Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 696

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Memorial from Lew Yunko of Chěkeäng.

DEC.

ed to Shaouhing and the provincial capital. There consequently it seems desirable to appoint soldiers for defense; and by this means prevent the sudden incursions of the rebellious foreigners, and, by repressing the depredations of robbers, keep the country in subjec tion, and gradually restore internal security.

At this moment, not one of the soldiers in the province is available for sach service. But the 800 Tartar troops, formerly ordered from Nanking for the reinforcement of Ningpo, having not yet arrived, we have sent an express to their commander to march directly to Tsaougo, and to have the 50 pieces of artillery from Keängsoo brought on also for immediate service.

Tsaougo being a position of such great importance, in a military point of view, and its defenses so essential to the safety of the province, it becomes in the highest degree necessary to select a man of great experience and ability to take command at that post. This done, there may be some hope of success.

By the present turn of our affairs, the people of the province are becoming more and more alarmed, and the danger is very great. Lew and his fellow-officers, your majesty's ministers, are day and night engaged in devising means to quiet the people. But to do this is impossible.

Moreover, the rebellious foreigners, now flushed with success and eager for conquest, it is very much to be feared that they will seek out a new way to attack Chapoo, or by some of the channels ap- proach Tseënshan in the district of Haening, and thus gain access to the provincial capital. Hence the presence of the lieutenant-go- vernor is required at Hangchow, in order to give stability to that im- portant position and prevent disorders there. All the gentry also belonging to the city, have been forbidden to leave the place.

Ching Tsooshin, late commissioner of justice in the province of Fuhkeën, is found to be an able and intelligent man, and your ma- jesty's minister, the lieutenant-governor, has long been acquainted with his talents. On the recommendation of the imperial commis- sioner Yukeën, your majesty had already been pleased to accede to the proposal of his being put in command of troops in this province. But Chinhae had fallen before he could reach that post, so that his assistance there was not availed of for its defense. He has since arriv- ed at this metropolis; and the lieutenant-governor, having pointed out to him the situation and circumstances of Tsaougo, has appoint- ed him temporarily to take command of and defend that position. This officer has not shrunk back from the danger, but willingly and