1841.
Reminiscences of Chusan.
491
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.
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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
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