1841.
The Emperor's Reply.
ing condition of things with all the said foreigners, felt reason to apprehend that they might go to other ports and inlets; and therefore communications were immediately sent to your majesty's minister Woo Wanyung, governor of Fuhkeën and Chěkeäng, and to the high commissioner in Chěkeäng, Elepoo, to afford them every informa- tion; and they were moved to transmit the same information to the adjoining government of Keängsoo, that there also all requisite ob- servation and defense might be maintained. The distance being however considerable, and the regulation of the governmental posts being rather lax, it is uncertain whether the dispatches then sent will have yet arrived, and whether the information sent has been communicated to the various provinces along the coast.
Whether or not our forces have suffered in this conflict, and tò what extent wounds may have been inflicted, shall be reported with all haste as soon as ascertained. And of the state of things hencefor- ward, full reports shall be transmitted from time to time. The me- morial is now first sent by an express, traveling with diligence to exceed the rate of 500 le daily, in order to convey intelligence of the circumstances attending the attack made by these foreigners, with- out waiting for replies, and of the collision which in consequence took place. The memorial is respectfully submitted, imploring the august sovereign to cast on it his sacred glance. (Jan. 8th, 1841.)
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Imperial edict issued on the 5th day of the 1st month (January 27th, 1841).
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A report has been received from Keshen, setting forth the circum- stançes, of an attack on, and capture of, certain forts, by the English foreigners...
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These rebellious foreigners, from the time of their return to Can- ton, have been daily increasing in disorderliness and insubordination. And we have therefore issued repeated and strict commands to all the provinces, that the most attentive and well ordered guard of pre- vention; should be maintained; and that fit occasion should be taken to proceed against them for their destruction. With what care, then, did it become all the high officers, civil and military, of the pró- wincés, to have arranged their defense! But to-day, the report is - received: from Keshen, that where he is, the fort of Shakok has been attacked and taken by the rebellious foreigners, and that that of Taikok: also has been destroyed; and withal that the soldiery of the government have fallen, dead and wounded, and the naval vessels have been carried off and plundered. It is plain from this, that the
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