1841.
Journal of Occurrences.
687
“2,—I have inquired and found, that, as formerly, the barbarian ships at Ko- langsoo are seven in number; and they remain there for the purpose of selling large quantities of opium and other goods. I have heard that one ship, having finished her sales, has sailed; afterwards another ship arrived for the pur pose of sales: thus, when one has finished another begins; the time of their going and coming is uncertain; they do not presume to carry on their trade at any other place than there; neither do they annoy or vex the natives; nor do they agitate in any other manner. I have heard that the said rebels, knowing that Amoy is as warm as Canton, said that they intended to remain there a year.
"3.-I have heard that all ferry boats plying between Amoy and Changchow, the rebellious barbarians have ordered to hoist the English flag; and then they are allowed to pass to and fro; and although the boatmen are unwilling to obey, still they dare not return to Amoy; yesterday I heard that eight sail of the peo- ple's grass boats entered the port, when they were forthwith seized by the rebels and burnt.
"4.--I have heard that the barbarians have privately ordered five native trai- tors, of the island of Kolangsoo to secrete themselves at Tseunchow, Tungyan, and Amoy; to make secret inquiries after news of the Chinese officers and sol diers; and that they pay them at the rate of $500 a month, for their expenses: therefore the said rebels cannot but know all our movements.
"5.-I have heard that the villagers in the near neighborhood of Kolangsoo, when carrying a bridal chair on the road, have been subjected to the abrupt attack and abduction of the barbarians, who have taken and forcibly detained the newly married bride, paying $100 (to the bridegroom), and ordering him to take another; and when the bride's relations, sorrowing and lanrenting, begged her release, they, the English, refused it; and only on appealing to the said na- tion pseudo public officer, (captain Smith), at his place of receiving petitions, was she sent back; and some presents, camlets, &c., were bestowed.
"6.—I have learnt on inquiry that the war-junks which the rebellious foreigners seized, have not yet been burnt, but are anchored off the Haeso hill. In the afternoon of the 19th day, some of the neighboring inhabitants cautiously went to set them adrift, intending to deliver them up to the public officers, and receive the rewards; but they did not think they were watched by the barbarians, who sent their boats in chase, opened fire from their guns, and killed three men, and brought the junks back."'
12
11. Canton is suffering much by the movements at the north. The Chinese have gone on with the repair of their defenses in and near the city; but we have no evidence that they meditate injury to those engaged in commerce. Fifteen or twenty British ships with a few others, are now at Whampoa, and some of their merchants are at the provincial city.
12. Admiral Kwan's family has been brought to the notice of his majesty, by Yakeën, late governor of the two Keäng (Keängse, Keängsoo, and Anhwuy). Kwan Teënpei, who fell last February at the battle of the Bogue, was a descendant of the god of war, Kwan te; The admiral's family resides in Keängning, the metropolis of Keäng. soo, the ancient Nanking. The eldest son is dead; and the second, a youth of eighteen, is ordered to repair to court immediately the period of mourning is over, that he may receive imperial favors. His mother, now above 80 years of age, is immediately to receive a peni sion from government.
13: Captain Grattan. We are indebted to a friend at Ningpo for the 'following
}
Extract from General Orders by lieut.-general sir Hugh Gough, x. c. B., dated Ningpo, Nov. 4th, 1841.
1
* « Lieut.-general sir. Hugli Gough is most happy to communicate to the
Page 705Page 706
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.