Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 520

1841.

Reminiscences of Chusan.

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words would do to accomplish his purpose. He therefore sent an emissary, who described in very strong colors the impending fate of the whole English army, and declared the readiness of the commis- sioner to spare their lives, if they would only quietly evacuate the island. As no decisive answer was given to this humane proposal, Elepoo was forced to side with the war party. But before he had declared his determination of exterminating the whole brood, he was accused of being too peacefully inclined towards the barbarians. Consequently he was deprived of his military seals, and the new lieut.-governor Lew, was appointed to lead on the attack. He was a very heroic man, and had lately came from Széchuen after having fought with the barbarians there; still he thought it prudent to defer the assault to the 12th or 14th of the first month. That day arrived, and most unfortunately it was then discovered, that, in order to attack an island, there must be transports for the troops, and men-of- war to protect them. Yu, general and guardian of the prince, im- mediately laid an embargo upon all the Fuhkeën junks then in the river, but the crews ran away, refusing to serve his imperial ma- jesty, for they would not come in contact with the barbarian ships. What was to be done under such circumstances? Lew wrote a very excellent epistle to the emperor, stating that one must wait heaven's time before venturing upon a hostile expedition, wind and weather not being at the disposal of poor mortals, and that on this account the expedition was to be deferred until everything was favorable. The emperor, well knowing that Lew was a fierce and valiant 'man,' told him to wait his time, and thus the matter rested.

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The common people, however, were so much frightened at the impending attack, that they again left the city in crowds. In fact, they doubted whether the English prowess could really withstand the authorities at Ningpo, and protect them. To entertain such doubts was very befitting, for with the exception of the taking of Tinghae, a mere matter of moonshine; they had never seen an instance of their valor. When, however, they perceived that the authorities delayed to strike the death-blow, they again gathered courage, and brought in fresh supplies as usual. ››

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At Tinghae was a very wonderful phenomena, for the convenience of both parties, the creation of a new language, so unique in its kind that it deserves notice. When our naval folks went into the country to buy bullocks, they held their two forefingers to the forehead, and exclaimed boo! boo! There was no mistaking the meaning of this boo, and the oxen were immediately brought for sale. Hence by

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