Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 522

1841.

Reminiscences of Chusan.

505

have been completely under our influence, had the proper measures been adopted. The news of the evacuation came like a thunder- clap, and just at the moment when we had received the authentic do- cuments of the emperor's resolution to carry on an exterminating war against us at all risks. Orders must be obeyed; accordingly the announcement was made to Elepoo, that the place would be surren- dered back into his hands.

At this the native population was deeply grieved, and the inhabi- tants left the city with greater speed, than when at first the English mandarins came into it. There was the fear of their rulers, who would certainly plunder them of every dollar, and accuse them as traitorous natives. The city, therefore, again became more deserted than ever before, and consternation was depicted in every coun.

tenance.

Our prisoners arrived from Ningpo on the 23d of February, when the troops had already embarked except a city guard. Then came the imperial commissioners, Chang the slave and confidential ser- vant of Elepoo, two sergeants, styling themselves captains, and one corporal. They went with the British officers to the city; and when our guards were released, they having brought no Chinese soldiers to replace them, the mob rushed into the temple of Confucius, and clear- ed the building of the pawnbroker's articles there deposited. When the city was restored to his imperial majesty, a few of the people as- sembled at the southern gate, and the soldiers having all marched out, and one foreigner remaining, they fell down upon their faces, and would have done him reverence in order to show the high veneration in which they held the British rule. The flag was then hauled down, and the guard embarked.

Thus did Elepoo recover Chusan. But his master was indignant at his having gotten possession of the place in a peaceful manner. He wanted him to display the terrors of the celestial empire, for which the old man had neither strength nor courage. From being governor of three provinces, he had now become a supplicant and a culprit, and may yet be transported in his old age, if he is not already on his way to banishment.

By this surrender the English lost the key of China, a splendid emporium, and a market which would in a short time have rivaled any other in Asia: This might be proved to nearly a mathematical certainty, but Chusan has at present a bad name; it is the Walcheren of these regions. With better management and caution, no such distressing sickness would have occurred; but living in swamps in

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