Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 129

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The Emperor's Reply.

FEB.

said acting governor, and his fellow-officers, have in no way taken the needful preparative arrangements for prevention and defense. Let the proper Board take into its severest consideration the conduct of Keshen. At the same time, let him have direction of the forces sent from all parts, and exert his utmost efforts to drive off or destroy these foreigners, speedily reporting an entire victory.-Kwan Teën- pei, though, filling the post of commander-in-chief, and having under his control the whole naval force, has shown himself at all times devoid of talent to direct, and, on the approach of a crisis, perturbed, alarmed, and resourceless. Let his button and insignia of rank be at once taken from him,—but let him, at the same time, bearing his offenses, labor to attain merit, and show forth his after-endeavors. The said acting governor and his colleagues will make clear inquiry and full report as to all the officers, subalterns, and soldiers, wounded or slain. Respect this.

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On the same 27th day of January, this further imperial edict was issued.

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An express from Keshen reports that the rebellious foreigners have attacked and destroyed certain forts. In consequence of the daily increasing disorderliness and insubordination of these rebellious fo- reigners, our commands were before repeatedly issued, declaring it as our pleasure, that secure preparative arrangements should be made, and fit occasion taken to proceed to their destruction-considering that they have coveted Canton, and that not merely for a day.

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The said high commissioner,-sustaining a most weighty trust,— and knowing, as he did, that the temper of these foreigners is proud and overbearing, seeing also that the military condition of the pro- vince where he is has fallen into decay for this long time past,- should have begun with defensive precautions, with the view of being prepared to avert any disaster. Yet is this report now received from kim, that the rebellious foreigners have seized upon the fort of Sha- kok, and further attacked that of Taikok. From the fact that, when, these foreigners, on the 7th of January, let loose their passions, and began firing upon these two forts, they were at once able to destroy them, it is to be seen, that no preparations whatever could have been made in that province: such neglect calls forth bitter indigna- tion. Our commands have therefore been plainly declared, that Keshen and Kwan Teënpei be, the last deprived of his button and other insignia of rank, and the former subjected to the severest con- sideration of his conduct.

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