-1841.
Journal of Occurrences:
683
der, unconditional submission, trembling obedience, were his only terms. All ideas of equality between the parties, or of rights on the side of the far-traveled foreigners, were spurned. The spirit of re- bellion must be checked, and the proud humbled. The utter imprac- ticability of sustaining this line of policy, in dealing with the lion, was most plainly pointed out to Lin and those around him, during the visits we made at Chunhow in the summer of 1840; and its con- sequences were foretold. Such honest healing was by no means palatable. The die had been cast, and only one course remained to be pursued. To it the imperial government has adhered, and is still adhering if the paper we here introduce can be received as authentic evidence.
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On the 15th of November, the Inner Council at Peking received the fol- lowing imperial edict.
“Ever since the English rebels, last year, rose against legitimate rule, caus- ing disturbances in the three provinces of Canton, Fulkeen, and Chěkeäng, the dwellers on the coasts have been sorely harassed; some have been plundered and spoiled of all things, while others have been dispersed and driven from their homes. WE cherish tender solicitude for all the inha- bitants throughout our wide dominions. The frequent perusal of memorials from every quarter, takes from our food and sleep all peace and repose.
"By our command, Yihking has been appointed majesty-bearing generalissimo, and Tih-e-shun and Wanwei have been made joint-assistant high ministers, to lead and direct the veteran troops from every region, and with promptitude to advance and exterminate. On reaching Chekeäng, at once the grand army assuredly must achieve great honors!
"Fearing lest our troops, in their march through the country, not being suf- ficiently under restraint, may excite disorder, the said generalissimo and his colleagues have been charged to give strict injunctions to all the command- ing officers, requiring them to instruct all under their authority, carefully to keep the regulations of the law, and not to offend in the smallest degree. If there be offenders, let them be dealt with according to the laws they have broken. If through indulgence or negligence anything be concealed, and subsequently brought to notice, the said generalissimo and his colleagues shall be answerable for the same.
"Along the whole coasts, let those who live in the villages and hamlets collect their brave men into, bands, and connect them one with another for mutual aid; and thus in behalf of their country cut off the robbers, while they afford protection for themselves and their estates.
Those who possess remrkable ability and talents, capable of being em- ployed in defense against the proud rebels, are permitted to repair to the encampments, and there submit themselves to examination; and the saiď generalissimo and his colleagues, having estimated their talents and deter- mined for what service they are adapted, will at once recommend them to our notice, and wait till We confer appointments.
Formerly, when the religious vagabonds in the three provinces made insur- rection, many bravely volunteered in the cause of righteousness, and rose to high offices. The said generalissimo and his colleagues, must needs use many expedients to arouse and encourage, so that none possessing valor and discretion, in any degree however humble, may be left in retirement.
"Ministers and people! Inhabitants of our dominions! Ye are all the children of our dynasty. For these two centuries, ye have trod our earth, and eaten our food. Whoever among you has heavenly goodness, must needs detest these rebellious and disorderly barbarians, even as ye do your personal
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