Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 473

Journal of Occurrences.

455

guus; in these, no sooner has the first gun gone off than the other succeeds it. have moreover made a man-of-war vessel, having two wheels each side, and a large copper mortar on the bow to carry fire in; these wheels revolve of them- selves: the model is taken from that of the western foreigners, which it resem- bles; it goes a hundred lí in a twinkling. I have besides this, with the savings of my own salary, collected more than 5000 brave and experienced men, whom I have kept day and night in constant readiness and practice for any public exigency.

Lately hearing of the disturbances in Canton, and also that Amoy was lost, my hair bristled from irrepressible indignation. Moreover, I reflected that our dynas- ty, from its constant use of soldiery, has always been successful wherever it had turned its arms: how has it happened therefore that these petty contemptible English barbarians have waxed so outrageous? It is not because the rules of strategy are not understood, nor because the troops fear the burnt of battle, but simply because these rebels alone had steamers, cannon, and such sorts of things, by which they could overcome us who had none of them, and give full scope to their outrageous violence without the least apprehension. Now, having made my vessels, guns, &c., all ready, and learned the navigation of the channels, I am exceedingly desirous to exhibit the terror of our arms upon the ocean, and requite the many favors of my sovereign: but I cannot imagine why after waiting a whole year I have not received a commission to active service. Can it be be- cause the sacred thought' compassionates my debility, and does not wish me to emulate the hard toil of the dog or horse? My age is but threescore, nor is my strength yet weakened, but in walking, riding and archery, my vigor is quite as good as ever. This proposal is by no means made from a covetous desire of honors or rewards, but simply because the troubles on the maritime frontier are not quelled, and because the poor people there are so afflicted. Your majesty is now greatly discomposed by the troubles at the south, nor am I and my comrades restricted to serve in any one spot: can we merely consume our stipend with- out an exertion, and not be covered wtih confusion?

Prostrate I beg, that these my incoherent notions and private feelings may be noticed, and that I may be allowed to hasten with utmost speed to Fukien, where I will seize these barbarous rebels and offer them up before the palace with the greatest alacrity. Your servant intently awaits the imperial commands, while he humbly implores a sacred glance upon this careful memorial.

3. The British forces expelled from Ningpó. The Peking Ga- zette of June 4th contains an imperial edict, awarding honors to the heroes who led H. I. M.'s forces to expel the barbarians from Ningpó. Peacock's feathers, &c., are to be bestowed on the leaders according to their respective deeds, which, as recounted by Yiking, were neither few nor small. The attack on the English was a com- bined one, there being more than seventy vessels, with large land forces coöperating. The carnage was dreadful; more than 300 of the English were killed; five ships were destroyed; and powder, military hats, &c., were borne off as trophies! All this was done without any loss on the part of the Chinese-for fortunately it was achieved subsequently to the evacuation of the city by the English, on the 7th of May last.

4. The fall of Wúsung, and other places in its vicinity, has been reported to the emperor, by his excellency (Niú) Buffalo, (for such when translated is the name of) the governor of Liang Kiáng. Ile had reported the advance of the rebellious barbarians on the 15th of June; and now he has to report the loss of several cities, for which, and the violation of law, he begs that heavy punishment may be in- theted on his own person. He takes care, however, to tell his mas- ter how he had braved the hottest of the fight on the battle field