soon as they ranged alongside, upwards of one hundred men started up, who had hitherto kept themselves concealed, and commenced firing and hnrling spears and stinkpots upon the crews of the boats. Our men immediately shoved off a short distance, and pouring in some well-directed volleys killed more than half of the number, and the remainder jumped overboard and made for the shore, which many were destined never to reach in their wounded state. The junk was then burut and set adrift, but the Pylades was unable to came up with the remaining two, with whom she had no chance while they were running before the wind. However, in this affair she had two men killed and five others wound- ed. These junks, and the men-of-war, carry nets along the quarter, to throw over small boats that may come alongside in a mélée, which, if done effectually, renders them an easy prey." Page 100.
The particulars of the wreck on the Lewchew islands is more cir- cumstantially detailed by lord J. than by any other writer that has yet fallen in our our way.
"One of the transports, called the Indian Oak, had been sent from Chusan in the month of July, or beginning of August, with the let- ters of the expedition, and was unfortunately wrecked on the coast of Great Lewchew, which island captain Basil Hall describes in one of his books. Luckily for the wrecked mariners they fell into the hands of good Samaritans, for the kindness of the natives exceeded all that has hitherto been known. They stood on the beach ready to receive them with open arms, changed their dripping clothes for their own, brought them into their houses and fed them, and, not contented with this, wandered along the coast, endeavoring to pick up the articles washed from the vessel, returning them to the right owners, who all declared that they do not believe that a single nail of the vessel that was driven on shore was appropriated by a native without permission. Their greatest anxiety was to send home the remains to queen Victoria, and at length they decided upon building a junk out of her relics to send to England, as they said to her ma- jesty. She came to Chusan in the beginning of October, and seemed rather a pretty vessel, although the sailors had painted upon the stern the Folly." Page 129.
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
The 30th of August was fixed upon as the day for an interview with Keshen. On that morning captain Elliot, accompanied by the gentlemen attached to the mission and three or four naval officers, pushed off from the steamer before daylight, and proceeded towards the shore in a number of boats, manned and privately armed. Au encampment had been thrown up on shore for the reception of the
mission.
“A blue screen was placed at the entrance, so as to hide the in- terior from the gaze of the public, and here we were met by many more mandarins, and marshaled into the presence of Keshen; he rose at our entrance, and received the mission with great courtesy and civility. Indeed, the manners of these high mandarins would have done honor to any courtier in the most polished court in Eu- rope. He begged us to remain covered, and was introduced to each person separately, and expressed his hopes that the supplies had been received by the squadron. He made some excuse for the reception in the tents, but intimated that Takoo was some distance from the landing-place. Judging from appearance, he might have been a man of forty, and looked, what he is said to be by his countrymen, a per- son of great ability: his tail, the Chinese appendage to men of all ranks except priests, was remarkable from its length, and the care that was evidently bestowed upon it. He was dressed in a blue silk robe, with a worked girdle; on his legs were the white satin boots common to all the higher orders; his head was covered with a man- darin summer cap, made of a fine straw; in it was placed the deep red coral button, denoting the rank of the wearer, and the peacock's feather drooping between the shoulders. On the whole, his dress was plain; but the mandarins when in full costume, judging from specimens taken at Chusan, must have a gorgeous appearance. The encampment was surrounded with a high canvass wall, resembling that which encircles the private apartments of great men and native rajahs when traveling through India. Inside this screen were eight small tents, in each of which a table and forms were placed. These formed an oval; and in the centre was erected a canvass cottage, of rather an ingenious description; whilst at the upper end, concealed by another screen, stood the tent of conference. This was lined with yellow silk (the royal color), and worked with the arms of the empire at the back. The interpreters and captain Elliot remained with the commission, whilst the rest of the officers and gentlemen sought the different tents around, in which the lower orders of man- darins were busy preparing a breakfast for the party; for it was an
Six Months with the Chinese Expedition.
extraordinary thing in this visit, that everything was apparently done by mandarins-none of their servants being admitted. The meal consisted of numerous little plates, piled one upon the other, contain- ing birds'-nest soup, sea-slugs, sharks' fins, hard-boiled eggs, whose iuteriors were far advanced to chickenhood, and dressed fish; these were the greatest delicacies. This is but a small portion of the supply; for at the table where I had the honor to partake of the good fare, there were no less than_thirty of these little saucers. These break- fasts were spread in the different tents, and each was intended to stay the ravenous appetites of five barbarians. So afraid were the mandarins of our seeing their weakness, that they had not only plac- ed the before-inentioned screen around their encampment, but had thrown up a mud embankment, which, however, failed in its inten- tion; for, although we were soon brought back by the watchful guards, we managed to get a glance of the forbidden land. The forts had been repaired since our last visit, and were now crowded with soldiers; a few outworks had been thrown up, but they were ex- tremely paltry, and indeed the whole thing, as a military position, was quite ludicrous. With two six-pounders and a couple of hun- dred marines, they might have been ours at any moment. We were, nevertheless, much struck at the immense bodily strength and power of these northeru Chinese, particularly of the men who were employ- ed tracking the boats upon the river; who, although seemingly a wretched class, more like beasts of burden than human beings, are possessed of such physical powers, that six or eight of them will drag against the stream, and with apparent ease, a boat of considerable tonnage. In the course of the day some of the Tartar body-guards went through the sword exercise and other mauœuvres for our amuse- ment. These, consisting rather in grotesque antics and ludicrous faces than in the use of the weapon itself, are supposed to be as ef- fective in frightening an antagonist, whilst, for the same reason, many of the troops we saw farther to the south at Chusan and Ning- po, wore a tiger uniform, a dress cut and painted to resemble that animal. These Tartars were dressed in a white cotton garb and black cap, and their weapons were swords and matchlocks, or bows and arrows. They were considered the élite of the Chinese troops belonging to the emperor's body-guard, and believed to descend from the same tribe as the sovereign himself. After a conference of six hours, during which period the loud voices of the plenipotentiaries in high argument had often struck upon our ears, the British plenipo- tentiary came forth, and the rest of the party having performed thej'
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
salaams to the Chinese commissioner, we departed for the Wellesley; greatly, I believe, to the relief and satisfaction of the mandarins."
One more extract is all that we have space for at present. It, together with a sketch that accompanys the book, affords a good view of the termination of the Great Wall-and probably more ac- curate than any hitherto published.
“Our line lay along the shore of Tartary, where the Chinese Wall meets the sea, not at the point generally supposed, but at a large town, apparently a place a great trade. This great work is seen scaling the precipices aud topping the craggy hills of the country, which have along this coast a most desolate appearance. Some of the party who went in-shore in the steamer to within two miles' dis- tance, made the discovery that the opinion hitherto received from lord Macartney's works, that the wall comes down abruptly into the sea, was erroneous, as it traverses a low flat for some miles from the foot of the mountains before entering the town, which stands upon the water's edge. Here, although only in the month of September, the air became cold and cutting, and the change of temperature was felt severely by the officers and men who had been for the last four years wanderers in the Indian seas. But the different climates of this immense empire are not more varied than the interests, lan- guage, and dress of the provinces; and although an honorable mem- ber of the House of Commons has represented them as joined by a bond of unity, he would in reality be surprised to find the slight con- nection or similarity that exists between them in any one of these points." Page 117,
ART. IV.
Illustrations of men and things in China: picture of the battle in the rear of Canton, and drawing of a steamer and ship of war.
SINCE the late attack on Canton, some Chinese have been trying to turn a penny by selling pictures of the steamers and ships of war, and also of the Ta pei kwei tsze too, or 'Sketch of the great rout of the devils,' both of them explained by annexed descriptions in verse. The picture of the rout does not vary more from true proportion as a work of art, than the design does from the truth as a matter of his-
Ilustrations of Men and Things in China.
tory; but we must not look for truth-telling pictures any more than veracious edicts; no Chinese would run the risk of selling a picture of the defeat of the emperor's heroes. In this design, the village of Neishing is placed on the right, a steamer and sloop of war close by, with a gig shot in two going down head foremost in the foreground. In range with Neishing are two villages, and in the back-gound three others; troops are sallying out in all directions, some armed with shields and a sword in each hand, others carrying flags with the character yung, or the brave,' upon them. About a dozen foreign soldiers, distinguished by square hats, are scattered here and there; one lies beheaded, four or five are unresistingly meeting their fate, some' are trying to resist, and the rest are looking on. No one Chi- nese has fallen, but one fellow looks as if he had just been wounded. The description runs somewhat thus.
The rebellious barbarians are indeed de testable,
They 've turned topsy-turvy people, dwellings, land: Heaven sent down red rain upon them,
And the villagers were all exasperated.
Rousing their valor they cut them off without number,
Happy to be able so soon to exterminate them.
From henceforth general peace will pervade,
And a glorious life will itself have sway.
The sheet containing drawings of the ships of war and the steam- ers has a longer account of the attack than the preceding, and also a description of the steamer. These pictures are tolerable representa- tions of the vessels, and as they are eagerly purchased, will, by being scattered over the country, serve to give the people a general idea of them. It is headed, 'drawing of a steamer and man-of-war;' the former is thus described :
She's more than 300 cubits long, And thirty odd in height and breadth; Iron is used to bind her stiff and stout, And she 's painted black all round about; Like a weaver's shuttle is her shape; On both sides carriage wheels are fixed; And, using fossil coal to make a fire, They whirl round as a race horse flies. Of white cloth all the sails are made. In winds both fair and foul she goes; On her bow is the god of the waves. At stem and stern is a revolving gun;
Her form is truly terrrific to men.
The god of the North displaying his sanctity,
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
The sunken rocks then shoaled the steamer (Atalanta); All who saw it witnessed to the justice of heaven.
None of the plans of the foreigners took effect,
Which greatly delighted the hearts of men.
The lines annexed to the picture describing the battle are as follows:
The English barbarians excited commotion, Outrageously opposing all principles divine. On the third day of the last fourth month, They seditiously attacked the city of Rams. The god of the North displaying his sanctity,* The sunken rocks straight shoaled a vessel. Moreover, going into Neishing,
Their men-of-war grounded on the sands, And the devilish soldiers were completely routed. On the sixth of the month (May 26), The rockets were fired into the city, One gun gave even three reports. Heaven rained down red rain,
And the fire of the guns was extinguished.
The villagers on the north of the city,
Their valor roused, drove them before them;
From the White Cloud hills,
The lord of heaven sent down rain,
And several hundred devilish barbarians,
Were by it quite destroyed.
The head of one was caged in terrorem,
His name was called Bremer.
Their courage and heart failing,
Routed, they threw off their clothes and run.
Our people rousing their martial courage, From all parts cut off their retreat,
And the whole crew was clean swept away. The barbarian ships all retired,
Going out far beyond the Tiger's Gate. It is hard to endure heavenly justice;- At this time the climate was pestilential, And they died of grievous diseases. Caused by the incensed deities. Henceforth there will be general peace, Every one enjoying an honorable life,
And the people hereabouts will be very happy.
One of the shot from the English ships hit an image of this deity in a temple near the southern wall, and broke its arm; the Atalanta soon after got on the rocks near the Dutch Folly, which the people ascribed to the wrath of the god.
VOL. X. NO. IX.
Capture of Amoy.
There is also a third drawing of the steamer alone, having ap- pended to it part of the same description that is on the other sheet. In this picture, the men, dressed in red jackets and green breeches, are represented half as high as the masts, while one man perched on the foretop, spy-glass in hand, is looking out; his glass is made full as large as the yard near him. A yellow cannon, three times the diameter of the inast, shows conspicuously at either end. The wheels are particolored, and drawn above water; perhaps this is to show that they are round. As a specimen of skill in design it is much
inferior to the others.
ART. V. Progress of H. B. M.'s second expedition, from Canton to Amoy, with particulars of the capture of Amoy on the 26th of August.
THE progress of the expedition we are now able to bring down to the 1st instant; but we have intelligence-to the 23d from Amoy, where provisions were abundant and all was quiet, and to the 11th from Pihkwan, where the Wellesley was at that date. Pihkwan is above latitude 27°, north of the boundary line between Fuhkeën and Chěkeäng.
The arrival in China, on the 10th of August, of H. B. M.'s sole plenipotentiary and minister extraordinary to the court of Peking, was noticed in our last number, and some particulars of his proceed- ings given down to the 14th.
On the 15th, major Malcolm returned from Canton, having de- livered his dispatches, and held a conference with the prefect. This interview, coupled with the arrival of sir Henry Pottinger, had evi- dently some influence on the minds of the provincial officers, induc- ing a desire to maintain a pacific course; but the commissioner Yih- shan, it was said, still continued to indulge his warlike predilections.
On the 18th, the prefect, having come down to Macao from Can- ton, requested an interview with the plenipotentiary, which was denied he paid a farewell visit to captain Elliot, who was about sailing for England, and was afterwards received by major Malcolm, at the office of the superintendents.
By this interview and that at Canton, the Chinese authorities must
Capture of Amoy.
have been convinced, we think, that they were now having to deal with one of elevated rank, with whom they could not enter on any half-and-half negotiations. By this time, too, they must have been fully aware of the intention to proceed and carry on hostilities north- ward. And erelong the emperor must understand-if he does not already—that open war or honorable peace are his only alternatives.
We have been told that the prefect, when he came down from Canton, brought a dispatch from the governor Ke Kung, in reply to sir Henry's, but of its tenor we are wholly uninformed. It was said, by the Chinese in Canton, that the authorities there received from sir Henry a dispatch for the emperor: whether they did or not, we have not been able to ascertain; they must, however, have reported his ar- rival, with circumstances calculated to raise suspicion respecting their previous report-known to have been sent-" that all difficul- ties with the barbarians were settled.”
On the 19th, the Nemesis, having arrived in Macao Roads during the previous night, received on board all who were to join the naval and military portions of the expedition,—including Mr. Thom attach- ed as interpreter to the major-general, and Mr. Gutzlaff attached to the adıniral,—and proceeded to Hongkong.
Friday, the 20th. The steamer Queen arrived from Hongkong, bringing intelligence that the expedition was ready to start north- ward. In the evening, sir Henry embarked with his suite,-con- sisting of major Malcolm, secretary of legation; Mr. R. Woosnain, surgeon attached to the mission; Mr. Morrison, Chinese secretary, and acting secretary and treasurer to the superintendents; with Messrs. A. W. Elinslie and W. H. Medhurst, jr., clerks.
The steamer did not leave Macao Roads till next morning.
The 21st. The fleet began moving out of the bay of Hongkong this morning; and ere the Queen arrived, the admiral had anchored outside. Sir Henry, however, being desirous of visiting the island, proceeded into the bay, and landed in the evening and also the next morning, in order to see the officers of the government there, and to observe the progress of the public works. He is said to have been much pleased with the situation and prospects of the rising town.
The 22d. Sir Henry, after having arranged with major-general Burrell and Mr. Johnston all matters for the defense, &c., of Hong- kong, proceeded on soon after noon, and at 4 o'clock, joined company with the squadron under sail on the southern side of the island; dis- patches having been put on board the Atalanta, she returned to Ma- cao, and the squadron moved northward.
Capture of Amoy.
The 23d. The headmost ships quite out of the Lamma channel. The following was the
Order of sailing.
Bentinck, surveying vessel.
PHLEGETHON.
COLUMBINE.
WELLESLEY.
BLENHEIM.
SESOSTRIS.
NEMESIS.
MODÉSTE.
DRUID, wing ship.
bearing a detach- 7 Transports,
ment of the 49th, and the whole of
}luduy{u t[l[ k{}
transports.
6 Provision
8 Transports, bearing a detach- ment of the 26th, the 55th entire, with Engineers and Artillery.
BLONDE, wing skip.
PYLADES.
CRUIZER.
ALGERINE.
25th. At noon a little to the westward of Breaker Point, the ships making good progress.
25th. At noon about 70 miles from Chapel Island, and the order of sailing pretty well preserved by the whole squadron. During the afternoon, the wind increased considerably from the southeastward; at dark, with a strong breeze, the ships ran into Amoy. The whole squadron, however, was not anchored till rather a late hour, in a fine moonlight evening. In taking up her auchorage, the Columbine ran foul of the Wellesley, not without some serious damage, Mr. William Maitland having been struck with great violence, and others narrowly escaping. Some guns were fired from Quemoy, as the squadron passed.
Thursday, the 26th,-just two years since the English were driven from Macao, was signalized by operations, thus announced by
CIRCULAR.
To her Britannic Majesty's subjects in China.
Her majesty's plenipotentiary, &c., has the highest degree of satisfaction in announcing to H. M. subjects, and others who feel an interest in the question, that the city of Amoy, with its very extensive and formidable line of batteries and fleet of gun-boats and war-junks (the whole_mounting upwards to five hun dred pieces of cannon), was taken possession of on the 26th instant, after a short but animated defense on the part of the Chinese, by H. M.'s naval and land forces, under the command of their excellencies, rear-admiral sir William Parker, K. C. B., and major-general sir Hugh Gough, K. C. B. This brilliant achievement has been happily accomplished with a very trifling loss; and, in addition to the works, all of which have been dismantled and destroyed, and the guns spiked and broken, immense magazines full of munitions of war have been either remov- ed, or rendered useless.
Arrangements are now in progress for leaving a detachment of troops on the small island of Koolangsu (which is separated from the town of Amoy by a chan- nel of deep water), and some of H. M's ships will likewise remain at this port, whilst the great body of the expedition advances to the northward, so that British
Capture of Amoy.
or other ships that may touch here during the ensuing season, will find ample protection, and be secure from any risk of molestation.
Her majesty's plenipotentiary deems it quite superfluous to say one word as to the manner in which this important service has been performed. The facts require no eulogium. The Chinese government vainly imagined they had rendered Amoy impregnable, but were undeceived, in presence of the viceroy of the pro- vinces of Chěkeäng and Fuhkeën, (who, with a number of high officers, witness- ed the attack from the heights above the town,) in the short space of four hours from the firing of the first gun; and, had the opposition been a hundred times greater than it was, the spirit and bearing of all employed showed that the result must have been the same. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
Dated this 31st of Aug., 1841, on board H. M. S. Blenheim, in Amoy harbor.
HENRY POTTINGER, H. M.'s plenipotentiary.
Omitting to attempt to give, for the present, any description of the city of Amoy, we will detail such facts as have come to our know- ledge respecting its defenses and their fall, as above noticed.
On the south side of the island, upon which the city stands, and south from it, was a heavy battery, about 1100 yards long, and its wall about 14 feet at the base, mounting 90 guns; over against this, in a southwesterly direction, on Red Point, was another battery of 42 guns: nearly between these, but further westward, on the island of Koolangsu, were several other batteries.
Early in the morning, which was hot and calm, the admiral, ge- neral, and plenipotentiary, (the staff of each accompanying them,) embarked on board the Phlegethon to reconnoitre. They proceeded within range of the long line of guns to the right on Amoy, and of the works to the left on Red Point, taking such positions in their course as to enable them to observe the defenses on either hand, as well as those on Koolangsu, where the men were seen engaged add- ing to their sand batteries.
A Chinese merchant was sent off, in course of the morning, with a flag of truce, to the squadron, to ask what might be its object.
Λ demand of surrender was returned by his hands. A junk with a white flag, found afterwards to be owned by Siamese, came in while the vessels were advancing to engage, and stood on for some time after the action had commenced, seemingly in perfect confidence of being let alone.
At I o'clock, the Queen and Sesostris stood in for the east end of the long battery, and the Blonde with the Druid and Modeste for Koolangsu. The Sesostris first fired. It was returned. The Queen then commenced. The batteries on all sides soon opened. The Bentinck gave the soundings for the Wellesley and Blenheim, in front of the long battery, distant 400 yards. The Chinese did en- dure the fire right manfully," standing to their guns till they were shot down by musketry in their rear. The batteries were never com-
Capture of Amoy.
pletely silenced by the ships' guns, and, it is believed, they never would have been. It was not till the troops landed, that the majority of the men fled. Some were bayoneted where they stood at their guns; and two or three chief officers destroyed themselves—one, strange to say, by walking coolly into the water. "The troops landed at several points, and drove all before them. The batteries ou Red Point were almost entirely disregarded. By six o'clock the Modeste, and some of the other vessels, were at anchor in the Inner Harbor. The troops, having passed through the southern suburbs, mounted the heights between them and the chief town, where they bivouack- ed for the night, and entered the citadel next morning. Thus fell the boasted strength of Amoy.
The wall of the long battery was found to be a masterly piece of work. When looked at from the sea, it had appeared as a town wall, with sand batteries in front; but instead of this, it was a strong and thick wall, of good height, with only small low gun-ports, and a de- fense between one gun-port and another of a thick earth battery of equal height with the wall over each gun-port, too, mud was laid, so as to prevent the striking off of splinters from the stone.
About 100 sizeable junks were found in the Inner Harbor, which is spacious, well-protected, and having good anchorage.
The 27th, Friday, was occupied by sir Hugh Gough in possessing himself of the citadel and town. Late in the day, the plenipotentiary and admiral landed, and visited the town.
Yen Pihtow, the governor of Fuhkeën and Chěkeäng, having been for some little time past residing at Amoy, must have been spectator of the fight; but no certain information could be obtained, regarding either him or of adıniral Tow Chinpew, commander-in-chief of the naval forces of the province. The admiral, it was said, had on a cruise. Yen and Tow are both natives of Canton.
gone out
In course of this day, the body of the officer who had walked into the water, was found lying on the beach. If he was actually the per- son he was stated to be-the tsungping—he was the chief in coin" mand at the time, having left his usual station at Quemoy to take the place of the absent admiral.
On the 28th, early in the morning, the plenipotentiary and admiral landed, and went up to sir Hugh's quarter in the city. Sir Henry visited several of the large buildings in the citadel; and in course of the day, removed with his suite, on board the Blenheim.
Here we must close these details for the present, only remarking that, the Druid 42, Pylades 18, and the Algerine 10, with three
Journal of Occurrences.
transports, and 400 men (being one wing of the 18th, and the entire detachment, 120 or 150 men of the 26th Cameronians) were to re- mained on Koolangsu, Amoy being evacuated, and the squadron under orders for the northward, destinred it was supposed for Ning- po, Chinhae, and Chusan.
ART. VI. Journal of Occurrences: treachery of the Chinese; arms supplied to the Chinese by foreigners; bad feeling among the people; prefect of Canton and the literary graduates; fisher- men and pirates; loss of the schooner Maria; affairs at Hong- kong; Yihshan's policy; rumors of Keshen; an imperial edict. TREACHERY of the Chinese, officers and people, need not now surprise any one. Contrary to the stipulations made for the ransom of Canton, obstruc- tions have been thrown into the river, fortifications rebuilt, munitions of war collected, &c.; and it is said, there are foreigners now in the city of Canton manufacturing powder. In the beginning of August, it was found that attempts had been made to stake the river; but the Chinese government made many excuses for this, and many promises that such doings should stop. However, in the early part of this month, captain Nias-seeing that they did not desist-destroyed the defenses on Wangtong, and proceeded further up the river, destroying a number of boats, and declaring to the people, by. proclamation, that he would destroy whatever else was undertaken contrary to the previous stipulations.
2. Arms being supplied to the Chinese by foreigners is a topic on which, for the present, we shall say but little. Many particulars, of things done in this line of business, might be told, and some erroneous statements that have gone abroad might be corrected;-of these latter, we believe the reports respect- ing Mr. Coolidge to be utterly unfounded, having been assured that he has had nothing to do, directly or indirectly, in this matter. How far what has been done is to be regarded as improper, we do not feel ourselves prepared to say. The character of any given act must be determined mainly by its at tendant circumstances.
3. Much bad feeling among the people in Canton and vicinity exists: this, however, seems to be directed against certain local officers, and against fo- reign belligerents, but not against foreign merchants. The conduct of the literati towards the old prefect of Canton is a case in point; and some tran- slations, to appear in our next number, will show the popular feeling towards the belligerents. The people know they have been wronged. Their number is legion; and if the war is to be carried on against them, while they are armed with European weapons, the havoc will be dreadful, and perhaps not all one side.
4. Row between the prefect of Canton and the literary graduates. On the 16th instant, his honor Yu Paoushun, the prefect of Canton, decked with his 'new feather,' proceeded in the due course of duty to the great Hall of Ex- amination, where the literary candidates had assembled for their annual exercises. On his entering, some of these high spirited gentry seemed res- tive, showed symptoms of discontent, and began to ridicule. For this they
Journal of Occurrences.
were called to order, and sharply reprimanded; whereupon the public voice broke forth. The gentry became clamorous, began to hiss, called his honor a traitor, and hurled their inkstones at his head! Unable to withstand such missiles, the old gentleman determined to withdraw; but on leaving the Hall, one of the most daring of the malcontents attempted to break his chair. A row ensued. The Nanhae heen-the magistrate of the district of Nanhae, who is second in authority to the prefect-then came forward, soothed these excited literati, and begged them to come again next day for examination, when the commissioner of justice would come to the Hall. On the 18th, the prefect had resolved to resign his office immediately. This he has done.
5. The fishermen and pirates have come in hostile collision; and it is said, that, within a period of three months, more than a hundred of the latter have been seized by the former, and handed over to the local authorities of Hengshan, who have sanctioned, and aided in, the operations of the fisher- men, many of whose boats are well armed.
6. The schooner Maria was lost on the night of the 23d instant, near Chuenpe, where she was aground, with her crew disabled. We have been told she had nothing on board but stores, when she was boarded by a party of Chinese, supposed to be villagers, dismantled and broken up, and her crew, fourteen in number and a Parsee, natives of India, all carried off. Eight of the 15 have come back.
7. Affairs at Hongkong seem gradually progressing: captain J. F. My- lius has been appointed land officer on the island; T. G. Fitz Gibbon, clerk in charge of the post-office; and Mr. C. Fearon, at present resident at Ma- cao, has been sworn to perform the duties of a British notary public. Mail packets, by ships arriving at Hongkong, are to be immediately delivered to the harbor-master or to the clerk in charge of the post-office there; or at the superintendents' office in Macao, on their arrival in the Macao Roads. A jail has been built; and a piece of land, to the east of Cantonment hill, has been allotted for the burial of the dead. Unauthorized burial elsewhere will be treated as a trespass.
8. Yihshan's policy is becoming more and more tortuous, and this pacifi- cator of barbarians, if not careful, will yet get entangled in the meshes of his own web. At the first of the month, he was basking in the bright sunshine of imperial favor-gained by his false reports to the emperor. Recently, however, he has been disturbed by the reports from Amoy; and will be dis- turbed still more, when the emperor shall have heard of the fall of Ningpo and Chinhae, by the same barbarians which were so recently subdued and pacified by his brave and worthy general. It is said, Yihshan is now playing his cards to become the people's man-by enlisting and paying villagers, the soldiers of righteousness, by buying arins and ammunition for them, &c. But, we fear, he and they both may yet pay dear for their temerity and treachery.
9. The rumors about Keshen have been very contradictory during the month: at one time he was reported as bound in prison, and the famous com- prador was said to have been cut into ten thousand pieces. More recent reports seem to indicate, that he is rising again to influence. But we have no direct information of him, or of his affairs at court, since the British ex- pedition moved northward.
10. An imperial edict is in Canton, said to have been written after a dis- patch from sir Henry reached Peking, and, though not made public, is be- lieved to be peaceable in its tenor, hinting that money and greater privileges of trade than existed formerly, might be granted to bring about an amicable adjustment of existing difficulties, but declaring that no territory can be ced- ed, and severely blaming the provincial authorities for their late false reports.
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-OCTOBER, 1841.- No. 10.
Two papers relating to the present position of affairs between the English and Chinese. Written by Chinese, and tran- lated by J. L. S.
BEFORE introducing the translation of these two papers, a few words must be said explanatory of the state of affairs both when they were written and at present. The Chinese, like the people of other countries, are apt to boast of great things; and their boastings are usually proportionate to their ignorance. A few years ago the ships of the imperial navy were, by very respectable men, declared to be invincible; the Imogene and Andromache did something to correct this opinion; and by subsequent events, it has been quite exploded. "Meet the imperial troops on shore, and though there be ten barbarians against one son of Han, the celestial forces must conquer; nay (said old governor Loo) even the very rocks must melt before the terri- fic splendor of our arms, at the dreadful thunder of our artillery." Yet on trial, the land forces have proved themselves to be no better than the naval. They have both failed utterly, always, everywhere. Since the fall of Amoy, on the 26th of August, an opinion has become prevalent, among the best informed Chinese in Canton, that it is vain to expect the naval and military forces of the emperor can match the English either by sea or on land. The odds-not in strength nor in courage, but in implements and in discipline--- are too great to warrant any hope of success on the part of the Chinese. Prior to the fall of Amoy, the destruction of the forts at the Bogue, and the move on Canton, the Chinese to a man believed that their strongest fortifi- cations were impregnable. Such was the opinion current, when the following papers were written, which two are fair specimens of the many that have been circulated.
Another baseless opinion is becoming prevalent in this neighborhood: it is that the people armed will prove themselves invincible. In captain Elliot's policy, it was a principle, that the people should be left unmolested and un- harmed, and their good-will secured by every practicable means. They be- lieved, so far as we know, that both their persons and their homes (the homes of the living and the dead) were inviolable. In this belief they have found that they were deceived. All along it had been maintained, that the war was being waged, and was to be carried ou,-only against the government.
VOL. X. NO. X.
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
Every care had been taken to make it so; and so it had been in a great de- gree. During the operations at Canton however-notwithstanding the pre- cautions adopted by the leaders of the expedition-outrages were committed, by camp-followers, and boats' crews, if not by any others. These outrages- molesting the bodies of dead laid up in coffins, and other doings of which it is a shame even to speak-are the more to be deprecated, especially by British officers, because they have caused so much and such strong hostility among the people. It was bad feeling, produced in this way, that excited and drew out those soldiers of righteousness' who appeared in such great numbers, and so much annoyed the British troops, on the heights above Canton. The fury of the armed populace, on the second day of their ap pearance there, was checked by the local government, at the requisition of sir Hugh Gough. This, and the immediate withdrawal of his forces, con- spired to produce in the minds of the people the opinion, above expressed, that being armed they are invincible. Ever since that time, this baseless opinion has been gaining strength and extending. Yihshan, having found that the troops from the other provinces were useless, has advised their re- turn, and is now taking advantage of the bad feeling among the people, with a view evidently of arraying thein against the foreign belligerents. This hos- tility on the part of the people, and this purpose of Yihshan to avail himself of it, were both seen in what was done a few weeks ago, when captain Nias proceeded up the river to Tae Sheih, or near to that village, where several boats loaded with stone were destroyed. The boats, it was supposed, were intended for blocking up the river, contrary to the stipulations made between the English and Chinese authorities, when the latter paid six millions and the former withdrew from Canton. Of course, it was only right that they should be destroyed. But in doing this, the Chinese say, some innocent people were lost, with their boats loaded with ballast intended for the ship- ping at Whampoa. By the inhabitants of Tae Sheih and the neighboring villages, these proceedings were looked upon as new outrages; and accord- ingly they sent away their wives and children and resolved to fight. “Why,” said they, "did the authorities of Canton give six millions to Elliot? Why did they not give it to us, and we would have destroyed all the barbarians?" They feel that they have been wronged; and they know they are nume- rous, & hundred to one, or a thousand to one, against the foreigners; and they believe that their cause is just. “Let government enroll us and pay us, soldiers of righteousness, and we will guard the empire.' What is to be the issue of all this, it is impossible to conjecture. Yihshan is evidently desirous of carrying on hostile operations; and if he finds that the people are ready to meet his wishes, another collision, we fear, must take place. To avoid an issue, so much to be deprecated, will require much wisdom and prudence on the part of the British authorities. Yihshan will be anxious to do what he has promised his master he intended to accomplish; but if he does this, a renewal of hostilities will be the sure consequence.
A single occurrence will illustrate the conduct of the camp-followers. A dozen or more of them having gone off on a ramble in a village, only six or seven returned. These endeavored to excite sympathy for their lost com- panions, and begged the officer in command to send out armed men to take vengeance on the villagers. But they were soon hushed and humbled by an order for their own flogging.
The taking off of a dead lady's little foot, to a barbarian might seem to be no very heinous act; but in the sight of a Chinese it is an unpardonable offense; and if the maimed lady chance to have living relatives of influence, its utmost will be exerted to avenge the insult.
No animosity exists among the Chinese more deadly than that caused by
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
such acts; and the preceding allusions have been made with the hope of pre- venting the like occurrences in future. We could have adduced other in- stances; but these are enough. We have endeavored to place the subject in its true light, and here we leave it without further comment.
TANG SHUN, a graduated scholar, and others of the chief district, memorialize the provincial authorities, in relation to the loose and disorderly proceedings of the English barbarians. All our people cherish feelings of like enmity towards them, and unite in earnestly beseeching, that rigorous measures be adopted for their extermina- tion, in order to accord with the general state of feeling, and to tran- quilize the affairs of the maritime regions. Opinions respecting the advantageous and injurious state of things in these regions, the vil- Jage gentry unitedly lay before their superiors, and when the just origin of important affairs are by the people thus brought to the notice of the said superiors, they will not refuse at once to attend to their reasonings. Now the English barbarians have precipitated re- bellion, in order to effect their purposes, and this cannot be borne with upon any principle of reason; and our generals and troops hav- ing been wounded by them, is what really excites the indignation of both gods and men. They have brought their opium too, and for a long time have been poisoning and injuring our people; and still further, following the bent of their wolfish covetousness, they have forthwith taken forcible possession of our island (Hongkong).
Although formerly, in the time of the Ming dynasty, Macao was indeed loaned to the Portuguese barbarians, yet this was nothing more than receiving rent for houses which were just about sufficient for snails to live together in; and we have not yet heard that they have seized upon the land by deceiving the people, as hares are enticed into the cages which are constructed for them! But ye stupid and rebellious barbarians, publicly issue proclamations, and talk largely of attending to the litigations of the people, incoherently hoping for fees! You endeavor to conceal your injurious designs, but wickedness is made palpably manifest. Having formerly exhibited, as in a mirror, your iniquities at Tinghae, it therefore be comes necessary that Hongkong should be defended against such results in future. The population of the whole seaboard being register- ed in the census, and the people occupying their own homes, it will be found as difficult to eject them, as it was at Choogei.* If per-
• Choogai is a district near Cochinchina, from which one of the emperors of the Han dynasty attempted to expel all the inhabitants for their uncontrolable sedition, but could not effect his purpose. The writer is under the impression
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
chance the English were to assemble together in their musquito-den (at Hongkong), thus spying about so near to the Bocca Tigris, they would by land and water employ both their curtains and nets; and how then would the people of this province be able to rest upon their beds? And truly for your lives may you cherish apprehension, for this is a correct view of the state of things, and is laid before you through upright intentions.
We, Shun and others, have long been read in the classics, and we thoroughly understand the great principles of right; and, cherishing for our villages the sincerest attachment, we do not loosen our hold upon them.
them. All classes contemplate opposition and vengeance, and desire to devour the heads of the enemy, and with combined in- tentions of enmity wish to break the legs of these invaders.
We respectfully look up to their excellencies, the high imperial commissiouer and the viceroy, to stand by the country in the deve- lopment of her plans, and to afford their aid to the people in putting an end to calamities. We wait in hopes that the forces may be sum- moned together, and for the manifestation of the brilliant majesty of celestial vengeance, repressing rebellion, putting an end to violence, and yielding to the general wish of attacking and subjugating the enemy. Then shall we behold their power melt away like the snow, the affair will be as easly arranged as the catching of glow-worms, the cause of the righteous indignation of the literati and the people will be triumphant, and the maritime domains will possess the joy of widely extended peace. It is on these accounts that we are induced to appear
before your excellencies.
Reply of the commandant to the preceding.
It appears that the village gentry, Tang Shun and others, have memorialized in relation to the English barbarians giving loose rein to disturbance, and have combined in earnest entreaty that the mat- ter may be settled by rigorously proceeding to extermination. We perceive that you cherish the principles of reason and justice, and regard your families and your country as one interest; and that, by decided wrath and combined enmity, both literati and people exhibit the great principles of right. These rebel barbarians are indeed outlaws, and reports of their proceedings having gone up to the ce- lestial ears, immense forces have now been summoned from several provinces, that with combined energies they may make thorough extermination. Only wait until the grand forces, like clouds assem-
that the English will attempt to expel all the natives from their homes on Hong, hong. Tr.
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
ble together, and then it will not be difficult to capture the chiefs of these rebel barbarians, in order to demonstrate the celestial ven- geance, and soothe the feelings of the people. Wait, therefore, until their excellencies the governor and lieutenant-governor issue their
declaration.
The lieut.-governor's reply.
I, the lieut.-governor, have also seen the representation of the said graduate and others, who with upright feelings sincerely desire to mount the war-chariot, and with righteous courage to put the wheels in motion, so that with hearts of combined and deep-rooted enmity and wrath they may increase the determination for pure and per- fect peace.
If their disposition be thus, their praise is worthy of the highest commendation. The English rebels in every matter have been outrageously ambitious; and it is their advancing in their pal- pable rebellions, at which both gods and men unite in indignation, and which heaven and earth cannot bear. We respectfully look up for the clear illumination of his sacred majesty, who has delivered his imperial commands to Yihshan, the rebel-quelling general, and the assistant commissioners and high ministers, to proceed to Canton to arrange affairs. Upon the day that the grand army, like clouds shall assemble, the insignificant and disgraceful force of the enemy will be mowed down and exterminated; for, by making a thorough charge and an extended line of attack, we may with rigorous ven- geance make an entire end of them. Then may we behold the mari- time regions enjoying peace and quietness.
I, the lieut.-governor, desire with the said graduated gentlemen to unite in listening to the songs of victory.
Now, of the wealthiest nations beneath the heavens, there are none comparable to the Central Land; and, of the most eminent of men, there are none like our own literati; and if we speak of the manners of the outside barbarians, they are not to be compared to us. the detested English rebels, during a year past, have by their troops been entailing troubles upon our country, and every man throughout the empire cannot but gnash his teeth with vengeance, and heartily desire, entirely to exterminate the said horde. Then will cease their just indignation. There are, hovever, certain parties, who, void of understanding, and scheming after heavy gains, disregard father, mother, wife and children, and aid the vicious to do wickedly. These should be regarded with extreme pity, and at the same time with intensest indignation; even birds and beasts are divided into their kinds, and why still more may it not be so with men?
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
Really the virtue of our sacred lord pervades every realm, and reaches all their inhabitants, who unitedly look up to him; but now, for once, there are those who reject and separate themselves from their prince and relations, and personally follow the rebel insurgents. Verily these do not differ from the brute creation. And, moreover, the English are developing innumerable vicious schemes, seducing and leading astray in every direction, falsely calling for men to pro- ceed on board their ships, to be hired in discharging cargo; but really with no other desire than to use our flowery people in aiding them in their hostility—thus joining mutual friends in enmity. For- merly, there were many who coveted their (the English) wealth, and under mistaken ideas entered their ships, when their snare was made plainly manifest. At present, this is still carried on to a limited ex- tent, and it is decidedly necessary for you to attend to the purposes, for which you are required to be sent. Perhaps they may wish to instruct you in the use of musketry, down in the holds of their ships of war; or they may cut off your tails, and make you their soldiers; perhaps they may wish you to change your dress and become trai- torous spies for them, or perhaps, they may brand you on the face with their mark. Or, perhaps, they may dress you up in barbarian clothes, in order to make slaves of you, and now and then you will become remiss, when forthwith they will inflict upon you the punish- ment of the lash, and your distress and difficulties will be unspeaka- bly intense.
On a former occasion, I myself was taken in by their false preten- tions; but, becoming aware of their vicious practices, I after several days absconded by water and returned, fortunately escaping with my life. I perceived that many have been seduced into their ships, and my heart cannot really bear this, and I therefore specially issue this my fragment of a speech, in order to warn all good people. Let those who have at present entered the said ships, as workmen, become deeply sensible of their situation and return. If there are those, who, aware of their poverty, covet English wealth, and with ardent hearts desire to go, why do you not change your intentions and enter our army, in order to requite your country; and then, becoming victo- rious, you can reflect glory upon your ancestors; and should you perish, then would your fame be handed down to posterity. Would not this be praiseworthy! Ye gentle people of our most honorable and exhalted nation, how can ye be thus stupid! If you adhere to your blind pertinacity, repentance will ereloug be too late! My re- presentation of the state of affairs is destitute of falsehood, and siu-
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cerely concerned for the welfare of all you good people, do I now lay the matter before you.
Note. No. 1, it will perceived, is a petition. It is in private circulation, and the original is remarkable for the high classic style in which it is written. No. 2, is a well written paper, though in style is much less classic than No. 1. It is posted on the walls as a kind of public admonitory declaration, a custom by no means unusual among the Chinese. Tr.
ART. II. Bengal governmental notifications, being extracts of dis- patches to the right honorable the earl of Auckland, G. c. B., governor general, &c., &c., from sir Hugh Gough, and sir Le Fleming Senhouse, respecting operation before Canton.
To the right honorable the earl of Auckland, G. c. B., governor-general, &c.
Head quarters, ship Marrion, Canton river, proceeding to Hongkong, June 3d, 1841. My Lord--
1. My letter of the 18th from Hongkong will have made your lordship aware of temporary abandonment of the inovement on Amoy, in order to resume active ope- rations against Canton, consequent upon the constant arrival and concentration of large forces from the several provinces, and other demonstrations indicative of an interruption to our friendly intercourse with the provincial government.
2. From the judicious and unwearied exertions of air Le Fleming Senhouse, the senior naval officer, the fleet of men-of-war and transports was prepared to sail on the 18th, but in consequence of light and variable winds, the whole did not get under weigh until the 19th. H. M. S. Blenheim took up her position within six miles of Canton in the Macao passage on the 21st ult., but the whole of the force was not assembled until the morning of the 23d, when I proceeded with sir Le Fleming Senhouse to the vicinity of the suburbs of the city, for the double object of meeting H. M. plenipotentiary and ascertaining as far as possible the extent of the enemy's preparations.
3. It being the anxious wish both of sir Le Fleming Senhouse and myself to commence active operations on so auspicious an epoch as the anniversary of the birth of our sovereign, every exertion was made, and the troops were placed by 2 P. M. on that day in various craft, procured during the previous day and night by the great exertions of her royal navy.
4. From all the sources, from which I had been enabled to collect information, or rather from the conjectures of persons who have long resided in China, (for no European had been permited to see the country above the factories, and the Chinese would give no information), I was induced to decide on making my principal point. of debarkation to the northwest of the city, while another column was to take pos. session of the factories, drawing the attention of the enemy to that quarter, and at the same time to co-operate with the naval force which was to attack the river defenses, in order to silence numerous new works recently crected by the Chinese
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along the whole southern face of the city. A most spirited and judicious recon- noissance made by captain Belcher, of H. M. S. Sulphur, the previous evening, established the practicability of effecting a landing at the point I had selected. 5. Every arrangement having been completed by two o'clock, and the boats and other carft placed in tow of the steamers, the force moved to the point of attack, as follows:
Right column, to attack and hold the factories, in tow of the Atalanta, consist- Officers, other ranks. ing of her majesty's 26th regiment, as per margin, an officer and 20 rank and file of the Madras artillery, with one 6 pounder and one 51⁄2 inch mortar and 30 sappers, with an officer of engi. ncers, under mojor Pratt, of H. M. 26th.
Left column-towed by the Nemesis, in four brigades, to move left in front.
H. M. 49th, commanded by Officers, other ranks
4th, (left) brigade, under lient.-colonel Morris, 49th regiment.
major Stephens,
37th Madras N. I..
37th Madras N. I., capt. Duff,
One company Bengal Volun.
teers, captain Mee,.
3d, (artillery) brigade, un. der captain Knowles
(Royal artillery, lieut. Spencer,
Madras artillery including gun
Lascars, captain Anstruther, Sappers and miners, capt. Cotton, 4
Ordnance. Four 12 pounder howitzers. Four 9 pounder field guns. pounder field guns. Three 5 mortars. Fifteen-two 32 pounder rockets.
2d naval brigade, under captain Bourchier, II. M. ship Blonde.
1st (right) brigade, reserve, under major-general Burrell.
1st naval battalion, captain Mait-
land, H. H. ship Wellesley 2d naval battolion, commander
Barlow, H. M. Ship Nimrod. Royal marines capt. Ellis 18th Royal Irish, It..colonel
6. The right column reached its point of attack before 5 P. M., and took pos. session of the factories, when major Pratt made the necessary arrangements for strengthening his post, holding his men ready for offensive or defensive operations.
7. The left column, towed by the Nemesis, from the difficulties of the passage with such a fleet of craft as she had in tow, did not reach the Sulphur until durk, which vessel captain Belcher had judiciously anchored close to the village of Tsing-hae, the point of debarkation, about five miles by the river line above the factories. I could therefore only land the 49th regiment, with which corps I made a reconnoissance to some distance, meeting a few straggling parties of the enemy. After placing the picquets, the corps fell back on the village of Tsinghae to protect and cover the landing of the guns, which was effected during the night, by the zealous efforts of the artillery. The following morning the remainder of the column landed, and the whole proceeded soon after daylight.
8. The heights to the north of Canton, crowned by four strong forts, and the city walls which run over the southern extremity of these heights, including one elevated point, appeared to be about three miles and a half distant; the inter mediate ground, undulating much, and intersected by hollows under wet paddy cultivation, enabled me to take up successive positions, until we approached with- in range of the forts on the heights and the northern face of the city walls. I had to wait here some time, placing the men under cover, to bring up the rocket bat. tery and artillery.
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9. I have already informed your lordship, that I was totally unacquainted with the country which I had to pass over, the amount of the enemy's force, or the dif ficulties that might present themselves at every step; but I had the proud con- ciousness of feeling that your lordship had placed under me a band, whom no dis. parity of numbers could dishearten, and no difficulty could check. They nobly realized, by their steadiness under fire, their disciplined advance, and their animated rush, my warmest anticipations.
10. Having at 8 o'clock got up the rocket battery, with two 54 inch mortars, two 12 pounder howitzers and two 9 pounder guns, a well directed fire was kept up on the two western forts, which had much annoyed us by a heavy fire, I now made the disposition for attack in echelon of columns from the left, and directed the 49th regiment to carry a hill on the left of the nearest eastern fort, supported by the 37th Madras native infantry and Bengal Volunteers, under lieut.-colonel Morris of the 49th regiment. The 18th Royal Irish, supported by the royal marines, under major-general Burrell, I directed to carry a hill to their front, which was strongly occupied and flanked the approach to the fort just mentioned. This `movement was to cut off the communication between the eastern forts, and cover the advance of the 19th in their attack and storm of the nearest. Major-general Burrell had directions to push on and take the principal square fort, when the 49th made their rush. Simultaneous with these attacks, the brigade of seamen was to carry the two western forts, covered by a concentrated fire from the whole of the guns and rockets.
11. During the whole of the advance, my right had been threatened by a large body of the enemy which debouched from the western suburbs, and just as I was about to commence the attack a report was made, that heavy columns were advanc. ing on the right, I was therefore compelled to detach the marines under captain Ellis, to support the brigade of seamen, and to cover my right and rear.
12. At about ♣ past 9 o'clock, the advance was sounded, and it has seldom fallen to my lot to witness a more soldier-like and steady advance, or a more animated at- tack. Every individual, native as well as European, steadily and gallantly did his duty. The 18th and 49th were emulous which should first reach their appointed goals; but, under the impulse of this fecling they did not lose sight of that disci. pline which could alone insure success. The advance of the 37th M. N. I., and Bengal Volunteers in support, was equally praiseworthy.
13. The result of this combined movement was, that the two ferts were captured with comparatively small loss, and that, in little more than half an hour after the order to advance was given, the British troops looked down on Canton within 100 paces of its walls.
14. The well directed fire of the artillery in the centre was highly creditable, and did great execution.
15. In cooperation with these attacks, I witnessed with no ordinary gratifica- tion the noble rush of the brigade of seamen under their gallant leader, captain Bourchier, exposed to a heavy fire from the whole of the northwestern rampart. This right attack was equally successful, and here also the British standard proudly waved on the two western forts, while the British tars looked down upon the northwestern face of the city and its suburb.
16. During the great part of the day, a very spirited fire from heavy pieces of ord. nance, ginjals and matchlocks, was kept up on the different columns, occupying the heights and forts.
VOL. X. NO. X.
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17. A strongly entrenched camp of considerable extent, occupied apparently by about four thousand men, lay to the northeast of the city upon rising ground se- parated by a tract of paddy land from the base of the heights. Frequent attacks were made upon my left by bodies sent from this encampment, but were as fre. quently repulsed by the 49th. This, however, exposed the men to a heavy fire from the walls of the city.
18. About 2 o'clock, perceiving that officers of consequence were joining this force from the city, and had occupied a village in rear of my left, I directed the 49th to dislodge them. This was instantly effected in the same spirited man- ner that had marked every movement of this gallant corps. About 3 o'clock, it was evident that some officer of high rank had reached the encampment, (I have since understood that it was, Yang, the Tartar general) and that prepara- tions were making for a fresh attack. I ordered down the 18th, therefore, with one company of the royal marines to reinforce the 49th, and directed manjor- general Burrell to assume the command, to repel the projected attack and instant- ly to follow up the enemy across a narrow causeway, the only approach, and take and destroy the encampment. This duty was well and gallantly performed, but I regret to say with rather severe loss from the difficulty of approach, exposed to a heavy fire from the guns and ginjals on the northeast face of the city wall. The enemy were driven at all points and fled across the country; the encampment was burnt, the magazines, of which there were several, blown up, and the permanent buildings of `considerable extent set on fire. I had as much pleasure in witness- ing, as I have in recording, my approval of the spirited conduct of captain Grat- tan, who commanded the two leading companies of the 18th, across the causeway. These companies were closely followed by the 49th, the remainder of the 18th and company of royal marines, who passed along a bank of the paddy field to their left. The enemy not appearing inclined to move out of the town to support this point, I directed the force to return to the heights.
19. Having reconnoitred the walls and gates, I decided on taking the city by assault, or rather upon taking a strong fortified height of considerable extent within the city wall, before the panic ceased, but the hill in our rear being peculiarly rugged, and its base difficult of approach on account of the narrowness of the path between the wet paddy fields, I had only been enabled to get up a very few of the lightest pieces of ordnance, and a small proportion of ammuni- tion. I therefore deemed it right to await the arrival of this necessary arm to make the assault.
20. The following morning, the 26th, at 10 o'clock, a flag of truce was hoist- ed on the walls, when I deputed Mr. Thom (whom captain Elliot had sent to me as interpreter,) to ascertain the cause. An officer stated that they wished for peace. I had it explained that, as general commanding the British, I would treat with none but the general commanding the Chinese troops-that we came before Canton much against the wishes of the British nation, but that repeated insults and breaches of faith had compelled us to make the present movement, and that I would cease from hostilities for two hours to enable their general to meet me and sir Le Fleming Shenhouse, who kindly accompanied me throughout the whole operations, and to whose judicious arrangements and unceasing exertions for the furtherance of the united services (and I am proud to say they are united in hand and heart.'` I cannot too strongly express my sense of obligation. I fur.
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ther explained, that captain Elliot, H. M. plenipotentiary, was with the advanced squadron to the south of the city, and that if I did not receive a communication from him, or had not a sarisfactory interview with the general, I should, at the termination of the two hours, order the white flag to be struck.
21. As the general did not make his appearance, althongh numerous messages were received between this time (about noon) and 4 P. M., I hauled down the white flag. The enemy however did not, which was rather convenient, as it enabled me to get up my guns and ammunition, without exposing my men to fire.
22. During the night of the 26th, everything was prepared on our side, with the exception of one 12 pounder howitzer, the carriage of which had been disabled, the guns, by the indefatigable exertion of the officers and men of the royal artillery and Madras artillery and sappers, were placed in position. All was ready, and the necessary orders were given for opening the batteries at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and for the assault at 8, in 4 columns.
23. The right column, composed of the royal marines under captain Ellis, had directions to pass through a deserted village to the right of the north gate, to blow the gate open with powder bags if possible, and if not, to escalade a circular work thrown up as a second defense to that gate.
24. The second column on the right, consisting of the brigade of seamen, under captain Bourchier, was directed to make the assault by escalade on the opposite side of the circular defense, where the wall appeared comparatively low, covered by a heavy fire of musketry from the hill within pistol shot of the walls. This column would have been exposed only to the fire of a few flanking guns, which I calculated would have been kept under by the fire of the covering party.
25. The 18th Royal Irish, under lieutenant-colonel, Adams, were ordered to advance from the rear of a hill close to the five storied pagoda, and to escalade the walls behind this pagoda, (which was not flanked except by one gun) although they were high, from 28 to 30 feet, but I hoped by the concentrated fire of the guns to have reduced an exceedingly high and apparently slight parapet. The escalade of this corps was to be covered by the Bengal Volunteers and a company of the 37th M. N. I.
26. The left assault was to be made by the 49th, under lieut.-colonel Morris. This corps was directed to escalade by a bastion directly in front of and com- manded by the principal fort in our possession, called by the Chinese Yung-Kang. tai, the fire of musketry from which would have prevented the enemy from making use of their guns. To strengthen this attack, two companies of the 37th M. N. I. were to occupy the heights and keep up a rapid fire upon the wall.
27. The ground was peculiarly favorable for these several attacks, and for the effective fire of the covering parties, without a chance of injuring the assailants. The heights which we occupied are froin 90 to 250 paces from the city wall, with a precipitous glen intervening. On making a lodgement on the walls, each column was to communicate with and support that on its inner flank, and when united, to make a rush for the fortified hill within the walls, on which the artillery was directed to paly from the moment the advance was sounded. I directed captain Knowles to ascertain, as far as practicable, by the fire of heavy rockets. and shells, whether it was niinded, which alone I apprehended-the Chinese, usu- ally forming their mines so as to make them liable to explosion by such means.
28. The flags of truce still appeared upon the walls at daylight on the 27th,
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and at a quarter past six o'clock I was on the point of sending the interpreter to explain, that I could not respect such a display, after my flag had been taken down, and should at once resume hostiliies. At this moment, an officer of the royal navy, who had been traveling all night, having missed his way, handed me the accompanying letter from H. M.'s plenipotentiary. Whatever might be my sen. timents, my duty was to acquiesce—the attack, which was to have commenced in 45 minutes, was countermanded, and the feelings of the Chinese were spared. Of the policy of the measures, I do not consider myself a competent judge: but I say feelings, as I would have been responsible that Canton should be equally spared, with exception of its defenses, and that not a soldier should have entered the town further than the fortified heights within its walls.
29. At 10 o'clock, Yang, the Tartar general, requested a conference, when air Le Fleming Senhouse accompanied me, and a long and uninteresting parley ensu ed, in which I explained that H. M. plenipotentiary, having resumed negotiations with the local authorities, I should await a further communication from him. At 12 o'clock, capt. Elliot arrived in camp, and all further active opeartions ceased.
30. The following day at 12 o'clock, in a conference with the Kwangchow foo, under the walls, every arrangement was made for the evacuation of the city, by as large a portion of the Tartar troops as could be got ready, and I permitted an officer of rank of pass through my lines to procure quarters for them. I was now given to understand that the force amounted at 45,000 men from other pro- vinces, exclusive of the troops belonging to the Kwangtung province. At the request of captain Elliot, I acquiesed in the former passing out of the northeast gate to the left of my position, and permitted them to carry away their arms and baggage, on condition that no banner should be displayed or music sounded.
31. About 12 o'clock, the following day, I perceived numbers of men, appa. rently irregulars, and armed for the most part with long spears, shields and swords, collecting upon the heights three or four miles to my rear. As they continued rapidly to increase, detaching bodies to their front, I directed general Burrell to take charge of our position, and hold every man ready in case a sortie or other act of treachery under cover of a flag of truce should be intended; and I advanced with a wing of the 26th, which corps I had withdrawn two days previously from the factories (three companies of the 49th, the 37th Madras N. L., and the com- pany of Bengal Volunteers, supported by the royal marines. The two large corps I kept in reserve, ready to return and act on the flank, should an attack be made on our position from the town. When I descended the heights about 4000 men appeared in my front. I directed the wing of the 26th, under major Pratt, sup- ported by the 37th Madras N. I. to advance and drive them from rather a strong position they had taken up behind an embankment, along the bed of a stream. This duty the 26th and 37th performed most creditably, and as the Chinese made a rally at what appeared to be a military post in my front, I directed that it should be destroyed, which was instantly effected by the 26th, and a magazine, unexpectedly found in the village, blown up. These duties having been perform- ed without the loss of a man, the Chinese throwing away their spears and flying the moment a fire was open upon them, I directed the 49th, royal marines, and Bengal Volunteers to fall back on our position, and remain with the wing of the 26th and 37th Madras N. I., (about 280 men) to watch the movement of the Chinese, who had retreated to a range of heights in my front, having no banners,
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and apparently but few matchlocks amongst them. Within two hours, however, from 7000 to 8000 men had collected and displayed numerous banners. When I first moved, I had ordered captain Knowles, of the royal artilliery, to bring out a few rockets, but our advance was so rapid that he did not get them up, until the repulse of the first body.
32. At this moment, the heat of the sun was hardly supportable, and both officers and men were greatly exhausted. I must here state, and with sincere sorrow, that major Becher, deputy quarter master general, a most estimable and willing officer, whose service throughout the previous operations were as credita- ble to him, as they were satisfactory to me, fell by my side from over-exertion, and expired within a few minutes. My aid-de-camp captain Gough, was also alarmingly unwell from the same cause, and I ordered him back to camp, when the enemy were repulsed, but hearing that the Chinese were again assembling, he returned, and meeting the Bengal Volunteers, very judiciously brought them back. 33. The Chinese having advanced in great force, some rockets were fired at them, but although thrown with great precision, appeared to have little effect, and as the approach of a thunder storm was evident, I became anxious, before it broke, to disperse this assemblage, whose approach bespoke more determination than I had previously witnessed. I ordered major Pratt to attack a large body who were advancing through the paddy fields on his left, and to clear the hills to his front. Capt. Duff, with the 37th Madras N. I. supported by the Bengal Vo- lunteers under captain Mee, I ordered to advance direct to his front and dislodge a body, which had reöccupied the post, that we had previously burned, and then push forward and clear the hills to his front. I witnessed with much satisfaction the spirited manner in which these officers executed my orders, and the enemy were driven in at all points. The right of the 37th being threatened by a military post at the foot of the hills to our right, the Bengal Volunteers dispersed the oc- cupants. This however separated them from the 37th Madras N. I., and perceiv ing that this latter corps was advancing further than I intended, I ordered captain Ommaney, (of the 3d Madras light cavalry, who with lieutenant Mackenzie of H. M. 90th regiment, accompanied me as amateurs,—and both were most zealous and useful in conveying my orders) to direct the Bengal Volunteers to move up to its support. Captain Duff meanwhile, to open his communication with the 26th on his left, had detached a company under lieut. Hadfield for that purpose.
34. The thunder storm was now most awful, and finding that as our men ad- vanced, the Chinese retired, I considered that it would be injudicious to follow them further, and directed the whole to fall back. The rain continued to fall in torrents, and most of the fire locks had got wet, at one time the 26th had been unable to fire a single musket, this emboldened the Chinese, who, in many in- stances, attacked our men hand to hand, and the 26th had frequently to charge bodies that advanced close to them.
35. As the Chinese, even in this mode of warfare, could make no impression, they retreated, and the 26th and 37th Madras N. I. and Bengal Volunteers fell back. Understanding from captain Duff that his detached company was with the 26th I directed the whole, after a short halt, to return to our position, and was exceedingly annoyed on the force concentrating, to find the detached company, under lieut. Hadfield, had never joined the 26th, I immediately ordered two com- panies of marines with the percussion locks to return with captain Duff to the
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scene of this day's contest. It gives me no ordinary gratification to say that a little after dark, they found heut. Hadfield with his gallant company in square surrounded by some thousand Chinese, who, as the 37th's firelocks would not go off, had approached close to them. The sepoys, I am proud to say, in this critical situation, nobly upheld the high character of the native army, by unshrinking dis cipline and cheerful obedience, and I feel that the expression of my best thanks is due to lieut. Hadfield and to lieut. Deverenx, and ensign Barkeley, who zealously supported him during this trying scene. The last named officer, I regret to say, was severely wounded. The marines, with captain Duff, fired a couple of vollies into this crowd, which instantly dispersed them with great loss.
36., At daylight the next morning I felt myself called, upon to send into the city and inform the Kwangchow foo, that if, under existing circumstances, a si. milar insult was offered or any demonstration made, indicative of hostile interrup. tion to the negotiations pending under a flag of truce for the evacuation of the city by the Chinese troops and a ransom of its deliverance, I would at once haul down the white flag and resume hostilities. At 12 o'clock, captain Elliot joined me, and a communication was received that the Kwangchow foo would meet us under the walls. Previous to his arrival, vast numbers of Chinese appeared on the hills, which during the early part of the morning had been clear. Guns and ginjalls were fired in all directions, various banners displayed, and large parties thrown out in advance. About 7500 Tartar troops had marched out of the city that morning, and were still moving, with their arms, but, as stipulated, without music or banners. I felt some doubt whether treachery was not contemplated, and I therefore made such a disposition of our troops, as to ensure its defeat. By 2 o'clock from 12,000 to 15,000 men, evidently the same description of force, that we had inet the preceding day, had assembled on the same heights.
37. The Kwangchow foo now arrived, and it became evident, and he was perfectly in my power, that no combination existed between the troops in the town or these marching out, and the assemblage in my rear. I therefore ordered the wing of the 26th, the other wing had been left at Tsinghae, to keep up the communication with the rear, and a wing of the 49th with the 37th M. N. I. and the royal marines to be prepared to disperse the assailants. On joining the Kwang- chow foo, and explaining my determination to put my threat in force if the enemy advanced, he assured me that this hostile movement was without the knowledge, and against the wishes, of the Chinese authorities; that there were no officers with this militia in our rear, that it had assembled to protect the villages in the plain, and that he would instantly send off a officer of rank (his own assistant) with orders for its immediate dispersion, if I would depute an officer to accompany
38. Capt. Moore, of the 34th Bengal N. I. deputy-judge advocate general, volun- teered this hazardous duty. This afficer had accompanied me as one of my per. sonal staff throughout all the operations, and he and major Wilson, pay master to the expedition, who kindly volunteered to act in the same capacity, had by their zealous service been most useful to me in a country, where all my orders were to be conveyed by officers on foot through an intricate line of communication. Capt. Moore was quite successful, as the whole body instantly retreated and entirely dispersed as soon as he and the Chinese officer had made known to the leaders the object of their coming.
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39. Finding that five millions of dollars had been paid and that H. M. plēni. potentiary was perfectly satisfied with the security for payment of the remaining million for the ransom of Canton, that upwards of 14,500 Tartar troops had march- ed out of the town under the terms of the treaty without colors or banners flying, or music beating, that 3,000 had gone by water, and that the remainder were prepared to follow, when carriage was provided, I acceded to the wish of H. M. plenipotentiary to embark the troops, the Chinese furnishing me with 800 coolies to convey my guns and ammunition. These coolies being furnished soon after daylight on the 1st instant, I sent all the guns and stores to the rear covered by the 26th, royal marines, 37th M. N. I. and Bengal Volunteers, and at 12 o'clock the British flag was lowered in the four forts, and the troops and brigade of seamen marched out and returned to Tsinghae.
40. By the excellent arrangements and under the active superintendence of capt. Bourchier of H. M. ship Bonde, and captain Maitland of H. M. ship Welles- ley, the whole were reëmbarked by 3 o'clock, without leaving a man of the army or navy or a camp-follower behind, and under tow of the Nemesis, reached their respective transports that night.
41. I have now, my lord, detailed, I fear at too great length, the occurrences of eight days before Canton. I might have been very brief, perfect success at- tending every operation-but by a mere statement of the leading facts, I should not have done justice to the discipline of the small but gallant band, whom it was my good fortune to command, and whose devotedness was worthy of a better foe. 42. I have not touched upon the brilliant conduct of the royal navy in their at- tacks and various operations to the south of the city, as these will be detailed by their own chief, to whom, as I have said, I cannot too strongly express my obliga. tions.
43. In a body, where all have done their duty nobly and zealously, it would be invidious to particularize: I will however entreat your lordship's favorable notice of the commanding officers of brigades and corps, from whom I have received the most able assistance, and to whom my best thanks are due. To major-general Burrell commanding the right brigade, who was zealously supported by lieut. colonel Adams, commanding 18th Royal Irish, and capt. Ellis, commanding the marine battalion, to capt. Bourchier of H. M. ship Blonde, commanding the brigade of seamen, supported most ably by capt. Maitland of H. M. ship Wel- lesley, and capt. Barlow H. M ship Nimrod, to lieut..col. Morris, commanding the left brigade, whose good fortune it was first to carry the heights and place the colors of the 49th in the first fort taken, gallantly seconded by major Stephens, who commanded the 49th in the first operation, and major Blyth, who commanded that corps during the latter part of the day-capt. Duff commanding 37th M. N. I. and capt. Mee, commanding the Bengal Volunteers.
To major Pratt, commanding H. M. 26th regiment. This corps, though not at first much engaged from the nature of its position at the factories, proved on the 30th, by its spirited and steady conduct, which nothing` could exceed, how valua- ble its services would have been throughout.
To capt. Knowles of the royal artillery, senior officer of that arm, my best thanks are due for his valuable services. Lieut. the honble. R. C. Spenser, with the detachment of royal artillery well supported the high character of that dis- tinguished corps. The zeal of capt. Anstruther, commanding the Madras artil-
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lery, was indefatigable, as were 'the efforts of every individual of that valuable body in bringing up the guns and ammuniton.
To captain Cotton, field engineer, I feel under the greatest obligations, and I experienced the most ready support from every officer under him. Of one of them, lieut. Rundall, I regret to say, that I shall probably lose the services for some time, in consequence of a severe wound. The useful labors of the sappers called for my best thanks; they were cheerfully prepared to place the ladders for the escalade.
I feel greatly obliged to all the general staff-all accompanied me on shore, and to their indefatigable attention in conveying orders on foot, at times to a considera- ble distance, I was much indebted. To lieut. col. Mountain, deputy adjutant, my best thanks are duc for his unwearied exertions and valuable services not only upon the present, but upon every occasion. The exertions of major Hawkins, deputy commissary general, were unceasing, and by his judicious arrangements (and those of his assistant,) the troops were amply supplied. The excellent arrangements by Dr. Grant, the officiating superintending surgeon, and medical staff of corps, call also for my acknowledgment. I beg to bring to your lordohip's particular notice my aid-de-camp, captain Grugh, of the 3d light dragoons, from whom I have upon this, as upon every occasion, received the most active and unremitting
assistance.
44. Having now conveyed my approval of the conduct of the commanding of ficers of brigades and corps, and the heads of departments, permit me to draw your lordship's special attention to the praiseworthy conduct of the sailors under my command, which in my mind does them the highest credit. During the eight days this force was on shore, (and many of the corps were unavoidably placed in situations where samshu was abundant,) but two instances of drunkenness oc- curred: and I decm it but justice here to mention a strong fact. The soldiers of the 49th, finding a quantity of samshu in the village they had so gallantly taken, without order or previous knowledge of their officer, brought the jars containing this pernicious liquor, and broke them in front of their corps, without the occur- rence of a single case of intoxication.
45. This dispatch will be presented by captain Grattan, whose conduct I have already mentioned to your lordship, and whom I have selected for this duty alone on account of that conduct. He is a most intelligent officer, and will be able to give your lordship any further information. I have the honor to be, &c.
HUGH GOUGH, major-general, commanding expeditionary force. P. S. It is with deep regret that I have to mention the loss of lieutenant Fox, of H. M. S. Nimrod, a most promissing young officer attached to captain Barlow's battalion of seamen, who fell at the storm of the western forts. Mr. Walter Kendall, mate of the same ship, a very deserving officer, lost his leg, I am sorry to add, at the same time.
I have the honor to forward a return of the killed and wounded, and a list of ordnance captured. Of the killed and wouned on the enemy's side, it is difficult to form a correct estimate; but the Kwangchow foo acknowledged to me that of the Tartar troops, 500 had been killed, and 1,500 wounded on the 25th May-and I conceive that the killed and wounded on the Chinese side, upon the 30th, and in the different attacks made upon my flanks and line of communication, must have been double those numbers.
Bengal Governmental Notifications.
Extracts from the dispatches of sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, &c., &c., dated
June 2d 1841, and addressed to commodore, sir J. J. Gordon Bremer,
I closed my former letter with the details of our proceedings up to the moment the expedition was about to leave Hongkong for Canton. I have now the grati- fication to enter upon the details of a succession of operations, highly honorable I trust to her majesty's arms, and by which the large and populous city of Canton has been laid in complete submission at the feet of the queen's forces.
No overt act of hostility had taken place up to the 21st May, except remount- ing the guns in the Shameën battery, but the Chinese appear to have been per- fectly ready for attack. All remained quiet in the river until about 11 o'clock r. M., when an attempt was made with fire rafts to burn the advanced vessels. This attack not only totally failed, but was followed up by a gallant attack on the Sha- meën battery, and the silencing of it by the vessels of the squadron, under the im- mediate supperintendence of captain Herbert of the Calliope, and the destruction of large flotilla of fire vessels, which the Chinese had been preparing, and had brought out of the branch of the river which leads north of the town. About the same time, though later in the night, the Alligator was attacked off Howqua's fort; and to show how necessary it was to have been always on our guard, the fire janks came up with the flood tide in a direction with the merchant vessels at Whampoa, where all seemed to sleep in security. Captain Kuper's account of his prompt and decisive conduct in repelling the attack, I have also No. 1.
the honor to forward.
Opinions were uncertain as to the feasibility of entering the northward branch of the river, and of floating at low water. To determine this I availed myself once more of the zeal and great ability of commander Belcher, who most hand- somely volunteered to explore it with his own boats, assisted with three others from the Pylades, and Modeste, and Algerine, all placed under the command of that gallant and judicious officer lieutenant Goldsmith of the Druid, who was attached to the Blenheim, in that ship's launch, and who had orders to protect commander Belcher in his surveying operations.
The major-general and myself went to Canton to make a reconnoisance and a personal inspection on the same day, the 23d. In our progress we observed a firing and explosions in the direction of captain Belcher's party; and commander Belcher's letter, a copy of which I enclose, gives the detail of a gallant No. 2.
and spirited affair which took place in the creek. At 11 at night, commander Belcher returned with the gratifying intelligence that he had dis- covered an excellent landing place on a pier, with water enough for the Sulphur close to it at low water. The ground directly around it rose in low hills, and a line of hills appeared to continue to the height near the city, although there might be swampy ground in the small vallies dividing them.
Our united force consisting of the ships and vessels named in the margin, com- prising in their crews, officers, seamen, and marines inclusive, about 3200 men, Forming the Macao fort division, out of which about 1000 officers, seamen, and Blenheim, Blonde, Sulphur, marines were landed to serve with the army. Hyacinth, Nimrod, Modeste,
The military force under that gallant, distin Pylades, Cruiser, Columbine, guished, and experienced officer major-generał Algerine, Starling. Steamers, sir Hugh Gough, comprised her majesty's 49th Atalanta and Nemesis.
regiment, 311 in number, 37th Madras natives infantry 240, Bengal Voluntee s 79, royal artil-
Forming the Whampoa division.
VOL. X. NO. X.
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Calliope, Conway, Herald, Alligator.
lery 38, Madras artillery 232, sappers and mi- ners 171, her majesty's 18th Royal Irish 535, and her majesty's 26th Cameronians 317, mak- ing about 2223.
The Wellesley, al Wangtong sent up her marines and 160 seamen, Captain Herbert was stationed at Whampoa with the Calliope, Conway, Her- ald and Alligator, and was directed on the 24th to take the command of the force, afforded by the four vessels under his orders, and pushing up with the flood-tide with such vessels as could proceed, or with the boats of the ships, endeavor to take possession of and secure the arsenal. I informed him that the ships near the factory would drop down and secure the Dutch fort, and to keep up an enfilading fire on the face of the works thrown up in front of the city where I understood many guns where mounted. I left it to his own judgment to act ac- cording to circumstances, in endeavoring to drive the enemy from the French fort and to endeavor to open the communication with the ships of war to the westward and with the commanding officer of the left column stationed at the
factories. I beg to enclose a letter I have received from captain No. 3, Herbert, detailing the part he took in the affair that followed, where the usual gallantry and zeal were displayed by her majesty's seamen and royal marines. Commander Warren, with his gig's crew, first placed his colors on the walls of the French fort. Commander Warren was also ordered, with the ships under his command, to take up his anchorage in line along the town from the western fort as far as the factory, and to connonade the exterior to prevent the enemy from firing on the right column as it passed. After the enemy's fire had been silenced he was to leave the Nimrod and another vessel to keep the enemy in check at that quarter, and to detach the rest of his force to secure the Dutch fort, and to place them with the Atalanta so as tó enfilade the line of bat- teries in front of the city, but he was not to expose his ships to the front fire of the heavy guns, said to be placed there, until the enemy were shaken in their position. The landing of the left column was placed under his particular charge, and it was not to land until he had made the signal.
So affectually and vigorously did commander Warren execute these instruc- tions, that when the right column passed his station, every things had been com- pleted and all was still; the detail of this gallant affair is aunexed in No. 4.
a copy of bis letter, where I regret to observe the loss of men was more than had been ordinary.
A return of the killed and wounded is here added, and although it may appear strange to see the wounded of the army in the naval report, yet the two No. 5.
corps had been so entirely mingled together, their services so blend- ed, and such intimate harmony has existed, that it would be difficult to make any separation between the acts of either or the circumstances that concerned them. The two officers who had fallen, major Becher of the Indian army, deputy quarter master general, a very old officer who had served ably in the Burmese war, and lieut. Fox, first of the Nimrod, have united the regret of all by their characters and services. The same shot took off the legs of lieut. Fox and of Mr. Kendal his shipmate, the gunnery mate of the Nimrod, the former `fell a victim to his wound, the latter has survived amputation. I thought it would gratify Mr. Kendal to give him an acting conmission as lieut. of the Nimrod in lieut. Fox's vacancy. on the field of hattle until your pleasure is known-though his wound will disable him from doing his duty perhaps for some time, and may oblige him to go home.
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I have the honor to inclose lists of the officers who have been engaged in the operations on shore and afloat in boats, but it must be remarked that the duties and the fatigues of commander Pritchard of the Blenheim, and of those who remained on board their respective ships, were increased in the same ratio as their numbers were diminished, and that the ultimate success is the attainment of the whole body, each working in his praticular sphere. The names of many will be seen who have already distinguished themselves at Chuenpee, Anunghoy, Wang- tong and the many affairs in the Canton river, and no doubt have already, like their brother-officers at Acre, been so fortune as to secure their country's notices Never was there a superior set of zealous able commanders. Commander. Belcher and Warren have only continued in that path of able and judicious ser- vice on which they have so long traveled their own services will always attract attention,of the lieutenants, It. Joseph Pearce, It. Goldsmith, It. Watson, sir Frederick Nicholson, It. Morshead, first of their respective vessels, may, perhaps, be named without injury to all others who well played their parts,-to It. Kellett, of the Starling, I am much obliged; and It. Mason, of the Algerine, has won his promotion by a long series of gallant and brave services. I beg to acknowledge the zeal and the assistance I have had from every captain and offi- cer of the squadron whom I have had the happiness to command.
To captain T. HERBERT, commanding the advanced squadron.
Her majesty's ship Alligator, off Howqua's folly, May 22d, 1841. Sir, I have the honor to acquaint you that last night, shortly after 12 o'clock an attack was made by the Chinese upon her majesty's ship Alligator, under my command, by fire rafts. They were chained in pairs, and brought down in a direct line for the ships on a flood tide: owing to the confined position I was in, and the sunken junks and line of stakes astern, I could not ship, but by steering ship, and the activity of It. Stewart, first of this ship, and Messrs. Woolcombe and Baker, mates, in command of the boats, they were towed clear, althongh they passed within ten yards of the bows: as I had reason to believe that a con- siderable force was assembled in the vicinity, to take advantage of any accident that might occur, I fired several shots on both sides to clear the banks. No damage has been sustained.
(Signed)
I have the honor to be, &c.,
AUGUSTUS L. KUPER, captain (acting).
Capt. sir H. LE FLEMING SENHOUSE, KT., K. C. H, senior officer, &c., &c.
Her majesty's ship Sulphur, off Canton, May 23d, 1841. Sir,-In pursuance of your directions I proceeded up the creek on the western side of Canton in order to examine the nature of the country, our force consisting of the Druid's launch, lieutenant Goldsmith (1st lieutenant of the ship) Sulphur's pinnace, and two cutters, Modeste, Pylades, and Algerine's cutters, Starling's cutter, and my gig, the two first-named boats carrying guns.
On approaching Neishing, where the boats of the squadron were yesterday engaged, I observed the fast-boats of the enemy collected in great numbers, part retreated by a creek to the left, but shortly after returned and manifested a dispo- sition to impede our progress, by firing guns and drawing up across the creek. Our advance, and notice of our determination by a round from each of the boats
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carrying guns, put them to flight, and in a very short period 13 fast-boats, 5 war junks and small craft collected, amounting to 28 in all, were in flames. Fire rafts were in readiness, on the banks of the creek, but too well secured by chains, and therefore beyond our ability to destroy during our short stay.
The whole force behaved with their usual gallantry, and the commander of the division under my direction (lieutenant Goldsmith) afforded me that steady determined support, which so particularly distinguishes him, and which caused me to ask you for his cooperation.
The enemy being posted in force on a hill above us, prevented me, in obedi- ence to your orders, from exposing my small party by an attempt to dislodge them. But I fully succeeded in effecting my reconnoitre by being hoisted to the mast head of the largest junk from whence I was able to survey the whole sur- rounding country.
From that examination I am happy to acquaint you that landing on solid ground is perfectly practicable. That the advance to the batteries situated on the hills north of Canton is apparently easy, and I have every reason to believe that our artillery will not meet with any extraordinary difficulty.
On my return I landed at the temple at Tsangpoo, where I found sand bags, and five small guns which were spiked and thrown into the sea. This temple, with other large commodious buildings, will afford ample quarters for the troops which may first be landed.
No casualties whatever occurred. I brought out with me one large fast-boat of sixty oars, the boat from which the officer escaped; and in pursuance of your separate orders collected vessels for the conveyance of 2000 soldiers.
I have the honor to enclose a list of boats and officers engaged, and am sir,
(Signed) Your most obedient servant, ED. BELCHER, commander.
To capt. sir H. LE FLEMING SENHOUSE, kt, K. C. H. &c., &c., Canton river.
Sir, I received your orders of the 24th instant, a little before noon on that day, and immediately proceeded with the boats and marines of the Calliope and Con- way to the Alligator off Howqua's fort, making the signal to the Herald to close and send her boats.
I ordered captain Kuper to move the Alligator up the right bank of the river past Napier's fort, where he anchored her in her own draught, and the boats were pushed up as far as possible without exposing them to the enemy's fire. A little before sunset I observed the Algerine moving down past the Dutch fort and she shrotly anchored and engaged a battery on the Canton side which she silenced; anxious to cooperate with her I went ahead with captain Bethune to reconnoitre, but was stopped by a shot through my boat from the French fort.
I remained under cover of the point until dark, when I sent captain Bethune with a division of boats to support her, and a concerted signal having been made, I joined her with the whole force at 2 A. M.
The arsenal being secured, I reconnoitred the line of defense, and perceived that it could not be attacked with advantage without having heavier guns in posi tion than those of the Algerine. I therefore lost no time in ordering the other sloops down, and at the same time put myself in communication with major Pratt, commanding H. M. 26th in the factory.
Finding that the Modeste was the only vessel likely to be got across the har,
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and there appearing even some doubt of her accomplishing the passage, I fitted shell guns in three of the captured war junks.
Captain Eyres having succeeded by great exertion in getting his vessel over the bar, I this morning moved her, Algerine, and the gun junks on the French fort, the enemy deserted the upper defense, and about 9 a. . opened the fire from the fort, which was speedily silenced; I then cleared the beach by a few well directed broadsides, and made the signal to advance. Captain Bethune immedia- tely landed on shore with the storming party and the fort was carried in the most gallant style; the whole line of defense extended about two miles from the factory, which, with the exception of the French fort, had been lately constructed in the strongest manner, has been destroyed, and communication is opened with the ships of Napier's fort. The guns destroyed are 64 in number, including four 104. inch calibre-the Dutch fort was not armed.
To that excellent and able officer captain Bethune, I fell particularly indebted, and my best thanks are also due to commanders Warren and Gifford, who assisted in the attack. This is the sixth time I have had occasion to mention the gallant conduct of commander Eyres; lieutenant Mason, commanding the Algerine, acquitted himself entirely to my satisfaction; and both captain Eyres and himself speak in the highest terms of the assistance they received from lieutenant Shute, and Mr. Dolling, mate, their seconds in command, and all the other officers and
Lieutenants Haskell and Hay, senior of Cruizer, and Pylades, directed the guns in the junk with the greatest ability-captain Bethune speaks in the highest terms of lieutenants Watson, Coryton, Colinson, Morshead, Hayes, Hamilton, and Mr. Brown, master, as also lieutenant Hayes of the Bombay marines, and of all the other officers and men employed more immediately under his orders, a list of whom is annexed. The party of marines was commanded by lieutenant Urquhart, assisted by lieutenant Marriott, lieutenant Somerville, agent of trans- ports, aided with some boats of the transports. Lieutenant Gabbott, of the Madras artillery, threw shells with great effect from one of the junks, and major Pratt offered in the handsomest manner to cooperate in the attack, if required.
T. HERBERT.
(Signed)
Capt. of H. H. ship. Calliope, and senior officer present.
To captain sir HUMPHREY LE FLEMING SENHOUSE, kt, K. C. H., &c.
Her majesty's sloop Hyacinth, off Canton, May 26th, 1841. Sir, I have the honor to acquaint you that immediately on the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, I weighed with the advanced squadron and ordered her majesty's sloop Nimrod to attack the Shameën fort, on the west end of the sub- urbs, supported by her majesty's sloop Pylades. Her majesty's sloop under my command being placed abreast of the English factory to silence and dislodge any troops that might be there, and also with a view of covering the landing of her majesty's 26th regiment. Her majesty's sloops Modeste, Cruizer, and Columbine, taking up a position to attack the Dutch folly fort, and to enfilade the line of bat- teries, lately thrown up in frout of the city to the eastward of that fort. On the ships taking up their position three fire vessels were sent adrift, and although the tide was running very strong by timely dispatch of boats they were enabled to clear the ships and tow three on shore and set fire to the suburbs.
Poo Nang Che tsăng sin.
In the performance of this service they opened their fire on the boats and ship- ping. In half an hour the enemy were completely silenced to the eastward of the Dutch folly fort. After reconnoitring the factory and finding it quite desert- ed, I immediately ordered the preconcerted signal for her majesty brig Algerine and steamer Atalanta to approach with her majesty's 26th regiment, when they landed and took possession of the factory without the slighest casualty. This service being completed, I ordered lieut. Mason, commanding her majesty's brig Algerine, to proceed to attack a fort to the eastward, which I feel much pleasure in reporting to you was done in a particularly spirited and gallant style by that officer, but perceiving the firing to be so heavy from the forts, I ordered the boats of her majesty's ships to her support. Her majesty's sloop Hyacinth's under lieut. Stewart, and Mr. Peter Barcley, mate; Modesto's Mr. Fitzgerald, mate; Crui- zer's, lieut. Haskoll, and Mr. Thomas J. Darke, mate; Pylade's, lieut. Hay, and Columbine's lieuts. Hamilton, Helpman, and Mr. Miller, mate. It is gratifying to me to inform you, by half past seven the fort of eleven guns were silenced and the guns spiked, under a heavy fire of ginjalls and musketry from houses; at the same time I regret to add, it was not done without considerable loss. It would be impossible to particularize upon an occasion where every officer and man engaged against an enemy defending themselves with much vigor at all points, but in addition to my best thanks and acknowledgments to commanders Barlow, Eyres, Giffard, Anson, and Clarke, and lieutenant Mason, I hope you will give me leave to recommend to your particular notice my own 1st lieutenant W. H. Morshead, who was wounded in the hand in a personal engagement with an officer. Lieut. Mason of the Algerine speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Mr. Dolling, mate, and Mr. Higgs, second master of that vessel. I cannot con- clude without expressions of approbation of the steadiness of commander Rogers, of the India Navy, in conducting the Atalanta to her station.
I beg leave to attach a statement of the killed and wounded, and damage sustained by the ships engaged. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)
William Warren, commander.
Note. The whole number of killed was 15, of wounded 112, making a total of 127 in the military and naval forces.
ART. III. Poo Nang Che tsăng sin; A supplementary Sack of
Wisdom, new and improved edition, in 10 vols. small octavo. By Scholasticus..
CHINESE literature is exceedingly rich, and its stores almost inex- haustible. Having patiently perused classics, poets, historians and romances, and imagining himself to have obtained a comprehensive knowledge of all the writings of this people, one is surprised to stum- ble upon other works, which require a new study to unravel their
Poo Nang Che tsung sin.
meaning. In fact, it may be considered a hopeless task for any one man to master the written language in all its branches; and probably there is not one in the national college, who can at first sight ex- plain every book-so various are these works in their style.
Compare Chinese book-making with this art amongst other na- tions, and you will soon perceive, that it widely differs from that of any other people ancient or modern.
As for ancient learning in the west, we have to decipher old and defective manuscripts, requiring much toil and great critical judg- ment; for they are in foreign languages, which are imperfectly under- stood, since the people who spoke them have either ceased to exist; or have totally changed their idioms. And when, after much labor, the parchment is put into the printer's hands, it contains either the deeds of heroic nations of which the very traces are lost, or alludes to manners, usages, and religion to which the readers are stangers and can feel no attachment. The most stirring orations of a Demos- thenes and Cicero have lost much of their intrinsic value, since there exists no longer a Philip or Cataline to rouse every passion and feel- ing of patriotism. Sentiment, style, grandeur of conception, contain- ed in their classical writings, can never fail deeply to interest the tasteful reader; yet those who now identify themselves with the an- cients, and are so hurried on by enthusiasm as to become Greeks and Romans for a season, seem ridiculous in the eyes of many. Even the imitators of the noble patterns of eloquence and poetry are dis- regarded, and the only thing that remains for the attentive student of Grecian and Roman classics, is to embody their spirit in his works and to exhibit all their natural beauties in modern language, adapted to existing circumstances.
With the Chinese, however, it is quite different. When they first felt the want of a written medium, they engraved their characters on bamboo; and, though it be no easy work to read a book cut out on such a hard substance, yet it better resists the gnawing tooth of time, than our present flimsy paper, which the slightest touch or the most gentle attack of a worm reduces to tatters. It is not easy to divine how that prince of literature, Confucius, managed' with his innume rable blocks, when he composed the Shoo King.
Without telling us whence he got all his bamboos, he makes up stories and repeats speeches which were uttered more than a thousand years before his day, just as if he had been present and taken them down in short hand, and every Chinese looks upon his writing as genuine history. He was a most fortunate author, for his authority has never been
Poo Nang Che tsăng sin.
questioned, except by some sceptical barbarians, and if there are even galring contradictions in his compilations, Che hwangte gets all the credit of them, he having burnt all the books of the literati, so that not a single volume escaped. He indeed must have made bonfires of all the bamboo slips and like the caliph Omar heated a good many ovens, for otherwise how could he have obliterated every trace of lite- rature amongst a great nation? Moreover he must have been a very partial mam, since he left all other authors unscathed, and only pun- ished poor Confucius for his herisies, waging war not so much against the philosopher's own works, as against his compilations, the thoughts of ancient sages. Imagine Taoukwang giving orders to all the school- boys of the empire to deliver up their classics to be burnt, and con- template the scene in anticipation, and you would behold a more sublime spectacle than even Lin's destroying the opium, or Yih- shan's burning the vessels of the aliens.
This stubborn belief in their authenticity, however, has given a peculiar character to the whole literature of this country. It has taught all succeeding writers to quote the assertions of their prede- cessors as axioms, and to avoid the trouble either of thinking upon a subject or of reasoning about the justness of a remark. Moreover the propensities of the sons of Han for talking and writing being of a superior order, there is naturally no end to books. The ancient authors, in imitation of Confucius, boldly assumed the high ground of dictation, and wrote whatever come into their minds. If the rea- der will take the trouble of looking into the celebrated writings of the Shih Tsze, or ten philosophers, (Greece had only seven,) he will soon convince himself, that these men, in many instances, put sound- sense and logic at defiance, mix fable and truth, talk direct nonsense and practical wisdom in the same breath, and leave the reader to doubt, whether, when writing, they had been sober or not. Even Confucius, much admired as he is and justly too, is not free from this fault. Now it would have been pardonable, in these lawgivers, to talk thus for their own amusement, or to raise a laugh at their expense in future;
but it is rather too bad, that they should have taught the whole race of authors after them, to repeat, parrot-like, sense and nonsense, and to fill thousands of volumes with the same odd verbiage. The great mischief is, that this literature is so very void of realities, and so loves to sore in undefined and fairy regions, leaving men and things as they are to take care of themselves. In poesy we must make due allowance, for if rhymesters and verse-makers were not allowed to wander through the air, there would be an end to the whole profes-
Poo Nang Che tsang sin.
sion. Philosophers, too, must have their due allowance of threading, through metaphysical labyrinths with light steps, and be indulged sub- lime flights, amusing themselves with no entities and building ether real castles, speaking in riddles and beguiling human reason. But when we find geographers, historians, &c., talking the same absur- dities, and writing and quoting poetry where they ought to use only saber prose, we cannot but be displeased. We have had the misfor- tune of opening hundreds of volumes either descriptive or narrative, and we have found little information. Take a topographical work, for instance, and you will find that, besides names and dates, which are tolerably correct, there is such a collection of gallimatia, that fifty volumes might be condensed into one. There are indeed honorable exceptions, but they are few. Their very statistics do not always escape this bane, and many an edict is as poetical as Le Taepik's effusions. This taste has prevailed throughout all ages, even when knight errantry and romance were entirely out of vogue. If any man ; shonld abandon the beaten track and write useful books for some good to the purpose, he would be denounced as a literary heretic. Still the nation at large is remarkable for the practical tendency of, its genius and sound sense, though occasionally disturbed by cunning, so that its literature forms a direct contrast to the current principles of action.
Under such circumstances one would have thought, that useful. knowledge, conveyed in the prize essays at the public examinations, would win the day; but it is not so. All the successful candidates, whose treatises are printed and subjected to the judgment of the public, exoel in rodomontade and quotations from authors as spicy and jucoherent as some of our own Latin Collectapea. It is, however, a most extraordinary thing that these glaring defects in literature are made up by work of fiction, which take the very opposite road, and instead of dwelling upon names, intrigues, foolish stories, rites and, ceremonies, like all grave historians, give a lively, description of the, age, countries and people. There is a historical work called San Kwo Che, in many large octavo volumes; and, when you have forced yourself to read the dry and uninteresting detail of its pages, you have scarcely any conception of the extraordinary events that filled China with war and devastation for a long period; but after, having read the little book of fiction of the same name, you seem to live in those remote ages, and see the heroes and heroines actually flitting before you, as if the author, were, using a magic lantern. There are hundreds and thousands of volumes of this kind, which, with all their
VOL. X NO. X.
Poo Nang Che tsang sin.
défects convey ideas of the existing state of things, such as you might in vain look for in the most 'celebrated authors, that ́pretended to ac- tual' 'delineation of facts. Another instance of distorted genius we have in the case of Sỏo Tungpoo, who has often had the 'honor 'of passing for a poet, though he is in fact ́a mere' essayist. ¦ ¦ He ́has' col- lected edicts,' epigrams, poems, ditties, discourses," remonstrances,' and we do not know what besides, and has gained every high'rénown ́ with his countrymen. But, when you have perused all, 'you' find that' your knowledge about the 'times in which he lived is by no means expanded, and that the historical novel of the Sung dynasty, is, so far as information goes, far more valuable. A spell has come over the host of Chinese authors, a magical narrowmindedness, communicat- ed by the book-making fraternity at Peking, the highest doctors and literary characters of the empire. They fiever write sober prose, or detail simple matters of fact; consequently the servile crowd of imitators, throughout the provinces, dare not deviate from the está- blished 'rule.
Such a state of things has more than one disagreeable conse- quence. The worst perhaps is, that foreigners, and even natives of common education, can understand only a small part of these works. Wherever there are quotations, ́ taken at random from some quaint authors, without regard to the context, even Chinese literati äre at a' stand. The great bulk of books, therefore, must first be attentively studied, before they can be intelligible to the 'common reader. One can not take up a work and read on, without constantly meeting with hard passages, which may perhaps 'be explained by repeatedly perusing the whole context. Few then, however, have either leisure or patience to do so, and hence it happens, that by far the greater part of the written language, remanis' sealed up in libraries. We have seen extensive collections of books in Chinese houses, scarcely one of which, if not a novél, håd'éver been touched since it came out of the hands of the binder.”712 HNETUR 9mg là sail
"But, notwithstanding all these faults, the Chinese highly esteem and admire their national literature. It is their darling object of pur- suit. -- Whether good or bad, books will always fifid a publisher, and be reprinted in endless succession! All that they have of their own productions, however ancient, are written in a living language which is spoken at this day, with few variations. Their numerous characters have rendered the imprint of their thought's lasting; the men who first civilized their country are of their own flesh and blood and their errors and excellencies are perpetuated amongst their posterity.
Poo Nang Che tsăng sin.
With such endearing remembrances, it is scarcely possible that the Chinese ever could despise their grandsires or their immortal works. And, reasoning consistently that the experience of many centuries will stamp maxims with greater veracity, than the suggestions of the new-fangled freak of a moment howsoever specious, they naturally stand by all that, the ancients have said, and will not go a step far- ther, and whether right or wrong, they staunchly maintain their writ Lings and multiply, numberless editions. The Board of Rites even refused to change the system of geography, though the missionaries gave ocular, proofs that there existed a great number of other coun- tries, besides those entered on the list bequeathed by the ancients.
What would Rome have been, if Cæsar, had, understood the art of xylography, and had printed his commentaries, with a good sized newspaper, to convince the world, that he was solely living and act ing for the benefit of the commonwealth There would have been no end of books, if the versatile Greeks could have availed them- selves of this art, and, transmitted their thoughts, at their hearts' de- sire, to the most remote ages. Such however was the good fortune of the Chinese. When the original writers had carefully consigned their sentiments to slips of bamboo, their ingenious countrymen pro- cured paper, and ink, and printing with blocks, struck off innumerable copies. Thus it happened that, during the middle ages, books were reprodured with immense facility, and nothing of ancient lore was lost to the world. We have therefore treatises upon every subject, within the compass of human comprehension, and when our western nations glory in some new invention, let them remember, that some obscure Chinese author, had perhaps a crude idea of the same matter many centuries ago, and has written long essays upon the subject. We really despair of adducing anything, of which the Chinese have not some notion, expressed either in curious prose or long winding rhymes, We have seen treatises on hollow shot, rockets, and bombs, as they were used in the ninth century; we have met, with essays on metallic currency, and the banking system; we have even seen notices about the power of steam, and its practical application to useful purposes; and a great many other things, which are at first sight really sur- prizing. But they are mere infant notions, incipient thoughts, which if properly followed up would lead to great results. Nor are they brought to light by the present generation, but are the conceptions of writers who lived centuries ago; but it is enough to have all these things in books, and to prove, that China once possessed profound and inventive thinkers.
Poo Nang Che tsăng sin.
Pardon us, gentle reader, for taking this very roundabout way to offer our criticism upon the work before us. It belongs to a nondes- cript genus, is neither fiction nor truth, but a collection of anecdotes for the valuable purpose of teaching people wisdom. Hence it has received the honorable appellation of a 'sack,' which we shall endea- vor to empty at random, to show in some measure its contents.
The writer naturally
In the preface, we are given to understand, that this is a prime collection, made by Păng Manglang on purpose to enlighten man- kind, and has undergone many improvements, until it attained its pre- sent size. In examining the index, we perceive that the compiler divides the subject into superior wisdom, clear wisdom, searching wisdom, wisdom of bravery, artful wisdom, ready wisdom, wisdom iu speaking and military affairs, wisdom of the harem and miscella- neous wisdom; each of these species is illustrated by thè èxample of the most celebrated personages, that ever lived in China, including ladies and gentlemen. The writer naturally begins with Confucius, the minor of wisdom. He was a courtier, saw much of high life, was 'occasionally reduced to great straits, and frequently obliged to dený his own principles. The questi has often been put, whether a statesman can, under all circumstances in which he is placed by his office, adhere to rectitude or not; if this is applied to the Chinese we give an answer unhesitatingly in the negative. The philosopher himself felt this frequently. On being charged with the murder of a man, likely in his way, he makes out a case of moral turpitude, which though extremely offensive to the wellbeing of human socie- ty, was not deserving of capital punishment by the laws of the land, and this is quoted as an instance of his superior wisdom. And then there follows the moral of the thing, that an intelligent prince might take away the life of servants, in whom he discovered the latent pro pensities of future mischief. This is indeed a very convenient doc- trine. At another time the sage had his horse arrested by the pea- santry on account of a trespass upon a corn-field. Confucius, how- ever, talked them out of this presumption and got his steed back.
A general was falsely accused, by an unworthy sycophant to his prince of having acted deceitfully. The sovereign summoned the ac- cuser before him, at once saw through the falsehood, and sent him back to the warrior to receive punishment for his crime. The gene- ral looked upon the miserable man, and, showing him his death war- rant signed, then asked whether he would atone for his wickedness by fighting the enemy; bat mark, he added, if you lose the battle you must die. The culprit went away and conquered the foe.
Poo Nang Che tsăng sửn.
Another prince observed a soldier, on duty, steadfastly fixing his eyes on a favorits, a very beautiful lady; and, upon being asked what he was about, gave no answer; but, being sent against the enemy with the prospect of making the dainsel his wife in case of success, he manfully fought the battle, and obtained the hand of the fair one. This was a man of wisdom. ́
An emperor sent a eunuch to the western sea to purchase some extraordinary jewels. On his return they were hid, and even the record of the transaction was kept a secret. A minister asked the reason of this strange proceeding, and was sold, that the undertaking had entailed so much misery upon the soldiers as well as on the peo- ple, that the wisest thing to be done was to obliterate all remem brance of the affair. This was wisdom.
Kwang: Woo of the Han dynasty killed an officer, and then one of the underlings collected several thousand papers to slander him, and passed them over to the emperor. The latter handed them over to the lictors, and giving orders to burn them, requested to let the mad rest in peace. This is another sample of wisdom.
Some individuals seen to be gifted with this valuable attribute, which we might have been translated foresight. The book before us gives a number of instances, such as the suggestions of Chekwo, a statesman, who, by suitable advice and deep observation of the state of things, saved the life of his prince, and prevented a total defeat of his forces. But this was not his only prudent act, he always found out ways and means, and had he lived in our times, he ought to have been made a minister of finance to pay off national debt. Another worthy courtier, whenever he saw ang approaching danger, would on no account give himself up to joyous festivity, to which he was much addicted, but would remain sober and quiet, until the critical mo- ment was passed.
A very enterprizing scholar having arrived at the capital, and there proved himself very inquisitive, gave evidence of considerable accomplishments, so as to attract the notice of a densor. On nearer acquaintance, he was discovered to possess talents and abilities that fitted him to undertake the government of the whole country. The prudent sovereign having fully convinced himself, that this aspiring genius would prove troublesome, had him instantly killed.
One of the petty princes murdered a man, and wanted to employ his son in a high office, because he was of an unbending character and never swerved from the principles of rectitude. His minister however remonstrated, and proved that he would never forgive the
Poo Nang Che stung sin.
prince for having beheaded his parent. Yet the monarch doubted the result until he found the son in open rebellion, and was obliged
to sentence him to death.
A general was accused of misdeeds in the most severe manner, so that the prince was obliged to call him to court, in order to give au account of his proceedings. One of the presidents having himself denounced him as a traitor, there was very little chance of escaping the doom. But the general, on entering the imperial appartments, did not show the least syınptom of fear, but with a noble, front met his master. The latter cast a searching look upon the hard features of the warrior, and perceiving, nothing suspicions, immediately de- clared. him, innocent, and, put the false accuser to.death...
Thousands of superstitious people thronged around a living Budba, who was stopping in one of the temples, and pasted, the surrounding images with gold, in order to show due respect towards the moving idol. Suddenly there came a hail-storm, that did great damage, and he crops of the people were uearly annihilated, yet still it did not cease. Thereupon an influen-ial man lighted a fire, burnt the images, got the gold which had melted into a lump, and then had it distributed. The hail than immediately ceased.
An officer who had to administer justice in several districts, made it the business of his life to inquire accurately into the state of the people under his charge, and when, by reiterated interrogatories, he had fully ascertained a man's circumstances he put it carefully.down in a book.. On a certain day, he comamnded all to appear in order to raise an income tax, according to the valuation of property... He gave at the same time to each, a paper requesting thim to write down what he might be able to pay. When they appeared before him, they were surprised to find an accurate account,drawn up of their goods and chattles, with a fair valuation already made.
HA'ararsh in Keängsoo prevented communication between two thickly inhabited districts. An ingenious native, therefore planted rushes, encircled the waters, and; completely drained, a part of them into a ditch dug on purpose... But, enough of this, wisdom....
We are now come to searching: wisdom, and quote only a few in- stances. A man had written an essay, part of which was obliterated by a villain, and other characters were put in the blanks. The writer lost thereby his promotion, and, bitterly complained about the injus- tice done to him.`.But being anxious to discover the trick, which had been played upon him, he held the paper towards the light, and there discovered the original, characters, which, when subsequently
Poo Nang Che stằng sin.⠀⠀
immerged in water, appeared all legible; and the author of the deceit was severly punished.
Amurder had been committed, but the real author of it could not be found out: Though there were a number of criminals in the prison, upon whom suspicion fell, the horrible deed could be brought home to nobody. In this emergency the offices invited all the prisoners to a repast, and had their fetters knocked off." Wher'all had risen from their meal; they returned to their dungeons and only one man was kept back! He; with a frightened Countenance asked for the reason' of"not 'being "allowed" to "go with his fellows, and was told, that he was the murderer. On inquiring farther for the proof of this assertion, he was informed," that he had taken the chopsticks in his left hand, and the murdered man having been wounded in his right side, he therefore must be the assassin. Though, in our humble opinion, this is a non-sequitur, the culprit was actually convicted on the proof thus adduced by the wary officer; doelt dru lemnisng on
Of the wisdom of bravery we have an instance in a general, who was sent against the Huns. After having inveigled them into securi ty, he suddenly attacked them with fire and sword and cut off the heads of more than one hundred individuals. By this surprise and an act of treachery, he so frightened the enemy, that they willingly surrendered. Of this wisdom both Yang Fung and Yihshan, have given proofs, but they did not succeed so fully, and therefore deserve no place in this book.
From the chapter of artful wisdom (a term that might also be tran· slated low cunning), a great deal might be quoted, because it is babi- tual to all sons of the Han. Proofs of this propensity, however, being of daily' récurrence, we refrain quoting instances from ancient lore. Of ready wisdom there are sundry examples. The heir to the im- perial crown was approaching a first rate archer, and would certainly have been killed, if he had not attended to the exclamation of a mi- mister to throw himself down instantly: The promptness, with which the admonition was obeyed, saved his life. Another courtier having ascertained, "that" a minister had some treasonable designs against his sovereign, saw himself powerless in his hand, without being able
render any assistance to his master.
He therefore managed to have all the bridges destroyed, by which the soldiers would ad- vance, and thus procured time for his prince to advance upon the capital.
An emperor asked his minister what books he was accustomed to read at home: "The statesman was liiglily surprised at this question,
Wanton Use of Native Words.
and remarked: "Your majesty: asks about the books I read, and never inquires about the state of the country over which you rule.”
Another emperor asked one of his servants, how he succeeded with the field, about which there had been a lawsuit, and was told, that his sphere was with superior men who did not design to converse about such trifles,
These may suffice as specimens from the Sack of Wisdom. May the reader be as much benefited thereby, as the kind-hearted compil- er of this work intended. The language is very terse, in imitation of the style of the classics. Had we spoke about the wisdom of speech, or rather repartees, we might have brought forward many a good answer to an impertinent question. The perusal of the whole leaves the, impression of dullness, that is heightened by the reader's ignorance of the personages, that are the actors in these stories. One, who, wishes to read the work with zest, must previously have become. acquainted with the heroes and heroines, and be their admirer, and their several anecdotes may then be found amusing, but otherwise it will be a very sorry, task...;
ART. IV. The wanton use of native words by foreign writers,
reprobated by the Colonial Magazine and Friend of India. WHEN Occasionally we have hinted our dislike of the practice of using native words, and others that are not English, we have only uttered the sentiments of many competent judges in literary matters. We have no dislike to Chinese or Japanese, to Arabic or Mantchou, Malay, Bugis, Siamese, Pali, Sanscrit, or the modern dialects of India; though we profer plain English to any of these languages. It has become very common, however, among a certain class of writers, and chiefly such as wish to make a great show of a little knowledge, to bespangle their pages with native words-words foreign to the lan guage in which they write we say chiefly, because some have fallen into this habit, without any such intention, and who are far enough from wishing to make a display of learning which they do not possess. Though our own pages may not always be free from the fault in question, yet we do not hesitate to join with the Colonial
Wanton Use of Native Words.
Gazette and Friend of India in reprobating it. The better to show at what we are aiming, we will here enumerate some of the local words, which may, and ought to be, we think, disused-chinchin, chop, consoo, cumsha, fankwei, foke, hong, joss-house, junk, mandarin, muske, muster, samshew, &c.
The writer in the Colonial Gazette, who subscribes himself' Plain English,' argues the case like a lawyer. Addressing the editor of that journal as judge, he says:-
"The parties I would cite to your bar are many, of various pro- fessions, and of either sex-Mrs. Postaus, sir William Lloyd, Mr. Vigne, captain Osborne, captain Havelock, in short, almost all who have lately written on the affairs of India; and the offense to be laid to their chargé is that of introducing into their narratives oriental, and therefore unintelligible words, wantonly, without necessity, and from affectation, to the exclusion of the English equivalents, which would have embodied the meaning with equal significance to the mind of the author, and with the trifling advantage to the reader of being understood. This strange unnatural mode of concealing, rather than expressing, what is meant to be said, is so fréquent with these writers (for in this respect they are all alike), that one is led to speculate on what can be the common cause that has infected so many otherwise sensible and agreeable people with such an epidemic of bad taste. *** Whatever may be the cause that has seduced these writers into this unfortunate habit, it is high time that it were corrected; it is high time that they should be admonished of the intolera- ble weariness which gradually steals over the mind of the reader from the constant occurrence of words, the meaning of which is only to be guessed at by the context. Let them consider how seriously the use of this piebald jargon must prevent their works from becoming po- pular; how much it must retard that consummation, so devoutly to be wished, when the public mind of England shall make itself fa- miliarly and in earnest acquainted with the condition and the pros- pects, the rights and the wrongs, of our Indian possessions. * * *
"To introduce a better order of things, to awaken interest where there is indifference, and to substitute knowledge for ignorance, should be the object and ambition of all writers upon India; but to succeed in instructing, they must condescend to please. At any rate, it is in their power to cease to offend by calling common things by uncommon names. The lively and entertaining Mrs. Postans, who describes the domestic life of the natives so well, must, if she wishes for readers in London, as well as at Bombay, be content
VOL. X. NO. X.
Wanton Use of Native Words.
to describe her next visit to the court of a Mohammedan chief without qalling it a durbur-must fill it with courtiers and attendants, instead of chelaks and chobdars-pay her respects to his wives, instead of his bebees-find their eyelids tinged with antimony, instead of soormay, and be entertained with dancing girls, instead of natches. Surely the names of the people and places she encounters might be quf- ficient to gratify her taste for dissonant and barbarous sounds, with- out inflicting upon us the native appellations of ordinary things. Does she not meet with Syud Azim-oo-deen, Jemsetjee Jeejeebhoy, and Janjerjee Nasserwanjee; and does she not travel to Parabuthee, Mahabuleshwar, and Pertabghur, and might she not be content? Nabobs and rajahs, and even maha-rajahs, we shall always be glad to hear about from so amusing and graphic a writer; but we must take the liberty of informing her, that many of the articles she deals in are unquestionably contraband, and that the next time she pre- sents herself with her luggage to be overhauled-and we hope it will not be long before she makes the experiment-neither chattrahs, nor bhuprahs, nor howdahs, nor bunders, nor bobajees, will be permitted to pass muster at the critical custom-house.”
In popular works, instead of giving the names of weights and mea- sures, &c., in native terms, their equivalents ought in most if not in all cases to be introduced. For the names of officers, corresponding titles may generally be obtained. But for persons and places native names must be used, with few exceptions. Thus we must write Yunnan and not the Cloudy, South,' Szechuen and not 'the Four Streams. However, Yellow river, North river, and some other names, are, we think, preferable to the native terms Hwang ho, Pih ho, &c. If writers desire to have their books and essays read extensively, they must divest them of all unnecessary encumbrances. The Friend of India reasons well on this point, and we gladly quote from his excellent paper the following pertinent remarks made in support of the Co- lonial Gazette, in behalf of Plain English.
"However it may serve to give an oriental character to their com- positions, and possibly to impress the English reader with a feeling of respect for their learning, its natural and inevitable tendency is to abridge the number of their readers, and to disgust those who muster courage to go through their productions. Indian subjects are still comparatively unwelcome in England, and, until of late, were all but proscribed in what was esteemed good society. It is a happy cir- cumstance that this feeling of aversion has been in some measure removed, and that a more lively interest is now taken in everything
Wanton Use of Native Words.
that relates to this country. This favorable disposition ought to be fostered by all those who have information to communicate; whereas the course, which is now pursued, is calculated in too many instances to revive and increase the prejudice against everything Indian.
We are fully aware that it is impossible, on all occasions, to avoid the adoption of native words, more especially in cases in which corres- ponding or suitable words cannot be found in English for things which do not exist in England; then an explanation of the foreign and barbarous terin should invariably be given. But in some of the works, to which the writer alludes, numerous instances may be found of so unnecessary' a use of native terms, that it can be traced only to the love of display or to mere wantonness. There is too great a dispo- sition manifested to introduce them on every possible occasion. Any writer, however, who is persuaded that to be understood is a higher object than to be admired for the use of foreign and learned words, will seek to reduce the occasions in which they are introduced, and to regulate the adoption of them by the rules of a rigid necessity. If our cotemporaries will not take amiss the advice of one who feels deeply interested in the growing influence and power of the Indian press, we would ask them to bear in mind, that they are no longer writing for an ludian audience only; that it is from their columns that the community in England and on the continent is gradually forming its estimate of the British institutions of India, and of their influence on the well-being of its population. They must remember that nearly eighty thousand copies of newspapers, published in India, find their way during the year to England, and that they are writing for the meridians of London, Paris, and Vienna, as well as for that of Calcutta. They cannot therefore be too careful how they allow their pages to be disfigured with words almost unintelligible in Europe,' and for which corresponding terms might easily, or with a little care, be found in our own tongue."
No one of the words, which we have given above, is without its equivalent in English; and a full equivalent: thus for chinchin, you may have thanks or beg, as the case may chance to be: for chop, you` may have edict, passport, &c.; for consoo, public hall: to say the consoo in Canton, is quite as definite as to say the public hall, or the hotel in London; for the consoo in Canton are probably as numerous as the public halls in London; almost all the commercial companies in Canton, and all the different trades, have their respective consoo
(公所 kung sọ, or public places), each one its own; thus the com-
Morrison Education Society.
pany of merchants licensed to trade with foreigners has its consoo, where its public business, that which its members have in common, is transacted.
ART. V. The Third Annual Report of the Morrison Education
Society: read September 29th, 1841.
THE third annual meeting of the MORRISON EDUCATION SOCIETY was held at the residence of Rev. S. R. Brown, in Macao, on Wednesday the 29th September, 1841. The following gentlemen were present, Messrs. L. Dent, J. Matheson, W. Bell, E. Moller, S. W. Williams, W. A. Lawrence, B. Hobson, and the Rev. Messrs. E. C. Bridgman, W. J. Boone, W. C. Milne, D. Ball, J. L. Shuck, and S. R. Brown. In the absence of the recording secretary, Mr. Brown was requested to act in his place pro tem.
The President, Mr. Dent, having taken the chair, addressed the meeting to the following effect :
Looking to the long period that has clapsed since our last meeting, I consider it necessary to offer a few preliminary observations before our report is submitted to the meeting, and 1 regret to perceive it is so small, arising from the dispatch of several vessels this day, and other local occurrences, which I know have prevented the attendance of many friends of the Society. The peculiar circumstances that have caused the irregularity in our meetings are too well known to require explanation. Indeed, it is a matter of surprise that the Society has been able to struggle through the difficulties it has had to contend with, during the last three years; and our present position is greatly owing to the exertions and good management of the Corresponding and Recording Secretaries, to whom were necessarily intrusted the interests of the Society, and the other trustees have had little further to do, than to express satisfaction and sanction their acts. The trus tees have heretofore been unable to encourage the friends of the Society by exhibiting any very flattering results, but have had to bespeak their patience until the slow but (they felt) sure course they were adopting had time to develop itself. I have now, however, the pleasure to an. nounce the commencement of active operations. Our valued corres. pondents in America, professors Silliman, Goodrich, and Gibbs, of
Morrison Education Society.
Yale College, who, from its first establishment, have taken a serious interest in the Morrison Education Society, and exerted themselves to promote our views, at length succeeded in procuring a teacher, the Rev. Mr. Brown, who brought such testimonials as any man might be proud of. His talents and attainments are of a high order, and with these are combined presevering industry, habits of teaching, and well directed zeal.
"Mr. Brown came out accompanied by his lady, and although I ap- proach this subject as one almost too delicate to be discussed at a public meeting; yet I feel it a duty to express my opinion of the very great advantage received from Mrs. Brown's presence. She is equally with her husband devoted to the good cause, aud coöperates with him in every way to insure its success; but this I almost con- sider secondary in importance to the example the pupils have daily before their eyes of domestic virtues and happiness, which cannot but exert a most salutary influence on their own social habits. Ill health rendered a visit to the Straits desirable, which, while it has hap- pily been of advantage in the principal object, has not been unprodac- tive to the Society, as Mr. Brown had thereby an opportunity of per- sonally inspecting the Chinese schools and mode of teaching in other places. Nor was any detriment experienced here, his place having been most efficiently supplied by the gratuitous services of the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Boone, and the Rev. Mr. Milne ; and although I am well aware that to them the satisfaction of having done so much good is a sufficient reward, yet not the less are the grateful acknow. ledgments of this Society due.
"All particulars connected with the present state of the school and the progress of the boys, which are most satisfactory, are detailed in the report.
The number of pupils has been small, but the object was to teach a few well, and not to make a display of numbers; nor has it been from want of applications, but they were necessarily refused, so that those admitted begin to consider it a privilege. One of the most advanced and intelligent boys, formerly under the care of this Society, was, I may call it, inveigled away by commissioner Lin to act in the capacity of interpreter, and it may be presumed of adviser as to the cus- toms and opinions of foreigners; and he remained with Lin during the whole period of his holding office, and was fully employed in translating English papers and books, and well treated. This is a very good proof as well of the proficiency of the boy, as of the soundness of the system of education, that combines western with Chinese learning. This is the second or third instance in which boys known to be edu.
Morrison Education Society.
ented by the outside barbarians,' have been officially employed, and we shall gradually by such means dispel the prejudices of this people against foreigners.
"The trustees have been obliged for the present to discontinue pecu. niary assistance to other schools, it being necessary to devote their limited means to the inain object; but this state of things will, I trust, be only temporary and that we shall soon be enabled to afford deserv. ing fellow-laborers a helping hand. I am thus brought to consider the state of our funds, which is the last topic I shall trouble you with, generally a disagreeable one. By the treasurer's account we have little more than sufficient for one year's expenditure, even on our present limited scale. But I am in noways discouraged at this. We have refrained from any appeal to the public until we could show ourselves deserving of support-feeling fully satisfied that when the time came, we should not have to apply in vain, to the liberality of this commu- nity and the friends of education generally for the furtherance of such a useful object. Funds must be raised, not only for carrying on and extending our present school, but for establishing one more at least elsewhere, for which events now in progress in China offer a most cheering prospect, and they will not, I am sure, be found wanting.
"I will not detain you from the Report further than merely to draw your attention to the substitutions the committee have been obliged to make, for the members of their body that have left the country, which acts will require your sanction, no provision for the same being made in the constitution. There was, three years since, a notice of a motion to rectify the omission, but subsequent events prevented the regular forms being complied with for that purpose.
The President concluded his remarks by inviting attention to the report, which was then read.
DURING the three years elapsed since the members of this Society were last assembled, in general meeting, its operations have been constantly but silently advancing; and the results, which are now to be reported, are such, both in character and amount, that they cannot fail to give equal satisfaction and pleasure to all who are in- terested in the intellectual and moral improvement of their fellow- men. Enough has been done, we trust, notwithstanding the unfavo rable circumstances of the times, to secure full approbation for the past, with strong encouragements for the future. While, therefore, it behoves us to persevere with increased zeal in the good cause of
Morrison Education Society.
education, let us here record our grateful acknowledgments for the success vouchsafed to this Society through Divine Providence.
Since its organization in 1836, only two annual meetings have been held-one in September 1837, and the other in October 1838. The reports which were read at those meetings, with a paper pre- viously published containing the particulars of the formation of the Institution, give a full account both of its design and of its proceed- ings to the date of the second report.
On the day for the annual meeting in 1839, the whole of the Brit- ish community, having left Canton and Macao, was afloat on board their ships, at Hongkong or in this vicinity. In 1840, such was the disturbed state of public affairs, that it was still deemed inexpedient to attempt to convene a general meeting of its members.
The trustees, from time to time, have held meetings, and as fre- quently as business and circumstances required or allowed; and they have now to submit a succinct account of what has been done in furtherance of the object of the Morrison Education Society, since its members and friends were last assembled, October 3d, 1838.
In the second report, which was then read, hope was expressed of the speedy arrival in China of a tutor to engage in the Society's ope- rations. This hope was well founded. On or near the day of our last meeting, the Society's committee in New Haven, in accordance with a request from the trustees, made choice of the Rev. Samuel R. Brown to become the pioneer in carrying on the education of those here placed under its auspices.
On the 17th of October, Mr. Brown, with his lady, embarked in the ship Morrison-the owners of that vessel having generously of- fered them a free passage to China,—and arrived here February 23d, 1839. The next day they landed at Macao. Mr. Brown, hav- ing made the necessary arrangements for a home, proceeded at once to Canton, where the trustees, and many of the other members of the Society, had the pleasure of welcoming him, and of making his acquaintance.
Of the many honorable testimonials, with which Mr. and Mrs. Brown were furnished by their friends in America, one will be am- ply sufficient to show in what estimation the bearer of it was held by those who knew him best. The paper is from Dr. Day, the vene, rable president of Yale College, at which place it is dated October 12th, 1838, and is here given entire. He writes thus:,
Having been informed that Samuel R. Brown, a. m. a graduate of this college, has been selected as a proper person to be employed as an instructor
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in the service of the Morrison Education Society, I take pleasure in making the following statement respecting his qualifications for this office.
"Mr. Brown passed through the regular course of four years study in this institution, and received the degree of A. B. in the year 1882. During his residence here, he was distinguished for the activity of his intellect, the ver- satility of his talents, and the elegance of his taste. In every department of sciences pursued in this college, he maintained a distinguished rank. He was generally beloved for his amiable deportment, and respected for the spirituality of his mind, and the consistency of his life as a professed Christian.
"At the close of his collegiate course, he was selected, in concurrence with my own views, as one eminently qualified to fill the station of teacher in the Institution for the deaf and dumb in the city of New York. Of the manner in which he discharged the duties of that office, I can speak only from the information I have received from those who were associated with him there in the duties of instruction. From them I learn, that he distinguished himself, at an early period, for the accuracy and extent of his acquaintance with the language of signs, and that his whole course of instruction, during a num- ber of years while he was connected with the Institution, was marked by un- common zeal, energy, and perseverance.
“I feel authorized, therefore, to express the hope and belief, that Mr. Brown will be found peculiarly well qualified for the important station to which he is now called; and I would cordially commend him to the Christian courtesy and friendly patronage of all who are interested in the cause of learning and true religion." (Signed) "Jeremial Day, president of Yale College." Having passed a few days in Canton, and become acquainted with the views and plans of the trustees, regarding the course they desired it him to pursue, Mr. Brown returned to Macao and entered upon ïminediately. On the 29th of April, 1840, he laid before the trus tees a brief statement respecting his labors up to that date, and from it some extracts are here introduced.
"It is now a little more than fourteen months since my arrival in China. My destination to this country was entirely unlooked for till twelve days before I left America. Indeed, I had, for a twelvemonth previous to that period, been accustomed to think of an early and in- timate friend as the chosen agent of this Society. But a singular in- terference of Providence, detained him at home, and sent me hither in his stead. I came in haste, but with an eager desire to be employ- ed in promoting the cause of education among this people, under your auspices.
"At first, the political and commercial troubles in China cast a shade over my prospects; but, finding that the president and mem- bers of the Society, notwithstanding circumstances so unfavorable to deliberation upon any subject not connected with politics and trade,
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deliberation upon any subject not connected with politics and trade, retained their ardor in this cause, it ill became me to be discouraged. The fears therefore, which had at first arisen, subsided, and I endeavored to apply myself with all diligence to the study of the Chi- nese language, as a preparatory qualification for future labor in teaching Chinese youths.
"At this study solely, I spent the first six months after my arrival, residing with S. W. Williams esq., by whom we were hospitably receiv- ed on our arrival. Mrs. Brown also devoted her time as far as pos- sible to the same employment.
"On the 26th of August, 1839, we removed to the house of E. B. Squire esq., who with other British residents was obliged to flee from this place, in order to protect his wife and children from threatened violence. While there our studies were considerably interrupted.
"On the first of November we removed to the house procured for the use of the Society, and opened a school on the 4th of the same month, with six pupils, who had applied' for admission in the summer previous. The object of the Society being, not to give a little in- struction to many, but a thorough education to all its beneficiaries, and for other obvious reasons, it was deemed best to commence with half a dozen pupils. These boys fortunately, with one exception, came from the country, and were thus placed more completely with- in our control. The eldest, a boy of fifteen, by a few months' pre- vious study had acquired so much knowledge of the English tongue, as to place him in advance of the rest, and has acted as a moniter in the school to a good deal of advantage. The others began de novo. With this class I have labored to attach them to the school, to lay the foundation of a long course of instruction, and make it a model for future classes. The objects proposed in the constitution of the Morrison Education Society, have been before me in every arrange-
It is not merely a teaching, but an education society, which aims at the training of the entire man, physical, intellectual, and moral. "With these ends in view, I have assigned half of each day to Chinese, and half to English studies, beginning at 6 in the morning and closing at 9 o'clock P. M. Thus eight hours are given to books, and from three to four to exercise and recreation in the open air. My own study is the school-room; and the pupils are therefore con- stantly under supervision; out of school they are not permitted to leave the premises, where there is ample room for their sports. They have never manifested any displeasure at this degree of restraint, while it excludes from them many influences abroad which would injure
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their manners and morals. As to rewards, they receive none but the approbation of those placed over them, and that of a good conscience, which 1 endeavor to persuade them, not without success I trust, is better than every other. Punishments are seldom required, for there are few rules to be broken, those only which their own convenience and happiness obviously demand. True I have had occasion to rebuke that gentile sin of lying, but, except in one instance, have had nọ occasion to resort to corporal punishment. An appeal to the con- science, or an intimation that they may be sent home, is ordinarily quite sufficient to prevent the repetition of an offense.
They mingle in the family, and we try to treat them as sons, and encourage familiar confidence in us as their best friends. They are present with us at our morning and evening devotions of their own choice; and in short, we seek to make them feel that they are at home, and to give them the education of a Christian home. About four weeks ago, another class of five boys was received, which is taught by Mrs. Brown, and the Rev. W. C. Milne, who has kindly offer- ed his services for an hour each day. Of this class, one proved to be unworthy of patronage, and was accordingly dismissed, as was one of the first class, who, after an experiment of two months, was found to be unable to keep pace with the rest. At present, therefore, there are nine pupils in the school, all of whom appear to be promising lads.
"Of these four are supported at the expense of the Society, i. e. their board and tuition are given them. The other five are maintain- ed by private individuals. The first class have now been studying English five months, half of the time, averaging 24 months constant study. They spent about a month at home, during the newyear holidays.
"Of methods of instruction this is not the time to speak. If in- quiries are made as to their progress, some of the trustees can best answer them; and on this head I, only remark, that I have ever pre- ferred that they should begin with learning a less amount thoroughly, rather than more superficially.”
At the last meeting of the trustees, held on the 27th instant, a second report was submitted to them by Mr. Brown, in which the account of his labors is brought down to that date, and from which further extracts are here introduced.
"Now that it becomes my duty to lay before the trustees a state- ment of my doings for sometime past, I may be allowed to forewarn them not to expect too much. The labors of a student are noiseless ›
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and little apt to attract the attention of men at large, and it is only when he can exhibit the accumulated results of long application, that he receives the meed of praise. Still farther removed from the cog. nizance of most men, are the humbler labors of the school-master, and it would be too sanguine, for me to expect to present to you, at this early day, facts for the public that will rival in interest those that are reported from other quarters around you. Nevertheless I would fain hope that the report now submitted to your inspection, may meet with so much approbation as to give fresh encouragement to the com- mittee of trustees, and strengthen their confidence in the practica- bility and the excellence of what they have undertaken.
"The same general principles and plans, that were alluded to in my first report of April 1840, have been followed since then in the conduct of the school. The same division of time, between English and Chinese studies, exists as before, half of each day bring allotted: to either. Thus the morning is devoted to Chinese, and the afternoon and evening to English lessons. A respectable elderly Chinese man is employed as teacher, whose habits and manners are becoming and exemplary, and who is very faithful in teaching after the Chinese mode. Being myself obliged to spend the same hours in Chinese study, I have not as yet been able to introduce any essential im- provements upon the common method of teaching pursued in this country; consequently the pupils have spent this portion of time in committing to memory the Chinese classics, and in learning to write Chinese. In the meantime, their ability to understand the native books has increased. The subjects of those books which they read at school, as well as the style, are the main hindrances to a more intimate acquaintance with what they read. We should rarely look for or find young persons like them, even in England or A- merica, who could discourse on moral or political economy, and these are the topics which fill entire volumes of the books which are put into the hands of tyros in China. There is also another difficulty in the way of a Chinese boy, when he commences to read the books of his own country, that which in the nature of the case cannot be experienced in an alphabetic or syllabic language. The English child has only to learn the powers of 26 letters, and then he is master of most of the phonetic elements that compose all words. Not so with the Chinese youth; he has no such royal road to the art of reading, for instead of having to learn little more than 26 letters, he must commit to memory the names and meanings of at least as many characters as there are words to be read. After all, I suspect that it will
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be found that this is enough to task the mind of a child with at once, and that there is more philosophy than absurdity in the method of instruction pursued in the schools of China. With a thorough know- ledge of the Chinese classics, a European teacher might undoubtedly make improvements upon the native mode of teaching; but experi- ence teaches me, (and that of others confirms the remark,) that to suggest a new method of instruction to a Chinese master, more con- sonant with our own views, is at once to diminish his interest in his employment, because he cannot appreciate what goes against all pre- cedent in his own mind; and if persisted in, will utterly destroy it.
While, therefore, the pupils of this school have pursued the usual course of Chinese study in their own way, I have myself devot- ed the same portion of time to the study of Chinese, apart from them, in order to qualify myself as soon as possible to interfere with this part of their education. With what success, it is not for me to say. Allow me, however, to express an opinion respecting the importance of this study, to him who would do good by means of education among this people. If it is necessary for a teacher among his own countrymen to understand the minds of those whom he instructs, how much more imperative is the necessity, in order to insure suc- cess among a strange people in a foreign land. Now language is the portrait of the mind in action, and he who would be familiarly ac quainted with it, must become qualified to judge of its picture with the skill of an artist. It is because this attainment is so rare that there is so much misconception and ignorance respecting the peculiar feelings, prejudices, habits, and history of the Chinese. We meet them day after day, but our interviews respect the most palpable and common-place things, while in other points, our minds and theirs are widely removed from mutual contact. There is little or no play of sympathies between us. Our intercourse is much like that of two untaught mutes, that meet with ideas circumscribed the limits of what their eyes have seen, and picture to each other in pantomime, the mere outlines of the few thoughts they have in com. mon, and then part again in utter ignorance of each other's spirit- ual being.
"Every one who has endeavored to acquaint himself with the Chi nese people through the medium of their language, has felt this, yet it is an acknowledged and remarkable fact, that some of the first links of the chain that would unite us to them are still wanting. For instance, some of the simplest questions in grammar, which would have been solved long ago in respect to any western language, that
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had been so long studied, are to this day unasked and unanswered in any work on Chinese philology in the English language. The ques- tions are simple, but the answers none has given. They meet the student at the outset of his course, and are ever and anon recurring, till the philosophic mind is tired of leaping chasms in its way.
"The existence of these terræ incognite in the Chinese language renders it incumbent on those that are now engaged in the study of it, and especially one who undertakes to carry out the enlarged views of the Morrison Education Society, to devote immediate and unre- mitted attention to subjects that have so long remained uninvestigat- ed, until he has done all in his power to place them before the world in their true light. From these remarks, the committee can judge of the expediency and wisdom of their early recommendation, that their educational agent should devote much of his first years to study. I have followed it with the earnest wish to prepare myself to be as useful as possible in the cause of the Society.
"In English studies the boys have made creditable advances since they were visited by the trustees on the 4th of March. Two of them have nearly gone through a vol, of 274 pages on geography, besides a smaller work previously, and the other four have pursued the small work abovementioned, and about half of Parley's Geography. In the science of numbers, they have first studied a work on mental arith- metic, and have since proceeded in Gordon's book, through the fun- damental processes of written arithmetic, to reduction, and compound. addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Twice a week. they have spent a portion of the day in learning to write with the pen. As in every other school, there are diversities of talent here, and different degrees of natural adaptation to the various branches of learning. Still, as a whole, I am persuaded that their progress will. be gratifying to the friends of the Society. In reading, there has been a marked improvement, as also in speaking English, and in composition during the last five months. The Rev. Mr. Milne and the lady of the Rev. Mr. Boone deserve much for the talent and faithfulness they have exhibited in their training, during the period of my ab sence at Singapore and Malacca. The moral character of the boys, struck me at once as being decidedly improved. There is more truthfulness, regularity of habits, conscientiousness, and gra- titude for the benefits they receive, than I have ever seen before among them. These things, too, are not by any means the minor objects of their education. All that adds to the formation of excel- lence in character is most highly to be prized. I am afraid to be
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positive on the point, (being warned by past experience,) but I should think there is little danger that the pupils now here would ever leave us of their own accord, without permission. The school is known to a considerable extent among the Chinese, in this vicinity, and a good many applications have been made for admission to it. It is well known by all these persons, that the highest recommendation an ap- plicant can bring, is, ceteris paribus, an engagement to remain under instruction for an indefinite period of time, to be limited only by the discretion of the Society. So many applications have been declined, that those now here can but feel that they are privileged above others, their fellows.
"Much more might have been done in the form of instruction, had the school been properly supplied with books. But though every desire has been manifested by the trustees to meet this deficiency, it still remains. There are many difficulties in the way of furnishing a school here, which are unknown in more favored situations. We need books made expressly for the use of schools in which Eng- lish is not the vernacular tongue. This desideratum can only be supplied gradually, and by the united efforts of those who best know what is wanted, and how to furnish it. As the cause of education advances in the eastern world, the production of such works will doubtless keep pace with it. In India, where, by the enlightened policy of the English government, the subject of education for all classes of men is receiving more and more attention, this fact is one of the signs of the increased interest with which popular education is regarded. In justice to our pupils, it ought to be said that they have labored under great difficulties for the want of books enough. For example, in geography, all could not learn the same lesson, for they had but two books, so that four boys, but partially acquainted with the language, have been obliged to read together in one book, and two in the other. In the study of arithmetic the difficulty was still greater, because they had but one book for all the six, and therefore were compelled to depend almost wholly on oral instruction, which of course adds as much to the labor of the instructor, as to the in- convenience of the learner. I trust this evil will soon be removed, since books have been repeatedly sent for, and if the wishes of all concerned here are obtained, will not be long in coming. One of the former officers of the Society has kindly offered to procure a sup- ply for the school on his return to England, whither he has gone. I am also happy to state to the trustees, that I was successful, to some extent, in procuring books in the Straits; and that, while at
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Malacca, during the last summer, the Rev. J. Legge, principal of the Anglo-Chinese College, prepared with me a volume for the press, which I believe will very much facilitate the acquisition of the Eng- lish language by pupils here and in Chinese schools elsewhere.
"I beg to express my thanks to the trustees for the very consi- derate kindness with which they assented to and approved of my absence the last summer. I hope it has not been without advantage to the cause in which I am engaged, while the expenses of the Society have been not very materially increased by the measure, which the health of my family required. In the meantime I had an opportunity of observing what is done for the education of the Chinese in the Straits. The college at Malacca, where I was hospitably enter- tained by the Rev. Mr. Legge, I found in as flourishing a condition as could be expected, at this early stage of its progress under the present incumbent. The school has been filled up anew since Mr. Legge took charge of it, on the death of the Rev. Mr. Evans. It had in July about 35 boys, who had been at school only a few months. They were, however, making rapid advances in learning to read. Should the college continue to be under the same superintendance as at present, it will, I doubt not, satisfy all the just expectations of its friends.
"In Singapore there are three schools for Chinese boys, taught by English and American masters. The largest of these, when I was there, was that supported by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The next was in the Singapore Institution, and the other under the care of the missionaries of the American Pres- byterian Board. The last, though small, is a good beginning. The Institution school had not flourished of late in its Chinese depart- ment, Messrs. Moor and Dickinson informed me, partly because of an epidemic among the native population, and partly because the European instructors are too much occupied in the other depart- ments to allow them to devote much personal attention to it. It is conducted by native masters in their own way. A few Chinese boys are found in the English department, and I noticed a very intelli- gent lad who had risen to the first class, and was reciting a lesson in algebra. Perhaps this branch of the school may be revived to bet- ter advantage when the number of European masters is increased, or by the training of Chinese teachers to take chage of it.
"The first mentioned school, that of the American Board, being of some years standing, and having had the exclusive attention of the gentlemen charged with it, offers at the present time, the most
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pleasing results to the observer. It contains not far from 50 scholars, all of whom with one or two exceptions, are Chinese, and all are boarding, not day-scholars. If any one doubtful of the expediency of teaching English to the Chinese were to visit this school, he could hardly fail to have his doubts removed. Honorable mention has fre- quently been made of it, and its success certainly deserves it. It is now under the care of Mr. A. North, who exhibits much skill and enthusiasm in his employment.
"In reviewing all that I have seen of schools for the Chinese dur- ing my absence, I am more than ever convinced of the fitness of the spot chosen by the founders of this Society for their operations. Schools in the colonies will benefit their people, but they will I am constrained to think, exert little influence upon the mother-country. Many reasons might be adduced for this opinion, but I cannot en- large. This view is not confined to myself, but has been expressed by all with whom I have conversed upon the subject abroad.
"In conclusion, then, may I not hope that the foregoing statements will serve to strengthen the determination of the committee to extend the benefits of education, as far as possible, to the multitudes of Chi- The invisible hand of Providence is even now at work pre- paring to break up new avenues into the midst of the darkness you would disperse. All things around us conspire to say, a change is at hand. A magnificent train of events seems to be coming up in the future. May we be prepared to meet it, bearing to those on whom it is to come, the proffer of a still better boon, the pure and peaceful culture of the mind."
Of those youth who were under the patronage of the Society pre- vious to Mr. Brown's arrival, only a few words need be said. The interruption of friendly intercourse between the Chinese and fo reigners in March 1839, drove them all from their studies, excepting the one at Singapore, who has of late received his whole support there, from those under whose tuition he is being educated. After a short absence, the three, who had been with Dr. Parker, came back and continued with him, till he embarked for the United States of America in July 1840. Probably some or all of them will resume their studies with him, on his return to China. Of the others, none have since engaged in their studies as formerly. One of them, having been sought out while residing in Macao, in the sping of 1839, was by the strongest persuasions and promises induced to enter the service of his im- perial majesty's high commissioner, who employed him as English. ́interpreter and' translator, and through him obtained translations of
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many extracts from the newspapers of the day, froin Murray's Cyclo-- pædia of Geography, and other foreign works, some of them relating to China. The efforts made to secure the services of this youth, while yet his education was but half completed, are good evidences that the Chinese, even in the highest stations, appreciate the value of an acquaintance with foreign languages and literature. The youth was kindly treated by the commissioner, well remunerated, and en- joyed good opportunities for improving his knowledge of his own language. He was kept thus employed till Lin's removal from office, and has since, in accordance with his recommendation, been engaged in the study of the historical and classical writings of his own coun- trymen. His English studies, however, have not been at any time, and still are not, entirely neglected. Many items of information obtained through this medium, were sent up to the imperial court; and it was the intention of the commissioner, to publish to his own. countrymen the results of his inquiries concerning foreign nations. He is understood to have taken all his papers with him, on leaving Canton, and he may perhaps, erelong, arrange and prepare his materials for publication.
From the inquiries made, in obedience to a resolution passed at the last annual meeting, respecting Chinese schools beyond the boundaries of the empire, very few returns have been made, and but little information gained.
School-books are still a great desiderata. The Chinese Chrestoma- thy, containing a series of easy lessons on reading, writing, geography, mathematics, architecture, the liberal arts, natural history, domestic and commercial affairs, etc., will, it is hoped, be found useful as a school-book for those who have made some progress in learning English. Another, and a smaller work, comprising a large variety of common conversational phrases, in the composition of which Mr. Brown was engaged a part of the time during his visit to the Straits, will doubtless be found equally useful. It is now passing through the press at Malacca and some of the sheets, forming the first part of the book, are already in the hands of the boys under his tuition.
'The state of the funds of the Society will be seen by the treasurer's report, accompanying this. Since the organization of the Society, no special efforts have been made to increase its funds. The sums originally subscribed were thought to be sufficient for making a fair beginning; and, further, strong confidence was entertained that, on a teacher being procured, scholars collected, and the business of edu- cation fairly commenced, it would not be any very difficult matter, in
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a community of such well-known liberality as that formed by the foreign residents in China, to raise the means requisite for carrying on this good work. The time has now come, then, when the trustees feel they are in duty bound to make known to all the friends of this Society its wants, and to urge on them its claims.
In the absence from China of the vice-president and auditors, their places have been temporarily filled by other members of the Society, nominated by the trustees; and in these arrangements it is hoped the Society will concur.
Hitherto the number of pupils has been small; but it may now be doubled, or even trebled, and with very little increase of expendi- ture. That this result, however, may be attained with its fullest advantages, the desirableness, already felt, of having at least one more teacher, is forced upon the attention of the trustees. This want has been most amply supplied by the gratuitous services of Mrs. Boone and the Rev. Mr. Milne, who, with the Rev. Mr. Boone, have had entire charge of the school and library during Mr. Brown's absence from Macao, from April 1st to Sept. 10th of this year. For these time- ly and valuable services the warmest thanks of the Society are especial- ly due. The desirableness of early procuring the permanent assistance of another teacher, already alluded to, must be apparent to every one; and the trustees confidently hope that the present meeting will au- thorize those, who may be intrusted with the management of the So- ciety's affairs for the coming year, to adopt the necessary measures to attain an object so essential.
In closing this report, the trustees would encourage themselves, and all the friends of the Society, by renewed reference to the grand and noble object to which it aims. It is impossible, by any language, adequately to express the high importance of training young Chinese in the manner proposed by this institution. It should be borne in mind, also, that a new era has here begun in the course of events, and, under these new and improved prospects opening before us, it is time the work of training the intellectual man be urged on upon a broader scale and with augmented force.
After the reading of the report, it was moved by Mr. MOLLer, seconded by Mr. WILLIAMS, and unanimously resolved:→
"That the report now read be accepted and approved, and printed under the direction of the committee of trustees."
It was next, on motion of Mr. MATHESON, seconded by Mr. Boone, unanimously resolved:-
"That the especial thanks of the Society be conveyed to professors
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Gibbs, Silliman, and Goodrich, of Yale College, for their promptness in ac- ceding to the request of the trustees to select a tutor, and to promote generally the interests of the Society, and for the admirable selection they have made in the Rev. Mr. Brown."
On motion of Mr. BELL, Seconded by Mr. HOBSON, it was re- solved :-
"That the thanks of the Society be given to the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Boone, and the Rev. Mr. Milne, for their valuable services in teaching the school, and taking charge of the library during the late visit of Mr. Brown to the Straits, and for their generosity in doing so, without entailing ex- pense of any kind on the Society."
In reply to this resolution, Mr. Boone briefly remarked, that the services he had rendered to the Society were entirely unworthy of thanks; that it had been a pleasure to him to do even that little, and if an opportunity should occur again, it would give him equal plea- sure to repeat it, and as much more as lay in his power. Mr. Milne responded on his part, that in his own view, if there was any obliga- tion, it was mutual, for he had esteemed it a privilege, to further in any measure the objects of the Society, and he still regarded it in that light. It had given him great satisfaction to see in this school those germs of good to China, which had been planted by the instru- mentality of the Morrison Education Society, and would there, he trusted, be nourished into growth and maturity. He was happy to testify that the difference between the present and former intellectual conditions of those to whom their patronage had been extended, af forded striking evidence that a mental stimulus of no ordinary kind, in this country, had been at work in those minds, while the moral results of this first experiment were no less delightful to one who had been in a situation to make the comparison. He concluded by saying that he could not doubt that the friends of the Society would hence- forth be encouraged to sustain it liberally.
Mr. Bridgman then rose, and asking liberty to bring to the notice of the Society the labor of conducting the school now under its direction, spoke as follows:-Since the opening of the school in this house, I have visited it once or oftener every week. These informal visits have afforded good opportunities of observing the whole routine of tuition and discipline. From one of the trustees, thus situated, something more than an approving voice is due. To those who see only the report which has been submitted to the meeting this morn- ing, the labors connected with the management of such a school, cannot appear in their full magnitude, nor is it possible for me to set
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them before you in their just proportions. You must go into the school-room, and daily watch the scene there, in order fully to estimate either the amount of labor or its results. Besides giving instruction, and listening to recitations at fixed hours each day, a watchful care must be maintained both night and day over the pupils, whether they be in or out of the school-room. The weight of the burden imposed by these duties, none can learn except by experience-at least I had never known it, unless I had learned it in this way. Where the instructors are deeply interested in the welfare of their pupils, (as I know they are in this case,) they are often insensible to the burden, and sometimes sink under it before they are aware to what an extent they are tasking their energies. In this school the burden has been heavy enough-heavier, I think, than our friends themselves imagine; and the results of their efforts for the benefit of their pupils, greater: of this, at least I am certain, that but for personal observation, made as already stated, I should not have estimated either so highly, by one half, as I do now. Some may regret that the number of pupils has been so small; I do not. Mr. Brown required much time for the study of the Chinese language, and it is well that he has had so much. In the school, a good beginning has been made, better in my judgment, than otherwise could have been; and now if our means will admit, the number of pupils may be increased. I will not, Mr. President, dwell longer upon this subject, but I am unwilling to sit down, without uttering one word of encouragement. In the toilsome hours of study and teaching, it must be a consolation to know that one has the approbation, the sympathy, the countenance, and the support, of those who are around him. Thanks, because they cost little, are not the less due. Better encouragement than thanks will be given: still these, poor as they are, should not be withheld; and I am sure, sir, that you, and every one present, will wish to have entered on the records of this meeting, the resolution which I now beg leave to submit to it:
"Resolved, That the thanks of this Society, be given to the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Brown for the care, assiduity, and zeal, which they have so con- stantly exhibited in carrying into effect its object in educating Chinese youths."
Mr. Dent followed him, saying, I second this resolution most cor- dially, and I fear I shall only impair the effect of Mr. Bridgman's remarks by adding anything. He speaks from an intimate acquaint- ance with Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and a thorough insight into. alj their arrangements and plans, the result of almost daily intercourse.
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My opportunities have of course been more limited, but in visiting the establishment, and examining the boys, I have been highly grati- fied with their progress and their quiet cheerful demeanor, and the general air of order and comfort around them, so different to what they have been accustomed to. Mr. Brown's services would be valuable at any time, but I consider the Society singularly fortunate in obtaining them at the outset of its course. He is most assiduous in his attention to the boys, prosecuting at the same time his study of the Chinese language, and of their system of education, with the view of improving it, and from his talents, acquirements, and patient spirit of investigation, with an entire devotion to the cause, we may confidently look forward to the realization of some of the more extend- ed objects of the Society at no very distant period. Most sincerely do I trust, both for their own sakes and the interests of the Society, that the health of Mr. and Mrs. Brown will enable them to carry out the system they have so successfully commenced.
'The resolution was then put to vote, and unanimously carried. Mr. Brown responded to the resolution in the following terms:
I am not one, Mr. President, who undervalues the good opinion of others, especially when it is expressed by those whom it is my great desire to please, in the discharge of duties they have seen fit to assign to me, but still permit me to say that of thanks I deserve none. If I have done what I could to promote the interests of this Society, it was no more than I ought to do. Less could not have been expected, for "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” I on the other hand feel greatly obliged to the members of the Society for the liberal means they have furnished me to carry out their plan of operations...
In the reports that I have sent in to the committee of trustees, and from which extracts have been read in your hearing to-day, perhaps all that is necessary has been said respecting my labors in behalf of the Society. You there see what studies have principally engaged my attention, what course has been pursued in the school, and so far as results can be spoken of, what has been effected, how much gain- ed, and how much lost. The last of these reports has likewise given me an opportunity to express my thanks to the trustees for leave of absence during the last summer. While the cause of the necessity to leave home was distressing, an opportunity was thereby afforded me, to make observations upon schools similar to our own in other places, which I should ever have wished to enjoy, as a means of fur- thering the ends of the Morrison Education Society; and I trust it
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will be found not only that the health of my family has been benefit- ed, but that the facilities for prosecuting the business of education here have been increased. For both those results, I am directly indebted to the gentlemen in whose hands the management of the concerns of the Society is placed.
The state of the Chinese schools at Singapore and Malacca, has already been concisely laid before you. I will, therefore, only take this opportunity to express my conviction in regard to one matter but slight- ly touched upon before, and no longer interrupt the deliberations of the meeting.
It is not because it is new that I introduce the subject now, for it was one of the persuasions that led to the formation of this Society. It is this, sir, that the founders of the Morrison Education Society selected the best spot for the sphere of their operations, and that if we would hope to effect any great change in the system of education prevalent in China, it must mainly be done, by efforts made in China itself. I am far from wishing to discourage those benevolent persons who have undertaken to educate the Chinese in their colonies abroad. I have seen too many happy fruits of their labors, to indulge such a thought even if any à priori reasoning of my own had ever suggest- ed it. The schools among the Chinese colonists are of great value to those for whom they were intended: they are exerting a silent steady influence upon those communities, slowly but surely elevating them in the scale of society, and lending their aid to the cause of Christianity. But as means of affecting this country, they ought not in my present judgment, much to be relied on. Many things concur to strengthen this opinion. The very relation of a colony to the mother-country is one of them. Who would think of bringing about any great revolution in England, by measures set on foot in New South Wales or the Canadas? It were opposing one's self to a cur- rent of influence that always sets in the opposite direction. The co- lonies on the other hand, would soon feel the effect of changes wrought at home. The argument is still more applicable to the case in hand. The Chinese who go abroad, by that very act outlaw them- selves. The communities they form in other lands are not reckoned as belonging to the empire, aud have as little to do with the Chinese government as if they did not exist. Now, what, humanly speaking, can be expected of them, so perfectly isolated from the mass of their countrymen? Not certainly, that they will do much to improve the condition of China.
But perhaps it may be said, that many of the colonists will return to
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their own country, and so renew their connection with this people, with all the advantages derived from a residence, and, it may be, an education in more enlightened parts of the world. Could this be ex- pected, it would very much enhance the value of schools among them, as means of indirect benefit to China. But according to the best information I have been able to obtain on the subject, not more than three or four in a hundred of those who emigrate from. this country ever return again, and some say even less. Is it not evident. then that the major part of what is done for the education of the Chinese in foreign lands must be confined in its effects to the places where they sojourn, when so few of those whom these efforts can reach, find their way back again to the central land?'
But allowing that more were to return, and with the best inten- tions to do good among their own people, they are marked at once as the men who have been among barbarians' to learn wisdom, and who now, most arrogantly and presumptuously in the estimation of the Chinese, would teach them the ethics and philosophy of 'outside' dwellers in darkness. Such, you are well aware, sir, is the regard of this people for those of other lands, and such would be the reception that any innovations from such a source would meet with.
It may perhaps be thought, that the same difficulty lies in the way of our exertions here. In kind, it is true, but not in degree. In the first place those whom this Society educates, come directly from the country and from the people of China, under our influence, and are not expatriated by doing so. They come with the consent and ap- probation of their nearest friends, who are themselves a part of the nation, and in some measure pledged by this assent, to receive their children kindly when they return. There is therefore much more reason and hope that boys who have been trained in the Society's schools, will be less affected by the prejudices that have been allud- ed to, than those who have resided abroad, during the period of their education. The pupils taught here will also be less divested of their national character, feelings, and tastes, than others who have long intermingled with people of other nations. A careful observer of the Chinese in the Straits is not long in discovering the traces of this effect of mingling with foreigners, which must of course become more distinct in course of time, and may operate as a tie to detain them where they are, or to diminish their influence with their countrymen, should they return home. We, however, are sure that all those whom we educate, will return to their own people, and be associated with them in after life, and while they will be improved (we hope) in many respects, they will still be Chinese.
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But what most dissociates the Chinese colonists from the great mass of the nation, is the fact that their children in those situations, having foreign mothers, know almost nothing of the language of their fathers. I have seen a group of 30 boys or more, from the age of ten to thirteen or fourteen years, of whom only one could speak a word of Chinese beyond the names of a few of the most familiar objects. In general, this language is as foreign to them as it is to us, and if they ever learn it, they must do it in the same way that we do. It is essential to the success of this Society, sir, that the pupils in its schools should be thoroughly versed in their own literature; otherwise they can never transfuse into it the knowledge which they derive from foreign sources, nor can they be respected among a people, where extensive literary attainments are the only way to eminence and distinction. It seems to me almost impossible, in ordinary circum· stances, that a boy born and brought up in a colony, should rise to a station of commanding influence in China. If he makes tolerable attainments in the dialect of his neighborhood he will do well.
I am sure that the members of this Society concur with me in the sentiment that the post for us is here; that our point of attack, all friendly as it is, should be in China itself and nowhere else.
The benevolent originators of this association were most judicious in determining to approach as near as possible to the Chinese with the blessings of education in their hands, to offer for their reception. Here in the name of the Society would I stand; by all laudable means endeavoring to convince them of the value of these gifts, and in this service, I am ready to toil until I die.
Mr. Dent then rose and said:-I have now to submit the following proposition for the consideration of the meeting, and I should do so with much more confidence and satisfaction if we had a fuller attend-
"Resolved-That the trustees be requested to take measures for the increase of the annual subscribing members, and the donations to the funds of the Society, and to procure an additional teacher, with reference to the prospect and desirableness of an extension of pupils."
The points embraced in this proposition would appear to fall with- in the province of the trustees, and under ordinary circumstances they certainly would, nor does it arise from any difference of opinion amongst us as to their desirableness, that we have not acted in the niatter. But the gentlemen of the meeting will recollect that the present trustees have retained office for the last two years from the necessity of the case-during that period they have not hesitated to
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incur the responsibility of any arrangements and outlay that were neces- sary for carrying on the operations of the Society; the time, however, has now arrived for extending them, which will involve additional ́ex- pense and new engagements, and they felt it their duty to defer any proceedings thereon until the sense of the members of the Society was declared. I fully expect that you will affirm the proposition, which I bring forward solely in the capacity of a member of the So- ciety, but at the same time I wish you clearly to understand to what we shall all be pledged thereby. It is not merely a question of raising funds to meet our present or an increased expenditure, but the much more important one of inviting hither another teacher. Mr. Brown has permitted me to state that he is well acquainted with a gentle- man, who, he thinks, would be willing to accept our invitation; he was a fellow-teacher with him, and possesses every requisite qualification, (and we want no better testimony,) and the expenses would at first be moderate, since he would require to remain some time in connection with Mr. Browa. This does not materially alter the case. With Mr. Brown we are differently situated; he is already here, and we are mu- tually committed to each other, for weal or wo; but it is a grave consi- devation to increase our responsibility by calling away a person from his friends and home. The alternative would be, that now we have surmounted all preliminary difficulties, and made such satisfactory progress, and that new channels to our exertions are opening to us under much brighter prospects, we shall be compelled to halt in our course of usefulness, without even a person to supply Mr. Brown's place should sickness unfortunately, or other circumstances cause his absence. But I have now, as I ever have had from the first establish- ment of the Society, the most perfect confidence that this community and the friends of education abroad, will liberally respond to the ap- peal which we now at length feel justified in making to them. While then I have not attempted to disguise the consequences, I still strongly urge the adoption of my proposition.
Mr. Bridgman succeeded Mr. Dent, and spoke to the following effect on the same resolution:
For the non-appearance, on our list of subscribers, of so many of the names of the foreign residents, some explanation ought to be made. Perhaps the trustees have done wrong in this matter; but the fact is, they have never presented the list to the community for signa- tures since the organization of the Society. I know, however, that there are many, now in China, who are ready to aid this Society,
VOL. X: NO. x.
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for they have expressed their wish to contribute to its funds, and an opportunity will, doubtless, soon be afforded them for so doing.
One topic more I wish to advert to at this time. A point has now: been gained, at which the annual expenditures may be fixed with a tolerable degree of exactness, since they will vary only according to the extent of operations. To cover a steady outlay, in salaries, rentals, &c., there ought to be an equally steady income. In addi- tion to what is contemplated in the resolution, I wish to repeat a suggestion, which I have heard, respecting the establishment of pro- fessorships in aid of this Society. In our own favored countries these are common. Some also, I believe, have already been established in India. And I trust the time is not far off when we shall see such in in China by a single act securing to an institution like this the means of supporting an able teacher in perpetuo is doing good on a noble scale, and would be in excellent keeping with that generous spirit which has often been exhibited here in China. A recent instance of this liberality is Mr. Rustomjee's donation for seamen. A professorship founded in this way, so as to secure the constant services of a master of arts and sciences, for the native youth, is a species of munificence, which, while it will carry down the name of its founder in grateful remembrance to future generations, will bear along with it blessings the most permanent and valuable that man can bequeath to posterity.
The question being put it was carried unanimously.
The members present then proceeded to ballot for officers for the ensuing year; and the following gentlemen were elected.
TRUSTEES.
LANCELOT DENT, Esq. WILLIAM BELL, Esq. JAMES MATHESON, Esq. REV. E. C. BRIDGMAN, J. R. MORRISON, Esq.
PRESIDENT.
VICE-PRESIDENT. TREASURER.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. RECORDING SECRETARY.
AUDITORS.
W. H. MORSS, Esq. ALEX. MATHESON, Esq. After the ballot, the business of the meeting being finished, it was dissolved.
LANCELOT DENT, President.
Oct. 29th-Postscript.
Since the late meeting of the Society, while the report has been passing through the press, twelve new pupils have been received into
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the school, so that the whole number is now eighteen. Of these several have been waiting for a year past to be admitted, and all' came unsought, as soon as it was made known that there was a wil- lingness on the part of the Society to receive more. Were it expedi- ent to take a larger number now, there would be no difficulty in obtaining as many as might be desired.
The parents of those lately added to the school, and of some of the' more advanced class, have engaged, after a month's trial of the boy's character and capacity, to enter into a written agreement to allow those who are approved to remain a definite number of years under instruc- tion, and in case of removal before the expiration of that period, to refund the money expended by the Society on account of their sons.
Note. From the treasurer's report, which we have not space for here, it appears that the total amounts of receipts is $9820.75, and the expenditure $7636.25, leaving a balance in the treasurer's hands of $2184.50.
ART. VI. Journal of Occurrences: progress of H. B. M.'s second expedition; losses of the Chinese at Amoy; Keshen's trial; Lin's recall and new appointment on the Yellow river; affairs at Can- ton and Hongkong.
PROGRESS of the second expedition up to the 25th instant has been reported here, with the taking of Chusan on the 1st, Chinhae on the 10th, and Ningpo on the 13th. Adverse winds, usual at this season of the year, prevented its more rapid progress north and kept the ships windbound several days, thus delaying its operations.
After taking Chusan on the 1st, several days were spent, wait- ing for the winds to moderate, during which time parties were sent out to see that no'tnilitary remained upon the island. One party went through the vallies to Singkong, where the Columbine and Nemesis met them, and from whence, many of the soldiers, it was ascertained, had started, and passed into Seaou Sha-aou. From this last place, the party was informed that the prefect started, carrying off with him his treasure. This party returned over the hills, crossing the head of the Chaeho vally, on its way back. Two other parties went out, each in a different direction. One of these two, on its' return, brought in 22 bullocks. At first there was some difficutly in procuring provisions; but the people, being well paid, soon of themselves began to bring in their produce, and there was, at the last dates, an abundance of
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everything at Chusan.
Regarding the retaking of Tinghae, our in- formation is as yet so incomplete, that we must refrain from saying more than, that the loss was severe on the side of the Chinese: 1500 men are reported to have fallen; and sir Hugh Gough himself, is said to have led on the attack.
On the 8th, the weather having become mild and fair, Chinbac was reconnoitered; the ships moved on towards it the next day, and the place was taken on the 10th. The fire-eating commissioner Yukeen, and general Yu Pooyun, were there during the action. The commissioner, seeing the odds turning against him, tried to kill him- self by drowning, but was taken out of the water by his attendants and carried off; and report says, what is yet doubtful, that he went as far as Yuyaou, and there died of poison, or of swallowing gold. The general, doubtless desiring to fighting another day, prudently retired to Ningpo, but not until he found his stronghold no longer defensible. The troops at Chinhae were numerous, and the works of defense extensive and as strong as the Cuinese could make them. Here too the destruction of life is supposed to Irave been great; among the killed were many officers, of whom several are said to have commit- ted suicide.
Ningpo, a beautiful city, and fully two thirds the size of Canton, was occupied on the 13th. Trusting to Chinhae-from which it is distant only a few miles on the same side of the river-the Chinese had prepared no defenses at Ningpo, except some men with jingalls and matchlocks, who fled as soon as they ascertained that the British forces were advancing. The steamers did not reach the town till near dark, when the officers had moved off, leaving behind them in the public treasury about $60,000. Ningpo is the chief city of a prefec- ture of the same name, and a fine specimen of Chinese cities; its streets are comparatively wide, and the place abounds with arches (par fang), chiefly of the Ming dynasty, affording some beautiful specimens of ornaments deeply cut in granite. Public agents, for the care of property detained or captured, were appointed, and they had already about $100,000 in specie or goods under their care. The inhabitants had many of them written over the doors of their houses 'submissive people.'
On the 20th and 21st, the Nemesis and Phlegethon moved up the river about 40 miles westward to Yuyaou (), without hin- drance or opposition. The scenery all along the river is described, by those who visited it, as being most beautiful. Yuyaou is the chief city of a district of the same name.
Captain Anstruther had taken up his head quarters in his old resi- dence, the prison of Ningpo, but now surrounded by his artillery, instead of lictors and turnkeys.
There is a great want of interpreters in the expedition, there being but four, excepting some Chinese: Mr. Gutzlaff at Ningpo, Mr. Thom at Chinhae, Mr. Medhurst at Chusan, and Mr. Morrison with the plenipotentiary.
The foregoing are all the particulars, of any interest, that have
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come to our knowledge. It does not appear, from any thing that we have yet seen, what are the intentions of the leaders of the expedition regarding future operations. To move much further north, during the winter, must be nearly or quite impracticable; we can hardly suppose, however, that sir Hugh Gough and sir William Parker will remain inactive, while Hangchow and other large cities may be reached by the steamers. They have commenced a course of action, which, it is natural to suppose, they will deem it expedient to follow up vigorously, until either the Chinese come forward and conclude au honorable peace, or the queen's arms shall rule the country. The iron disposition, which has so long made this empire impenetrable to the foreigner, must soon end. It is not to be tolerated much longer by the spirit of the age; and its downfall both in China and Japan, must, and will, we apprehend, soon be witnessed. It does not appear that any Chinese officer had, up to the 25th, come forward to seek for peace.
And it remains to be seen, whether the son of heaven can treat on equal terms with the other potentates of the earth-- whether this proud supremacy will bend or break. To save the effu- sion of blood, and the evils of capturing cities, it has always seemed to us desirable that this question should be carried directly to the emperor in person.
person. It may be he does not yet understand correctly the object aimed at, nor fully comprehend how free intercourse may be allowed and his throne retained.
When one neighbor offends another, or commits depredations on his property, or injures the life or limbs of his people, whether the evils are done by the master himself or by his servants, the master is the one who ought to be remonstrated with, and compelled to make reparation and give securities for future good behavior. If the evil deeds were done by a servant or a son, either might be retained till the pleasure of the superior was known. But it would be highly im- proper to commence indiscriminate chastisement, until every means of reaching the master had failed. This supposed case is not perhaps perfectly analogous to the quarrel with the Chinese. Yet we think that direct access to the emperor ought to have been sought-and still ought to be sought. In the supposed case, if the offended neighbor should fall upon the outworks of the other, pull down his defenses, take possession of his barns and store-houses, to the great and irre- coverable loss of innocent persons-persons who were in noways answerable for the injury, and who could by no means influence the will of the master-such conduct would be harsh, and every disin- terested and right-minded person would deprecate such proceedings. Could we have any influence with the directors of the present expe- dition, we would urge them to carry this question directly home to the emperor: we would urge this as we have from the first urged it, because it seems to us the most proper manner to settle the diffi- culty, and the way too in which it can be done with the least injury` to the offending party, and with the least cost to the offended.
The sufferings and losses sustained already, by casualties and colli- sion on both sides, are neither few nor light. No man can foresee
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where these things will terminate yet every benevolent heart must ardently desire that such expensive and destructive operations may be speedily succeeded by peace and profitable intercourse. The losses of the Chinese are immense; and if long continued must, we think, lead to the overthrow of the ruling dynasty. Irrecoverable ruin has already overtaken thousands, many of whom can have no part or lot in the matter, besides the bitter cup of sorrows that is handed out of them. We do not desire to see the old order of things restored; but on those who broke it up and who are now guiding the course of events here, great responsibilities are devolved; and these men must not, in their zeal to work out good results, be regardless of the ways and the means of accomplishing their end.
Both officers and men, attached to the expedition must needs be keep well on the alert, scattered as they now are, and garrisoned in five distinct places-uamely, Hongkong, Amoy, Chusan, Chinhae, and Ningpo; their duties too cannot but be sufficiently onerous dur- the months of winter.
Letters have been received here from Amoy to the 29th.
All was then quiet, and the Chinese merchants were beginning to confide in their new masters. Supplies were abundant.
2. The loss of the Chinese at Amoy are detailed to some extent in a memorial to the emperor by Yen Pihtow, governor of Fuhkeën and Chekeäng, who asks for 3,000,000 taels of silver (or about 3,333,000 dollars) for immediate use. Keäng Keyun of Kinmun (or Quemoy), the governor says, fell into the water and died, in endea- voring to drive back the assailants, as they were landing. He was the cornmander-in-chief of the naval forces, the admiral being to the northward and wind-bound. Four other officers are reported, by the governor, as having fallen in the action; their names are Ling Che, Hwa Kwoking, Yang Shanke, and Le Keming-one a colonel, and the others of the rank of ensign. Wang Shetsin, Natanchoo, and Yang Tingkeäng, were among the wounded; the first a major, the second and third It.-colonels. Among the soldiers, the killed and wounded were very many.
3. Keshen's trial has been reported in the Peking Gazette; a translation of that report of the trial we quote from the Canton Press: it remains to be seen whether this high officer is to be sacrificed.
The royal prince Wo shih, and the minister Jinseaou and others, respectfully intimate, that having in council assembled come to deliberate decisions, beg leave now to lay their report before the throne.
"On the thirteenth of the seventh month and twenty-first year of Taoukwang, his majesty's commands were received as follows: Yinglung reports that Keshen has been placed under arrest, and brought to the capital, and has been delivered over to the Board of Punishments; and we appoint our princes royal, Juy tsin, Chwang tsin, Tingkeun, and Hwuy tsin, the great literary doctors, the high military officers of the privy council, and the vice presidents of the six Boards to assemble together and constitute a Board of Punishment to sit in judgment upon (Keshen's) affairs Respect this.'
"Whereupon the Kwangchow foo and the adjutant general, Yinglung, having delivered Keshen up to the said Board, we the ministers and others in council as- sembled brought him forth before us, and in regular order examined into each
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particular, to all and each of which he in person replied; and we memorialize and respectfully request the sacred glance to be cast upon the case, praying that tor- ture may be added in the examination. It appears that Keshen, last year was appointed to Kwangtung to examine into the affairs of the barbarians, and in consequence of there being no person who understood the barbarian language, as he passed though Shantung he wrote a letter to To Kwanpoo, the lieut.-go- vernor, that he wished to take with him to Canton Paou chung, who understood the barbarian language, and who was of the same Canton village as the heën magistrate, Chaou Tszeyung. After his arrival at Canton, he first proceeded upon the principles of reason to deliver his lucid commands, after which the said barbarians demanded that a port for trade should be given them, but ere the negotiations were completed, they forthwith attacked the fort of Taekok and also surrounded that of Shakok. In consequence of this, Keshen attempted to rescue (the forts) from the dangerous position, but was destitute of plans, and became willing in behalf of the English to memorialize the emperor to give them the region of Hongkong as a place upon which to dwell. The said barbarians, intently scheming to have the rule of the place, immediately issued their false proclamations there, and spread out their tents.
"During the twelfth month the said barbarians wished to deliver up Tinghae, and they sent their barbarian ships to Canton to have an interview, while Ke- shen sent a letter to Elepoo, to go and receive it (Tinghae) back from the barba- rian eye who was detained in Chěkeäng. In the present year, first month and fifteenth day, Keshen repaired to the Bocca Tigris to make examination, and on arriving at the offing of Tsze sze, the barbarian eye Elliot sought an interview in order to deliver back Tinghae, and being desirous of seeking commercial inter- course he presented his statement of regulations, several points of which were to be deliberated upon, many of them being troublesome matters connected with trade. A great many of these points too were so embarrassing that it was neces- sary that their contradictory bearing should be pointed out. At that time the Kwangchow foo, the military officers and the hong merchants, all were in waiting at the said place (Tsze sze), and Paouchung, thoroughly understanding the bar- barian language, was therefore ordered to interpret. On the nineteenth day, Keshen having gone to the Bocca Tigris to inspect the forts, and when he had arrived at Tow wan, Elliot again came to seek an interview. He earnestly be- sought that the whole of Hongkong should be given to him, and also at the same time brought forward several points touching residence and trade, to all of which he requested Keshen to affix his seals.-But Keshen withheld assent.
"On the twenty-eighth the said barbarians, hearing of the coming of our grand army, and supposing that so great a force must certainly be designed for attacking and exterminating them, were about commencing the attack themselves, and Keshen, being anxious for the safety of the Bogue, sent Paouchung to present a document in which it was stated to them that they could proceed to Hongkong to remain there for the time being, and ordering them to keep quiet, as the nego- tiations would be determined after an answer had arrived in reply to the clear memorial which had been made to the court. Paou chung was also ordered that if the barbarians did not manifest obedient tempers, then to take the document and bring it back. Paou chung, having seen the barbarians, and finding their designs to be murderous and wicked withheld, the document.
"On the first day of the second month, the barbarians attacked the fort of Sha. kok, and Keshen called troops to rescue it but could not. We, the ministers have examined (Keshen) on the whole of the foregoing charges, and at the close of the third examination Keshen could only tremble with fear and acknowledge his own unpardonable crimes. At the time he and the barbarian eye held their negotiations, he without delay fully delivered Hongkong over to the English for the time, not daring to deceive them nor persevering to receive the things they had to offer, but his entire policy was decidedly bad, and he now requests that we, the ministers, would on his account memorialize and implore that the celes- tial favor might be manifested in inflicting upon him the heaviest punishment."
Emperor's reply. On the sixteenth of the sixth month the imperial will was received as follows: "Let Keshen be remanded to the original judges of princes,
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magnates, and ministers, that assembled as a Board of Punishment they may determine the sentence for his crimes and report accordingly. Respect this.”
Farther report of the council. "In obedience to the above, we proceed to record our decision. Keshen when sent as a high commissioner to Canton to examine into and arrange the affairs of the barbarians should have applied the most atten- tive care and thorough ability and devised plans for the full settlement of every point. When the barbarian English became refractory towards his clear com- mands for arrangement, and manifested their wolfish dispositions, he ought straightway to have memorialized the court, requesting troops to be prepared in order that at an early day they might be exterminated. But he incoherently pre- sented them a place to dwell at, and for the time being gave Hongkong to them, which is the excuse they (the English) give for taking possession of it. In all matters where it was necessary to guard and watch, he made no previous prepa- rations, and consequently the barbarians have attacked and destroyed the forts in succession, and the very important place (the Bogue) cannot now be guarded. He has throughout been guilty of the greatest political errors, and it is in accordance with the laws that his case should be inquired into and deliberated upon, for it is owing to his not making previous preparations that we have lost our important passes, the city fortifications, and encampments. The law decrees im- prisoment and decapitation, and we hereby sentence him to be beheaded, but to be imprisoned until after autumn and then to be executed.
"Paou chung is a criminal who formerly resided with barbarians, and clandestine- ly acted as a comprador, but there are other and additional charges of lawlessness against him, and accordingly we distinctly sentence him to receive additional punishment.
"All of us. the ministers in council assembled, having adjudged and deliberately settled the whole circumstances of the case, in accordance with the principles of reason, make our record and present it up to the throne that the imperial will may be received and recorded."
4. Lin has been recalled and ordered on to the Yellow river, which has rebelled and overflowed its banks, producing great des- truction at the capital of Honan, laying it in ruins.
Kaefung foo, the capital, is situated in the midst of an extensive plain, four or five miles south from the river, and quite below its surface.
5. Affairs at Canton have continued undisturbed through the whole month, commercial business proceeding as usual, i. e., as those most interested will have it-' very badly.' The authorities seem au- xious to preserve the peace in this province; they also seem desirous of making a shown of defenses. If left alone they will doubtless refrain from hostile acts. Nearly all the troops from the other pro. vinces have left Canton, and a corps of native militia has been orga- nized in its stead, numbering two or three thousand strong. Many of these, it is said, are robbers and pirates, and of course are no great favorites with the quiet people of the provincial city.
The emperor has appointed a new commissioner, Tih-e-shun-poo, a Mantchou, who has arrived at Canton; he comes, it is supposed, not to make war, but to find out the truth regarding what has been done.
6. Hongkong seems to be gradually rising into notice. The num- ber of Chinese now on the island is said to be no less than 15,000, three times what it was twelve months ago. A granite jail has been completed, and a court-house is bing erected. Sickness has greatly diminished;" and a carriage and pair with coachman, &c., have just arrived from Manila to show off on the new road.”
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-NOVEMBER, 1841.- No. 11.
ART. I. Ta Tsing hwang te Shing Heun, or Sacred Instructions
of the emperors of the Ta Tsing dynasty. By Philosinensis. THE Central Einpire has its classics; and if there are any books in the world, which are read and commented upon, these works cer- tainly receive that honor: nor is this attention entirely limited to the Chinese. By way of imitation, the whole list of sinologues is most ardently attached to these works, discussing and praising the merits of the Four Books and Five Classics. Many pages have been filled with their wonderful remarks, and their still more extraordinary deductions. By way of compliment, some modern philosophers have most magnanimously reduced the origin of the creation and conti- nuation of all things to the yin and yang principles, and most learn- edly argued the matter. What would Confucius say, if, rising from his
grave, he should hear these disciples of Plato, Aristotle, and Kant, discussing those absurdities, which he really never meant to inculcate?
Having ourselves once been caught and deceived by the attractive naine of classics, we warn the reader not to fall into a similar error when attempting to learn' Chinese. In our acceptation of the word, classic means everything elegant, excellent, and correct in diction. The very quintessence of the language is contained in classical works; and by mastering them, one has entered into the spirit of the litera- ture of a country. Now as far as thought is concerned, all this ap- plies to the Chinese classics; but whosoever hopes to find the beauties of language in the said books, will be sadly disappointed. Though Mencius is eminent on account of his perspicuity, yet by some he is stigmatized as a babbler, because he is, according to their view, too
VOL. X: NO. XI:
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
diffuse. What shall we then say about the terse Shoo King, and the far famed She King, abounding in repetitions? What about the mi- nute Le Ke, the unintelligible Yih King, on the title page of which ought to be written, noli me tangere? Add to these the skeleton of Chun Tsew, the Lun Yu, the Ta Heó, and Chung Yung as classical patterns. We are perfectly aware that these are barbarian notions, and that an outcry will be raised against such sweeping remarks; still they will, on close examination, be found true. Further dis- cussion of this topic, however, would carry us into a different direc- tion than we were going to take, and we shall therefore waive it.
The great emperors of China, are not like other monarchs, who sit quietly on the throne to enjoy themselves, leaving the instruction of their subjects to a host of teachers, and taking no actual share in the same. No, they in turn become schoolmasters and preachers, for the benefit of their children, the people. The Shing Yu, trans- Jated into English by Dr. Milne, may be considered as a specimen of Kanghe's eloquence; but this work, intended for the nation at large, sinks into insignificance, when compared with the Shing Heun, now before us.
Here in this great work, you find sermons from all the Mantchou einperors, full and lucid upon all subjects; but not being intended for the eyes of the vulgar, the diction is puzzling, and many passages are intelligible only to the Hanlin. From Cæsar down to Frederic the Great, we have never before heard that kings and em perors systematically schooled their officers, and gave them regular tasks to learn, in order to improve them in the art of governing; but this is actually the case in China-thus evincing its superior claim to civilization. True, the ancient kings did the same; yet their dis- courses were exceedingly short, but think of this work now before us; we ourselves possess seventy volumes, and this is scarcely a third part of the whole. Every year additions are made; and could we by chance get a sight of the supplement of 1840, what splendid and touching passages might be found, upon the art of subjecting barba- rians, and ruling with undisputed sway! How should we see the jus- tice and truth and mercy of the celestial empire. lauded to the sky! Despairing, however, of obtaining a sight of this supplement, we must „be content with what we have, though we can only glance at the miscellaneous contents of these volumes. If they are in the posses- sion of any other foreigner, we are ignorant of the fact, and should they ever have been mentioned in any learned periodical, we have never seen the passage, and must therefore not be accused of relating old stories.
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
We have omitted to tell the reader, that these volumes are very thin, containing on an average only from sixteen to twenty leaves, and are printed in large elegant characters, so that the oldest officers can read them with ease. The first discourse was pronounced by Teen- ming, more than two centuries ago. This was the first Mantelou chief that aimed at the possession of China. The preface states that he, Teenming, by the prevailing destiny of heaven, had obtained posi session of the empire (this was exceedingly problematical at that time), and he wished to establish it by the virtues of the sages, ruling over it according to the principles of benevolence, filial piety, wis dom, and keeping possession of it by the sword and his own valor. He found the nation in the most wretched condition, and by rescuing the people from their degraded state, gave peace to the universe. A new code of instructions having become necessary, he set to work in good earnest, and the present collection of sermons was thus com- -menced.
The first oration is on the subject of piety; which is the most important duty of man. The exordium is as follows:
"A prince is the son of heaven, all the ministers and public func tionaries are his sons, and the people are again. the children of the former. A prince serves heaven as a father, and, never forgetful, thinks with reverence about rendering his virtues illustrious, and looking up receives the gift, i. e. the investiture of the empire. The mi- nisters ought in their turn to view the emperor as their father, and serve him as such, never be rapacious, or play the traitor, protect the people, observe the laws, and take care that there be no treason growing amongst the nation."
The art of government especially engages his attention, and like Louis Philippe he thinks, that the grand central point, to which all efforts of government should converge, ought to be to establish a lasting peace.
The first requisites to effect this, are a wise prince. and a good minister, who must with united strength coöperate; second to these is the blessing of heaven. Let there be the utmost justice in imitation of the righteous arrangements made by heaven and earth, and there will be prosperity and success, and all the em- pire will submit. People will all enjoy lasting peace, and prosperity will prevail throughout the land. Now when the one man-i. e. the sovereign-loses his virtue, calamity spreads to all regions, and the evil is worse than that wrought by demons. This was instanced on occasion of the emperor Wanleih's attacking a friendly empire, when all the troops brought against the Mantchous were killed.
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
Then follows a lecture addressed to kings, in better taste than Napoleon's speeches at Erfurth and Dresden before the crowned heads. Be wise, be just, do not hanker after riches, and your rule will be firmly established. The ministers and authorities in general get some wholesome advice. In this imperial sermon, the orator asserts, with great propriety, that all evil practices proceed from the heart. Keep your heart, he adds in a virtuous state, and all events will prove fortunate, you will be praised and become popular, riches will fall to your share, and your glory will be resplendent. On the other hand, if you harbor vicious purposes, the contrary will take place. You may wipe off a stain and cleanse yourself from defilements, but a froward heart will still remain. So much for Teënming.
And now we turn our attention to Shunche, a young dabbler in affairs of government. A question may naturally arise here, whether some of these sermons were not written by Adam Schaal, the Jesuit, the emperor's adviser and steady friend? Certainly there is some- thing here and there beyond the range of Chinese ideas, but we shall not decide the question. Six small volumes constitute the whole published under Shunche's administration; we transcribe the table of contents. The 1st, contains a sermon on government, on piety, on sacred filial duty, on the study of the sages, on humility, econo- my, and continence: the 2d, a sermon on harmony, instructions for the ministers, on petitions, on receiving reproof, on filling an office: the 3d, a sermon on merits obtained at the examinations, on choosing people to be promoted, on restraining inferiors: the 4th, a sermon on managing riches, on compassionating the people, on giving alms, on enforcing the sacrificial code, on propriety towards the generation past, on praising the patriotic and chaste: the 5th, a sermon on pro- moting literature, exhortations addressed to commanders-in-chief, on summons to surrender, exhortations to Mongols, and a benevolent go, verument, on realizing the interests of the great multitude: and the 6th, a sermon on tranquilizing the people, on avoiding punishments, on repressing greedy parasites, on eschewing evil, and on remitting or forgiving faults.
The subjects handled are certainly diffuse enough, and any com- mon mind would have been afraid to grapple with such variety, but not so the youth Shunche. The sermon on government is a well written piece, and its most prominent feature is the inculcation of our responsibility to heaven. The principle that princes were creat ed on account of the people, and not the people on account of princes, which is in itself so obvious, has nevertheless been frequent-
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
ly contested, and by sorne governments entirely declared null and void. The Chinese, however, acknowledge it in all its force, though they seldom reflect upon its tendency. Such expressions as the so- vereignty of the people, or giving an account to the nation, are foreign to the language, whilst the claims of the public at large for good go- vernment are fully admitted, and sufficiently commented upon. The prince has only to give an account to heaven, and not to any other power. Heaven, however, keeps on him a searching eye, and detects all his errors. It might appear that similar expressions point to some- thing more than the material heavens; such is not, however the case, and the gross pantheistical idea is in all these edicts prominently and boldly expressed.
But to return to Shunche. This ruler did not only preach from a pulpit, but likewise held very edifying discourses during his plea- sure excursions, thereby improving time and giving an excellent ex- ample to his ministers. Even from the nursery there issued a voice, that of his beloved mother, which furnished matter for a very long sermon, which is of course upon filial duty.
The transition to the use of riches is very rapid. The good em- peror makes it out, that his predecessors, the Ming princes, had taxed the blackhaired people too much, and though levying duties and imposts constitutes a part of governmental functions, still there must be economy so as to lighten the burdens of the people. Shun- che boldly inveighs against the odious usurpation of many grandees, who seized upon the people's fields to make hunting parks thereof. This speech would find few admirers in old England, and very likely would be hooted at in parliament, still it boldly maintains, that the more you extend pleasure-grounds, the more you narrow the territory for cultivating the necessaries of life. This truism has found a great many admirers, and there are, with the exception of the imperial demesnes, no parks where deer are kept, for the pleasure of the gran- dees. In this same speech, the monarch bitterly complains, that the waters were disobedient, and that droughts repeatedly afflicted the land. He therefore graciously remits the taxes, and permits the peo- ple to recover from these various calamities. Hunger, in addition to the sword, had devastated the land, and it required an indulgent fa- ther to raise the drooping heads of his numerous children. At one time he gave 40,000 taels of his own savings, and his queen did the same, which money was put into the hands of a trustworthy minister to be distributed amongst the sufferers.
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
The oration on ceremonies is one of the most eloquent. With the Chinese, ceremony is an excellent substitute for sincerity, humility, and sundry other qualifications, which some nations deem necessary to the formation of character and the well-being of society. It is Shunche's wish to inspire his officers with veneration for the ages long gone by, and to rouse his ministers to worship the manes of the departed sages, including kings and nobles, and even the Mongols who held for a time the sceptre of China. He himself, when cross- ing the frontiers of Mongolia, sent a deputation, to sacrifice at the tombs of their chiefs in order to conciliate the invisible assistance of those ancient heroes. In this sermon it is stated, that the spirits of the departed dwell at the graves, and ought to be carefully watched. .The
emperor in person once made a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Ming emperors, and finding them in ruins, he straightway ordered them to be repaired. The policy of these barbarians, from the mo- ment they invaded the Chinese empire, was to conciliate the people at large. Having scarcely any definite creed of their own, they mo- deled their religion entirely according to the Chinese tenets, and showed great regard towards the dead. All this amalgamated them with the myriads over whom they became victors by dint of the rapi dity of their movements. To give a good example, and become the leader of fashion to his nation, Shunche venerated the shades of the Ming emperors, his former foes, and was generous to them, when they could no longer injure him.
The discourse upon the art of tranquilizing the people, may in these times of war and fighting be read to some purpose. Shunche's were perilous times. The shock given to the empire was terrific, heavy rolling were the waves, that, one after the other, swept along with irre sistible fury, and in this troubled sea the monarch stood at the helm of
The Chinese had exhausted themselves in edicts; brother- hoods and conspiracies against the intruders continued to exist, but did not effect their end,-the expulsion of the hateful Mantchous. After so many exertions, which were isolated and ill-directed, the seeming enthusiasm of the people died away. That there is no real patriotism in China, some may believe; but that there are designing persons, who, under the garb of love for their country, will draw mul- titudes after them to serve their own purpose, cannot he denied. Such figured in Shunche's time: and to render them powerless, he wrote this political sermon. He includes in his amnesty the very robbers in the mountains, and endeavors by all means in his power to attach them to his government. That these are mere words we all know;
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
and that the emperor's show of compassion frequently consisted in cutting people to pieces and decapitating them, there is no doubt; yet at the bottom of his heart he was a well-meaning prince. In every piece, the great ruler quotes something of himself, whereby he exemplified the doctrines he recommended; and in many instances, peculiar situations in life gave rise to an oration, something like Massilon's orations funebre.
Kanghe was a thinking man, who had also a great propensity for writing, and hence we find no less than 60 parts filled with his ser- mons. This great man deserved to rank high amongst his country- Though not as practical as Peter the great, nor as warlike as Lewis XIV., with both of them he had all the qualities necessary to sway a great nation, and to act as a reformer. In this career, however, he stopped short. When versed in European sciences, when intimately acquainted with their immense advantages for promoting civilization, when considering the extraordinary capabilities in the Chinese character to produce first rate men, Kanghe after maturely weighing the cost, turned back from the gigantic enterprise of mak- ing the Chinese a great nation. He was the only learned individual in the Central Kingdom, and he carefully guarded the treasures he had acquired with so much labor, like a miser; he kept them to him- self, and with him died all scientific pursuit.
But we must go on with our review, and can only bestow a glance upon Kanghe's voluminous writings. His funeral sermon on the death of his mother is touching, the style is chaste and elegant, with- out the fulsomeness common with the Chinese on similar occasions. He does not aim at expressions, which are understood only by the Hanlin and court, and perfectly unintelligible to all others. This is indeed a very rare excellence, for scarcely any state papers that are manufactured at the national college, are, in our acceptation of the word, perspicuous; the more they are filled with obsolete phrases and high sounding words, the greater is the admiration paid to them; it is not the sense the reader prizes, but the sounds and the combina- tion of sentences.
The treatise addressed to the authorities at the capital is excel- lent, full of good sense, denouncing direful punishment to the evil doer, and encouraging unseen merit. Kanghe shows himself an enemy to dull routine, encourages men of mind to come forward and exert themselves for the benefit of the state, exhorts the ministers to diligence, and most unmercifully treats the prevarications that then existed. Indeed, if one wishes to obtain a view of the court as it ac- tually was, he has only to read this paper. The monarch says:
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
"I am here early in the morning; you assemble in my presence; let not the time be spent in idle ceremonies, but let business be dis- patched. The land is full of robbers; the people suffer under the hand of the oppressor; you must assist me in making an end of this miserable state of affairs, and then you will be ministers indeed."
Then he enters upon the different departments of the state, and gives to each its due meed of praise and censure. When speaking of religion, he plainly shows that he is a freethinker, but withal su- perstitious; for we see the man, whom we have been taught to vene- rate as an astronomer, bringing an accusation against the Astronomi- cal Board, for not having foretold an easterly gale.
Kanghe delighted in sermonizing about military affairs, and this is the topic upon which he dwells most diffusely. He was himself a warrior, who had fought in the deserts of Mongolia. His reign was filled with rebellions and insurrections. He therefore buckled on his arinor, traversed his wide dominions on the north, inspiring his soldiers with valor by his own example. And when seated in his cabinet, he delighted to expatiate on those events, and to review them in writing, commenting upon each campaign. He moreover prided himself upon his generalship, and minutely drew up the plans of attacks and operations, and when his officers succeeded, he got all the credit for the successful termination. A translation of these sermons would throw much light upon the history of the Man- tchou conquest.
The next essays consist of sermons upon compassionating the peo- ple, relieving their wants, directing their industry, strengthening their resolves, repairing the dykes, &c.:—all very proper when put înto execution, but very unsatisfactory when ending, as was general- ly the case, in fine words. When preaching to his officers about their duties, he abstains from all metaphors, and in straightforward language, tells them many things, which could not have been very palatable.
In discussing the nature of the laws, and particularly urging the execution thereof, so that the law should be supreme and rule the land, Kanghe makes many remarks at once shrewd and apposite. Perfectly aware that there existed many prevarications, he erected a stone pillar near one of the gates of his palace, where every one might state his complaints. The consequence was, that a host of pettifogging lawyers were always in attendance to present false ac- cusations, and involve the plainest cases in greater doubt. He was moreover grieved, that many soldiers of the eight standards, whom
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
he most particularly patronized, and to whom he allowed large dona- tions, deserted, and found shelter amongst the people. On the other hand numbers of vagabonds, the refuse of society, repaired to the banners, in order to screen themselves against the crimes they had committed. And notwithstanding all the laws which were enacted to put down these abuses, the military continued deaf to his exhortations. Amongst the vices of his times, both people and officers were addicted to gambling, greatly to the detriment of good manners. Parasites swarined at the court. The very ministers, when engaged in im- portant deliberations, could not keep state secrets, and the people were soon aware of the resolutions that had been taken. All this heterogenous matter, Kanghe embodies in his admonitions, adds there- to his remarks and his threats, earnestly insisting upon a reform. As many parts of the empire had been laid waste during the late war, the emperor published a discourse upon the promotion of agri- culture. When. I,' he says, marched forward with my army, forbade the soldiers to trample upon the fields of the people, and pre- served their harvests.' He examined the capabilities of the soil, compared the produce of various fields, and even went so far, as to count the grain in the ear, in order to form a correct idea of their specific fertility. The locusts repeatedly committed great ravages and destroyed the hopes of the husbandman, whilst drought and inundations occasioned equal or greater calamities.
He suggests remedies for every one of these evils, but proves himself by no means a good political economist, believing that the price of provisions may be regulated by an imperial ordinance.
These useful admonitions he follows up by an essay on music and rites, the inexhaustible themes of empty heads. Kanghe had heard the music of the west, and was much pleased with its harmony. He kept for a long time a skillful musician from Java, who used to cheer his lonely hours by the soft tones of his flute, and when this Orpheus died he was almost inconsolable. He gave directions that some foreign pieces of music should be introduced, and the whole native system reformed. Whenever he was present, the courtiers paid attention to these mandates, but they detested the innovation, and soon dropped the western airs altogether.
Kanghe is the only monarch of the reigning family, that traveled: through the provinces, in order to investigate the state of affairs with his own eyes. He has left us a volume descriptive of the experience he gained, and the views he entertained respecting these excursions. Fearing that his large train of courtiers might oppress the people,
VOL. X. NO. XI.
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
and instead of proving a blessing would entail new hardships upon the natives, he took care to make sufficient provision himself, so as not to exact supplies from the neighboring cities, an endeavor in which he never succeeded.
Having studied mathematics, he tried to apply his knowledge to the management of the Yellow river, the imperial caual, and the Hwae ho. To discourse upon this subject was his especial care; but though this may be considered as out of place, yet the reader will find on perusing the two volumes on this subject, that the emperor was well acquainted with hydraulics. All art, however, has been put at defi- ance in restraining the inundations of the Hwang ho, and the famed industry of the Chinese, with the multitudes that have set to work to strengthen the dykes, has been of little avail. Kanghe did not des- pair of ultimate success, and therefore cheered up his officers, and gave them the most minute directions, how they might effect in a scientific manner, what sheer brute strength and the force of numbers could never accomplish.
Like all mortals, Kanghe was occasionally vain, and plumed him- self upon the great benefits he had conferred upon the country. Above all he taxes his memory with the many instances of having remitted imposts, when by some means or other the people could not pay, or the soldiers had devoured the produce. We forgive him this little variety, for he wished to render his reign popular, and to leave lasting traces of his benevolence. Though these arts of considerate kindness may long ago have been forgotten, they still live in these panegyrics upon himself.
In giving instructions to his generals, he asserts, that national contests ought to be engaged in with the utmost humanity, (we should have thought it far more advisable not to commence them at all,) and to realize this point, he makes suitable suggestions. It would be a happy thing if the celestial soldiers would conform to these rules, but they seem to give the text a meaning the opposite to which it was intended to convey. The same desire which dictated these di- rections to the military, made likewise ample provision for their com- fort. The army is to be stinted in nothing, the arrears are not only to be paid, but the private debts of the soldiers liquidated, and money paid in advance. This was the liberality of an emperor, who, well aware that the spur of the Mantchou hordes had taken possession of China, wished to encourage the conquerors to maintain their ground. In two different orations he praises the faithful and brave, who sacrificed themselves for their country, and shed their blood in the emperor's cause.
Sacred Instructions of the Tu Tsing Emperors.
Great additions of territory having been made to the Chinese em- pire, Kanghe immediately comes forward to show his knowledge of geography, and in one of his speeches asserts, that there was not a famous river or mountain of which he could not indicate the name.
The emperor wrote about the establishment of posts for conveying dispatches throughout the empire, he rebuilt the graves of the former emperors, put down the large bands of robbers that traversed the country, and in fact directed all matters with a steady hand,—his whole life was a continued series of arduous exertions.
In the speeches addressed to foreign princes, Kanghe is as rude as Taoukwang. He feels extremely exasperated against the king of Cochinchina, who refused to be reverentially obedient, and did not deliver up some prisoners that had taken refuge in his dominions. The Russians, who had encroached upon his territory, he threatened with destruction, if they did not immediately abandon their ill-gotten lands. All the Mongol princes received distinct directions how to behave under circumstances of peculiar interest, and when the small; pox had broken out in their camp, and brought thousands to the grave, Kanghe actually established a quarantine, and would not allow a tribute-bearer to approach the imperial city:
Kanghe's style is easy, in many instances elegant, and the sub- jects upon which the imperial author treats are always interesting. The present collection is the best commentary upon his reign, and after deducting the delusions created by systein, we cannot but award a fair clain of celebrity, to one of the greatest emperors that ever graced the Chinese throne.
Yungching's was an ephemeral reign, but he also indulged in writing sermons, which are indeed very formal, and the contents shallow. His remarks, upon sacred virtue are unique in their kind. He praises the favorable omens that appeared at the commencement of his government, and speaks very favorably of his own enterprizes. Foud of ceremony, he expatiates upon the literary parties, which were given in his palace, at which the greatest scholars were present. He was a man of form, who delighted in everything that was in strict keeping with the rules of etiquette, and was desirous of im- printing the same character upon the whole court.
His speech on piety is a valuable document, because it exposes the governmental creed in the clearest manner. The creation and pre- servation of all things depends upon the five elements, and the con- troling power over the same are the yin and yang, which may like- wise pass under the name of demons and gods.
Sacred Instructions of the Ta Tsing Emperors.
This monarch having been an usurper, and driven his brother from the throne, great dissension reigued on that account amongst his family, and he therefore wrote a very elaborate treatise upon har- mony. Another sermon dwells upon the art of choosing suitable men for the various offices, a third speaks about the rewards due to veterans, and a fourth treats upon the love of the people. The latter contains regulations respecting the support of the aged, and the suc- cor of the needy in times of calamity. Three other volumes contain instructions to ministers; some suggestions for avoiding punishment, and for the encouragement of agriculture contain nothing new. An essay however upon the improvement of manners is on many ac- counts remarkable. It places the solution of this great problem in the hands of the Tribunal of Rites, and in fact makes a reformation of life a mechanical process. There is also much said about the minor virtues, such as economy, in which soldiers are very defective. Kanghe had given in gratuities to the eight standards, more than five millions of taels in cash, in order to enable the warriors to buy a little property, but they spent the whole, and remained as poor as ever, to the great regret of the generous donor. Amongst the dege- nerate practices of the age was pugilismo, against which the emperor very gravely inveighs, and exhorts his people to introduce more manly sports, superior to the amusements of loitering vagabonds.
Yungching's attention was likewise directed towards the preserva- tion of the canals, and the proper construction of locks. He was frequently obliged to remit the taxes to the people, and takes great credit to himself for having done so. He urges the erection of large granaries and the accumulation of all kind of stores, in order to aid in times of dearth. Being himself of economical habits, he hoarded not only grain, but collected valuables to au enormnous amount.
The monarch is loud in his praises of the true patriots, wao fought for the country's glory. He promises to give them solid proofs of his high consideration of merit. 'Your names,' says he, 'shall be transmitted to the latest posterity by whole races of noblemen; your sons shall be promoted to the highest offices in the state; you shall be patterns for the whole nation. Such are the prospects he holds out to all patriots and true lovers of their country. And here we close our review, for we do not possess the discourses of the three other emperors who succeeded him.
In no work that we have read, is the whole theory of the Chinese government so painly laid down, as in these volumes. There is more freedom of speech, a greater expansion of thought, and a more
Life of Father G. Magaillans.
interesting mode of treating subjects, than in any other of their state- papers, that we ever perused. Though full of repetitions and quaint phraseology, the whole range of imperial thoughts is fairly submitted to our view, and we hear heaven's son speaking without reserve to our weak comprehension. As a literary production also, these dis- courses rank very high, and contain the essence of Chinese govern- mental papers.
ART. II. An abridgment of the life of father Gabriel Magaillans, of the Society of Jesus, missionary into China, writen by fa- ther Lewis Buglia, his inseparable companion for thirty-six years. From Magaillans' New History of China. London, 1688. FATHER Gabriel de Magaillans, a native of Portugal, was born in the year 1609. He spent his first years in the house of one of his uncles who was a canon, and who took care to educate him in piety and the fear of God. Afterwards he studied in the schools of the society of Jesus, in the famous university of Coimbre; where, moved by the good example of those fathers, he resolved to forsake the world, and was received into the Society at seventeen years of age. Being as yet but a noviciate, he begged leave that he might be sent to the missions of the East Indies, which would not be granted him how- ever, till he had completed his studies of rhetoric and philosophy. He arrived at Goa in the year 1634, where he was immediately employed to teach rhetoric to the young religious of the house. Two years afterwards he earnestly desired that he might be sent to the mission of Japan, which was with great reluctance at length con- sented to by his superiors, in regard of the great progress which their scholars made under such a master. When he arrived at Macao, the father visiter ordered him to teach philosophy, to which he thereupon began to settle himself: but at the same time there came a Christian mandarin, who discharged him from that employ. And indeed the father visiter was willing to lay hold of the opportunity of such an officer, by his means to get the liberty of sending a person of merit into China, to assist the missionaries there. For at that time there was no person in the whole college who was proper for that country; and this was the reason that father Magaillans, observing so favorable a conjuncture, earnestly begged
Life of Father G. Magaillans.
the employment, which was granted him as soon. Thereupon he departed with the mandarin, and arrived at the city of Hangchow, the metropolis of the province of Chekeäng, where the vice-provincial then resided. At the same time also there came intelligence from the province of Szechuen, that father Lewis Buglio, who was gone to lay the foundations of a missiou there, was fallen sick and wanted a companion. Thereupon father Magaillans offered himself and obtain- ed leave to go and assist him; and though it were a journey of above four months from Hangchow to the capital city of Szechuen, nevertheless he fortunately arrived there, and became a great help to father Buglio; and then it was that he applied himself with great industry to the study of the Chinese language and letters, which he learned with an extraordinary ease.
Two years after, there happened a violent persecution against the preachers of the gospel, raised by the bonzes of that province, who assembling together in great numbers from the neighboring cities, accused the fathers of rebellion in all the Tribunals of that metro- polis. The chief mandarin therefore of the Tribunal of Crimes fearing a revolt, at a time when the kingdom was turmoiled with several insurrections, ordered that the fathers should be well drubbed, and then expelled out of the limits of the province. But they putting their confidence in God's assistance, and the protection of the man- darins, of which the greatest part were their friends, would not for- sake their station. Thereupon the bonzes every day hung up libels against the fathers, in the principal quarters of the city; as also against the mandarins. But one of the military mandarins, who was a Christian, took care to have them pulled down by the soldiers. On the other side, the fathers writ feveral books, wherein they explained and asserted the truth of their faith, and refelled the impostures of their adversaries. This persecution lasted three months; but then the bonzes, whether it were that they were afraid of the mandarins who protected the fathers, or whether they wanted money to maintain them any longer in the capital city, retired home one after another; and then the governor of the city, who favored the fathers, dis- charged the superior of the bonzes from his employment; which put all the rest to silence, and absolutely stifled that uproar.
In a short time after, they were exposed to a persecution much more formidable than the former. For the rebel Chang Heënchung, followed by a numerous army, and filling all places where he came with fire and slaughter, advanced toward the capital to make himself master of the place, and there take upon him the title of emperor of
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China, as he really did. Upon this, a great number of people fled for shelter to the mountains, and the fathers among the rest, with a re- solution to expect the issue of these disorders. In the meantime, the rebel took the capital city, where he made a bloody havoc; and three months after, understanding that great numbers of people were fled to the mountains, and among the rest the fathers, he sent several companies of soldiers who brought back a considerable part, of which number were the fathers. But when they came into his presence, he received them with extraordinary honors, and promised them that as soon as he had secured himself in the quiet possession of the em- pire, he would erect magnificent churches in honor of the God of heaven. In the meantime, he gave them a magnificent house, where the fathers hung up the picture of our Savior, and baptized several persons, and amongst the rest the tyrant's father-in-law. And indeed, during the three years that he usurped the government, for the first year he behaved himself with much justice and liberality. But being provoked by several insurrections in several parts, he resolved to subdue the province of Shense, the inhabitants of which are a war- like sort of people, and before his departure so to secure the province of Szechuen, that it should not be in a condition to revolt. In pur- suance of which cruel resolution, he put to death an infinite number of people by all manner of torments. Some were cut into quarters, others flayed alive, others were cut in pieces by bits, and others were mangled, but not suffered to die. A hundred and forty thousand soldiers, also of the province of Szechuen, he caused to be massacred, so that the province was almost depopulated. Thereupon the fathers, observing these horrid butcheries, and despairing to make any farther progress under the government of so barbarous a tyrant, presented a petition to him, wherein they desired leave to retire till the troubles that harassed the kingdom were appeased. But the tyrant was so euraged at this petition, that about two hours after he sent for the domestic servants belonging to the fathers, and ordered them to be flayed alive; accusing them that they had instilled those thoughts into their masters' heads. Presently the fathers hastened to save their lives, and told the tyrant, which was no more than the truth, that those poor people had not the least knowledge of their design. How- ever, after some discourse, the barbarian ordered the fathers to be laid hold of, and carried to the place of execution, and there to be cut in pieces: which had then been executed, if his chief general who was his adopted son, had not, while they were leading to the place of torment, by his arguments and his intercession obtained their par-
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don. Thereupon the tyrant sent away with all speed to have them brought back again into his presence, where, after he had loaded them with ill language and reproaches, he committed them to the custody of certain soldiers, with orders to guard them day and night. In this condition they remained for a whole month, at the end of which he sent for them one inorning into his presence. They found him then very bloodily employed in giving orders for the putting to death a great number of persons, aud verily believed that their last hour had been at hand. But at the same time it was the will of God, that the scouts came in one after another, bringing intelligence that some of the avant couriers of the Tartars' vanguard were at hand. But the tyrant, not giving credit to their intelligence, would needs mount without his arms, and attended only by some of his most faith- ful friends, rode forth to make a farther discovery of the enemy him- self, at which time, being forced to a skirmish, he was at the begin- ning of the fight, shot through the heart with an arrow. Thus the fa- thers, finding themselves at liberty by the death of the tyrant, resolved to retire to their house. But by the way they met a troop of Tartars that shot several arrows at them, insomuch that father Magaillans was shot quite through the arm, and father Buglio into the thigh, where the head of the arrow struck very deep in the flesh: so that although father Magaillans made use of his teeth to pull it out he could not. Till looking about him in that extremity, he spyed at last a pair of pincers lying in a blind place to which they had retired for shelter, by the help of which he drew the arrow out of the wound, not without great loss of blood.
The same evening they were presented to the prince who com- manded the army, who being informed what they were, entertained them with an extraordinary civility, and ordered two lords to take care to furnish them with all things necessary. However, the fathers underwent great hardships, for above a year together that they follow- ed the army, till they came to Peking, more especially for want of victuals, of which there was great scarcity in the army for some time: so that father Magaillans was constrained for three months to live upon a small quantity of rice only boiled in fair water. But upon their arrival at court, the Tribunal of Ceremonies, which takes care of all strangers, caused them to be lodged in the royal hostery, with a large allowance of provisions for their entertainment. There they resided two years, which being expired, a person of quality was com manded to take care of their entertainment. During all which time they employed themselves in preaching the gospel, and baptized se-
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veral persons. They continued seven years at court, before they were known to the king. But then the prince, understanding who they were, was extremely joyful at their preservation, and gave them a house, a church, revenues, and money to buy them vestments. Thereupon father Magaillans, in testimony of his gratitude to the king for so many favors, employed himself day and night in making several curious and ingenious pieces of art to please him; yet not so, but that he was no less diligent in the conversion of souls, as well by preaching as by writing. He also wrote several relations, and tran- slated the book of Thomas Aquinas concerning the resurrection of the body, which was received with great applause.
After a reign of eight years the king died; and because his son, who is the present emperor, was very young, he appointed four pro tectors to govern the empire during his son's minority. Now at the beginning of their regency, some footmen belonging to a Christian mandarin, to revenge themselves upon their master, against whom they were highly incensed, falsely accused father Magaillans of having given presents in favor of that mandarin, who was put out of his em- ployment; which is a great crime in China. Thereupon the father was carried before the Board of Punishments where he was put tó the rack twice, by the squeezing of both his feet in a press, which though it were a hideous pain, yet the father endured it with a con- stant resolution, nor would be brought to confess a thing of which he was not guilty. Nevertheless the judges, contrary to all justice, con- demned him to be strangled, and sent their sentence, according to custom, to the four regents. But they, as well for that he was a stranger, as because they were satisfied of his innocency, acquitted him, and restored him to his liberty.
Three years after, in the persecution which all the fathers suffered for religion, he was apprehended with others, and loaded for four whole months together with nine chains, three about his neck, three about his arms, and three about his legs; he was also condemned to have forty lashes, and to be banished out of Tartary as long as he lived. But a great earthquake that happened at that time at Peking, delivered both him and the rest of his companions. Afterwards for several years together, he made it his business as well to perform the actual functions of the mission, as to please the reigning prince, who had taken possession of the government, with his ingenious in- ventions; laboring like an ordinary mechanic, to the end that the favor of the prince might be a means to maintain and augnient the faith, which was the father's only aim.
VOL. X. NO. XI.
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'Three years
before his death, the wounds which he received in his feet, when he was put upon the rack, broke out again, which he en dured with an extraordinary patience. Two mouths before he died, these pains were accompanied with defluxions that stopped his respira- tion, so that he was constrained to sleep sitting up in a chair for fear of being choked; which was the reason that many times he never shut his eyes for several nights together. He wanted for no- thing during his sickness, but no remedies could surmount the force of the distemper, which daily increased; so that upon the sixth of May, in the year 1677, between six and seven o'clock in the evening, as he sat in his chair, and the distemper still urging with more vio- lence, he sent for the fathers who gave him the viaticum and ex- treme unction, after he had some days before made a general confes- sion. And so about eight o'clock, he placidly surrendered his soul to his Creator, in the presence of all the fathers, the servants, the neigh- bors, and the several Christian mandarins, who could not forbear weeping at his departure. The next day father Verbiest, now vice- president of the mission, went betimes in the morning to give notice to the king of the death of the father. The prince bid him return home, whither he in a very short time would send him his own orders what to do. Accordingly within half an hour, he sent three persons the most considerable in his court, with an eulogy in honor of the fa- ther, two hundred taels, or about thirty-three pounds, and ten great pieces of damask for his shroud, with a command to perform all the customary ceremonies before the corpse of the deceased, and to be- wail him after the usual manner, which the two messengers did, shed- ding a great number of tears in the presence of the whole assembly. The eulogy which the king gave the father was in these words: "I understand that Ngan Yuensoo (for by that name they called the father in China) has died of a distemper. I make him this writing, in consideration that while my father lived, who was the first emperor of our family, this same holy person by his ingenious pieces of art delighted the genius and humor of my father; aud for that after they were invented he took care to preserve them with an extraordinary industry, and beyond his strength. But more especially for that he came from a region so far distant, and on the other side of the sea to abide several years in China. He was a man truly sincere and of a solid wit, as he made appear during the whole course of his life. I was in good hopes his disease might have been overcome by reme- dies. But contrary to my expectation he is removed for ever from us, to the great sorrow and sensible grief of my heart. For that reason,
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I make him a present of two hundred taels, and ten large pieces of damask, to show that my design is never to forget our vassals that repair to us from places so remote."
Below were written, the emperor's words.
The sixteenth year of the emperor Kanghe, the sixth day of the fourth month, which answers to the seventh of May, in the year of Christ, 1677, the next day after the father's death.
This eulogy was printed, as also an abstract of the life of the fa- ther, and given about to all the princes, great lords, mandarins, to our friends, and all that were Christians. Which was of great con- sequence and mainly contributory to the credit and reputation of our sacred law, when the world should understand the high esteem which the king had of the preachers of the gospel.
Two days after, the king sent again the same three persons to weep before the corpse of the deceased, because he had ordered them to accompany it to the grave, which was an extraordinary honor. However, the fathers had not as yet given notice to their friends of his death, for fear of the disturbance it would be to their minds: and yet there was a great concourse of friends and mandarins, who came with their presents to perform the usual ceremonies; while others sent their eulogies and encomiums upon the father, written upon white
Some days before he was buried, the same three persons came to tell us, that it was the king's pleasure, his funeral should be very magnificent. So that the fathers, as well to conform themselves to the will of the prince, as to show their high value of the eulogy which the prince had sent them, made more than ordinary preparations.
Upon the day of the funeral, the saine three persons came in very good time to accompany the corpse, according to the king's command. There came also a great number of mandarins, acquaintances, and other persons to pay the same respects. And as for the ceremony, it was performed after the following manner.
Ten soldiers marched before with their arms to clear the streets; they were followed by ten ushers of several Tribunals, that carried tablets, whereon was written an order of the mandarins, to give way under pain of punishment. Twenty-four trumpeters and hautboys, with several sorts of other instruments followed them, and preceded the king's eulogy, that was written upon yellow satin, and carried in a litter, surrounded with four and twenty pieces of satin of various colors. This eulogy was attended by several Christian eunuchs, of which there were some that waited upon the king's person. Afterwards
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appeared three other litters adorned with several pieces of silk. In the first was carried the cross, in the second the picture of the Holy Virgin, and in the third the picture of St. Michael. These litters observed a convenient distance one from the other, and in the spaces between there went a great number of Christians, of which some carried lanterns, some banners, and others censers; others carried wax tapers, sweet odors, and other things. After that in another ban- ner was carried the portraiture of the father, surrounded with pieces of silk, which the king had ordered to be drawn to the life three years before, together with the pictures of all the rest of the fathers,
a famous painter of the palace. This picture was attended by a great multitude of Christians, among which there were above three- score in mourning. The fathers came last, and just before the stately coffin; which was put into an hearse varnished over with gold and ver- milion, under a canopy of a rich piece of red velvet, which was environed with certain pieces of white and blue damask, and was the king's gift. The coffin was carried by seventy men, who had every one a mourning bonnet upon their heads, and the number of those that followed the coffin was so great, that the front was distant from the rear above a mile. When they came to the place of interment, the responses were sung, with other usual prayers and ceremonies of the Christians. To which purpose eight Christian mandarins in sur- plices assisted the father that performed the office. The Christians also, sung
with great devotion, the litanies of the Holy Virgin, and then the body was put into a sepulchre made of brick. So soon as the ceremony was over, you might hear the lamentations and moans of the whole assembly accompanied with tears that showed the reali- ty of their grief; the three persons also sent from the emperor per- formed their parts. And three days after they returned by the king's order, and paid the same funeral respects as upon the burial day.
Never was seen in this court a funeral so magnificent, whether you consider the multitude of those that were at it, their modesty, their tears, and their sincere sorrow, or the honors done to the party deceased by the king, and the eulogy which he gave him, contrary to the usual custom. So highly had this good father merited all along the marks of esteem that were bestowed upon him, by the mo- desty which he showed in all his actions, by his extreme charity for all the world, and particularly toward the poor, by his affability to all sorts of persons, by the hardships which he suffered for the love of God, and his zeal for the advancement of the Christian religion, though at the expense of his life and reputation.
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The king, understanding by the persons whom he had deputed to be present at the ceremony, the solemnity of the funeral, and with. what pomp and decency it had been performed, was extremely satis- fied; so that when the fathers went to return their thanks to his ma- jesty, he made them approach very near his person, entertained them with a particular sweetness and favor, and cheered them for their loss, with expressions full of goodness and sincerity.
ART. III. Illustrations of men and things in China: a Chinese toy-book, the Tung Yuen Tsă-tsze, or Eastern Garden's
Miscellany.
THIS little book no doubt occupies a niche among Chinese literary productions analogous to the toy and picture books in English litera- But how unlike are the two! It is as much at antipodes to all our notions of a toy-book, calculated to amuse or instruct a child, as is the country whence it came to the land of Tom Thumb or Jack aud Gill. However, let us examine it, for it shows how our long-tail- ed' friends would teach the young idea,' and what they suppose ought to interest the youthful mind.
In order immediately to set before the lad the paragon of excel- lence, the unattainable mark which he is ever to keep in view, while approaching as near to it as possible, a picture of Confucius, seated at a table with four disciples standing before it in respectful attitudes, forms the frontispiece. To show what great personage is represented in this picture, the kelin or unicorn is drawn capering in front. Next to this, we have first, plans. of the heavens above, that is, the constel- lations with their names attached, the stars being joined together by lines like eyelet-holes in a lady's neckerchief; and, second, the earth beneath, i. e. China and the four seas surrounding it. If we can once possess ourselves of the idea that any body regards these two pictures as really correct representations of what they profess to deli- neate, we have a clue to many a wrong notion in the minds of the Chinese. It is not difficult for people who have been taught that the other countries of the world are nothing but such contemptible islets as they here see them, no larger than their names, to infer that their inhabitants are as debased, weak and ignorant as they are petty; hav
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ing no sage among them like their own peerless Confucius. from this what reason Teën Kesheih (vol. III., page 304) thought he had for congratulating himself that he had 'clothing and caps, and did not live in a hole.' It is hard for us to believe that people live in this world who imagine that all this
be true, may
but there are probably millions of such.
Following these two drawings, there is a picture of Confucius talk- ing with a boy, in illustration of the following story.
The name of Confucius was Yew, and his style Chungne; he establish- ed himself as an instructor in the western part of the kingdom of Loo. One day, followed by all his disciples, riding in a carriage, he went out to ram- ble, and on the ord, came across several children at their sports; among them was one who did not join in them. Confucius, stopping his carriage, ask- ed him, saying, "Why is it that you alone do not play ?". The lad replied, "All play is without any profit: one's clothes get torn, and they are not easi. ly mended; above me, I disgrace my father and mother; below me, even to the lowest, there is fighting and altercation: so much toil and no reward, how can it be a good business? It is for these reasons, that I do not play." Then dropping his head, he began making a city out of pieces of tile.
Coufucius, reproving him, said, "Why do you not turn out for the car- riage!" The boy replied, "From ancient times till now, it has always been considered proper for a carriage to turn out for a city, and not for a city to turn out for a carriage." Confucius then stopped his carriage, in order to dis. course of reason. He got out of the carriage, and asked him, "You are still young in years, how is it you are so quick ?" The boy replied, saying, “A human being, at the age of three years, discriminates between his father and mother; a hare, three days after it is born, runs over the ground and furrows of the fields; fish, three days after birth, wander in rivers and lakes: what heaven thus produces naturally, how can it be called brisk ?”
Confucius added, “In what village and neighborhood do you reside, what is your surname and name, and what your style?" The boy answered, "I live in a mean village and in a poor laud; my surname is Hang, my name is Tŏ, and I have yet no style.'
Confucius rejoined, "I wish to have you come and ramble with me; what you think of it?" The youth replied, “ A stern father is at home, whom I am bound to serve; an affectionate inother is there, whom it is my duty to cherish; a worthy elder brother is at home, whom it is proper for me to obey, with a tender younger brother whom I must teach; and at home is an intelligent teacher from whom I am required to learn: when have I any leisure to go a rambling with you?"
Confucius said, "I have in my carriage thirty-two chess-men; what do you say to having a game together?" The lad answered, "If the emperor love gaming, the empire will not be governed; if the nobles love play, the government will be impeded; if scholars love it, learning and investigation will be lost and thrown by; if the lower classes are fond of gambling, they will utterly lose the support for their families; if servants and slaves love to game, they will get a cudgeling; if farmers love it, they will miss the time for ploughing and sowing: for these reasons I shall not play with you.”
Confucius rejoined, "I wish to have you go with me and fully equalize the empire; what do you think of this ?” The lad replied, “The empire cannot be equalized: here are high hills; there are lakes and rivers; either there are princes and nobles, or there are slaves and servants. If the high hills be leveled, the birds and beasts will have no resort ; if the rivers and lakes be
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
filled up, the fishes and turtles will have nowhere to go; do away with kings and nobles, and the common people will have much dispute about right and wrong; obliterate slaves and servants, and who will there be to serve the prince? If the empire be so vast and unsettled, how can it be equalized ?” Confucius again asked, “Can you tell, under the whole sky, what fire has no smoke, what water no fish; what hill has no stones, what tree no branch- es; what man has no wife, what woman no husband; what cow has no calf, what mare no colt; what cock has no hen, what hen no cock; what consti- tutes an excellent man, and what an inferior man ; what is that which has not enough, and what that has an overplus; what city is without a market, and who is the man without a style?"
The boy replied, "A glowworm's fire has no smoke, and well-water no fish ; a mound of earth has no stones, and a rotten tree no branches; genii have no wives, and fairies no husbands; earthen cows have no calves, nor wooden mares any colts; lonely cocks have no hens, and widowed hens no cocks; he who is worthy is an excellent man, and a fool is an inferior man ; a winter's day is not long enough, and a summer's day is too long; the imperial city has no market, and little folks have no style.'
Confucius inquiring said, "Do you know what are the connecting bonds between heaven and earth, and what is the beginning and ending of the dual powers? What is left, and what is right; what is out, and what in; who is father, and who is mother; who is husband and who is wife? [Do_you know] where the wind comes from, and from whence the. rain? From whence the clouds issue, and the dew arises? And for how many tens of thousands of miles the sky and earth go parallel?"
The youth answering said, "Nine multiplied nine times makes eighty-one, which is the controlling bond of heaven and earth; eight multiplied into nine makes seventy-two, the beginning and end of the dual powers. Heaven is father, and earth is mother; the sun is husband, and the moon wife; east is left, and west is right; without is out, and inside is in; the winds come from Tsang-woo, and the rains proceed from wastes and wilds; the clouds issue from the hills, and the dew rises from the ground. Sky and earth go parallel for ten thousand times ten thousand miles, and the four points of compass have each their stations.'
Confucius asking, said, "Which do you say is the nearest relation, father and mother, or husband and wife?" The boy responded, “ One's parents are near; husband and wife are not [so] near.'
Confucius rejoined, "While husband and wife are alive, they sleep under the same coverlet; when they are dead, they lie in the same grave: how then can you say they are not near?" The boy replied, "A man without a wife is like a carriage without a wheel: if there be no wheel, another one is made, for he can doubtless get a new one: so, if one's wife die, he seeks again, for he also can obtain a new one. The daughter of a worthy family must certainly marry an honorable husband: a house having ten rooms always has a plate and a ridge-pole: three windows and six lattices do not give the light of a single door: the whole host of stars with all their sparkling brilliance do not equal the splendor of the solitary moon: the affection of a father and mother-alas, if it be once lost !”
Confucius sighing, said, "How clever! how worthy!" The boy asking the sage said, "You have just now been giving me questions, which I have answered one by one; I now wish to seek instruction; will the teacher in one sentence, afford me some plain instruction? I shall be much gratified, if my request be not rejected." He then said, "Why is it that mal- lards and ducks are able to swin; how is it that wild geese and cranes can sing; and why are firs and pines green through the winter?" Confucius re-
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plied, "Mallards and ducks can swim because their feet are broad; wild geese and cranes can sing because they have long necks; firs and pines remain green throughout the winter because they have strong hearts."
The youth rejoined, "Not so; fishes and turtles can swim, is it because they all have broad feet? Frogs and toads can sing, is it because their necks are long? The green bamboo keeps fresh in winter, is it on account of its strong heart?"
Again interrogating, he said, "How many stars are there altogether in the sky" Confucius replied, "At this time inquire about the earth; how can we converse about the sky with certainty?" The boy said, "Then how many houses in all are there on the earth?" The sage answered, “Coine now, speak about something that's before our eyes; why must you converse about heaven and earth.” The lad resumed, “ Well, speak about what's before our eyes-how many hairs are there in your eyebrows ?"
Confucius smiled, but did not answer, and turning to his disciples called them and said, "This boy is to be feared; for it is easy to see that the subse-
quent man will not be like the child." He then got into his carriage, and
rode off.
The ode says,
Do not despise a youth, a bright intelligent lad;
Whose talents are discursive and great, in wisdom surpassing men; While discoursing about things in general, of affairs without a limit, It is evident that an ancient sage, has manifested himself in the body. The pages of the book are divided into two parts, having no connec- tion with each other. On the lower part, succeeding this story, comes the Hundred Family Names (see vol. IV., page 153), and above it is the Thousand Character Classic (see vol. IV., page 229), both of them as dry as chopped hay' to the juvenile mind. There are also in the upper division, various lists of persons, comprising the disciples of Confucius, famous heroes and scholars, the 24 youths renowned for their filial duty (see vol. VI., page 130), &c.; also short admoni- tions in verse, curious directions how to divine good or bad luck from candlewicks; and lastly, nearly 200 pictures of the most common objects in nature, with their names attached. These pictures indicate a very primitive state of the art of drawing, and are altogether so rude, that if the author had not very discreetly told the lad, this is a horse,' he would perhaps have called it a handsaw. If these pictures are those to which Mr. Davis refers, in his work, as being employed by Chi- nese teachers in giving instruction, and we have little doubt but they are, he ought to have given us a better idea of their merits.
In the lower part of the book, succeeding the Thousand Character Classic, the stripling, who may wish to wander farther in this Eastern Garden, is entertained with various multiplication and division tables, and then led to a plat whereon are depicted the sublime calculations of the abacus or swanpan. Then follow a large number of parterres, containing a choice selection of phrases and terms with appropriate definitions and illustrations. They embrace the whole range of sub-
Illustrations of Men and Things in China.
jects which the aspirant to fame will ever require to learn, couched In the most commendable brevity;-from the starry heavens to the grasshopper in the field, nothing is omitted. They occupy more than three fourths of the space surrounded by the garden wall—i, e. the covers of the book, and comprise a good many rare things. Along one of the sides of this garden, the youth is delighted with all kinds of formulas for letter-writing, and taught how to subscribe himself to all grades of people, and to all ranks of his relations;—not by “Your affectionate friend," " Your obedient servant," or " Your dutiful son," as barbarians do; but by, “Your foolish younger brother," "Your fool- ish nephew," "Your marriage cousin," &c. He is also taught how to comply with the rules of etiquette in the construction of his visiting and invitation cards, in his proposals for matrimony, and in his notes of condolence: truly as the sage says, "nothing is without its ceremo- nies." Next to this bed of delights, which may be called the Dutch end, where all the trees are clipped into the shape of gable roofs with one chimney, young gentlemen and ladies are brought to a plat, where they have specimens of letter-writing, and other documents necessary to the completion of a polite education. Among the best of the former, we select the following letter from a husband to his wife, and her answer.
Wandering in a distant land of strangers, how quickly has a year passed away! Always remembering my aged parents in their hall, and my little one in the arms, I depend upon my worthy wife to wait upon the one, and to bring up the other; thus, by reason of your constant and uniform conduct, my father and mother never having occasion to regret my want of filial duty towards them, nor my children the loss of my care and instruction, will evince the great affection of my worthy wife. In this foreign land, when I have obtained a little competence according to my wishes, packing up my bag- gage, I will quickly return home. But that you may not be continually an- xious for me, I send you a letter to calm you, together with a certain sum of money to use in the household expenses. Let every one of your apprehen- sions be removed, and fail not to make some allowances for me. To my worthy wife,
in her apartment, I her husband wishing peace, send this letter.
Since you left the Hibiscus has twice bloomed. The orders given when you left have all been most diligently kept in my memory, not presuming to oppose them. Those in the high hall I have constantly waited upon, always doing it myself. The delicate girls and tender boys I have myself nourished; all the various duties of the household I have directed. You need have no anxiety upon these points, but while in your distant land, do your business, and, if possible, plan how to procure gain sufficient; then will you quickly return home, to wait upon your parents, and nourish all your little ones, causing all those of your own flesh and blood to rejoice together, filling the house with laughter. Then will not your aged parents lean upon the village gate longing for you, uor your poor handmaid sing the Gray hair ballad.
VOL. X. NO. XI.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
While writing I wipe away the tears, nor can I write all I wish, but add the desire that you will do what is right and enjoy yourself. To the feet of my worthy husband, his dearly attached wife sends a hundred salutations.
There are besides these, formulas for deeds, leases, taxation re- ceipts, partnership agreements, and among others one for selling chil- dren on account of the poverty of the parents to be brought up. We approach now to the end of this garden, and among other things to lead the youthful mind to wander onward, if he should have become weary, a variety of diagrams are exhibited showing the great number of relatives it is possible for a man to have, with their names and proper precedence. This is no laughing matter to a Chinese, who is taught to make a god of his grandfather, and worship his parents. To this table of pedigrees succeeds a second, in which the boy will take much more interest; it is a table of calculations showing the chances he has of being a rich or a poor man by casting his nativity at so many taels and cash per sign. It is a complicated affair, somewhat like a bramble bush, and not fully understanding it ourselves, we will not venture to lead our readers through it. As if to induce one to penetrate it, however, there are impersonations of the four seasons placed in the midst, in the shape of reverend looking sages bedecked with horary characters: very unlike they are to our representations of the seasons in the guise of flowery spring, joyous summer, mellow, ripe autumn, and shivering, scythe-bearing winter.
Last of all in this garden, sit the emperors, generation after gene- ration, from the Tae Koo, or the Great Ancient who lived when the memory of man ran not to the contrary, down to the present Taou- kwang: "May he live for ever and ever," says the loyal cultivator of this garden, as he bows his visitor out, and so do we.
ART. IV. The expedition to China: narrative of events since the battle above Canton; sickness at Hongkong; tyfoons of 21st and 26th of July; the fall of Amoy, Chusan, Chinhae, and Ningpo. By a Correspondent.
AFTER the events detailed in the Repository for July, 1841, p. 390, no moveinent of any importance took place from the period of the re- turn of the force to Hongkong, till the arrival of her majesty's pleni-
Progress of the Expedition to China.
potentiary sir H. Pottinger, and rear-admiral sir W. Parker. Prepa- rations were then immediately made for the expedition to the north.
Sickness had in the meantime prostrated many in the navy and army. Death had numbered some of their best men among its victims, Though inhaling the poisonous miasma during the seven days' 80- journ on the heights above the city of Canton, still the men continu- ed free from disease. Excitement and hard work seemed to steel them against it. On the passage down the river they first began to suffer. Our gallant and respected commodore, sir H. Le Fleming Senhouse, was the first to sink under the disease. He carried with him to the grave the regrets of all. From him the military derived, at all times, every possible assistance. To coöperate with them seemed to afford him pleasure. He was buried at Macao, and a monument erected over his remains by a joint subscription from the army and navy. The health of the troops on board ship soon began to improve. Those on shore, however, continued to suffer much. They consisted of the 37th Madras native infantry, sappers and mi- ners, recruits of the 18th Royal Irish, and the detachment of Bengal Volunteers.
On the increase of sickness, 100 men of the 37th regiment, and the whole of the other troops on shore, were reëmbarked. In them a rapid and decided improvement speedily took place. The head quarters of the 37th regiment, about 500 strong, were left on shore, and unfortunately housed in barracks very ill adapted for this change- able climate. Disease in them rapidly increased to an alarming ex- tent: hospital gangrene made its appearance; and the slightest abrad- ed surface degenerated into a foul malignant ulcer. Sores which had been cicatrized for days and days again broke out. Men, who had been wounded at Chuenpe and elsewhere, and who, poor fel- lows, proud of their wounds, and rendered by them disqualified for further active service, looked forward with pleasure and anxiety to the period of return to their homes in India, where they would be enabled to spend the rest of their days in ease and comfort with their families on the bountiful pension of their honorable masters, were now cut off. Out of 600 men, barely 100 were fit for duty. Two of the officers of the regiment had died, and of the remaining sixteen, one only was off the sick list. The corps was exactly in this state, with a hospital crowded to overflowing, when the tyfoon of the 21st July came on. It was during the surgeon's visit on the morning of that day, that the hospital came down, crushing under its ruins the miserable bed-ridden patients. Though many sustained injuries,
Progress of the Expedition to China.
from which they never recovered, still, surprising to say, only one man was killed, a poor helpless maniac.
By dint of great exertions on the part of the officers and men, (for no other assistance could be procured,) the sick were extricated from the wreck of the hospital, and placed in one of the other barracks. Alas! merely to have the same scene acted over again. Batrack after barrack was leveled with the ground. The officers' houses fol- lowed. The force of the wind tore the very flooring from the sleep- It was now sauve que peut. There was danger in remaining in the vicinity of the lines. The wind and drenching rain continued unabated, and torrents in the form of cascades poured down the hills, sweeping everything before them.
The sea, at all other times so still and smooth here in the harbor, was now fiercely agitated. It had incroached on the land far be- yond its natural bounds. Ships, drifting from their anchorages, were seen rapidly nearing the shore, while their crews were laboring hard to cut away the masts, their only chance of preservation. Occa- sionally, as the atmosphere cleared across the bay, several ships could be seen clustered in one spot, giving each other a friendly embrace! Ships of seven and eight hundred tons were on shore in water, which on ordinary occasions is barely knee-deep. Innumerable boats were scattered in fragments on the beach, while underneath and around them were many mangled and lacerated corpses of Chinese.
At 3 P. M., the tyfoon was at its height, the houses were all unroof- ed, and no covering remained to protect from the raging elements. The natives were running wildly about in all directions, vainly be seeching succor from their gods. The last days of Hongkong seem- ed to be approaching. It was a grand but awful sight. It will be easier to conceive, than to describe, the helpless and wretched con- dition in which the inhabitants of this newly colonized island spent this night. The following day, temporary buildings were thrown up for the protection of the men, and a second ship was now procured for 250 of the sick. But deaths still daily occurred amongst them.
On the night of the 25th, and the greater part of the 26th of July, the island was again visited by a tyfoon, which though not so violent as that already described, swept away everything that escaped the gale of the 21st. It destroyed the temporary buildings, and exposed the wretched inmates a second time to the fury of a tempest of wind and rain, and the consequences were most disastrous. Meantime, the crews of the men-of-war, and also the troops on board ship were rapidly convalescing, and on the 21st of August, the day on which
Progress of the Expedition to China.
the fleet got under weigh for Amoy, but few sick remained. The 26th Cameronians, 37th M. N. I., the detachment of Bengal Vo- lunteers, and a few artillery and sappers were left behind at Hong- kong.
The capture of Amoy was chiefly a naval operation, and the little that was left for the troops to do was done by the 18th Royal Irish. Scarcely had the fleet, on the 26th August, taken up their position opposite the batteries of Amoy, when a boat, bearing a white flag was seen to approach the Wellesley. An officer of low rank was the bearer of a paper, demanding to know what our ships wanted, and directing us to make sail for the outer waters, ere the celestial wrath should be kindled against us, and the guns from the batteries annihilate us!" The line of works certainly presented a most formida- ble appearance, and the batteries were admirably constructed. Man- ned by Europeans, no force could have stood before them. For four hours did the ships pepper at them without a moment's cessation. The Wellesley aud Blenheim each fired upwards of 12,000 rounds, to say nothing of the frigates, steamers, and small craft. Yet the works were as perfect when they left off as when they began, the ut- most penetration of the shot being 16 inches. The cannonade was certainly a splendid sight. The stream of fire and smoke from the sides of the liners was terrific. It never for a moment appeared to slack. From 20 to 30 people was all that were killed by this enor. mous expenditure of powder and shot.
It was nearly 3 P. M. before the 18th landed, accompanied by sir Hugh Gough and staff. They landed close to a high wall which flanked the main line of batteries, covered by the Queen and Phlege- thon steamers. The flank companies soon got over the wall driving the enemy before them. They opened a gate through which the rest of our men entered, and advancing along the battery quickly cleared it, killing more men in ten minutes, than the men of war did during the whole day; three of our fellows were knocked over, besides others in- jured. One officer cut his throat in the long battery, another walked into the sea and drowned himself in the coolest manner possible. The enemy fled on all sides so soon as our troops landed. We bi- vouacked as best we could during the night, and next morning took possession of the city without hindrance. Much treasure had been carried away, the mob leaving only the boxes which contained it. Im- mense quantities of military stores were found in the arsenals, and the founderies were in active operation. One two decker, modeled from ours, and carrying 30 guns, was ready for sea, and others were on the
Progress of the Expedition to China.
stocks. But few war-junks were stationed here, the Chinese admiral being at this time absent with his fleet. During the engagement the Phlegethon steamer was nearly severely handled. She came suddenly opposite and close to a masked battery, the guns from which, having the exact range, opened upon her. Fortunately for the steamer, the water was sufficiently deep to come close into the land. Captain Mc- Cleverty inmediately lauded his men, advanced directly on the bat- tery, and took possession of it, killing a great portion of the garrison. This was a very spirited affair, and attracted universal admiration.
After obtaining complete possession of Amoy and all its defenses, sir William Parker and sir Hugh Gough respectively issued the fol- lowing Notices to the force under their command. For the circular of H. M. Plenipotentiary regarding this operation, see page 524.
GENERAL.
MEMORANDUM.
Wellesley, at Amoy, 31st August, 1841. Rear-admiral sir W. Parker observed, with much satisfaction, the precision with which the ships of the squadron took their stations on the 26th instant ; and he begs to convey to the captains, officers, seamen, and royal marines, and also to those of the Indian navy, his approbation and best thanks for the excellent guḥ practice, gallantry, and good conduct which they exhibited on that occasion.
WILLIAM PARKER, Rear-admiral. To the respective captains, commanders, and commanding officers of H. M. ships and vessels, and of the Indian navy.
(Signed)
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-quarters, ship Marion, Amoy harbor, September 5th, 1841. Major-general sir Hugh Gough has again derived the highest gratification from the gallant and soldier-like conduct of the troops, at the capture of the batteries, heights, city, and citadel, of Amoy, and of the strongly fortified island of Koo- lang su, in co-operation with H. M.'s ships.
2. Although the resistance upon them was more feeble than the major general anticipated, he has the proud conviction, that the noble emulation and eager spirit, with which the several corps (including two detachments of royal ma- rines) proceeded to the attack, together with their patient endurance of fatigue, ́would equally have enabled him to carry all before him, had the enemy inade
more active use of the great advantages of his position.
3. Sir Hugh Gough has no less satisfaction in noticing the conduct of the troops on shore, amid temptations of no ordinary nature,-shops on all sides abounding with liquor, and houses full of valuable property, abandoned in many cases by their owners, and already broken open by the populace.-A few in- stances alone of misconduct called for the major-general's disapprobation, and for the most part sobriety and regularity have been maintained.
4. It is also highly to the credit of the troops, that, upon a sudden order to re- embark, after eight days on shore, all the regiments paraded in perfect order, and embarked with as much regularity, and as rapidly as the major-general could have expected, had the most ample time been given for preparation, with- out one solitary instance of inebriety, and without leaving even one follower behind.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
5. The major-general; therefore, feels it but justice thus to record his senti- ments, and to beg commanding officers of corps, and the heads of departments, to accept his thanks, and to convey them to the officers, non-commissioned of- ficers, and soldiers, under their respective commands.
6. Sir Hugh Gough has much pleasure in expressing his sense of obligation to captain · Giffard of the royal navy, for his valuable services and judicious ar- rangements at the disembarkation and embarkation of the troops.
By order.
(Signed)
ARMINE S. H. MOUNTAIN, Lieut.-colonel. Dep. Adj.-general, Expeditionary Force. A garrison, of detachments from the 18th and 26th regiments, and the Madras artillery was left at Amoy, with H. M. ships Druid, Py- lades and Algerinc. On the 5th, the fleet were steering for Ningpo. After clearing the Formosa channel, the wind chopped round to the north, and dispersed the fleet. They afterwards rendezvoused at the island of Just-in-the-way, in the mouth of the Ningpo passage.
Chusan was the first point of attack, and thither the fleet directed their course. On the 29th, they arrived off the city of Tinghae. The batteries on this island have been very much extended and strength- ened since it was given up. The brass guns were quite new and ad- mirably constructed; though there was no improvement in their car- riages. With the exception of four large 24 prs., which were on tra- versing carriages similar to those in the steamer, all the others were even more rude than those found on the former visit to the island. On the afternoon of the 29th, lieutenants Spencer and Barrow of the artillery lauded on Melville island, and a battery was thrown up for the purpose of shelling Pagoda hill, on which strong fortifications had been raised, and which appeared to be well garrisoned. This bat- tery was thrown up under a very heavy and admirably directed fire from the hill.
On the 1st of October, the troops landed at Sapper's point; during the landing a very heavy fire was opened upon us from the long shore battery. The shot fell around the boats on all sides, several from the ginjalls hit the men, but they were too far spent to do mate- rial damage. The Chinese were strongly posted on the heights above The landing, was covered by the Columbine and Phlegethon. The 55th, were the first on shore, sir Hugh Gough and staff with them. They found it impossible to await the landing of the other troops, there being no cover from the incessant fire the enemy pour- ed down upon them. The advance was sounded, and away they went up the hill, major Fawcet leading in gallant style. The sight was now very animating, the Chinese, coming down to meet them in the most determined way, and firing their matchlocks and ginjalls, till the
hill blazed with fire.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
The gallantry of some individuals was most conspicuous. One man, in particular, attracted universal attention. Standing on the peak of the hill, while the shot from the Phlegethon and Nemesis plunged every moment within a few feet of him, he waved a flag, and the nearer the shot came to him, the more he waved. At last a shot from the steamer cut him down. Another warrior quickly took his place, and was in like manner disposed of.
By this time the 55th were close on the Chinese; the latter waited till they were within spear's length and then retreated. The 55th had an officer killed in the advance, ensign Duall, formerly sergeant-major of the regiment. This was the first day he ever acted as an officer, and he died with the regimental colors in his hand. Twenty men of the same corps were put hors du combat before they reached the top of the hill. Assistant-surgeon Hutchinson was struck down by a ginjall ball. It hit him obliquely on the head, first taking off the peak of his
Meantime captain Anstruther, with two light guns, accom- panied by the 18th, pushed on towards the right, driving in small parties of the enemy. The batteries, in this direction, were quickly cleared. Many of the Chinese, who were retiring along the cause- way, seeing our men advance into the battery, quickly turned, and a very smart affair followed. They assembled in great numbers close to some brass guns, and there fought like Turks; in their haste, however, they fired too high to do much injury, and some of the ad- vance saved their lives by making good use of their pistols. At this place general Keò, the chief naval and military commander, was killed; and all his officers, sticking to him to the last, also fell with him. Their conduct in fact was noble, nothing could have surpass- ed it.
While this was going on, Pagoda hill, from the continued fire from the Modeste and the party on Melville island, became too warm for the enemy, and they evacuated it. The 55th, now joined by the Madras rifles, pushed on to the heights immediately above the city, attended by the sappers, and lieut. Baker of the artillery with guns and rockets. The artillery opened a fire on the city, while the rifles peppered away at the men on the walls, and one of the light steamers coming close under Pagoda hill threw shells into it, and also the party on Melville island. The walls were at the same time, scaled by the 55th and the sappers. And so fell Chusan for the second time, captain Pears of the sappers being first in the city. The 49th regiment, the marmes, blue jackets, and some artillery forming the reserve, wore not required.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
The suburbs of the city had been occupied entirely as a military post, the inhabitants evidently not being allowed to enter it. The names on the streets, nay, even those on the doors in chalk, were just as we left them. The beach, however, was so altered by the exten- sive works thrown up, that no one could have possibly recognized it. As soon as Tinghae was fully occupied, various parties of troops scoured the island in all directions, and previously to the body of the expedition leaving the island, a military government was formed, and 400 men left as a garrison. Sir Henry Pottinger issued the following circular the day after taking possession of Tinghae, in which he declares his intention respecting the group.
CIRCULAR TO HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SUBJECTS IN CHINA.
Her Britannic majesty's plenipotentiary in China has the utmost satisfaction in announcing, for general information, that the city of Tinghae, the capital of the Chusan group of islands, was yesterday re-occupied by her majesty's forces.
During the eight months that have elapsed since this island was evacuated by her majesty's forces in February, 1841, the Chinese government appears to have exerted itself geatly to strengthen the defenses. The whole sea face of the city is now one continued line of fortifications, extending for nearly two miles, and rẻ- doubts and intrenched camps have been thrown up in every direction.
The Chinese troops made a better attempt at resistance than they have hitherto done, but nothing could withstand the intrepid valor and discipline of her majesty's combined forces, and in less than two hours, the batteries were cleared, the city escaladed, and the enemy flying in all directions.
Great quantities of ordnance (amongst which are about forty pieces of brass cannon), with other arms, and military stores of every description, besides magazines of gunpowder, and large granaries of rice, have been found; and from a variety of concurrent circumstances, it is evident that the Chinese authorities had no concep- tion that the place could be taken in such rapid and gallant style.
Arrangements will be made immediately for establishing a provisional govern. ment, and her majesty's plenipotentiary deems it advisable, after what has already happened, to intimate to her majesty's subjects and all others, that, under no eircumstances, will Tinghae and its dependencies be restored to the Chinese government, until the whole of the demands of England are not only complied with, but carried into full effect.
God save the queen.
Dated on board her majesty's ship Blenheim, in Chusan harbor, this second day. of October, 1841. (Signed) HENRY POTTINGER, II. M. Plenipotentiary.
A proclamation was also made to the native population of Tinghae a few days afterwards, of which the following translation is extracted from the Hongkong Gazette of Nov. 23d.
PROCLAMATION.
The city of Tingbae, the capital of the Chusan island and its dependencies, having been again taken possession of by the combined forces of her Britannic majesty, in conformity with the royal commands to that effect which her majesty
VOL. X. NO. XI.
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has been pleased to issue through her majesty's high ministers; it is hereby made known to the inhabitants of the said city of Tinghae and its dependencies, that the British government has resolved to retain the said city and islands and their dependencies, until the demands, which the undersigned plenipotentiary, &c., has been directed to make from the imperial government of China, shall be not only acceded to, but carried into full effect:
The inhabitants are therefore given to understand, that years may probably elapse before the said city, &c, will be restored to the emperor's authority. In the meantime, a military government will be formed, to protect the well disposed and quiet, and to punish the ill disposed and refractory. Such regulations as may become necessary from time to time, will be notified to the people by proclamations; and all classes are hereby invited to resume their usual trades and occupations, under the assurance of being fostered and protected, so long as they conduct themselves as orderly and obedient subjects of the govern. ment under which they are living.
That the people may have every facility to obtain redress of any wrongs committed against them, and to convey their representations to the government, captain Dennis, one of the officers of the queen of England's forces, has been appointed a military magistrate.
God save the queen of England.
Given under my band in Chusan this sixth day of October, 1841.
(Signed)
True copy.
HENRY POTTINGER, H. M. Plenipotentiary.
J. ROBT. MORRISON, Chinese Sec. &c. On the 9th of October, the fleet were advancing on Chinhae in the order indicated by the following General Orders of the coinmander- in-chief, to the fleet, and of major-general sir Hugh Gough to the troops.
GENERAL MEMORANDUM.
Wellesley, at the anchorage of Just-in-the-way, 9th Oct., 1841. The following positions are to be taken by the ships of the squadron in the attack on Chinhae, and for covering the landing of the troops on the right hand of the river. When the signal No. 470, for anchoring with springs on the cables, is made, the Wellesley will place herself about due north of the citadel (or Josshouse hill) as close in as she can be carried without risk of her taking ground at low water. The Blenheim to the cast of her, the Blonde to the southward and westward of the Wellesley, and the Modeste to the southward and westward of the Blonde, as near to the Chinese positions as their respective drafts of water will admit of with safety to the ships, and taking care not to obstruct the fire of each other.
The object of this division of the ships will be to drive the Chinese out of the citadel with shells and shot (if well within range of the latter), and to prevent reinforcements being sent up to it from the city of Chinhae, also to open a landing place, if practicable, for the seamen and marines at the foot of the hill on the west side, where a battery has been constructed, and the landing-places staked to this point. For the purpose of driving the Chinese from the walls of the eastern part of the city, the fire of the Blonde and Modeste should be mainly directed.
The seamen and marines must be held ready to assault the citadel whenever the signal shall be made for disembarking them, which will probably be on the rocks on the north side of the hill, or at the point already referred to.
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The transports are to be anchored to the eastward of the Triangles; the Cruizer, Columbine, and Bentinck to take positions off the creek, inside those islands, for covering the landing of the troops. The Cruizer to be as far advanced to the westward and entrance of the harbor as may be practicable, without being exposed to the fire of the batteries in the harbor.
The Sesostris to anchor off the north side of Passage island to shell the citadel and battery on the eastern end, and if possible to flank the batteries on the right bank of the river.
The Queen to place herself inside the Triangles, as far advanced as may be practicable for bursting shells in the encampment of the Chinese towards the fortified hill, and to clear the southeast part of the Citadel hill, should the Chinese be driven on that side by the fire of the ships to the northward; also to shell the batteries on the town side which defends the entrance of the harbor. The Phle- gethon and Nemesis to proceed to support the Queen (on receiving directions to do so from commanders Giffard or Clarke,) as soon as all the troops are landed; and a strict lookout is to be kept for the recall of either of the steamers, and to repeat any signal made by the ship to the northward.
Whenever the surrender of the citadel, or the advance of the troops, causes the Chinese to give way from their batteries in the harbor, or that they can be ap- proached with advantage, the Cruizer, Columbine, and Bentinck are to proceed in- side, and commander Giffard will take care always to have one vessel in a position to keep up the communication with the general.
The foregoing outline will be sufficient to apprize the respective captains and officers of the contemplated operations, but the duration of the fire of the ships, and any alterations of their position, must of course be governed by their discré- tion, to meet any change of circumstances.
The following number of seamen and marines are to form the landing party under the command of captain Herbert of the Blenheim, and to take with them one day's provision. From the Wellesley and Blenheim each 150, from the Blonde 50, and the Modeste 20; making in all 370 seamen, with a proper proportion of offì- Marines the same as detailed in my memo. of the 25th of September. The marines from the Cruizer and Columbine are to be sent this evening to the Wel- lesley by one of the small steamers.
(Signed)
W. PARKER, Rear-admiral.
To the captains, commanders, and commanding officers of the ships and vessels.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-quarters, H. M. S. Wellesley, Oct. 9th, 1841. Attack. The following is the proposed order of the landing for the attack of the citadel and fortified heights of Chinhae. The troops with the seamen's bat- talion and royal marines to land in three columns.
Left column with which major-general sir Hugh Gough will land.
Madras artillery and gun-lascars
Royal artillery
H. M.'s 55th regiment
H. M.'s 18th regiment
7 Officers. 104 Rank and file
Ordnance. Four 4 2.5 mountain howitzer”, and two 54 inch mortars. Doolie
bearers and natives to carry shot, 112.
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Centre column under lieut.-colonel Morris.
Royal artillery Madras artillery Madras sappers
H. M.'s 49th regiment
and shot carriers, 40.
Officers.
4 Rank and file
Ordnance. Two 12 pounder howitzers; two 9 pounder field guns. Doolie bearers
Royal artillery
Right column under captain Herbert, R. N.
Madras artillery
Seamens' battalion
Royal marines
Madras sappers
1 Officers.
23 Rank and file.
Ordnance. Two 54 inch mortars. Dooly bearers and natives to carry shot, 30. 2. Officers commanding 18th, 49th, and 55th regiments will be pleased to send to head-quarters, as soon as may be practicable after landing, the men of their respective corps whom they were requested to select for the deputy provost marshal's guard in General Order of the 6th inst.
3. The European troops will land as heretofore in light marching order, and one day's cooked provisions. The native troops will also carry one day's provision.
4. The landing will take place if possible at daylight to-morrow morning. By order.
(Signed) ARMINE S. H. MOUNTAIN, It.col. deputy adj.-general. Early on the morning of the 10th, the ships-of-war were in position, and commenced bombarding the city. The troops, about 2200 strong, landed early in the day. On reconnoitring, the general ob- served a very extensive line of encampinents on the right bank of the river. The city being on the left, he determined to make the first attack on it. To effect this object, his small army was divided into three columns, a right, a left, and centre. Detaching the two former onwards towards the enemy's flanks, he ordered the latter to ad- There were fully 5000 men in this encampment, who, on seeing our small centre column coming up, turned out to give battle, and formed in good order. They did not appear at all sensible of the near approach of the flank columns, and must indeed have thought it presumptious in the extreme, for us to attempt to drive them from their stronghold with the handful of men in the centre column. The position of the enemy here was very strong, and on it the city of Ningpo defended entirely for its preservation.
Long before our men had fired a shot, the Chinese had commenc. ed a spirited and well directed fire from their ginjalls and field pieces, reserving their small arms till our men approached nearer. Their fire was solely directed against the centre column, the remain- ing two being screened from their view by rising ground.
This day will long be remembered on the side of the Chinese by the few who survived it. Boldly and steadily did the centre advance
Progress of the Expedition to China.
till within good gunshot range of the enemy. The latter too coolly waited to receive them. The word was hardly given them to fire, when almost simultaneously the flank parties poured forth their volleys of musketry on the enemy. The latter were quite bewildered, they knew not which way to turn. Utterly paralizing at the suddenness of the attack, they stood motionless, gazing around, a few match- Jocks and ginjalls occasionally returned our fire. At length, the living mass moved, broke up, and fled on all sides, leaving the field covered with the dead and dying. Our men pursued; several hand to hand encounters took place, the enemy, in many instances pre- ferring to die rather than yield themselves prisoners. Upwards of 500, however, were soon surrounded, the main body retreating towards the river, vainly expecting (as they did on the 7th of January last at Chuenpe) that the water would protect them from the strong arm of the barbarians. Our inen were fast closing on the fugitives. They bayoneted several. Hundreds took to the water, which in a short time became blackened with their floating corpses. To the last, they would not lay down their arms. Many officers committed suicide. One man, a Tartar general of high rank, he who declared, when the British were formerly at Chusan, that if permitted by the cm- peror "he would catch all the barbarians in a net, give their flesh to the wild beasts, and prepare their skins for the celestial troops to sleep upon," was caught in the act of cutting his throat, but a wound in the arm prevented his accomplishing this purpose with the usual expertness of the Chinese.
While the fight was raging in the valley, the ships never for a mo- ment ceased bombarding the city. Sir Hugh Gough, on reässembling his men, was advancing in the direction of the city, when, on ascend- ing a height, he perceived the enemy pouring out at the gates on one side, while the marines and sailors were effecting an entrance by means of escalading ladders on the other. Thus terminated the ope- rations of the day.
Our casualties at Tinghae and Chinhae, including one officer kill- ed and one officer wounded, were 17 killed and 36 wounded. On the part of the enemy, 1500 must have bit the dust at Chinhae, and about 1000 at Tinghae. The prisoners had their tails cut off, and were then set at liberty. The arrangements on the part of sir Hugh Gough were admirable, and highly applauded by all.
A garrison of 300 men were left at Chinhae, and on the 13th Oct. the troops and smaller ships proceeded up the river to the city of Ning- po. To the surprise of all, no resistance was offered; for the enemy,
Progress of the Espedition to China.
placing the utmost confidence in the defenses of Chinhae, which in their opinion neither celestial nor terrestial power could destroy, had taken no precautions for the preservation of this rich and populous city. Nothing was left, therefore, but to take quiet possession. The far famed Tartar troops were nowhere to be seen, and the few inhabitants who remained, shut themselves up in their houses and marked the words 'submissive people' on their doors.
For some days the streets were deserted, except by the victors. Gradually, however, the people regained confidence, many of the shops were re- opened, and provisions of every sort were procurable.
The duties of our troops, as will easily be supposed, were arduous and harassing. With the exception of a few cases of cholera, caus- ed by fatigue and exposure, all continued very healthy. This may be attributed to the praiseworthy conduct of the troops, the total ab- sence of every description of intemperance, and the abundant supply of good food.
H. M.'s plenipotentiary announced these various movements in a circular to H. B. M. subjects.
CIRCULAR TO HER MAJESTY'S SUBJECTS IN CHINA.
Her Britannic majesty's plenipotentiary in China has the renewed extreme gratification of announcing, for general information, the further brilliant and important successes of her majesty's combined naval and land forces in the reduc. tion and occupation, on the 10th and 13th instants, respectively, of the cities of Chinhae and Ningpo.
the sea),
The city of Chinhae is situated at the mouth of the Taheă or Ningpo river, and was covered so strongly by its citadel (a fort built on a lofty headland jutting into and a number of heavy batteries and outworks on each bank of the estuary, that the imperial commissioner, Yukeën, who had come specially to defend it, and other civil and military Chinese authorities, appear, from their ́proclamations, to have flattered themselves, even after their past and recent ex- perience of the power of the British arms, that the place could not be taken; byt they were, as on all previous occasions, speedily undeceived; and, although the Chinese troops displayed considerable bravery, and in many individual instances would neither retreat nor surrender (though deserted by their officers and comrads), the main bodies were driven from one rallying spot to another, and at length rout- ed and entirely dispersed; whilst the fort and works were demolished, or rendered utterly untenable, by the overwhelming and beautiful practice of the squadron.
It is reported, that a great many of the Chinese officers of rank have fallen ; with a large number of men, but no precise information has yet been obtained on this point. The imperial commissioner is stated to have attempted to drown himself immediately after the battle, and to have since died at a short distance inland, from the effects of that attempt, or some other unexplained cause.
About one hundred and fifty pieces of brass ordnance, exclusive of iron cannon, many hundred ginjalls and wall-pieces of various calibre, and some thousand
Progress of the Expedition to China.
matchlocks and other warlike weapons, were captured; besides which, severa]· extensive magazines of gunpowder have been blown up or otherwise destroyed.
It affords her majesty's plenipotentiary the highest additional satisfaction to add, that this achievement has been happily effected with a much smaller loss on our side than could have been almost hoped for, there being only five killed and about thirty wounded, of all arms of her majesty's forces.
The necessary arrangements having been made, and reconnoisances had, during the 11th and 13th instants, the squadron named in the margin,* carrying the troops, marines and extra seamen from the ships left behind, moved, on the 13th, up the river to Ningpo, which was found undefended, the Chinese soldiers having positively refused to face our troops again, in consequence of which the civil mandarins and all the military officers fled from the city about two hours before the squadron reached it. The city was therefore peaceably occupied by the troops, under his excellency sir Hugh Gough, K. C. B., and the ships moored in the river, within one hundred yards of the walls.
God save the queen.
Dated on board the steam frigate Queen, in the river of Ningpo, this 15th day of October, 1841. (Signed) HENRY POTTINGER, H. M. Plenipotentiary. The commander-in-chief expressed his sense of the conduct of the combined force in the attack on Chinhae, and subsequent movement, in the following
GENERAL MEMORANDUM.
H. M. S. Modeste, at Ningpo, October 14th, 1841. The commander-in-chief has witnessed, with the highest gratification, the gal. lantry and excellent conduct which has been further manifested by the captains, officers, seamen, and marines of her majesty's squadron and those of the Indian navy under his command, in the capture of the citadel and city of Chinhae, and the occupation of Ningpo on the 10th and 13th instants.
He noticed, with great satisfaction, the admirable precision of the fire from the ships and steam vessels against the citadel, and the ardor with which the party of officers, seamen and royal marines, headed by captains Herbert and Bourchier of the Blenheim and Blonde, disembarked and advanced to the assault over a steep and difficult ascent; he is no less pleased with the regularity and dispatch with which his excellency lieutenant-general sir Hugh Gough and the troops were landed on the right bank of the river; taken under the direction of captain Giffard of the Cruizer, and with the proceedings of the sloops and steam vessels stationed in that direction. And he begs to convey to every individual of the squadron present, his entire approbation of their conduct and exertions.
Lt. Somerville, agent, and the masters of the transports which accompanied the expedition from Chusan, are also entitled to the rear-admiral's approbation and thanks, for the promptitude with which their ships were got under sail when the signal was given, and the attention with which the prescribed positions were taken up at the anchorage off Chinhae, as well as the desire which they have throughout manifested to forward the public service upon all occasions.
Sir W. Parker feels assured, that every person in the squadron must participate
Modeste carrying the flag of his excellency the admiral, Columbine, Cruizer, Bentinck, the steamers Queen, Sesostris, Nemesis, and Phlegethon.
Progress of the Expedition to China.
with him in admiration of the gallantry with which the strong positions of the Chinese were all carried by the British troops on shore.
(Signed)
W. PARKER, Rear-adrniral.
To the captains, commanders, and commanding officers of H. M. ships and vessels, and of the Indian navy, and It. Somerville, agent, and the masters of transports at the capture of Chinhae.
Captain Anstruther took possession of his old quarters, where he found the identical cage in which he was confined, and which has been sent to India in the Larne. About £20,000 sterling in sycee were also found in this house, and about $70,000 in the treasury. Stores of copper coin to the amount of many lacks are known to be in the city, and the sale of the contents of the granaries, &c., realized on an average $1000 per diem. Quantities of valuable silks and china. ware were discovered, and the grauaries were stored with a couple of years supply of grain, &c. Now that war is proclaimed, and prize agents established, the labors of the soldier and sailor may yet be well rewarded.
On the 20th and 21st October, the light steamers proceeded up the river about 40 miles above Ningpo ot Yuyaou. They could have gone much higher, but were here stopped short by a large and well built stone bridge of six arches. There was no show of defense, nor interruption to the progress of the steamers. The scenery on each side of the river is described as being most beautiful, and the country around abounds in cattle and sheep. A ransom has been demanded for Ningpo, and if not granted, the city will be ransacked and burnt to the ground by order of sir Henry Pottinger.
This will no doubt appear an austere and unnatural proceeding, but the more we become acquainted with the haughty and overbear- ing, the despotic and cruel character of the Chinese, the less harsh and unnatural will it appear. Like all our eastern wars, this one has hitherto been a war of negotiation, till we found the enemy were laughing at us. Henceforth, we must war not only with the govern- inent, but with the people also, ere we attain our object. Two years campaigning has at length convinced us of the utter inutility of ob- taining a direct official intercourse with the emperor through his deceitful and lying officers, who to cloke their own weakness, anp consequently the weakness of the empire, willfully misrepresent the true state of things.
Alas! in these two years our losses have been fearfully large. The nature of them will for ever excite feelings of grief and remorse in some, sympathy and sorrow in others. Nearly half one regiment in high health and spirits, was swallowed up by the vasty deep, none
Trial and Condemnation of Elepoo.
survived to tell the sad tale, no trace of the wreck remained. But it is disease, not the field of action, that has dug graves for so many of our men. Malaria, capricious in its action, and unsearchable in its nature, in a few brief months almost annihilated our small but intre- pid force. Sound was the advice of governor Lin, when he recom- mended the emperor to use no means to expel the enemy, that if the expense did not ruin, disease would destroy, us. It must now be war to the knife.' By so doing will the emperor, and people too, be convinced that England must and will have her demands. At this advanced period of the season, and with our force so divided, we cannot expect to do much more until reinforcements arrive. It is only surprising that our gallant little band have already done so much. In a few months more, and we shall probably have 10,000 men in the field. To quote the words of the Great Duke, "England never can engage in a little war."
ART. V. The trial and condemnation of his excellency, commission-
er Elepoo. Translated from the Peking Gazette by J. L. S. THE hereditary prince Hoshih, and the high minister Jinshow and others, kneeling respectfully lay their report before the throne:
In obedience to the imperial will, having assembled together to sit in judgment upon the affairs submitted to our deliberations, and having previously received the imperial instructions to institute an investiga- tion in relation to Elepoo, who formerly held the office of governor of the two Keäng provinces (Keängnan, i. e. Keängsoo and Ganhwuy and Keängse), in obedience thereto, we have had him brought before us in council assembled, and have ascertained by investigation the clear import of every circumstance; and Elepoo, bowing to the ground and knocking his head, through alarm and fear lost all com- inand of himself. It appears that Elepoo received an imperial com- mission, last year, to examine into and arrange the affairs of the bar- barians in Chĕkeäng; and after he had arrived in the province he employed skillful spies, summoned together the bravest of the militia, collected provisions, selected the most able-bodied of the troops, and' laid many plans for advancing upon and exterminating the enemy. Afterwards, he earnestly desired to order the said barbarians to repair
VOL. X. NO. XI.
Trial and Condemnation of Elepoo.
to Canton, there to wait until affairs could be examined into and ar- ranged. To gain renown he concluded to offer them presents, and to order persons to proceed to them and clearly explain his com inands, and at the same time to spy out their real strength. He deemed it proper to dispatch Changke, a person of his household whom he had promoted six degrees, with an official messenger Chin Chekang, over the sea [to Tinghae] to offer bullocks and sheep and various articles as presents, in return for which the said barbarians presented foreign broadcloths and various commodities. Elepoo fear- ed to make an absolute refusal of the whole of the said articles, which would have struck the barbarians with suspicion and dread. But instead of being thus affected, they acted deceptively with regard to the time of their proceeding to Canton, and Elepoo under these cir- cumstances received their presents. In reply to a memorial, touching the above, the imperial will was received, strongly enjoining that the articles be sent back. Elepoo in obedience thereto, forthwith took the various kinds of presents, and ordered Chin Chekang to go and give them back to the barbarians, who would not receive them.
During the second month of the present year, the barbarians wish- ing to deliver back Chusan, Changke and Chin Chekang were sent to take one barbarian man and one woman to proceed and make known the strict injunctions, that when the city had been given up then all the barbarians should be delivered. The presents which they had previously made were all sent back, and having received them, they set sail for Canton. But Elepoo did not, in obedience to the imperial will, forthwith advance and slaughter, and make an imme- diate and thorough extermination of them. The whole of his proceed- ings being improper and really marked by imbecility, and being un- worthy to bear so high an office, he earnestly besought that his crimes might be visited with heavy punishment. We, the ministers, having taken into consideration from first to last the whole of the evidence which he in person has laid before us, respectfully memorialize that in relation thereto the sacred commands may be recorded.
Respecting the above case of Elepoo, the imperial commissioner and high minister, his management of the barbarian affairs in Chè- keäng, and his not being able at once to recover Tinghae, the impe- rial will was repeatedly transinitted that he should proceed to exter- minate the enemy; but on every occasion he delayed and idly look- ed about him, and through excessive timidity did not. go forward, and thus for every purpose he proved himself weak and useless. We therefore jointly solicit the imperial will, that Elepoo may be forth-
Journal of Occurrences.
with disgraced from the office he formerly held as governor of the two Keäng provinces, and be sent to Ele, that by strenuous exertions he may make amends for his offenses.
Changke and the official messenger Chin Chekang, who formerly proceeded to the barbarian ships, as we have found by examination, only acted in obedience to Elepoo, and accordingly we acquit them of crime. Let Chin Chekang return to his military station, and let Changke be released.
That which your majesty's ministers, have adjudged of the cases brought before us in council assembled, we now reverently report to the court, that the imperial will may be received and recorded.
The imperial reply. His majesty's commands have been received as follows:
"In consequence of Elepoo having unsatisfactorily managed the military affairs of Chěkeäng, our imperial will was delivered to the princes and high ministers to adjudge the crimes of which he was guilty, and it appears that prince Jinchow and others, in council assembled, have now reported upon the above case. Elepoo, holding the office of high imperial commissioner for the arrangement of af- fairs in Chĕkeäng, was unable forthwith to recover the captured ter- ritories. The imperial will was repeatedly transmitted to him, that he should advance and slaughter the enemy, yet on every occasion he delayed and idly gazed about, really proving himself to be imbe- cile and worthless. Let him be forthwith disgraced from the office he formerly held as governor of the two Keäng provinces, and let him be sent to Ele, that by strenuous exertions he may make amends for his crimes, and be a warning to others. Respect this."
ART. VI. Journal of Occurrences: progress of the war, doings at Ningpo, Chinhae, and Chusan; operations of the Nemesis and Phlegethon on the coast; notices of things at Amoy; the governor's first memorial; Hongkong; seizure of a boat at Canton; imperial cabinet and state of the country.
For the detailed account of the expedition, given in Article Fourth, by a correspondent, (the writer of the article referred to in the Repo- sitory for July last,) our best thanks are due. We shall be much obliged, and our readers will be much gratified, by a continuation of
Journal of Occurrences.
these notices, from one who is evidently in a situation where he can convey accurate and full accounts of nearly all the proceedings of the expedition. We are not so anxious to get opinions and senti- ments respecting these doings, as we are to present our readers with accurate and full narratives of all that is done-the acts of both the belligerents, with faithful notices of the accompanying circumstances, localities defined, fortifications delineated, positions marked, move- ments described, dates recorded, natnes given, &c., &c., all in such a manner that every operation may be rightly judged of and appre. ciated. This done, the reader can form his own opinions.
2. From Ningpo, our information is to the 1st instant, furnished by captain Clarke, late of the Columbine, who kindly paid us a visit while in Macao on his way to Europe, in company with several of his fellow officers, returning in consequence of having been promoted. Ningpo is fully two thirds the size of Canton, and equally densely po- pulated; accordingly the number of its inhabitants could not have been less than 600,000. To destroy this city by fire, and render all its inhabitants houseless just at the commencement of winter, would be a harsh measure. We are unwilling to believe it was sir Henry's purpose to rase it. It was believed at Ningpo, when captain Clarke left that place, that some overtures were about to be made, on the part of the Chinese, for the ransom of the city or for a settlement of all British claims. It was said, moreover, that one of Keshen's for- mer aid-de-camps (captain White) had arrived at Ningpo. But no- thing had transpired, so far as we know, that could warrant any strong expectation of such overtures being soon made as would be accepted. There are rumors in Canton of an advance having been made on Hangchow-by no means an improbable event-for at that point the invaders reach the grand canal, the principal artery which supplies the capital of the empire with its life blood. There is also a rumor that Keshen has been sent again to negotiate.
3. Regarding Chinhae we can for the present only add, to what our correspondent has given, an extract from a communication written from on board the Nemesis, and published in the Canton Register.
Early on the 10th, busily employed as usual, taking in troops; they were landed by the Phlegethon and us in two separate divisions, 55th and 18th regi- ments by the Phlegethon, and rifle corps and artillery by the Sesostris; we landed the 49th in the rear of the enemy, say five miles from the encampment, about 9 s. M.; then passed on to the admiral, who had taken up his position off the joss-house fort, distant one mile, running the gauntlet with the several batteries lining the bank of the river, giving and receiving fire from the enemy's fortifications; several shot passed over us, but, as usual, we passed uninjured; the joss-house fort suffered severely from the shelling of the Wellesley. Blonde. Modeste, and Nemesis, keeping up an incessant fire on the troops as they passed to and from the fort. No shot were fired from this fortification; 10.30 a. m. being close in shore, observed a large body of the enemy drawn out, with their banners flying, in three separate divisions; we gave them a few round shot when they retreated within the walls of the city. At this time the Blenheim came up, and poured a destructive fire into the joss-house fort; about noon the firing ceased, though just previously a man was observed waving a flag in defiance at the joss-house, and whilst observing him a shell from the Wellesley exploded immediately upon it, scattering it to the winds. At 12.30 the marines and blue jackets landed, gained the hill as the
Journal of Occurrences.
enemy were deserting it; a few shot were exchanged on their way down the op- posite side to gain the city, which they soon had possession of with little opposi- tion, narrowly escaping, in their impetuosity, an extensive mine, sprung by the enemy, one man only, a drummer of the Blenheim's marines, was killed by the explosion. During this short period, the troops had routed the celestials with great slaughter, the latter fought with a desperation scarcely before witnessed, with the exception of only a few cases; in several instances the pikes of the enemy crossed the British bayonet, with a determined resolution to conquer or die; but desperation could not compete with British courage and discipline; the sons of Han were entirely routed, with immense slaughter; the rifles here and elsewhere did great execution, every ball brought its man down; at this spot they were sur- prised by the 49th, and numbers were picked off as they endeavored to escape into the water; the bank was strewed with the dead and dying, and scores of bodies floated by us. At first little quarter was given, but soon a stop was put to the dreadful carnage. The engineers had surprised one battery, and turned the guns towards the city. That night the larger portion of the troops remained encamped on the seat of their conquest, a small party only crossing to the city for the purpose of supporting the marines.
"On the 11th at 6 A. M. landed and proceeded to the joss-house fort; it was but an apology for a temple. Images of all descriptions strewed our path; dead bodies were found intermingled with their hideous idols, most horrible to view. The entrance gate, looking towards the ships, was that in which the shell from the Wellesley had exploded; we had an opportunity of witnessing its effects: six men were lying down horribly mutilated, one nearly in halves. At 4 P. M., we again walked on shore and entered the city; in one house we saw a man and woman lying dead, a man with a shot through his thigh, and a poor woman with her leg shot off, since amputated and doing well; at another place we saw four poor chil- dren lying dead from the effects of our shot; God only knows where the poor mother was; the father was frantic, sometimes embracing his lost dear ones, at another rushing towards a large vase of water, attempting to drown himself, but being restrained by his friends. We retired; it was a scene too distressing to witness-several other scenes are on record-but enough of these miserable mise- ries, necessary, or rather unavoidable, evils of war.",
4. Chusan, we understand, was reoccupied previously to the move on Chinhae, in consequence of the impracticability of at once getting the squadron up against the strong winds and current. dates from Tinghae are to the 2d of November. There had been some firing on the guards by Chinese secreted in houses, and one man had been caught armed. Besides these doings, everything was going on satisfactorily, though a great many complaints of thefts and robberies were daily brought to the office of the magistrate.
5. Some operations of the iron steamers, Nemesis and Phlegethon, in addition to what have been noticed already, we here introduce from the same communication before quoted in the Canton Register.
On the 3d September the ships with the exception of the Druid, Pylades and Algerine and three transports for the protection of the river, weighed and made sail for Buffaloe's nose, the first place of rendezvous; wind foul, and continued so nearly the whole way; it was evident the N.E. monsoon had set in, and it became a question if the transports would be able to beat up; the place of rendezvous was given, and every vessel made the best of her way up. We parted company and ran in shore, anchoring all night out of the heavy sea, taking advantage of the tides, thus we continued to pursue our course pleasantly. At one of our anchora- ges we landed and procured pigs, poultry, and vegetables; during the former part of the day we amused ourselves in strolling about the island; when from the top of the hill we espied several bullocks, we immediately concealed ourselves, returned to the ship, and after dinner landed, and by stratagem procured three fine ones, for which I paid $10, the owner of only one appearing. The following day at
Journal of Occurrences.
dawn got under weigh, took a fisherman out of his boat, and made him pilot us to a harbor, in which, from the hill, the captain had perceived a fortification; about 7.30 a. M., we entered an extremely narrow passage, which was commanded by a battery of several guns, but the tide took us in so rapidly that in a few moments we passed their line of fire; we were as much surprised as the cnemy, the weather being thick and misty, and in about 5 minutes obtained sight, or rather practical information of the presence of another fort; bang, bang went the guns from the shore, and bang, bang went the ship's barkers; the captain moored her head and stern to the large junks, and then commenced in earnest, and in 10 minutes we drove them out of the fort with our destructive fire of grape and cannister, almost at pistol shot;-about 50 men were then landed, headed by their gallant captain, who planted the British union on the walls of the enemy's fort; three cheers were given, and three times reëchoed from the Goddess of revenge; 4 guns were spiked, two of which were brass, but too heavy to be removed, the men then returned, and commenced searching among the numerous junks for wood of which we procured about 40 tons, which materially assisted us in getting to our place of destination. At 11.39 a. M., unmoored and steamed down the harbor, when we observed arge body of soldiers drawn out to attack us if we landed; the guns wer cued with grape and cannister, but when within range a panic was evident among them; saure que peut, and away they went helter skelter, but not before they had received our two doses and third in the shape of a 32 lb. shot. Returned, and burnt three large war-junks, mounting altogether 9 guns; anchored and went to dinner. After dinner weighed and steamed to our friend at the entrance of the harbor; but, after giving hin a few shot, which were not returned, landed and took possession, the fort having been just deserted. Here I believe 14 guns were destroyed, beside several tents, and at 5 P. M., we left the harbor of Sheipoo, bending our course to the place of rendezvous, arriving at Buffalo's nose at noon on the 18th Sept., and found only Sesostris at anchor. On the 19th, the Cruizer and Rustomjee Cowasjce arrived; three days after several transports arrived, and we were ordered to go on to Kito point, where we found the Phlegethon, and Ann and Lyra; the Phlegethons, supported by the crew of the two vessels, had been on shore and burnt the village in which poor captain Stead was murdered, and another, where a few days previously the chief mate and one of the crew of the Lyra were murdered while buying stock--several Chinese soldiers were killed. We have heard, per Ariel, which vessel had just arrived from Sheipoo, that the killed among the soldiers were 100, and five officers; a very creditable little affair for one vessel and a few men.
6. A few notices of things at Amoy we here throw together, chiefly collected from reminiscences published in the Canton Press. Among the wounded, on the part of the Chinese, was a corporal, who was brought off by the soldiers and put on board of a man-of-war. He had his arm taken off with stoical apathy,' and beginning to recover, was set at liberty on shore. While a prisoner, he appeared quite indifferent to everything about him, and gave direct and appa- rently faithful answers to all questions that were put to him. Among the defenses, besides the cannon and matchlocks, there were found great quantities of bows and arrows, which with the Chinese seem to be in universal use both on sea and on land. The buildings, at Amoy called 'Haehong,' forming the establishment of the sub-pre- fect, were so spacious as to furnish quarters for the whole 55th regi- ment. In one of the attached building was a quantity of treasure, packed up in wooden cylinders that opened like a box, each of which had a lock, and a label over it, signifying from whence the silver had been obtained.' The commandant's office, near the south- ern gate, was occupied by the sappers and miners, and there also was found some treasure, which had been forwarded from Fuhchow
Journal of Occurrences.
for the payment of the troops. The admiral's office, in the citadel, a complete labyrinth of houses, was more than sufficient for a regi- ment. Here the 18th and staff took up their quarters, and one of the soldiers found an opium pipe. By accident one of the wings of this building was burnt down, during the second night of occupation. Near by was the residence of the vice-admiral of Formosa, a titular guardian and duke of the empire.' Outside the citadel was the in- tendant's office, and near it a foundery, where were found some cop- per and treasure. In the town was the residence of the commissioner of customs, and a temporary seat of the governor, from which all the effects had been removed. Large quantities of timber were found in the navy yard. In one of the houses was found a Koran with a Chinese translation.' The place was provided with a foundling hos- pital, yet the writer of these reminiscences tells us that, "near this. very house, is a small tank, covered with duckweed, where a number of newborn babes were found sewed up in mats and drowned." The troops, which landed on the 26th of August, embarked on the 4th of the following month. The people, down to our latest intelligence, only a few days ago, continued quiet, and had even brought back to captain Smith, a sailor who had deserted H. B. M.'s service.
7. The first memorial from governor Yen, sent up to his master on the 28th of August, gives a somewhat different account of these matters. On the morning of the 26th, his excellency, being at Amoy, sent off a man named Chin, who understood the language of the bar- .barians, to demand the reason of their coming, when their three lea- ders, who falsely styled themselves high officers, returned answer, that, unless the demands made last year at Teëntsin were instantly granted, they should commence hostilities, and occupy Amoy. Then came the tug of war; and his excellency, at the head of his troops undaunted, attacked and sunk one steamer and five ships of war, killing of the rebellious barbarians an innumerable number. But, strange to narrate, 'the more he killed the more they appeared;' ergo, there was no alternative but to retreat, carrrying with him his seals, but not until the office had been set on fire by the rebels. However, matters were not to be left long in this state. More than 100 villages had combined, and more than 10,000 warriors were mustered, ready to fight. On this, and some subsequent memorials, the governor founded his plea for the 3,000,000 of taels.
8. Hongkong continues steadily to improve, in the number of its inhabitants, and in the progress of its public works. If by and by the pleasure of her majesty be expressed in its favor, the place will probably rise more rapidly.
9. Seizure of a boat at Canton. As Mr. A. P. Edwards, super- cargo of the American ship Hannibal was, early on the morning of the 18th instant, proceeding in a boat with a crew of four men from Whampoa to Canton, he was arrested by the Chinese at a military sta- tion on the southern side of the island of Honan, where he was com- pelled to land, and the hands of himself and of the crew were bound behind them. Upon the neck of Mr. Edwards, a heavy chain was
Journal of Occurrences.
put and secured by a lock, and under a strong guard of soldiers the party was conducted across the island to a boat, in which they were taken to the city of Canton to the residence of the governor of the province. After some delay, the prisoners were brought before the au- thorities for examination, when Mr. Edwards was recognized by the hong-merchant Kingqua, whose intervention procured the immediate release of Mr. Edwards and his boat's crew, who were taken from the city, first to the consoo house, and thence to the foreign factories. Mr. Edwards was detained for about nine hours, and his hands were so tightly bound, that after removing the cords, some time elapsed before circulation was restored and the use of his arms recovered.
We understand that the place at which Mr. Edwards was arrested, is in a back passage which it has never been customary for foreign boats to take when going to and from Canton and Whampoa; and the seizure appears to have been occasioned by the boat's being out of its usual course, and coming within reach of the ignorant zeal of the soldiers, who were reprimanded by the authorities when it was ascer- tained that the innocent had been made to suffer thereby.
Though defenses have been raised at and near Canton, yet we cannot learn that there is any disposition, on the part of the Chinese, to interrupt the present order of things.. A watch, taken from Mr. Edwards, was returned to him, and so was his boat; and some gold pieces were refunded. The authorities in Canton are exceedingly annoyed because many of their people have gone into the service of the English ships of war, and these traitors are they suspect em- ployed as informers and spies. Against such they are on the watch. Considering the situation in which the boat was, without any one to explain her object, and considering too the state in which the coun- try is, it is not surprising she was brought to and her people taken into custody under similar circumstances the same would probably have been done in any other country. The treatment of Mr. Ed- wards, while in custody, was barbarous, and the repetition of the like ought never to be allowed. In the present excited state of the peo- ple, prudence would seem to suggest that deviations from old custom should be as few as possible, especially in all cases where there is nothing to be gained, but much hazarded, by such deviations.
10. On the imperial cabinet and general state of the empire we intended to have remarked at some length, as at this moment they are topics of great interest. Want of space stops us short: the latest direct expression we have heard from the cabinet is this, there shall be no peace, no treaty with the rebels; while new defenses are being raised from one end of the empire to the other, on the remote frontiers of Tibet, and at Teëntsin and in Mantchouria. However, it remains to be seen what effect the operations at Ningpo, &c., will have on his majesty's councils. The case is a desperate one, and if deter- mined to carry on hostilities, the whole resources of the empire must be put in requisition, and after all they will assuredly be found wanting.
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
VOL. X.-DECEMBER, 1841.- No. 12.
ART. I. A New History of China, containing a description of the most considerable particulars of that empire. By GABRIEL MA- GAILLANS. London, 1688. pp. 352.
THE author of this work, introduced to the notice of the reader in our last number, traveled over all the principal parts of China, from the year 1640 to 1648, when he was carried to Peking, where he remained nine-and-twenty years, till his death in 1677. He wrote in obedience to an order of his superior, Francis Fierrando, visitor of China and Japan, and was evidently well informed regarding those things of which he gives an account. Magaillans' translator, in order to prepare the way for his new history, like some more modern writers, cats up and gives to the winds whatever had been before published respecting this country, so vast, so rich, so fertile, so ex- traordinary.' In its day, the book must have been indeed very vä- luable, and even at this time it affords some information not often -met with in other works. Ferdinand Mendez Pinto, where he does not speak of Portuguese affairs, 'is stuft with fables.' Gonzalez de Mendoza, sincere and true as to what he says of the travels of Mar- tin de Harrada and Jerome Marin, listened too much to the vaunting relations of the Chinese. Pedro Cubero Sebastian is equally bad. Trigaut, the Annual Letters, Semedo, Martini, Schall, Greston, Rougemont, Couplet, R. P. of Orleance, and some others, "seem the most worthy of credit and esteem;" but... and "but though these -authors are every one worthy to be esteemed and valued, certain it is -that we wanted still a very great number of considerable particulars;" and, "I make no question but this translation will be grateful to the more exact part of the learned world."
VOL. X. NO. XII.
A New History of China.
The Mantchous, or 'eastern Tartars,' as our author calls them, 'who were formerly so barbarous that they had not any king, nor any word to signify the king,' became masters of China in A. D. 1643- 44, a few years after Magaillans arrived in this country. Their ori- gin is thus described by our author's translator. We quote his words only in part.
It was about ten generations prior to Shunche's time (so that mo- narch often said) that three nymphs,—Augela, Chaugula, and Fœ- cula,--descended from heaven to bathe in a river of Tartary; one of them, Fœcula, having found an herb called alkakengi, having red fruit, under her robes which she left on the shore, devoured it with such a greedy appetite that she became pregnant; and while her two companions returned to the heavens, she remained on the earth till she had given birth to a boy, which she nursed for a time, and then placing him on an island of the river, and telling him that a fisher- man would come and take care of his education, she followed and rejoined the other nymphs, and the fisherman accordingly came. The descendants of this child, who grew to be a man of extraordi- nary valor, ruled the country. But in the fifth generation, the people rebelled, and all of the reigning family were exterminated except one. This prince, closely pursued and despairing of his life, sat himself down upon the ground, and a magpie came and perched upon his head, so that his enemies took him for the stump of a tree. Thus far the story is altogether fabulous. But what follows is certain. The founder of the present family made himself known by the bloody wars, which he carried on to revenge the death of his father, whom the Chinese officers had caused to be murdered, and other outrages com- mitted against the nation. He was lord of the valley of Moncheu, which Martini takes to be a great city. Wanleih, whose reign com- menced 1573, gave him the government of the valley and neighbor- ing regions, on condition that he would defend them against the in- cursions of the oriental Tartars, who were divided into seven small principalities. His grandson was the father of Shunche, who, at the nge of six years, succeeded to the throne of China. Thus it
Thus it appears that these Mantchou princes have derived their origin from a petty captain of a horde, or chief leader of banditti or wandering Tartars.' See page 21-23.
Of the names which the Chinese and foreigners have given to this country, Magaillans has written learnedly, correcting Polo and all his other predecessors. Presuming that our readers are as well inform- ed as our author, on most of the points in question, we will only
A New History of China.
Black Barba
Here he tells
notice what he says respecting the countries of Catai and Mangi. The western Tartars call the Chinese Hari Kitai, or rians,' which is the name they also give to China. us that Marco Polo should not have written can (kan or khan) for king, but han, which is according to the pronunciation of the west- ern Tartars. The Mantchous formerly called China Nica Corum,' i. e. the kingdom of barbarians;' but now, that they are its masters, they imitate the Chinese and call it Tulimpa Corum, i. e. the cen- tre kingdom. Here again he informs us, that Polo should have writ ten Hanpalu, the king's court, and not Cambalu. Mangi is, he says, derived from Mani Zu, (Man-tsze) which signifies barbarians. The southern provinces-those south of the " Yam cu Kiam (Yangtsze keäng) the river son of the sea,”—were also called Nan Man, or ‹bar- barians of the south. After all this, and much more, our author comes to the conclusion that the northern provinces were called. Kitai and the southern Mangi.
Further, he " also with good reason takes notice of the hyperboles which Marco Polo makes use in describing the city of Kimsai,” i.e. Hangchow, where the Venetian traveler found twelve., thousand bridges. To end all disputes..concerning the name of this famous city, Magaillans produces the following extract from Chinese chro nicles.
In the year of Jesus Christ, 1200, a captain of the oriental Tartars that some years since subdued this empire, made himself master of the pro vinces of Peking, Shanse, and Shantung, which the Yellow, river separates from the other twelve. Thereupon he caused himself to be crowned king, and named his family. Tai leaou. Some years after, another captain of the eastern Tartars made war upon him, got possession of his kingdom, exter- minated the reigning family, and called his own, and his kingdom Tae- Kin kwo, or the kingdom of Gold, which continued till the year 1260; at what time the other twelve provinces were subdued by an emperor of the family of Sung. Upon this some of his chief ministers advised him to send great presents to the Grand Han, who had a little before subdued the west- ern Tartars, and to desire his assistance for the expulsion of the Taṛtars out of the three provinces which they had usurped. But others of his council. lors laid before him the ill consequence of provoking that terrrible nation of the western Tartars, or molesting the eastern, with whom they had for seve- ral years preserved an amicable correspondence; withal, that it was no good policy to expel tigers, and bring more cruel lions into their room. Never- theless the first counsel, though the worst, was followed: and the Grand Han was called 'in
with his Tartars, already the vanquishers of so many nations, who in a short time exterminated the family of Tae-Kin, and made themselves masters of the three provinces. But so soon as they had finished
A New History of Chind.
that conquest, they perfidiously turned their arms against the king of China, who kept his court in a city belonging to the province of Honan, bordering upon the Yellow river. This prince, being terrified by the neighborhood of those barbarians, fled in all haste to the city of Hangchow in the province of the Chěkeäng, where he settled his court. Of which the han no sooner had intelligence, but he crossed the Yellow river, and after little or no resis- tance inade himself master of the provinces of Honan, Nanking, and Chě- keäng, and consequently of the village of Hangchow, which M. Polo calls Kimsai. Thereupon the king of China fled into the province of Fuhkeen, and from thence into that of Kwangtung, where having embarked himself with a design to seek out foreign shelter, he suffered shipwreck in the gulf of the island of Hainan, and there miserably perished, so that all the rest of China submitted voluntarily to the Grand Han." page 19.
The independent mountaineers, in Szechuen, Yunnan, Kweichow and Kwangse, he says, pay no tribute to the emperor, nor yield him any obedience, being governed by absolate princes, whom the Chi- nese call 'local lords,' and 'local officers.' Their towns are, for the most part, so environed with high mountains and steep rocks' as if nature had taken a particular care of their fortification.' Within these mountains lie extensive fields and plains and many towns and villages. Though they speak the Chinese, they have a particular language also, and their manners and customs are likewise somewhat different from those of the sous of Han.' Nevertheless, adds our au- thor, 'their complexion and the shape of their bodies are altogether alike; but as to their courage, you would think them to be quite another nation: the Chinese stand in fear of them, so that after se veral trials, which they have made of their prowess, they have been forced to let them live at their own liberty, and to consent to a free traffic and commerce with them.' He gives an account of one of the chiefs, who with an army of forty thousand men, was beguiled and destroyed by a Chinese usurper: of this catastrophe he himself was an eye-witness.
Magaillans also discourses about the nature and merits of the Chi- nese language, notices particularly the tones and aspirates, and says that he who will industriously, and under a good method, apply himself to the study of it, may be able in a year's time to understand and speak it very well;' and that those then employed in the mis- sion were at the end of two years, so perfect in the language that they were able to confess, catechize, preach, and compose, with as much ease as in their own native tongue. He then proceeds to say,
"That there is no question to be made of this apparent truth. when we consider the great number of books which the fathers have made and translat
A New History of China.
ed, and daily make and translate into the Chinese language, which are esteemed and admired by the Chinese themselves. Such as are those books which father Matthew Ricci composed upon our sacred law, and upon several other subjects. Of whom the Chinese speak to this day as of a prodigy of knowledge, and all sorts of knowledge: so that there is not any person of quality in the empire that does not know and speak of him with applause. The learned quote him in their writings as one of their most famous doctors; and the handicraft-workmen, to put off their wares, and sell them at a high rate, assure the buyers that they were the inventions of that illustrious person father Matthew Ricci. In short, they esteemed and ho- nored him to that degree, that several believe, that as Confucius was the prince, the saint, the master, and doctor of the Chinese, so father Matthew Ricci was the same among the Europeans: which was the highest praise those idolizers of Confucius could give him. Father Diego Pantoja has also composed several learned treatises of the seven deadly sins, of the seven virtues which are their contraries; upon the Pater Noster, upon the Ave Maria, and the Credo. The fathers Alfonso Vanhone, and Julio Aleni, wrote several tomes upon the Christian religion, upon the life of Christ, of the Holy Virgin, and the Saints, and upon several other subjects. Father Ma- nuel Dias the younger translated all the Gospels, with the commentaries and explanations of the fathers, which makes a work no less large, than pious and learned. Father Francis Furtado published a treatise of rhetoric and logic, with certain other books De Cœlo and De Mundo, as also of the soul of man. The fathers John Terencio, John Roo, and John Adam, have written a great number of other books upon our holy law, and upon all the parts of the mathematics. Father Lewis Buglio, who was always my chiefest con- solation and inseparable companion in all my travels, afflictions and impri- sonments, for thirty years together, translated the first part of St. Thomas, which the more learned Chinese esteem and admire to that degree, that I heard one of them who had read the Treatise of God, declare his thoughts in these words, certainly this book is a mirror wherein to let us see our own ignorance.' The same father Buglio wrote several other pieces upon several other subjects; among the rest, that eloquent and learned apology, in answer to a book which Yang Kwangseen, that wicked infidel, published both in this court, and over the whole empire, against the Christian religion and the preacher of it; and which he entitled Puh Tih E, meaning Because I could no longer forbear.' Whereupon the father, that he might conform him- self to the style and language of the country, entitled his answer, I have answered because I could no longer forbear.' Both titles are very significant in the Chinese language: but the father's was more highly esteemed because it carries two significations. The first, I refute, because I could no longer forbear; the second, I have refuted a book entitled, Because I could no longer forbear. And which was more to be wondered at, the father composed the greatest part of these books, in the boats, upon the roads and in the inns, under the power of rebels and barbarians; in prison with three chains upon
A New History of China.
his legs, three about his neck, and six upon his hands; aud in a word, in the midst of continual persecutions. I could say much more in praise of that person truly pious, and of great reputation, did I not fear that the share which I had in his sufferings, and the strict friendship that was between us, would render me suspected of too much partiality. Father Ferdinand Verbiest at the same time wrote a learned answer to a book, or rather a satire full of mistakes and doltish ignorance, which the same Yang Kwangseen wrote against the European mathematics. Father Anthony Gouvea composed a catechism. Father John Monteiro wrote two books, the one of the Law of God, and the other of True Adoration. Father Francis Sambiesi wrote four treatises, of the immortality of the soul; of morals; of painting, and sounds, all very short and highly esteemed. I myself wrote a treatise of the resur- rection of Christ; and another of the universal resurrection Nicholas Tri- gaut, Lazaro Cataneo, Gaspar Ferreira, and Alvaro Semedo, all fathers of the society have composed dictionaries very large and very exact, and Gaspar Ferreira has written above twenty treatises upon several subjects. Father Soeiro made an abridgment of the Christian law; and father Nicholas Lon- gobardo, who died but a few years ago in this court, fourscore and sixteen years old, has written several godly treatises, besides a treatise of earth- quakes, highly esteemed by the learned of this empire. In short, there have been a great number of other books written concerning the Christian reli- gion, and of all sciences and subjects which amount in all to above five hun- dred tomes printed, besides manuscripts. There is printed in China a cata- logue of all the fathers that ever traveled into the country to preach the gospel; wherein are also the names set of all the books which they have written. From whence I conclude, that so many books could never have been translated and written in a foreign language, and in so short a time fourscore and thirteen years], had not the language been very easy so that it follows that the Chinese language is more easy to learn than any other; and that it is withal very elegant, very copious, and very expressive; since it wants for no terms to explain and unfold the subtleties and mysteries of theology, philosophy, and the rest of the sciences." pages 78-82.
Our author concludes his chapter on the language, with the first paragraph of the first article of the commentary which he had made upon the works of Confucius; i. e. he gives the original of the text of Confucius, with both a verbal and free translation of the same, adding also a free translation of the commentary. This translation, with Magaillans' remarks, we subjoin.
"The method for great men to learn, consists in three things. The first is to unfold the rational nature: the second is, to reform mankind; and the third to stop at the sovereign good.
"As to the first, the rational nature is the heart of man, for the Chinese make no distinction between the understanding and the will; but attribute to the heart whatever we attribute to those faculties. The heart is a substance
A New History of China.
pure and intelligent without any darkness or obscurity: and where man has always ready, all requisite reasonings to answer to all difficulties that present themselves. But because that at the very moment of our birth, this intelli- gent and rational nature is caged up and enclosed within the prison of the body, and for that our inordinate passions keep it bound and chained, it comes to be obscured and troubled For this reason, it is necessary that men should apply themselves to learning and information by putting of questions, to the end the rational heart may be delivered from its bondage and sla- very, that so it may be able to break the chains and fetters of the passions, and return to its primitive beauty, light, and understanding; in the same manner as a tarnished mirror being polished recovers its former lustre.
"The second consists in reforming the people. For example, I who am a king, a magistrate, a father of a family, &c.: if I have already purified my rational nature, it is my duty to extend it to that degree, that she may be able to communicate herself to other men, by causing them to abandon the corruptions and defilements of vice and evil customs, and I ought to deal so by my people, as I do with garments, when they are spotted or besmeared. For if they are well washed and scoured, they become clean and handsome as they were before.
"The third consists in attaining and stopping at the sovereign good., This sovereign good is the sovereign accord of things and of reason. When great men enlighten their intelligent nature, and renew the virtue of the people, they do it not by hap-hazard or without design; but all their end is to bring their virtue to perfection; to the end there might not be one single person among the people whose virtue was not renewed, or who was not renewed by virtue. When they are arrived at a degree so sublime, and to such an extraordinary excellency, they may be assured they have attained the sovereign good; like those who after a long and tiresome journey at length coming to their own homes, may say they have attained the final end of their traveling. These are the three most necessary and principal things in that book, and as it were the mantle or outward garment that covers the clothes, or as the string that holds a row of beads together.
"These are the expressions of the Chinese commentator. Here by the way we may observe, that possibly there can be nothing more proper than these words of Confucius to explain the functions of a minister of the gospel who is obliged in the first place to perfect himself and next his neighbor, to the end we may arrive at the sovereign good, which is God, the su- preme and utmost end of all things, Nevertheless, the Chinese being pagans and carnally minded people, have accommodated these three points to the government of the kingdom, wherein like politicians they place all their happiness and ultimate end. In the second place we are to observe that the ancient Chinese did understand there was a God. And therefore when I oppose their learned men in dispute, I frequently make use of this dilemma. Either Confucius did understand what he defined, or he did not if he did understand what he defined, he knew there was a God, who is no other than that sovereign good of which he speaks, and which you also ought to know
A New History of China.
and adore as well as he. If he did not understand that what he defined was God himself, he was very ignorant; since as you yourselves confess, the syllables che and shen signify that sovereign good which contains and com- prehends all others: which is an attribute that cannot be given to any crea- ture, what advantages soever he may have, but only to God alone.'
Of the wit of the Chinese, and of their principal books, our au- thor writes with much accuracy, and the chapter is worth reading. The work of Mencius comes last, in his review of classical literature: in this work "there appears a wonderful deal of wit, subtlety, and eloquence; the discourses are pertinent, the sentences grave and mo- ral, and the style lively, bold, and persuasive."
The structure of the government is minutely described, and also the capital and its buildings. The bribery and rapacity of the offi- cers were as notorious in Magaillans' time as they are at present. "If we consider the natural inclination and insatiable avarice of the Chinese, there is very little money in China; but if we consider the riches it possesses within itself, there is not any kingdom that may compare with it."
He says the covetousness of the Chinese is such, and their laws forbidding the export of specie so rigid, that the money which they have 'rammasked together must needs be immense, and so much the more because whatever once enters, is never carried out again.' He denies the existence of paper money, though he admits that there have been certain tickets signed and sealed with the ‹king's seal.'
! With the following extract, which will show what ways and means there are in the empire for steamers, we conclude our notice of this "new history.'
"The fourth of May, in the year 1642, 1 departed from the city of Hang- chow, capital of the province of Chěkeäng, and the twenty-eighth of August of the same year, I arrived at Chingtoo, the capital of the province of Sze- chuen. During these four months, I made four hundred leagues, all the way by water, counting the windings and turnings of the rivers; yet so that for a whole month I sailed upon two different streams, though during all the other three months, I kept the grand river of Keäng, which is called the son of the sea. During this tedious journey by water, I met every day with such vast quantities of timber trees tied one to another of all sorts of wood, which if they were fastened together, would make a bridge of several days' journey. I sailed by some of these that were fastened to the shore, above one hour, and sometimes for half a days swimming with the stream. Now the most i wealthy merchants of China are they that trade in salt and wood, there being no other commodities for which they have a more considerable vent. This wood therefore is cut down in mountains of the province of Szechuen, upon the frontier of China, to the west: and after they have caused it to be
The Chinese Long Measure.
carried to the bank of the river Keäng, which about these parts falls into this empire, they saw it into boards, and with little expense carry it into most parts of the provinces, where they make a very great profit by the sale of it. The breadth of these trains of timber is about ten feet, and the length either longer or shorter, according to the merchant's stock, but the longest are sometimes about half a league. They rise above the water four or five feet, and are made after this manner. The people take as much wood as is re- quisite for the height or thickness of four or five feet, and breadth of ten. Then they make holes at the ends of the pieces of wood, through which they put wreaths of reeds or twisted osiers, to which they fasten other pieces of wood, suffering the float to fall down with the stream, till the whole train be as long as they desire. All the parts of the float being thus contrived, move and yield to the water as necessity requires, as pliably as the links of a chain. Only upon the fore-part of the float they set four of five men with oars or poles to guide the float, and make it swim where they please. Upon these floats at such and such distances, they build little wooden cottages, which they sell whole, as they are, at the several places where they stop during their journey. Here the merchants sleep and shelter themselves, as in their houses, dress their meat and eat it, and put their furniture and uten- sils therein. The same merchants also bring from the mountains and fo- rests, where they cut their wood, several sorts of medical herbs, parrots, mon- keys, and other things, which they sell in the cities and other places through which they pass, to other merchants that vend them over all the provinces of the empire. Great quantities of this wood are brought to Peking, though it be distant above seven hundred Portuguese leagues from the mountains where the wood is cut down. And thus a man may easily judge by what I say, that there is no kingdom in the world that can compare with China, for the benefit of going and trading by water." pages 131-133.
ART. II. Inquiries and calculations respecting the Chinese Long
Measure. By
THE statements that have been published with respect to the length of the Chinese le (), and indeed of all their measures of length, differ so much from one another, that we are at a loss whenever called upon to make any calculations in which it is necessary to use their table of long measure! The writer cannot flatter himself that he shall throw much light upon the subject, but hopes to be able to enț gage for it, from Chinese students, the attention it deserves. The matter might be set at rest, by procuring from a Chinese office the