1841.
Memorial from Lew Yunko of Chěkeäng.
677
The fall of Chinhae, and the state of Ningpo-extremely dangerous like a pile of eggs, we your ministers had already faithfully reported ; and now on the 13th Ningpo has suddenly fallen, and thus this pro- vince of Chěkeäng has lost one of its eastern defenses, and the two districts of Funghwa and Seängshan (on the south of Ningpo),, are left isolated and exposed in a manner much to be regretted. On the west of Ningpo, although the rivers and channels are rather narrow, so that the large vessels of the rebels may not be able easily to make their way upon them, yet their boats and small craft will be able to go in every direction.
On the 15th, a dispatch was received from Wang Wootsăng, the magistrate of Tszeke, stating that the inhabitants were flying in great numbers and confusion, and that the danger was so great that it was impossible to afford any security for the defense of the place. The above named domestic, Shaou Yung, has now again reported verbally that when he passed through Tszeke, the place was entirely vacated. That place being thus left without inhabitants, the people of the neighboring districts Yuyaou, Shangyu, Hwuyke, Shanyin, Seaoushan, together with the inhabitants of Hangchow, are day after day removing in great numbers; and the removals are numerous in proportion as the respective places are near to the late scene of action. Perhaps the rebels, hearing of this state of our affairs, may come either in their small craft or on foot, and improve the opportunity to make new attacks. It is feared, therefore, that Tszeke and the other places on the rivers will hardly be able to maintain their defenses against them. And should the rebellious foreigners not presume to enter so far into the country, still there is reason to fear that treacherous natives will seize on this opportunity to rob and to plunder. The number of these outlaws daily increasing, it is further to be feared that they will band themselves into factious bands, and give rise to internal disorders.
Pondering on this state of things, as we relate them, it is impossi- ble to repress the bitter grief and painful anxiety of our hearts.
We, your majesty's ministers, with the other high provincial au- thorities, having taken into consideration the whole state of affairs, are only able, under existing circumstances, to guard and defend the most important positions, hoping thereby to secure the safety of Shaouhing, and also to cut off from Hangchow the approach of the invaders. In looking at the several positions in the province, the narrows on the river Tsaougo are found to be the most important. From thence, on the one side, Shangyu and Tszeke, and other dis- tricts, may be overlooked; while on the other, defence may be afford-