Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 513

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Reminiscences of Chusun.

SEF.

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