Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 607

390

Journal of Occurrences.

Ост.

where these things will terminate yet every benevolent heart must ardently desire that such expensive and destructive operations may be speedily succeeded by peace and profitable intercourse. The losses of the Chinese are immense; and if long continued must, we think, lead to the overthrow of the ruling dynasty. Irrecoverable ruin has already overtaken thousands, many of whom can have no part or lot in the matter, besides the bitter cup of sorrows that is handed out of them. We do not desire to see the old order of things restored; but on those who broke it up and who are now guiding the course of events here, great responsibilities are devolved; and these men must not, in their zeal to work out good results, be regardless of the ways and the means of accomplishing their end.

Both officers and men, attached to the expedition must needs be keep well on the alert, scattered as they now are, and garrisoned in five distinct places-uamely, Hongkong, Amoy, Chusan, Chinhae, and Ningpo; their duties too cannot but be sufficiently onerous dur- the months of winter.

Letters have been received here from Amoy to the 29th.

All was then quiet, and the Chinese merchants were beginning to confide in their new masters. Supplies were abundant.

2. The loss of the Chinese at Amoy are detailed to some extent in a memorial to the emperor by Yen Pihtow, governor of Fuhkeën and Chekeäng, who asks for 3,000,000 taels of silver (or about 3,333,000 dollars) for immediate use. Keäng Keyun of Kinmun (or Quemoy), the governor says, fell into the water and died, in endea- voring to drive back the assailants, as they were landing. He was the cornmander-in-chief of the naval forces, the admiral being to the northward and wind-bound. Four other officers are reported, by the governor, as having fallen in the action; their names are Ling Che, Hwa Kwoking, Yang Shanke, and Le Keming-one a colonel, and the others of the rank of ensign. Wang Shetsin, Natanchoo, and Yang Tingkeäng, were among the wounded; the first a major, the second and third It.-colonels. Among the soldiers, the killed and wounded were very many.

3. Keshen's trial has been reported in the Peking Gazette; a translation of that report of the trial we quote from the Canton Press: it remains to be seen whether this high officer is to be sacrificed.

The royal prince Wo shih, and the minister Jinseaou and others, respectfully intimate, that having in council assembled come to deliberate decisions, beg leave now to lay their report before the throne.

$

"On the thirteenth of the seventh month and twenty-first year of Taoukwang, his majesty's commands were received as follows: Yinglung reports that Keshen has been placed under arrest, and brought to the capital, and has been delivered over to the Board of Punishments; and we appoint our princes royal, Juy tsin, Chwang tsin, Tingkeun, and Hwuy tsin, the great literary doctors, the high military officers of the privy council, and the vice presidents of the six Boards to assemble together and constitute a Board of Punishment to sit in judgment upon (Keshen's) affairs Respect this.'

"Whereupon the Kwangchow foo and the adjutant general, Yinglung, having delivered Keshen up to the said Board, we the ministers and others in council as- sembled brought him forth before us, and in regular order examined into each