CHINA. No. 3. (1864.)
#
PAPERS
relating to
THE AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
(In continual ion of Papers presented to Parliament in
March 1863.)
Presented, to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty.
1864.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS,
No. Date. Subject. Page
1. Mr. Bruce . a Sept. 24, 1862 Complaints of Chinese Government in case
of the "Pearl," and with regard to destruc-
tion of junks. Steps taken .. .. 1
2. >, . 8 Oct. 6, Further complaints of Chinese Government
respecting acts of violence perpetrated by
foreigners on the Yang-tze <. .. 3
3. ... 11, Despatches from Vice-Consul Adkins on
above subject .. .. . 6
4. ... Nov. 5, Question of exemption from taxation by
Chinese Government of Chinese residing in
foreign settlement at Shanghae .. 8
Dec. 2, Course pursued by him in cases of seizure of
goods by Chinese Customs authorities for
evasion of duties. Case of Messrs. Hanbury
and Co. .. .. .. .. 11
6. ,, ft . 10, Breach of Customs Laws. Instructions to
Consul Sinclair respecting penalty attaching
to vessels by which it is committed .. 16
7. War Office e . March 9, 1863 State of affairs at Shanghae. Report from
General Staveley .. ..17
8. . 17, Report from General Staveley relative to
dismissal of General Burgevine. Captain
Holland appointed in command 8 e .. 18
9. Consul Medhurst . Jan. 22, Burgevine's statement respecting his dismissal.
Other statements on the subject. Agree-
ment between the Footae and General
Staveley respecting the command of'Ward's
force .. .. .. ..18
10. To Sir F. Bruce . Mar. 24, Approving instructions to Consul Sinclair
respecting penalty for breach of Customs
Laws. Answer to despatch of December 10,
1862 .. .. .,22
11. War Office ... 26, Report from General Staveley. State of
military affairs in neighbourhood of Shang-
hae ; arrangements made with regard to
Ward's force; proposal to appoint Major
Gordon in command . 22
12. Admiralty ... 27, Report from Rear-Admiral Kuper on state of
affairs in China ... . . 25
13. Consul Medhurst . Feb. 4, Defections from the Tae-pings .. ,.25
14.
I 4, Memorandum by Mr. Alabaster on state of
\ VFard's force .. .. 26
15. War Office . . April 2, Projected expedition for the capture of Tai-
tsan .. . . . . . 29
16. To Sir F. Bruce . 8, Approving despatch of November 5 respect-
ing taxation of Chinese subjects resident
within the British settlement at Shanghae.. 30
17.
99 I 9, Instructions with regard to Messrs. Hanbury's
silk. Answer to despatch of December 2,
1862 .. .. .. ,.30
18. War Office . 11, Objections at Horse Guards to terms of the
arrangement under which Ward's force was
employed at Tai-tsan .. .. .,30
19. Mr. Bruce , . Dec. 23, 1862 Question of liability of British subjects in
Chinese service to be sued before British
tribunals for acts done in exercise of the
authority confided to them. Case of Bow-
man v. Fitzroy ., .. 31
20. , 24, Communications from Prince of Kung rela-
tive to the pulse and bean trade, and
_ - transit duties .. .. .. 37
21. . Jan. 3, 1863 Letter to Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce
j declining to entertain complaints except
from parties aggrieved . .. 41
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
No. Date. Subject. Page
22. Mr. Bruce . . Jan. 4, 1863 Adoption of a national flag by Chinese
Government .. .. 42
23. . I 6, Case ot the Pearl.'' Question as to course
; to be pursued in case of a vessel taking in
a cargo at a port not opened by Treaty, and
proceeding to a Treaty port .. .. 42:
24. . 20, Inclosing article in China Mail" on trade of
the Yang-tze .. .. 43
25. . . 26, Decree of amnesty issued by Chinese Govern-
ment .. .. .. .. 45
26. . . 26, Copy of instruction to Consul Sinclair in case
of the "Pearl" .. .. ..47
27. Admiralty . . April 13, Report from Admiral Kuper on state of affairs
in China .. .. ,. 4&
28. Consul Medhurst . Feb. 22, Repulse of attack on Tai-tsan .. 48
29. Mr. Bruce . . Jan. 20, Report by Mr. Student Interpreter Brown on
coal mines near Peking. .. 52
30. . . Feb. 9, Further correspondence with Prince of Kung
respecting destruction of junks. Has in-
demnified a claimant named Hwang Tehsin 57
31. War Office . . April 18, Report from General Staveley respecting
appointment of officers to Ward's force.
Major Gordon to command. As to district
in which they are to serve .. . 59
32. . 18, Report from General Staveley relative to
failure of attack on Tai-tsan .. 60
33. To Sir F. Bruce . 21, Approving answer (inclosed in despatch of
February 9), to Prince of Kung respecting
destruction of Chinese property by British
cruizers .. .. .. ..-61
34. To War Office . 21, Answer to letter of 11th respecting restriction
placed on Captain Holland not to accompany
Ward's force beyond the thirty-mile radius 61
35. To Admiralty . 22, Copy of Sir F. Bruce's despatch of January 4
respecting Chinese national flag . ..61
36. To Sir F. Bruce . 23, Approving letter to Hong Kong Chamber of
Commerce inclosed in despatch of January 3 62
37. To War Office . 23, Answer to letter of 18th respecting limits
within which British officers are to serve .. 62
38. To Sir F. Bruce . 27, Approving Mr. Brown's Report on coal mines.
Chinese weights, moneys, and distances should
be reduced to their English equivalent .. 62
39. 5j . . 27, Employment of British officers against Tae-
pings. Copies of letters from War Office,
April 11th; to War Office April 21st and
23rd .. .. .. .62
40. Mr. Bruce . . Feb. 24, Case of the Pearl." Further correspondence
< with Prince of Kung .. .. 63
41. . Mar. 7, Statement of Mr. Robertson showing that
Tae-pings pardoned by Chinese Government
recommenced pillaging .. 64
42. . 12, Report from Vice-Consul Adkins of plunder
! of junks on the Yang-tze, and of his visit to
j Nanking .. . ^ .. 64
43. . 14, Stateof military affairs at Ningpo and Shanghae.
! Letters to Admiral Kuper and General
Staveley .. .. .. .. 67
44. To Sir F. Bruce . May 23, Answer to despatch of March 14. Approving
' letters to General Staveley and Admiral
Kuper. As to officer in command of Ward's
force .. .. .. . 69
45. Admiralty , . 28, Report from Admiral Kuper on state of
affairs at Chinese ports .. 69
46. j, ... 28, Report from Admiral Kuper on failure of
attack on Tai-tsan .. .. 70
47. To Sir F. Bruce J . June 5, Case of the Pearl." Chinese authorities
have power to confiscate both the vessel and
her cargo .. . .. ..71
48. Admiralty . . 12, Proceedings of Captain Dew at Show-shing.
| He will be informed that he should not have
engaged in hostilities beyond the thirty-mile
radius . .. .. ..71
49. ... 12, Evacuation of Show-shing by Tae-piugs .. 72
50. Mr. Bruce . . Mar. 30, Despatch to Consul Harvey as to course to
be pursued in cases of breach of Customs
regulations .. .. .. 73
5l . 30, Effect of establishment of Custom-houses at
ports in the interior .. .. ,. 74
IV TABLE OF CONTENTS.
No,
52. Mr. Bruce
53. Acting- Consul Marid 1 am
54. War Office
55. ,,
56. To Sir F. Bruce .
57. ,, ,,
58. To War Office
59. War Office
60. Acting Consul Markham
61. War Office
62. To War Office
63. To Sir F. Bruce
64. Admiralty
65. Mr. Bruce
66. Admiralty
67.
68.
69. Sir F. Bruce
70. ,,
71. To Sir F. Bruce
72. Sir F. Bruce
73.
74.
75. Treasury
76. Sir F. Btuce
77. Bishop of Victoria and
Bishop Boone
78. To Consul Robertson
79. To Sir F. Bruce .
80. War Office
81. To Sir F. Bruce
Date.
April 8, 1863
IS,
June 17,
20,
23, *
23,
23,
May 5,
July 2,
6,
9,
16,
April 13,
Aug. 7,
7,
S,
April 30,
30,
Aug. 14,
May 25,
25,
June 12,
Aug. 19,
May 28,
June 17,
Aug. 22,
22.
24,
70
78
79
80
80
81
81
81
Subject. Page
Circumstances under which he authorized
Captain Coney and Mr. Gibson to serve
with force acting against brigands in Shang-
tung.. .. .. .. 4
Despatch to Sir F.Bruce inclosing Memorandum
by Major Gordon on relief of Chang-shu ..
Report from General Staveley of his visit to
Hankow, and Tae-ping movements
Reports from General Brown respecting the
Footae's refusal to reinstate General Burge-
vinc
Approving instruction to Consul Harvey, in-
closed in despatch of March 30, as to course
to be adopted in cases of breach of Customs.
Regulations .. . ^ .. *V
Approving views of conciliation towards
Chinese expressed in despatch of March 30
No reason for Her Majesty'y Government
to interfere with regard to General Burge-
vine's reinstatement. Answer to letter of
20th .. .. ..
Report from Major Gordon on capture of
Fu-shan and relief of Chang-shu
Despatch to Sir F. Bruce reporting refusal of
the Footae to reinstate General Burgevine ..
Report from General Brown respecting desire
of Chinese authorities that Major Gordon
should continue in command of Ward's force.
Agrees with them. Major Gordon's opera-
tions. Contemplated withdrawal of European
troops from Shanghae .. ,, 84
Concurring with General Brown that Major
Gordon should continue in command of
Ward's force. Answer to letter of 2nd .. 85
Copy of letter of July 6 to War Office, approv-
ing Major Gordon being continued in com-
mand .. .. .. 86
Report from Admiral Kuper on state of affairs
at Treaty ports, and destruction of a piratical
junk by the Grasshopper" .. 86
Export of cotton from Shanghae .. 89
Report on state of Chinese disciplined forces
in province of Ningpo.. .. 89
Destruction of piratical junks near Ningpo .. 91
Report of capture of pirates in neighbourhood
of Kowloon .. .. .. 92
Terms granted to an insurgent Chief on
returning to his allegiance .. . 93
Position of foreigners at Treaty ports. Views
of foreign Representatives. Growth of
Shanghae .. .. .. .. 93
Decision of Her Majesty's Government res-
pecting suits against British subjects in
Chinese service. Answer to despatch of
December 23, 1862 .. .. .. 94
General Staveley's departure from China.
Letter to him. Testimony to his services 95
General order issued by Admiral Kuper as to
course to be pursued towards junks supposed
to be pirate-vessels .. .. 95
Respecting employment of British officers in
Ward's force .. .. .. 96
Canton claims. Mr. Arbuthnot's Report .. 97
Reports by Vice-Consul Adkins of murders on
the Yang-tze. Approves his conduct in
cases of American citizens .. A 104
Imperialist atrocities. Respecting case at
Wy-con-sin .. .. .. .. 108
Canton claims. Copy of Treasury letter of
August 19. Instructions .. ..110
Canton claims. Copy of Treasury letter of
August 19, and letter to Mr. Robertson of
August 22. Instructions .. ..110
Major Gordon's operations before Quang-san
and capture of Tai-tsan .. ..110
Receipt of despatch of May 28. Concurring
in approval of Vice-Consul Adkins' conduct
in regard to murders by American citizens 115
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
No.
82. To Sir F. Bruce .
83. ,, .
84. To Bishop of Victoria .
85. Admiralty
86. War Office .
87. Sir F. Bruce .
88. Admiralty
89. Acting Consul Markham
90. Bishop of Victoria .
91. War Office .
92. To Bishop of Victoria .
93. Acting Consul Markham
94. Sir Fc Bruce
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
99 99
99 99
99 99
100. Acting Consul Markham
101, To Sir F. Bruce
102. Sir F. Bruce.
103.
104.
99 9t
105.
106.
107. Admiralty .
108. War Office
To9. To Sir F. Bruce
Date.
Aug. 24, 1863
24,
24, '
28,
27,
June 22,
Sept. 26,
Aug. 4,
10,
Oct. 1,
5,
Aug. 14,
July 14,
16,
17,
18,
18,
25,
Aug. 18,
Oct. 26,
Aug. 3,
6,
-4,
Oct. 29,
Nov. 5,
7,
Subject.
Page
Receipt of despatch of May 25. Concurring
in his view of Admiral Kuper's General
Order respecting treatment of suspicious
Chinese vessels . a ..
Copy of letter of June 17 from Bishop of
Victoria and Bishop Boone relative to atro-
cities. To exert every effort to put a stop
to them .. .. -
Receipt of letter of June 17. Instructions
given to Sir F. Bruce
Report from Admiral Kuper on state of affairs
in China ..
Report from Major-General Brown respecting
treatment of rebel prisoners by Imperialists
at Wy-con-sin after capture of Taitsan
Dissensions among the rebels at Soo-chow.
Capture of Quang-san .. ..
Successes of the Imperialists in the neighbour-
hood of Nanking
Capture of Wokong. Proceedings of General
Burgevine
Letter from Dr. Murtagh respecting treatment
of rebel prisoners at Wy-con-sin
Report from Major-General Brown respecting
defection of General Burgevine to the rebels.
Major Gordon's resignation in consequence
of proceedings of the Footae. Detention of
67th Regiment at Shanghae. Capture of
the "Ka-jow" steamer by General Bur-
gevine
Receipt of letter of August 10
Capture of the Ka-jow." Major Gordon's
proceedings; settlement of matters he com-
plained of. State of affairs in the neighbour-
hood of Shanghae. Circular of Consuls
respecting illegal enlistments
Correspondence with Prince of Kung respecting
. cruelties committed at Wy-con-sin. Prince
of Kung's account of Chinese punishments.
Report from Consul Gingell on the tea
trade at Hankow
Report from Consul Gingell on settlement of
land question at Hankow
Report from Consul Robertson on proceed-
ings of certain missionaries. State of the
country in the neighbourhood of Canton ..
Restrictions which Prince of Kung wishes to
impose on navigation of the Yang-tze
Destruction of lorehas carrying on illicit trade
at Nanking
Letter from the Footae respecting the capture
of the Ka-jow," and asking assistance to
arrest General Burgevine
Approving proceedings in regard to cruel
treatment of Tae-ping prisoners. Answer to
despatch of July 14
Steps taken by Chinese Government to stop
trade carried on by foreigners with rebels at
Nanking
Extension of term allowed for the re-exporta-
tion of produce brought down to Shanghae
from the river ports
Proposal of foreign land-renters at Shanghae
to establish a Municipal Government for
that place . ..
Settlement of certain Customs disputes at
Amoy
Communication from Prince of Kung respect-
ing destruction of junks by British vessels
of war
Inclosing Reports respecting state of affairs in
neighbourhood of Shanghae ..
Major-General Brown has allowed British
officers on full pay to serve in Major Gor-
don's force beyond the thirty-mile radius ..
Approving proceedings in regard to scheme
for Municipal Government at Shanghae.
Answer to despatch of August 6..
115
116
116
116
117
122
123
124
126
127
129
129
131
133
134
135
136
138
139
140
140
14
143
147
149
152
153
154
table of contents*
Vll
No.
110. To War Office .
111. To Sir F. Bruce .
112. Sir F. Bruce
113.
114. War Office ^ .
115. To Sir F. Bruce
116. To War Office
117. To Sir F. Bruce
118. Sir F. Bruce
119.
120.
121. Acting Consul Markham
122. To Sir F. Bruce .
123. Acting Consul Markham
124.
125.
126. War Office
127. Acting Consul Markham
128.
129.
130.
131. War Office
132. To Sir F. Bruce .
Date.
Nov. 9, 1863
10,
Sept. 8,
Nov. 17,
19,
25,
25,
Sept. 17,
18,
Oct. 13,
124,
Dec. 123,
Nov. 7,
24,
20,
Jan. 27, 1864
Dec. 8, 1863
10,
19,
Feb. 26, 1864
Mar. 8,
Subject.
Page
In present state of affairs at Shanghae British
officers on full pay should be allowed to
serve beyond the thirty-mile radius. Answer
to letter of the 5th of November . 154
Sending copy of above .. .. . 154
Observations respecting effect of adopting
coercive measures in inland places .. 155
Causes which led to General Burgevine's
defection to the rebels, % Remarks on manner
in which he was treated by Chinese Govern-
ment .. .. .. .. 155
Steps taken by General Brown to strengthen
Major Gordon's force. There will be no
necessity to detach officers on full pay
beyond the thirty-mile radius. Conduct of
Footae .. .. ..156
Coercive measures in the interior. Concurs
in views expressed in despatch of Septem-
ber 8 .. .. ..158
Concurs in views of War Office as to assist-
ing Major Gordon .. .. .. 158
Sending copies of letter from War Office Qf
the 17th and answer of 25th November 158
Representation to Prince of Kung respecting
disorderly conduct of <£ braves at Kiu-kiang 158
Correspondence with Prince of Kung respect-
ing course pursued by authorities at Swatow
in regard to passports for the interior .. 160
Organization of Chinese military service.
Best course to pursue. Arrival of Major-
General Brown at Peking. s Major Gordon
wishes to, resign his command ., 162
Change in position of affairs at Soo-chow,
Surrender of General Burgevine .. 163
Opinion of Her Majesty's Government re-
specting organization of Chinese military
service. Answer to despatch of October 13 167
Operations before Soo-chow. Surrender of
General Burgevine and his followers. State-
ments made by them of their treatment and
proceedings while with the rebels. Behaviour
of Chinese authorities towards Major
Gordon c .. .. ..167
Meeting of Consuls to concert measures for
maintenance of order at Shanghae .. 180
Capture of the Firefly." Proceedings of
General Burgevine and his arrest .. 182
Report from Hong Kong relative to capture
of Soo-chow and the treachery of the Im-
perialists .. ,. . ..185
Fall of Soo-chow .. .. ..185
Report respecting proceedings of Footae at
Soo-chow .. .. .. ,,.186
Report of occurrences at Soo-chow, and trea-
chery of Footae .. .. .,186
Interview between General Brown and the
Footae; the latter's explanation of his con-
duct. Major Gordon's position. Meeting
of foreign Consuls with regard to proceedings
of the Footae .. .. ..189
Report from Major-General Brown on fall
of Soo-chow, and on subsequent events .. 193
Transmitting Order in Council revoking Orders
in Council of August 30, 1862, and January
9, 1863, as to enlistment of British subjects
in service of China .. .. ..198
i
Papers relating to the Affairs of China.
No. 1.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(.Received January 27, 1863.)
(Extract.) Peking, September 24, 1862
I HAVE the honour to forward copy of a despatch from the Foreign Board, on the
proceedings of Mr. Consul Sinclair with reference to a lorcha called the Pearl," which
brought a cargo of salt to Foo-chow. Salt is a prohibited article, and it appears she had
committed a further irregularity in taking it in at a port not open to trade. By the
Treaties signed at Tien-tsin, the vessel, as well as the cargo, were liable to seizure and
confiscation, but Mr. Sinclair took upon himself to set her at liberty, and had her towed
out of port by the gun-boat stationed there.
As Mr. Sinclair has not reported the case to me, I have addressed the inclosed
despatch to him, requesting an explanation of the circumstances, and, at the same time,
expressing my disapproval of the course pursued, and pointing out to him its injurious
effect on the attempts I am making to place the relations of Great Britain and China on a
sound international footing. I have further informed the Foreign Board that, though I
am unable to enter into the details of this and other cases of arbitrary proceedings on our
part which have been complained of, I have issued instructions which will, I trust, prevent
the recurrence of these acts.
His Imperial Highness, in the inclosed despatch, points out, with considerable force
and truth, the inconsistency of such acts with the language i have held since I have been
at Peking. I regret that we should have given him cause for a triumph, but I am partly
consoled by the recognition of just principles of international dealing contained in his own
despatch.
The language in which the admission is conveyed proves that the Prince understands
and appreciates, in some degree, their value. 1
Her Majesty's Government will see that the Prince refers to two other cases, in
which Government junks have been seized and destroyed by our vessels of war. Neither
of these cases have been reported to me.
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
The Prince of Rung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, September 20, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung, &c., makes a communication.
His Excellency Wensiang has already handed to Mr. Wade a copy of a note received
from M. de Meritens, Commissioner of Customs at Foo-chow, upon the case of the
to the effect that the proceedings adverted to were inexplicable; and that with the instruc-
tions issued to the Consuls, it was to be hoped that there would be no recurrence of
them.
On referring to Tariff Rule 3, the Prince finds salt declared contraband, and both
import and export of it prohibited; and in Article XXXVII of the British Treaty, it is
[160] ~ B
i
2
laid down that within twenty-four hours of a vessel's arrival her papers, &c., shall be
delivered to the Consul, and that within twenty-four hours more she shall be entered by
the Consul, and the nature of her cargo reported by him to the Customs; the master being
liable, should he not report his ship, to a fine of 50 dollars a-day. It is farther laid down
in Article XLVIi of the Treaty, that vessels unauthorizedly trading at other places
along the coast (than those declared lawful by Treaty) are liable to confiscation with their
cargoes.
In the present instance, the "Pearl" entered port on the 26th of the 3rd moon
(April 24th), but was not reported until the 30th, that is, not within the specified time.
Her cargo was salt, a contraband article; she had no manifest; and Kin-mun (Quemoy),
though near the port, is not a port open to trade. Thus she committed several offences
against Treaty. The course pursued by M. de Meritens was extraordinarily lenient, but
Mr. Consul Sinclair has not only refused to take the steps required by Treaty, but has,
without authority (or, contrary to law) issued to the vessel a port clearance, and has taken
upon himself to dispatch a man-of-war to take the vessel out of port, with her original
cargo of smuggled salt on board.
This proceeding, as Mr. Wade's note observes, is, indeed, "inexplicable." His note
says, further, that the instructions issued to the Consuls will, it is to be hoped, prevent the
recurrence of the like for the future, Be it so : but he says nothing of the steps to be
taken in the case of the tc Pearl." There are also the cases of the three junks unautho-
risedly burned at Chou chia-hsu, and of the five junks forcibly carried off from
Tung-chiarig-chi. [In neither instance] have the Consuls compensated (the Chinese Govern-
ment for the damage done), nor have they reported the circumstances. The Prince is at a
loss, consequently, to know what the functions of a Consul are. Here is now another
case in which plain breach of Treaty has been committed, and (the Consul) has done
whatever violence seemed to him good. If such conduct be not punished, it will be
imitated with increasing frequency, and to a more serious extent. How will it be possible
to manage any matter properly?
The British Minister, on all occasions, shows a respect for the Treaty, but Mr. Consul
Sinclair, by his way of acting, while he treats the Treaty with disrespect, shows no
respect either for the British Minister. Is it not in the power of Her Britannic
Majesty's Representative to make the dignity of his position felt and his orders obeyed
by a Consul ? This is, in the Prince's opinion, equally inexplicable; and he
accordingly addresses the British Minister, trusting that if his Excellency does hold
the Treaty inviolable, he will call on Mr. Consul Sinclair to bring the Pearl"
back into port, to be there proceded against, or else that he will issue a circular to the
Consuls to detain the "Pearl" at whatever port she may enter, and hand her
over to the local authorities, to be dealt with as the Treaty requires, for example's sake.
Were a Chinese mandarin to commit a plain breach of Treaty in a case in which
native and foreigner were parties, he would be punished forthwith. Mr. Sinclair's act of
wanton violence is no common offence. The Prince cannot doubt that the British Govern-
ment has a way of dealing with such, and His Highness trusts that for the sake of example
the British Minister wall deal with this case impartially. His Highness trusts that his
Excellency will, at the same time, inform him regarding the compensation due for the
junks burned and carried off, and the restitution of the articles taken out of them, at
Chou-chia-hsii and at Tung-chiang-chi.
As the (foreign) Commissioners of Customs are responsible for the prevention of
smuggling, they are of course authorized at any and every port to search and make seizure,
and it is very important, therefore, that the British Minister should inform the Consuls
that they are not to take a high tone or resort to violence (when search or seizure is in
question). In his despatch of the 26th August, his Excellency complained that the
Customs subordinates at I-ching, when levying duties on foreign vessels at that place,
were in the habit of extorting fees on their own account, and that even vessels
laden with lawful cargoes were also detained by these employes (for purposes of extor-
tion). It is unavoidable that vessels going up the river should be duly searched, as,
until [this is done], there is no knowing which vessels are carrying salt and which are not.
The Prince has written to the provincial authorities to impress in the strongest terms upon
the Customs subordinates that they are only authorized to make search for (interfere with
the carriage of) salt, as it is contraband, and that they are not to extort money. His
Highness hopes that the British Minister will, on his part, with equal impressiveness,
enjoin the merchants to observe the Treaty religiously, and so to avoid exposing themselves
to the proceedings consequent upon trading in the prohibited article of salt.
A necessary communication, addressed to the Honourable Mr. Bruce.
Tung Chih, 1st year, 8th moon, 27th day (September 20, 1862).
3
Inclosure 1 in No. 28.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Sinclair.
Sir, Peking, September 22, 1862
THE Foreign Board has complained to me officially of your proceedings in the matter
of the "Pearl."
X have to request of you an explanation of the circumstances under which you took
upon yourself to call on a gun-boat to take the vessel by force out of port. In the mean-
time, X have to observe that whether the Chinese authorities were right or not in claiming
to confiscate the vessel, the course you adopted is utterly indefensible. You have taken
upon yourself to solve, by what is virtually an act of war, a question which the Chinese
Government state their authorities at Foo-chow offered to refer to Peking. You have
placed me in the dilemma of weakening Consular authority by disavowing your acts, or of
attempting to justify what is both unjustifiable in principle and inconsistent with the scope
and end of the language X have held to the Imperial Government on the relations estab-
lished between the two countries by the presence of a Minister at Peking.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W: A. BRUCE.
No. 2.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received February 3, 1863.)
(Extract.) Peking, October 6, 1862.
IN my despatch of the 24th of last month I inclosed translation of a letter on the
case of the Pearl," at Foo-chow, in which the Prince of Kung complained of the destruc-
tion of junks on the Yang-tze River.
I have now the honour to inclose a further despatch, with my reply thereto, which
gives the particulars of three cases.
In the first case, a collision, attended with loss of life, appears to have taken place
between foreigners and Chinese, in consequence of which three war-junks were destroyed,
as stated in the former despatch on the subject, by a British steamer.
In the second case, the said steamer is alleged to have proceeded to Kiang-yin, and to
have there taken and destroyed a trading junk.
In the third case five war-junks at a revenue station on the Yang-tze River had
levied, apparently, an illegal tax on some trading vessels. They were seized and carried
off as a pledge ; but, though the money was returned, the junks, as the Prince states, have
not been given up.
I have received no report of these cases, and I have consequently addressed the
inclosed despatches to Sir James Hope and to Mr. Consul Medhurst. I have also written
to Mr. Adkins, at Chin-kiang, to give me any information he may be in possession of on
the subject.
The Prince has not corhplained of the proceedings of the gun-boat near Hankow,
which was sent by Mr. Consul Gingell to release two junks laden with teas on Messrs.
Dent and Co.'s account, detained in consequence of a demand of excessive transit duties.
The Custom-house officer and the gun-boat were carried off in addition to the junks. I
suppose that the Governor-General, feeling that he was in the wrong, has not reported
what took place.
Redress by force was necessary formerly, when we had no access to the Imperial
Government, and no hopes of a complaint against a high provincial officer being attended
to ; and even now it will be more speedily obtained by force than through diplomatic
correspondence. But, as the Prince very justly remarks, this mode of action renders the
presence of a Minister at Peking useless, and stultifies the main argument by which I
hope to recommend it; namely, that of arranging these disputes amicably, through the
Representatives of the two Governments. It also leads to deplorable errors; for we can-
not ascertain the whereabouts of Government cruizers, employed to levy taxes on vessels
employed in the salt-trade ; and it is too much the practice to treat any armed Chinese
vessel as a pirate, or, at least, as acting without proper authority, if she ventures to stop
a junk trading under European colours. Their authority is, no doubt, often abused for
purposes of extortion j but the interference with junks and lorchas under foreign flags is
4
due, in a great measure, to the fact that they are extensively employed in smuggling
prohibited articles.
I see with pleasure that Captain Osborn is about to organize a preventive service on
behalf of China ; for it will he impossible for our gun-boats to do this duty on the
Yang-tze River without committing acts which will be found difficult to justify on any
international principle, and which will create and keep up a bad feeling on the part of the
Chinese authorities and people.
The truth is that the Chinese Executive is so seldom bold enough to assert its rights
against foreigners that they are in the habit of despising it, and of never hesitating in
employing force against it. In other countries a revenue-cruizer is often evaded, hut it is
very rarely that the smuggler comes to blows with it.
Inclosure 1 in No. 2.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, October 1, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
In the case of the collision that occurred between the inhabitants of Chou-chia-hsu,
in the district of Jukao, and certain foreigners who had unauthorizedly proceeded to the
river port in question, the issue of which collision was the destruction of three war-junks,
which were burnt by the foreigners, the Chinese Government cashiered and degraded
the officer in charge of troops on the spot for his mismanagement of the affair, and his
Highness applied to the British Minister to inquire into and punish the British officers who,
without any understanding with (the Chinese authorities) took on themselves to burn and
destroy these junks, as the circumstances of the case may appear to his Excellency in
strictness to demand.
On the 29th day of the 7th month, Tuhsinga, General commanding the Manchu
garrison of Nanking, in a supplementary Memorial addressed to the Throne, acquainted
His Majesty that after having burned the war-junks at Chou-chia-hsu, the foreigners
proceeded to Kiang-yin, and off that place destroyed a trading junk which had come up
from Shanghae, and carried off a large number of persons who were passengers on board
her. His Majesty thereupon instructed Tuhsinga, by Decree, to ascertain and report the
number of people abducted from Chou-chia-hsu, on the occasion of the fray between the
foreigners and the inhabitants at that place, and also the particulars of the destruction of
the merchant-junk burned upon the river, and the names and surnames of the passengers
carried off from on board her.
The General now reports to His Majesty that at Chou-chia-hsu, where the three
junks were burnt, one brave belonging to the Marine was drowned, and that fifteen
persons, soldiers, braves, or followers, are missing; that twenty-nine guns were sunk, but
that three have been recovered. With respect to the trading junk from Shanghae which
was burnt, and the passengers of which were carried off, he reports that the Fu-tsiang
(Brigadier) Hwang Ting-sheng's elder brother, Hwang Te-sin, had engaged his friend
Yang Afu and two others to go with him in a junk hired by Yen Kwo-tung, who was
taking a passage in her from Shanghae to the junk squadron stationed off Kuachow, to
see his younger brother (the Brigadier). They had got out on the river, when they fell in
with some foreigners, who, on the ground that the junk was a pirate, forced every one on
hoard over the side, took away everything that was in the junk, and having burned
the junk, carried all her passengers as prisoners to Shanghae. The district magistrate
having examined Hwang Te-sin and his companions, released them on the security of
Hwang Ting-sheng (the Brigadier). The despatches, trunks, and other things belonging to
Hwang Te-sin, which the foreigners removed, had not been restored to him, and the
Governor of the Province (Li) was engaged in making such inquiry and arrangements as
the question demanded.
The Prince has to observe that in a former instance five native gun-boats were carried
off at Tung-chiang-chi, in the district of Lu-ho, by foreigners who alleged that the revenue
station (off which were the junks were lying) had robbed them of 1,000 dollars. TheTi-tu
(Commander-in-chief) of Kiang-nan, Li Shi-chung, sent an officer with 730 taels (about
243Z.) to make good their loss. The money was received, but the junks were not
released.
5
In the present instance at Chou-chia-hsu, war junks have been burnt, guns thrown
overboard, braves have been destroyed in the fire, several men of various denominations
are missing; while off Kiang-yin a trading junk falsely denounced as a pirate has all her
passengers forced out of her, their baggage is all carried off and the junk herself is burnt
The Prince has written to desire the General Tuhsinga to send up an accurate list of the
articles of baggage in the trunks which Hwang Te-sin has lost, and a detailed account of
their value ; also to report carefully whether there were or were not any other articles (than
those now generally reported), money, &c. On receipt of his reply the Prince will again
address the British Minister.
In the meantime His Highness has to communicate to his Excellency a list of the
junks destroyed and the soldiers, braves, and followers, burnt or carried off in the affair of
Chou-chia-hsu and Kiang-yin, together with the articles which have disappeared on those
two occasions. Hwang Te-sin and his friends having been released on security by the
magistrate of Shanghae, the Prince does not here take them into account; but His High-
ness does hope that (without waiting for the report affecting their losses) the British
Minister will, when he has received the whole of these circumstances, at once take into
consideration the measures justice requires should be adopted with reference to the vessels
destroyed in the two cases adverted to, the life taken, and the property carried off, in order
to the prevention of further reclamation on the part of the sufferers ; and that his Excel-
lency will inform His Highness of his decision. The Prince begs there may he no delay
in a matter so important.
A necessary communication.
Statement of Particulars in the case of the Junks destroyed and Persons carried off by
Foreigners.
At Chou-chia-hsu:Three junks burnt; one brave destroyed in the fire; fifteen
soldiers, braves, and followers missing, belonging to the division of the Admiral of Kwang-
tung; twenty.nine guns sunk, three recovered.
Off Kiang-yin :One trading junk burnt; one master, one passenger (Yen Kwo-tung)
made prisoners; four passengers (Hwang Te-sin, Liang-Afu, Six Kwei-an, Hwang. Ting-pien),
property belonging to these four not returned. Statement applied for to General
Tuhsinga.
Inclosure 2 in No. 2.
Mr. Bruce to the Prince of Kung.
Sir, # Peking, October 6, 1862.
I HAVE received the despatch of your Imperial Highness relative to the destruction
of certain junks, in the neighbourhood of Chou-chia-hsii and Kiang-yin, and I shall lose
no time in transmitting copies of it to Shanghae and to the naval authorities, with a view
f to obtaining such information as to persons concerned in those acts and the circumstances
of the case as may enable me, to deal with them. The account previously furnished to
your Imperial Highness by the Chinese authorities was so vague that, although I wrote
immediately on the subject, I fear there may have been some difficulty in tracing the acts
to the parties who committed them. I do not even yet know whether the junks were
destroyed by ships of war or by private vessels, nor whether the persons responsible were
British subjects or not.
Your Imperial Highness may rest assured that I am most anxious to put a stop to
these violent proceedings, and I shall gladly see the Chinese Government in possession of
a Marine Executive which will release Her Majesty's naval forces from the punishment of
piratical acts in Chinese waters. For twenty years this task has been imposed upon them,
and the Chinese communities at Foo-chow, Amoy, and Ningpo have constantly petitioned
them for assistance against pirates, and have been indebted to them for the preservation of
their lives and property ; but the difficulty of providing interpreters is very great, the officers
are obliged to rely on the information of coolies in their employment, and the similarity of
rig and equipments between war-junks and pirates is apt to lead to mistakes.
I avail, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
6
Inclosure 1 in No. 28.
Mr. Bruce to Vice-Admiral Sir J. Hope.
Sir, Peking, October A, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a letter addressed to me by the Prince of
Kung complaining of the destruction, by some persons unknown, of junks in the service
of the Imperial Government on the Yang-tze River. I am anxious to obtain information
which will enable me to deal with these cases should the destruction of these junks have
been our act.
In the meantime it will be of great assistance to me at Peking if the rule be strictly
observed of not interfering by force in any case unless it is necessary to preserve the lives
and property of Her Majesty's subjects at the ports. By this I mean in the case of popular
riot or violence on the part of braves who are not under control; for I do not consider
that illegal exactions by the Chinese authorities justify us in resorting to force. As long as
Her Majesty's Government maintains a Legation at Peking the Imperial Government must
be appealed to in the event of an abusive exercise of authority by its provincial delegates;
and in the event of such abusess not being put a stop to, it must be held responsible, and
be obliged to make good the losses consequent on such acts. To appeal to force, without
a reference to Peking, is to resort to the system which the Treaties of 1858 were intended
to terminate, and to expose our interests to be endangered, should we meet with a Governor
as obstinate and ignorant as we found in Yeh at Canton.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 4 iu No. 2.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, Peking, October 4,1862.
I INCLOSE copy of a despatch from the Prince of Kung, on the destruction of some
junks on the Yang-tze River, and I wish you to furnish me with any information you can
obtain on the circumstances that led to the acts complained of.
If applied to for advice by the naval authorities, I request you to be very cautious in
recommending the employment of force in any case where it cannot be justified on the
principles laid down in my circular. You must bear in mind that one result of the
establishment of a Mission at Peking is that acts which we committed without remark,
while the Imperial Government affected to treat, as unworthy of notice, the proceedings
of the
and they are not slow to point out that while I am reproaching them with breaches
of Treaty committed by local authorities, we ourselves commit acts of violence which are
not justifiable, according to the principles of international intercourse I am urging them to
adopt.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 3.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.{Received February 3, 1863.)
My Lord, Peking,-October 11, 1862.
WITH reference to my despatch of the 6th instant, respecting the acts of
violence perpetrated by Europeans on the Yang-tze River, when in command of lorchas
and junks, I have the honour to inclose copies of two despatches from Mr. Adkins, Vice-
Consul at Chin-kiang, which throw some light on the subject.
It appears that many of these craft are really owned by Chinese, who hoist foreign
flags, or flags not easily distinguishable from foreign national flags, and hire European
desperadoes to assist them in carrying on a smuggling trade in salt, in defiance of the
Chinese revenue stations.
The circumstances of the case reported in Mr. Adkins' despatch of the 2nd ultimo
are very obscurely stated; in the depositions of the two Chinese witnesses, the flag
carried by the assailant's boat is called American," but it is described as a flag with
7
arrow red and white stripes. Tt is not stated that anything was taken out of the boat,
though the attack seems to have been of a piratical nature.
Mr. Adkins says, very justly, towards the close of his despatch, that these outrages
will lead to a system of retaliation on the part of the Chinese, which will be highly
disadvantageous to respectable traders and travellers on the river.
I see no effectual remedy but the organization by* the Chinese of a proper steam-
service to police the river, which will supersede the inefficient and disorderly cruizers now
employed by the Chinese Government.
X have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Xnclosure 1 in No. 3.
Vice-Consul Adkins to Mr. Bruce
Sir, x Chin-kiang, September 2, 1862.
FROM the inclosed papers your Excellency will learn some particulars of a very
brutal outrage committed near this port by ruffianly foreigners. The facts of the case
became known to me on the 30th ultimo, though the murder was committed on the 13th
June last.
It was reported to me that three junks belonging to Mr. A, Little, of Kiu-kiang, had
been seized at Icheng, and loaded with salt by the mandarins without the consent or
knowledge of their owner, who was awaiting their arrival, they having passed this port
early in June. Hoping at all events to save one of the junks, which was loaded with wine
and furniture, Mr. Little despatched a Chinese to this port to make inquiries. This man
found the three junks at Xcheng, as was reported. Two had large cargoes of salt, but one
was empty and without a crew. Having identified the vessels as his master's property, he
applied to me to get them released. On referring to the Traffic Register of this Consulate,
X found that the three junks indicated had been reported and cleared by me as British
vessels early in June. Moreover, the Chinese sailing-masters had been cautioned by me
against loading with salt.
The creek in which the junks were found by Mr. little's Chinese servant is about
sixty li from Silver Island. It is one of the entrances to the Grand Canal, and is a
favourite resort for native craft. It is also a military station, and some dozen or t
war-boats are always there or in its immediate vicinity.
As the vessels had been recognized, I thought it best in the first instance to have
them brought to this port, intending to hold an investigation in conjunction with the
Taoutae, with the view of ascertaining whether the owner of the junk was entitled to
compensation for the detention of his vessels by the Chinese authorities. I accordingly
despatched the constable of this Consulate with orders to bring the three vessels with
their cargoes info this port. After an absence of a day and a-half he returned with two
of them, and stated that he was unable to move the third, as the crew had with one
exception abandoned her. I therefore engaged a crew, and sent the constable back with them
to bring the junk down. She arrived in due course. On the morning after her arrival I
learnt the reason of her abandonment by her crew. My informant was the man who had
remained by the vessel. He stated that on the 17th of the 5th moon (13th June) while
the junk was anchor at Lao-hu-chiu, a place about three li below the creek where the
constable found her; she wTas boarded by two Europeans and some Ningpo men from a
foreign boat. The foreigners were armed, one with a pistol, the other with a sword. One
of them hauled down the British flag, and then both commenced an attack on the crew of
the junk; the one with a sword cut down a passenger, the one with a pistol shot the
Lao-pau (Captain) through the body. After the murder was committed, the foreigners
went back to their own boat and proceeded up the river. The junk, too, weighed anchor
shortly afterwards, and on arriving at the creek before-mentioned was abandoned by her
crew, who were afraid to proceed further in her.
At first I disbelieved the whole story, it seemed too horrible for credence. The man
insisted on the truth of his statement, however, and produced another witness, an old
woman, the mother of the murdered man. Her story coincided with his in every parti-
cular. She also informed me that the body of her son was still on board the junk in
a coffin. I at once determined on having a post-mortem examination made of the remains,
hoping to be able to discover the wound, and perhaps the bullet that had inflicted it.
The Taoutae readily assented to the opening of the coffin, and expressed a desire to be
present at the inquest with the Prefect and Magistrate. To this arrangement I at once
8
agreed. I was fortunate in being able to receive the services of the surgeon of Her
Majesty's ship Sianey," That gentleman performed a most disagreeable task in the most
careful and conscientious manner.
The truth of the witnesses' statement was greatly corroborated by the existence of
such a wound as would be caused by a pistol-bullet passing through the body. Dr. Egan's
report will best describe it to your Excellency.
I much regret that such an outrage should have been committed within twenty miles
of this Consulate, on board a British vessel, and I not be informed of it by the authorities
of the place. Such supine conduct on their part makes my position a most unsatisfactory
one. I am well aware that the river is likely to be overrun by foreign blackguards knowing
no law and under no control; the more so that the Chinese authorities themselves shirk all
responsibility and take no steps to protect their countrymen.
Your Excellency will doubtless remember my allusion to a similar outrage in a letter
from this Consulate of the 7th June last.
The fact of the murder having been committed by a person sailing under the American
flag of course precludes further active interference on my part. I could not refrain,
however, from having the case publicly investigated, feeling certain that unless the Chinese
can be induced to bring such offenders before proper authorities, a system of retaliation
must soon obtain which will be highly disadvantageous to respectable traders and travellers
on this river.
I have, &c
... . (Signed) T. ADK1NS.
Inclosure 2 in No. 3.
Vice-Consul Adkinsjo Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Chin-kiang, September 23, 1862.
X HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's despatch with
its inclosures.
The proceedings to wdiich His Highness Prince Rung refers were not set on foot by
any action or representation of mine. Chou-chia-hsii is nearly 100 miles from this
Consulate.
X inclose for your Excellency's perusal an original letter which was received by me on
the 14th of July. It was handed to me by a Chinese sailor belonging to a junk sailing
under English colours. The bearer knew nothing about the contents of the letter, but [
learnt from him the name of the place at which it wfas written. X took no steps in the
matter, because X had heard by a steamer which arrived some days previously to the letter
that three vessels of war were close to the spot,
The Europeans who caused the disturbance-were in Chinese employ. It is a common
practice to hire a foreigner to take care of the boat." By this is meant hoisting a foreign
flag when passing a native custom-house, and bullying official who may get in
the way.
X have heard rumours to the effect that the foreigners in this instance molested the
kept woman of a Cantonese sailor. She screamed out, and her protector went to her
assistance, got beaten, but returning with reinforcements drove the foreigners into the
water.
X have, &c.
(Signed) T. ADKINS.
No. 4.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell. (Received January 26, 1863.)
Extract.) Peking, November 5, 1862,
X HAVE the honour to forward a despatch from Mr. Consul Medhurst, at Shanghae,
with its inclosures, which throws light on the difficulties which are consequent on the
pretensions advanced by Her Majesty's Consuls with reference to the Chinese who inhabit
within the so-called foreign concessions. Xt will be seen that the Consuls claim to exempt
these Chinese from the .taxation imposed by their own authorities, so that they are to be
relieved by our interference from sharing in the expense of defending Shanghae.
9
I can quite understand that a large Chinese population may be accumulated to the
benefit of land speculators, if they find they are exempt from taxation, and submitted to
very inefficient control.
The Taoutae, in his letters, alludes to the advantage of the proposed registry for the
capitation tax, as a means of detecting and expelling bad characters. -For these purposes
it is notorious that the foreign police are totally useless, and that the settlement swarms
with bad characters, ready to plunder the foreigners on any convenient opportunity.
We cannot look for the protection the Chinese Government is bound to afford, under
Article XVIII of the Treaty, if we exempt a large number of its subjects from the juris-
diction of their authorities.
Inclosure 1 in No. 4.
Consul Meclhurst to Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, August 14, 1862.
I REQUEST your advice on the subject of a correspondence I have had with the
Taoutae, and the copies of which, with translations, I inclose herewith.
The Chinese authorities are undoubtedly entitled to impose any tax they choose on
their own subjects, but in this instance those subjects are resident within limits the juris-
diction over which the authorities have long ago practically conceded, and the protection
of which has devolved entirely on ourselves. The security which this protection has
afforded has been the main attraction to the large number of Chinese who have immigrated
into this settlement, and now that they are here it seems scarcely fair that the very power
to which they have fled for protection should be looked to for aid in imposing taxes upon
them; taxes, too, not intended for their own benefit, but destined, even if not misused, to
meet the needs of the Government that has forfeited their confidence.
I explained this to the Taoutae in a conversation I had with him after he had received
my reply, and he admitted that he was only justified in proposing the measure by the
terrible straits to which he was driven for money. He pleaded howgver that, after all, the
funds he needed were for the maintenance of the war against the rebels, whom the Chinese
in the settlement and ourselves had as great an interest in quelling as himself, and that if
there was any objection to his exercising a jurisdiction within, the limits^At would suit his
purpose just as well if we collected the tax, and, having defrayed out <5f ifr what we needed
for military expenses, handed the balance to him to be put to the general account.
I told him I would suggest this proposal to you, but could not undertake to give it
my support, as even if it were decided that the assessing power was in our hands,,we
should not be likely to impose a tax of the kind or at the rate which he contemplated.
I beg you will do me the favour of an early reply to this letter, as the Taoutae is very
anxious to have the question settled.
I have. &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure 2 in No. 4.
The Taoutae Woo to Consul Meclhurst.
(Translation.) Shanghae, July 1, 1862.
I WRITE inconsequence of a letter received from one Wang, expectant Taoutae
and Superintendent of the Tai-shan Salt Contributions, that the number of people living
in the foreign settlement at Shanghae must needs consume a large quantity of salt; that
the officer Yu had accordingly hired a number of men to sell it, but a very small quantity
had been disposed of; that it is evident therefore that it is smuggled ; that having received
orders to supervise the salt trade, it behoved him to devise some means of regulating it,
that the taxes might be paid and the salt contractors not lose ; that he had assembled the
head men to discuss the subject, and proposed to establish the Le-tai-serig salt-shop in the
French Concession, and the Chang-cheang-shun salt-shop in the English Concession to supply
the two settlements, the permits hitherto issued being withdrawn. But as it was to befeared
that bad characters would take advantage of the foreign character of the place, and induce
the police to throw obstacles in the way, it was necessary that the English and French
Consuls should be written to that they might direct the police to arrest any smugglers, by
which means the Government sales would increase and the legal trade flourish. That he
[160] 0
10]
had directed therefore the two shops to open, and begged me to write to the two Consuls
to give the necessary orders.
I have therefore written to the French Consul, and do also to you to beg you will direct
the police to assist in arresting any illicit traders.
Inclosure 3 in No. 4.
The Taoutae Woo to Consul Medhurst.
(Translation.) Shanghae, July 5, 1862.
X WRITE to ask your co-operation in a matter by which I may remedy the insuffi-
ciency of the taxes to meet the large and most necessary expenditures.
At the end of the last year X established a committee which when your countrymen
and the French assisted us against the rebels were called upon to pay for rent, coolies,
roads, batteries, the destruction of houses, boats, rice, firewood, artillery, lascars, &c., &c.,
to the amount of 50,000 or 60,000 taels a month, besides 200,000 odd for the troops
brought down from Nyanching, to meet which they were only able to collect some 100,000
taels in all, a sum quite insufficient.
The above claims, moreover, are for the protection of Shanghae and must be paid.
While the Treasury and contribution receipt being insufficient for the purpose to which
they are devoted, the pay of the troops, it is absolutely necessary to lay on some new
taxes to procure the funds so urgently required.
I therefore on the 15th of the 4th moon wrote you with reference to three taxes X
proposed imposing, they being in accordance with Treaty, to wit, a tax on native produce,
an increased tax on opium, and a capitation tax, subsequently writing further letters on
the subject.
With reference to the two first taxes, you have already written me that you have
referred them to Her Majesty's Minister for consideration, and that it behoveth to await
his decision; but the capitation tax is entirely Chinese and does not affect foreigners at all,
and I see no reason therefore why the Chinese residents should not pay it.
Again, the great majority of Chinese residents on the French and English settlements are
Che-chiang and Keang-si refugees who have not paid their proper taxes, and who have fled
there since the great collection of the allied troops, and who carry on their business solely
by their protection; and as unless the troops are maintained the people cannot continue to
enjoy security, as they are innumerable, X have proposed to divide them into three
classes, the first paying five dollars, the second one dollar, the third half a dollar per head,
children and women being exempted, and one collection being final.
In registering them for the tax, moreover, one will be able to discover any bad
characters that may be here.
This cannot be considered squeezing, and a double advantage will result from it. It
appears, moreover, in accordance with foreign laws, and has already been put in practice as
far as the city and suburbs are concerned ; but I have to request you will appoint some
one to take cognizance of the natives, whether householders or in foreign employ, in the
British settlement, as I am at my wit's end to obtain the enormous sums required for the
defence of the place, and this is the only way open to me to meet them.
As the matter concerns us both I trust you will co-operate with me without delay.
Inclosure 4 in No. 4.
Consul Medhurst to the Taoutae Woo.
Sir, Shanghae, July 16, 1862.
I HAVE had the honour to receive your two letters dated the 1st and 5th instant,
the one asking me to co-operate with you in imposing a capitation tax on all Chinese
residents within the British limits, the other announcing the establishment of licensed
salt-dealers in the British and French Concessions, whose right of monopoly you wish to
have protected.
The local authorities are no doubt entitled to impose on their own subjects any tax
or monopoly which does not interfere with foreign Treaty rights ; but as regards those
natives who reside within these limits, I am not in a position to recognize such a right, as
it has been a matter of understanding for years past between the local authorities and this
Consulate that the jurisdiction of the former over their own subjects living within these
li
limits shall only be exercised through and with the consent of the British Consul, and
with the large Chinese population now depending on our protection and sharing our
interests, it would be inexpedient to allow of any departure from this rule.
I shall send copies of your letters and this reply to the Hon. Mr. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H, MEDHURST.
Inclosure 5 in No. 4.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, Peking, November 5, 1862.
IN reply to your despatch of the 14tli August last, requesting my advice as to the
proposals made by the Taoutae for the taxation of Chinese subjects within the limits of
the so-called British Concession, I have to observe that there is nothing in the Treaties
which warrants me in interfering in any way in such questions. The Taoutae is entitled
to levy taxes as he pleases ; and as long as he merely seeks to impose taxes on persons
resident in the Concession, which are paid by those living in the city and suburb, I see no
reason for objecting to it at a time when it is our interest as well as that of the Chinese
that the Government shall not be deprived of its resources.
A heavy responsibility will rest on the Consul of any port should his action in such
matters lead to the disbanding or mutiny of the highly-paid force under foreign officers
which the Chinese have embodied by our advice.
I am, &c,
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 5.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received March 3, 1863.)
My Lord, Peking, December 2, 1862.
I THINK it advisable to inform your Lordship of the course I have pursued in cases
of seizure, and confiscation of goods for evasion of duties by the Chinese Custom-house.
I therefore inclose the particulars of a case in which sixty-three bales of silk belonging to
Messrs. Hanbury and Co., for which no transit-duty certificate had been taken out, were
seized by the Chinese and confiscated for having attempted to evade the Customs barrier
near Shanghae, established for the collection of inland duties.
The principle I have laid down is, that in such cases the Chinese authorities are bound
to prove that the breach of regulation which exposes the goods to confiscation has been
committed, and that if the fact is denied on affidavit they must furnish equally satisfactory
evidence on their side in support of their charge. If not, I consider that restitution may
be demanded or compensation required.
I do not find that there is any disposition on the part of the Chinese authorities to
throw difficulties in the way of a full investigation, and as in such cases it is not difficult
to ascertain whether the offence has been committed or not, I do not apprehend that the
foreign merchant is likely to suffer injustice.
I may observe that a case arising out of a charge of evading inland duties is not
likely to recur; for I have stated as the rule to be observed in future, that if a British
subject purchases produce on his own account in the interior, and intends to have his
property recognized and protected as British property on its way to the port of shipment,
he is bound to cover it by taking out a transit-duty certificate. If, on the other hand, he
thinks it more for his interest to buy produce and bring it down uncertificated, it will not
be entitled to any special protection as British property, but will be subject to such charges
and regulations as the Chinese authorities may choose to impose.
I conceive this to be the meaning of the Rule No. 7, which was substituted for
Article XXVIII of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, and that most embarrassing questions will be
avoided by adhering strictly to it. The object of the Rule was to substitute one unvary-
ing charge for the arbitrary exactions of provincial authorities, where Her Majesty's
subjects bought or sold goods in the interior. But it was not intended to interfere between
the Chinese Government and its own subjects.
I may also remark, that if the Chinese are satisfied with this interpretation of the
Rule, they waive, in some degree, the right they might claim on a strict interpretation of
its terms; for it is expressly agreed that permission to export produce which cannot be
C 2
us
proved to have paid the transit dues may be refused until payment is made of the amount,
whereas, hitherto, the Chinese Government has not insisted on proof of such payment in
the case of produce which is bought by the exporter at the port of shipment.
I have had the advantage of perusing the joint opinion of Her Majesty's Attorney-
General |and Messrs. Wingrove Cooke and Hannen, on the powers of the Chinese
Custom-house under the Treaties, and on the liability of Her Majesty's subjects employed in the
Chinese Custom-house for acts committed in the performance of their duty. It confirms the
views I have maintained 011 this subject, as expressed in my different despatches, except-
ing on one point, namely, the right of the Chinese Government" to withhold a port-
clearance until payment is made of fines for breaches of Regulation. This right does not
exist, in the opinion of the above learned Counsel. I have directed Her Majesty's Consul
at Shanghae to be guided by the principles therein laid down.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 5.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, Peking, May 2, 1862.
WITH reference to the sixty-three bales of silk belonging to Messrs. Bower, Hanbury,
and Co., reported to you to be confiscated, I have to observe that the account of the
transaction given in the Taoutae's letter differs entirely from that given by the Chinese
boatmen.
The depositions of Mr. Hanbury and Mr. Leech, as they were not in the boats at the
time, have no bearing on the question at issue, which is simply, Did the boats attempt to
pass the barrier without reporting, or not ?
The Taoutae asserts that the boats containing the sixty-three bales forced their way
by the barrier; that they were pursued for a le* and taken; and that there was a foreigner
on board, who declared there were no goods, and that they were discovered on exami-
nation.
The Taoutae is bound to support these statements by the evidence of the persons
who made the seizure.
If he does not, I must assume that the statements of Messrs. Bower and Hanbury's
boatmen are correct. You cannot insist on hearing the case in a Consular Court, but
you are entitled to have the evidence on which the Taontae proceeds communicated
to you.
The Chinese authorities are entitled to levy the half transit-duty on silk brought
down uncertificated ; and you will warn Her Majesty's subjects that non-compliance
with the system laid down in the Tariff-rules for their protection exposes them to increased
risk and detention.
lam bound to state that the disappearance of Leech from the boats, taken in connec-
tion with the pretension that the half-duty was not legally leviable on uncertificated
produce, is a suspicious feature in the case.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 2 in No. 5.
Consul Medhurst to Mr. Bruce.
Sir Shanghae, July 12, 1862.
IN pursuance of the opinion recorded in your despatch dated the 2nd May last, 1
called on the Taoutae for the depositions of the persons who made the seizure of
Messrs. Bower and Hanbury's silk, and he has sent me the inclosed, which certainly go to
prove that the boats containing the silk had passed the reporting station when the Custom-
house agents interfered. I have shown the depositions to Mr. Hanbury, the head of the firm
concerned, and he has addressed me a letter, copy of which, with its inclosure, I beg to
submit for your information.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
* About a third of a mile.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11.
Messrs. Hanbury & Co. to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, t Shanghae, July 12,1862.
WE beg permission to offer a few remarks after a perusal of the affidavits on the
strength of which his Excellency the Taoutae has thought fit to confiscate and sell off
sixty-four bales of silk belonging to ourselves, without any trial or hearing of our defence.
^ Inclosed is declaration of our Mr. Hanbury, showing that for a period of nine years'
trading at this port, this is the first accusation of an attempt to evade duty that has been
brought against him. It is, therefore, a peculiarly hard case that 5,000/. worth of
property should be summarily confiscated by virtue of the statement of two tide-waiters in
the employ of the Taoutae, who, as they receive a share of the spoil, are interested in the
confiscation, but whose evidence is totally at variance with the four affidavits handed you
some time since ; viz.:
Two from boatmen in our employ who were on the boats at the time of seizure;
Charles Brooks, Englishman, in our employ, present at the seizure;
De Wit C. Deming, American, not in our employ, but present at the time of
seizure.
We feel sure Her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary will not permit this gross
violation of all rules of English law and equity, and will not allow us to suffer so severely
because the Taoutae chooses to ignore the evidence we produce to rebut the charge of his
two interested employes, and to judge the matter by Chinese law, not even allowing us, the
defendants, a hearing.
We particularly call attention to the fact that the tide-waiter James Kennard, who
boarded the boats, in his declarations fails to state how far the boats were from the
Custom-house junk, called the barrier, when they were seized, and that Moses Jagger, the
other tide-waiter, only speaks from hearsay on this point; while, on the other hand, all
our witnesses are most explicit in declaring that the boats, when seized, were close to the
barrier, within hail," "within stone's throw," &c. The case turns on this point alto-
gether, in our opinion, and the balance of the evidence in regard to it we submit is largely
in our favour.
We further beg distinctly to state that there is no barrier at the place where the boats
were seized, but a junk anchored in the river, and the existence of which was unknown to
our employes when coming down the river, the Custom-house business formerly being
done entirely on shore.
(Signed) BOWER & HANBURY.
Inclosure 4 in No. 5.
Declaration of Charles Brooks.
I, CHARLES BROOKS, a native of Portsmouth in England, make the following
declaration of my own free will:
I have been engaged for many months in the service of Messrs. Bower, Hanbury and Co.;
my duties were the conveyancing of silk and other goods purchased in the interior down to
Shanghae, but I have now left their employ. On the 19th day of January last, I arrived from
the interior with a quantity of silk, about sixty-four bales in all, I believe ; I was in company
with Joseph C. Leeds, also in the employ of Messrs. Bower, Hanbury and Co., but he
preceded me and passed the barrier before the silk-boats arrived.
Charles Deming was in company with me when I arrived at the barrier, but not in
the same boat; he went with the expedition as a friend of Mr. Leeds, and was not in
Messrs. Bower, Hanbury and Co's. employ.
In coming down the river, usually I have been in the habit of stopping at the Custom-
house, near the Tong-ka-doo French Cathedral, and the boats were proceeding there on
this occasion, and they were hailed by the Custom-house junk anchored in the stream ;
this junk was newly placed there, and until hailed I was not aware it belonged to the
Custom-house. We stopped at once, and our boats with the silk in came alongside the
Custom-house junk. I never received any instructions to attempt the evasion of any duty,
and I had no intention of doing so on this occasion; when the boats were seized they were
between the Custom-house junk and the Custom-house, within stone's throw of both.
When the boats were seized the Custom-house officer did not accuse us of attempting
14
to evade any duty ; he said other boats had lately passed without paying duty, and
probably the Taoutae would seize our boats in consequence.
(Signed) CHARLES BROOKS.
Declared to before me,
(Signed) John Markham, Her Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul.
Inclosure 5 in No. 5.
Declaration of De Wit C. Deming.
I, DE WIT C. DEMING, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States
of America, make this declaration of my own free will:
On the 19th day of January last I returned to Shanghae from an expedition into the
silk-producing districts, whither I had, merely as a friend, accompanied Joseph C. Leeds,
he being in the employ of Messrs. Bower, Hanbury and Co. then, and I being without
employment.
The boats that accompanied us contained in all about sixty-four bales silk, and on
nearing Shanghae Mr. Leeds, who was anxious to arrive soon, wTent on before and passed
the barrier first, and myself with Charles Brooks, also in the employ of Messrs. Bower,
Hanbury and Co., came down after with the silk-boats. On arriving opposite the Custom-
house junk, anchored in the river near the French cathedral at Tong-ka-doo, we were hailed
by those on board, and the boats went alongside the junk ; at the time they were hailed the
distance was not more than thirty yards between our boats and the Custom-house junk.
There was not any attempt or intention of evading the payment of duty, or of going
past the barrier without duly stopping.
(Signed) DE WIT C. DEMING.
Sworn to before me,
(Signed) G. F. Seward, United States Consul.
Inclosure 6 in No. 5.
Declaration of Thomas Hanbury.
I, THOMAS HANBURY, English merchant, of Shanghae, in the Empire of China,
do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows :
That I have been resident in Shanghae for a period of nine years ; that during that
time I have carried on business as partner in two mercantile firms. That during those
nine years no case of attempted smuggling was ever charged against myself, or the firm in
which I was a partner. That my present and former firm has always paid duties regularly
and punctually, according to the established tariff rates.
That as regards the seizure of sixty-four bales of silk on the eighteenth of January
last as they were being conveyed from the interior to Shanghae, I declare that no instruc-
tions were given by myself or any one in my office to attempt the evasion of duty, or to
run past the barrier ; further, I declare that those accompanying the silk, and in the
employ of my firm, would not have been benefited by the evasion of transit duty. Also,
that the position of the barrier had been recently changed, and a junk anchored in the
stream employed, instead of a station on shore, and that those in the boats coming from
the interior were not aware of this fact. Forty-two bales of silk coming from another
district were lying at the barrier at the time the sixty-four bales were seized, thus proving
what was the custom of my firm in regard to stopping at the barrier.
At the same time I was of the opinion that the levying of transit dues from British
merchants at said barrier, on produce brought down by them without certificate, was
illegal, and totally at variance with the notification of Her Majesty's Minister Plenipo-
tentiary, published for general guidance by Her Majesty's Consul on the 23rd September,
1861, and which reads as follows :
" 1st. That the British merchant has nothing to do with the payment of transit
duties, unless the goods are carried into the country, or brought down from' the place of
production under certificate as British property. It is optional to the British merchant to
take out the certificate or not as he pleases, but if he does not, &&A he buys or sells at the
port of shipment, he has nothing to do with the payment of any duty but the one specified
in the Tariff on imports and exports."
And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true.
(Signed) THOMAS HANBURY.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11.
Declaration of James Kennard.
X, JAMES KENNARD, of Shanghae, in the Empire of China, tide-waiter in the
Imperial Maritime Customs, Shanghae aforesaid, do solemnly and sincerely declare as
follows:
That on or about the 18th day of January last X was on duty on board the Custom^
house junk stationed at the south barrier, when between the hours of 5 and 6 p.m. X
observed several boats passing down the Poo-tung side of the river. All the boats which
pass down the river are bound to pull up at my station, in order to pay the transit dues ;
and if they refuse to stop, one of my duties is to follow them up. That accordingly 1
started with two Chinamen from the said junk, and overtook three of the said boats, and
immediately boarded them and inquired if they had any silk on board, to which they
replied in the negative. That X searched the whole of the three boats, and on board two
of them X discovered a large quantity of silk, amounting on the whole to sixty-three bales.
That the said boats which were so searched by me as aforesaid, formed part of a large
convoy consisting altogether of twelve boats or thereabouts, all sailing under the English
Union jack, and in charge of two Europeans. That I was unable to search all the said
boats, and am therefore unable to state whether the remainder had any silk on board or
not. That X put one of the Chinamen in charge of one of the said boats, and took charge
of the other myself, and made them fast alongside the Custom-house junk, and the next
morning X reported to Mr. Jagger, the tide-surveyor, what X had done. That a few days
afterwards X received orders from the said Mr. Jagger to take both the said boats up to
the Custom-house at Shanghae, which X accordingly did. And I make this solemn decla-
ration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the provisions of an
Act made and passed in the 6th year of the reign of His late Majesty King William XV,
entitled an Act to repeal an Act of the then present session of Parliament, entitled An
Act for the more effectual abolition of Oath and Affirmations taken and made in various
Departments of the State, and to substitute Declarations in lieu thereof, and for the more
entire Suppression of Voluntary and Extra-judicial Oaths and Affidavits, and to make other
provisions for the Abolition of unnecessary Oaths."
(Signed) JAMES KENNARD.
Declared at my office in Shanghae, this 16th day of June, 1862, before me,
(Signed) Ed. Lawrence, Notary Public, Shanghae.
Xnclosure 8 in No. 5.
Declaration of Moses Jagger.
I, MOSES JAGGER, of Shanghae, in the Empire of China, tide surveyor to the
Imperial Maritime Customs, Shanghae, do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:
That on or about the 18th day of January last X was at my station at the south
barrier, in the performance of my duty, which is to inspect all boats passing down the
south barrier on their stopping to pay the transit-dues. That between the hours of 5 and
6 p.m. on that day I observed a large convoy of boats passing on the Poo-tung side of the river,
instead of pulling up at my station as they were bound to do. That some of the men in
my employ on board the Custom-house junk accordingly followed up the said boats, and
searched them to ascertain if there was any silk concealed on board any of them. That
when the said boats had gone about three quarters of a mile past the station three of them
were, as X am informed and verily believe, overtaken by the men in the Custom-house
junk who had pursued them, and were boarded, and the men in charge were asked if they
had any silk on board,to which they replied in the negative. That James Kennard,
one of the men who had pursued the said boats, then searched them ; and upon lifting up
the hatchways discovered sixty-three bales of silk in two of the boats, but none in the other.
That the said James Kennard then placed a Chinaman (one of the crew of the junk) in
charge of one of the said boats, and took charge of the other himself, and had them both
brought back to the station, and immediately reported to me what had taken place. And
X further solemnly and sincerely declare that X reported the same to the official mandarin
who acts with me at the said station; and he, as X am informed and verily believe, there-
upon wrote to the Taoutae of Shanghae, who instructed me to have the said boats brought
up to Shanghae and delivered over to the Imperial Maritime Customs, which was accordingly
16
done. And I make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true,
and by virtue of the provisions of an Act made and passed in the sixth year of the reign
of His late Majesty King William the IVth, entitled An Act to repeal an Act of the then
present Session of Parliament entitled An Act for the more effectual abolition of Oaths
and Affirmations taken and made in various Departments of the State, and to substitute
Declarations in lieu thereof, and for the more entire suppression of voluntary and extra-
judicial Oaths and Affidavits, and to make other provisions for the abolition of unnecessary
Oaths."
(Signed) MOSES JAGGER.
Declared at my office in Shanghae, this 16th day of June, 1862.
Before me,
(Signed) Ed. Lawrence, Notary Public, Shanghae.
In closure 9 in No. 5.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, Peking, November 5, 1862.
I HAVE gone carefully through the papers bearing on the claim of Messrs. Hanbury
and Son for restitution of sixty-three bales of silk confiscated by the Taoutae of Shanghae
for attempted evasion of the inland dues.
I regret to say that a perusal of the evidence forwarded in your despatch of the 12th
of July last leaves no doubt in my mind that the boats formed part of a number that
attempted to pass the Custom-house barrier without reporting, and that they were over-
taken and seized in the act.
The evidence of Brooks and Deming is untrustworthy. According to their account
they were neither pursued, boarded, nor searched. It is evident that they felt the attempt
to evade payment of the duties would be established were it admitted that they had past
the barrier to such a distance as rendered it necessary to send a boat after them, and had
denied the existence of silk on board ; and they have consequently suppressed the facts in
their affidavits, although they have not positively denied them.
There is nothing to shake the testimony of Kennard and Jagger, and the facts deposed
to by them establish a clear case of attempted evasion of duties, subjecting the articles to
confiscation.
You will therefore inform Messrs. Hanbury that I cannot bring forward their claim
for restitution.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 6.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received March 3.)
My Lord, Peking, Decernber 10, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a despatch I have addressed to Mr. Consul
Sinclair on the course to be pursued in cases where the Chinese authorities and the Consuls
differ as to the penalty which by Treaty is to be imposed on vessels breaking the Customs
laws. Also on the power of the Custom-house to seize contraband goods on board ship
without a Consular warrant, and on the liability to confiscation by the Chinese of a vessel
which enters a Treaty port with a cargo taken in at a place not open by Treaty.
I have
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 6.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Sinclair.
(Extract.) Peking, December 9, 1862.
I HAVE just received your explanation of the case of the Pearl." The deliberate
seizure and confiscation by the Chinese authorities of a vessel under Treaty is not
17
such an act of force as justifies the Consul in having recourse to violent measures,
even if he should doubt the soundness of the view taken by them of Treaty rights.
It is an abuse of authority, for which redress is to be sought and damages claimed
from the Imperial Government. It rests with the Minister to decide, after com-
munication with the Imperial Government, by what measures the claim is to be
enforced. The Consul is not entitled to employ force. It is absolutely essential that you
should bear in mind the distinction between acts of violence committed by persons without
authority, for which the Chinese Government is not responsible, and abuses of authority
committed by its employes, for which it is responsible. The first class of acts is to be
met by "force," the second class is to be met by "protests."
According to the highest legal opinion, contraband goods, on board a British ship,
can be seized by the Chinese authorities without a Consular warrant. It is desirable
that such a warrant should be applied for, in order that disputes may be avoided,
but if there are contraband goods on board a British ship, the officers of the
Chinese Customs may enter and seize them without a Consular warrant; and if
resisted by the master, the latter will be guilty of the same offence as if he had resented
a Custom-house officer in British waters in the discharge of his duty. The French
Treaty recognizes the right to confiscate vessel and cargo trading at a non-Treaty port,
and I have no doubt, under the British Treaty, as to the right of the Chinese to seize a
vessel which brings to a Treaty port a cargo taken in at a place not open by Treaty; and
on a vessel entering the port with a contraband cargo 011 board, such cargo becomes
confiscable, whether landed or not.
The fact that the Consul has no power to deal with such cases, does not deprive the
Chinese Government of its right to pursue and seize a vessel guilty of clandestine trading,
whenever they can catch her in their waters, as long as she has on board the cargo illicitly
shipped.
It is not by petty smuggling along the coast that the commercial interests of Great
Britain will be advanced.
The case of the Pearl" must be discussed before I can pronounce positively; but
in the meantime I may state that I do not consider the vessel liable to confiscation if she
took in her cargo under a license issued by a competent Chinese authority, and had she
been seized under such circumstances I should have obtained damages for the act; but
though the seizure might have been unjustifiable, you were not justified in doing more than
protest.
No. 7.
Sir E. liugarcl to Mr. Hammond.(Received March 9.)
Sir, . War Office, March 9, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the informa-
tion of Earl Russell, the accompanying copy of a despatch from Brigadier-General Staveley.
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure in No. 7.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, January 8, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report, for your information, that the country around
Shanghae remains clear of rebels.
A field force, now patrolling the country, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Hough, 2nd Belooch Regiment, came yesterday upon a rebel outpost at Ludagow, six
miles beyond Kading, numbering 200 men, who fled as soon as the force came in sight.
Lieutenant Wood, Royal Artillery, commanding a detachment of twelve men of the
Royal Artillery, mounted on ponies, gave chase and captured eleven of them and one pony.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
[160]
D
18
No. 8*
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received March 17.)
(Extract.) War Office, March 17, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the consi-
deration of Earl Russell, the inclosed extract of a despatch from Brigadier-General
Stavelev.
Inclosure in No. 8.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
(Extract.) Head-Quarters, Shanghae, January 8, 1863.
THE Chinese authorities having applied to me to place an officer of Her Majesty's
service in command of the Ward force, vice General Burgevine, whom they have dismissed,
I have the honour to report, for the information of His Royal Highness the General
Commanding-in-cliief, that I have appointed Captain Holland, Royal Marine Light Infantry,
to the temporary command. > .
It appears that General Burgevine was ordered to proceed wit the force for the
attack on Nanking without, as he says, his being consulted on the matter. Steamers had
been hired,, but at the last moment General Burgevine refused to go. His men at this
'time were clamouring and in mutiny for want of pay. General Burgevine having repre-
sented this to the Chinese authorities, they showed him the money, whicTi was ready for
them, and wrnuld be issued so soon as the troops embarked. Seeing that he could not
obtain the money in any other way, he took it by force, and distributed it to his men.
The authorities thereon requested me to seize and hand him over to them, which I refused
to do.
No. 9.
Consul Medhurst to Earl Russell.(Received March 23.)
My Lord, Shanghae, January 22, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a despatch
dated this day, addressed by me to Mr. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure 1 in No. 9.
Consul Medhurst to Mr. Bruce.
(Extract.) Shanghae, January 22, 1863.
IN common justice to General Burgevine, I have now the honour to submit a copy of
a letter written in vindication of his conduct, which has since appeared in the public papers,
signed by himself and friends.
With respect to the last paragraph of the ex-General's letter, I have to state that I
have made a point of writing to the Governor to ascertain under what commission
Burgevine had served, and I have been informed, in reply, that he had held the command
by special nomination of the Governor, which was given him previously to the trans-
mission of any Memorial to the Throne on the subject, and that a Memorial had now
been sent to Peking reporting his dismissal. Woo, Taoutae, Director-General, has also
contradicted Burgevine's statement as to the mode in which he had received his commis-
sion in the accompanying notice, a copy of which he is trying to get published in the
same paper in which the vindication appeared.
General Burgevine still lives on board the Confucius," one of the Emperor's
steamers, and gives out that he only allows his command to remain in abeyance until he
can refer to Peking on the subject. Meanwhile negotiations have been brought to a close
between General Staveley and the Governor for the appointment of a British officer to the
joint command of the force with a Chinese nominee, and a set of rules, of which I inclose
copies, in Chinese and English have been agreed to for the future conduct of the corps.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11.
Statement by General Burgevine.
IN referring to the late occurrences in .Shanghae relative to the alleged robbery and
violence in the house of Takee, I beg the indulgence of the public to make the following
explanation:
On Friday the 2nd instant I came to Shanghae from Sung-kiang, for the purpose of
receiving money promised on that day for the payment of-the men. On landing I was
informed that it was all ready; in fact, I suppose it at that moment on board one of the
steamers about to start. I went at once to Takee's to thank him for so punctually keeping
his promise, but was met with language so abusive that I determined to return at once to
Sung-kiang, and have no more personal dealing with him. I found that place in almost
a state of mutiny ; proclamations posted that the men would have the heads of the
mandarins ; that they were starving ; that they would dispose of their arms and clothing
to procure "food, and were ripe for an emeute. I ordefed a general parade at 2 p.m.
for the purpose of explaining why they had not been paid.
Previous to this, however, I received a letter from Takee, saying the money was all
ready, and urging me to send for it immediately. Captain Holland received a letter to the
same effect. On the strength of this promise I guaranteed that the troops should be paid
in two days.
I left at once for Shanghae, but on my arrival there next morning was coolly informed
that Takee had not only denied writing the letter, but still refused to send the money.
I immediately proceeded to his house with a small portion of my guard who usually
accompany me. There was no forcible entrance, no confusion, the men standing quietly
at Order arms" while Takee's comprador removed the money. I was aware of the
responsibility of the course I was taking, but felt justified in so doing by the critical state
of affairs in Sung-kiang. There was no time for deliberation : it was truly a question of
money or the existence of the force and the lives of the European officers. The money
had been appropriated for the use of the troops, and was immediately paid to them on its
arrival at Sung-kiang. The only part of the affair I regret is having struck Takee.
In regard to the Nanking expedition, had the Chinese authorities kept faith with me
in furnishing funds necessary to insure its success, the expedition would have started long
since. It would have been madness to have appeared under the walls with men without
winter clothing, and guns without ammunition. Moreover, the English and French
authorities, both naval and military, protested against withdrawing so large a force from
Sung-kiang. The troops being in arrears and discontented, and large amounts unpaid for
arms, ammunition, and supplies for the expedition, I made it a point that all these claims
should be paid before our departure. On this being refused, the expedition was still
further delayed, and the Chinese authorities finally crashed it by withdrawing all the
chartered steamers in so hurried a manner that there was not time to remove all the guns
and stores on board. There was no intention on my part to deceive the Chinese Govern-
ment in this matter, and I should have most assuredly carried out the plan except for the
opposition and obstacles thrown in my way. So far from there being unanimity among
the Chinese authorities, nothing has pleased the Governor more than the failure of the
expedition. He has long been jealous of the growing power of the force, and it is his
avowed intention to crush it, or else put a Chinese officer in command, over whom he
would have unlimited control.
6 The misunderstanding between the Chinese and myself has been still further
augmented by my refusal to allow them to form the plan of campaign. The force at the
present time is in a very efficient state; the men are well armed and clothed, and under
good discipline : the artillery particularly is in a splendid condition, both as regards men
and guns. The cause of all those troubles has been the delay of the authorities to furnish
the necessary funds.
With reference to the notice in the paper of my dismissal, it was premature as I had
not received any official communication to that effect. As my commission proceeds from
the Imperial Government at Peking, I do not recognize the right of the local authorities to
deprive me of the command without the sanction of the Emperor. In the meantime I
only consider myself off duty until the decision from Peking has been received^ The
printed notice could not have been worded in more offensive terms, and was evidently
prepared with the intention of injuring me in the estimation of the public.
(Signed) H. A. BURGEVINE.
Shanghae, January 10, 1863.
D 2
20
Statement by Captain Ludlum.
I was present at the house of Takee, a Chinese merchant, on Sunday, January 4, 1863,
in company with General Burgevine, and Captain Jones of His Imperial Chinese Majesty's
steamer "Korjeor." I entered the house first; both doors were wide open, and no one
attempted to prevent me from going in.
Inside I was met by Takee, who saluted me, saying, Good morning." I returned
his salutation. He then asked me where General Burgevine was, and also said, The
money is all ready, more soon ; better my see Mr. Burgevine." One of his compradores,
who was standing by, then also said, The money is all ready ; can catchee coolie. Take,
go away."
The money was brought out voluntarily, no compulsion whatever being used either
on entering the house or obtaining the money.
To the within-mentioned facts I am prepared to make affidavit if required.
(Signed) JOS. K. LUDLUM,
Commanding steamer Zingari
Statement of the Officers belonging to the Disciplined Chinese Force.
Sung-kiang, January 10, 1863.
We, the undersigned officers of the Ward Force" commanded by General Burgevine,
do hereby protest against the late aotion of the Chinese authorities in his affairs.
We are perfectly satisfied that he has always acted in a straightforward and open
manner, and he has never been accused of the slightest offence against the military laws
recognized by European Powers; we do not now, nor did we ever, consider ourselves
liable to punishment by any others.
In reference to the late occurrence in Shanghae, we know nothing more of that affair
than that it was absolutely necessary to obtain the money immediately for the preservation
of the force and the safety of the European and the Chinese officials.
We also protest against the brutal attempt of the Chinese authorities to obtain the
head of General Burgevine (50,000 taels being the sum offered for it) or for his secret
apprehension. Should such a thing take place, we solemnly pledge ourselves not only not
to serve the Chinese authorities any longer, but would make such representation to the
Imperial Government at Peking as would lead to the just punishment of his murderers.
(Signed) W. G. Barclay de Tolly, Major.
H. Hayes, Major.
P. S. Rohde, Major.
James Edward Cook, Major.
J. D. Morton, Major.
J. H. Cleary, Brevet Major.
Wm. H. Porter, Major and
Paymaster- General.
Geo. M. Bates, Staff Surgeon.
Dr. Rutter, Surgeon.
Wm. J. Pegus, Captain Is/
Battalion.
John Malone, Captain.
Geo. R. Gibb, Fort Adjutant.
W. Duncan Mc Leod, Captain.
T. J. Maunder, Captain.
Joseph Attenelli, Captain.
M. Neill, Captain.
David Loudon, Captain.
Charles Smith, Captain.
William P. Belcher, Captain.
Alfred Silverthorne, Captain.
C. A. A. Tookey, Lieutenant.
James, Chidwick, Captain.
M. Bannon, Captain.
Manning, Captain.
Thos. Pinder, Chief Armourer.
W. Waters, Captain.
A. H. Ackerman, Paymaster
John E. Luxton, Captain.
G. Brook, Captain.
R. L. Mc Ginniss, Light Artil-
lery.
J. Tumblety, Captain.
R. A. Cullis, Quartermaster.
Thos. Gaughan, Captain.
F. Tapp, Captain.
John Watson, Captain.
August Olsson, Lieutenant.
Amos Escott, Lieutenant.
Patrick Hartney, Gunner.
William Murphy, Gunner,
John Doyle, Gunner.
Michael Malley, Chief Clerk.
E. W. Blackwood, Captain.
James Mc Naughten, Captain.
James Lynch.
Joseph Pilcher.
Wm. Brennan, Captain.
E. Williams, Captain.
E. M. Murrant, Captain.
S. C. Hillman, Military Store-
keeper.
John I. Gibbon, Captain.
J. C. Kirkham, Captain.
21
Inclosure 3 in No. 9.
Notice.
(Translation.)
REPORT has come within our hearing of a card published by Burgevine to the
import that, because his commission as Commander of the Ever Victorious Army proceeded
from the Imperial Decree, therefore he recognizes the right of no one other than the
Emperor to remove him from his post; that he will represent to the Court at Peking
concerning the whole affair; and that in the meantime he considers himself still in
command.
Reviewing the fact that Burgevine was a Colonel under General Ward, and was
appointed by the Footae, on the decease of the latter, to succeed in the command only
out of consideration for the British Admiral Hope, who recommended him and pledged for
his good conduct. But fearing lest Burgevine might not conform to the laws and regula-
tions of our country, the Footae also appointed Taoutae Woo and Taoutae Yang to the
A- joint command, the seal of office being delivered to him by the Footae, waiting for an
opportune season to memorialize the Emperor concerning the whole proceeding. Lately,
because he disobeyed the orders of his superiors, committed personal violence on a
mandarin, and robbed the public funds, he has been, in the sight of Chinese law, guilty in
the highest degree, and even according to foreign law such a rebellious and treasonable
subject cannot be tolerated in the service. Under these circumstances, the Footae has
memorialized the Emperor for his degradation from the command of the Ever Victorious
Army, and will soon receive the result of his representations, which assuredly cannot be
otherwise than his dismissal from service, and his being dealt with according to law.
Burgevine is scarcely aware that Le Footae is the Governor of a province to whom
all officers civil and military are amenable, to wdiose rule all are subject, and in whom rests
the decision whether an officer is to remain in office or to be dismissed therefrom. The
statement that Le Footae cannot remove him from his post is ridiculous, and could not
but proceed from his utter ignorance.
Seeing from his assertion that Burgevine virtually recognizes the Imperial Decree, it is
strange that he did not obey the Decree commanding him to go to Nanking.
The Footae has already written to General Staveley on the subject of putting the
Ever Victorious Army under the joint command of foreign and Chinese officers to be
hereafter appointed ; and if Burgevine considers himself still in command, he is disgracing
himself to the last degree.
Inclosure 4 in No. 9.
Agreement for placing the Ever Victorious Army under the Joint Command of Chinese
and Foreign Officers appointed by his Excellency the Footae and Brigadier-General
Staveley.
X Article 1. THE force shall be placed temporarily under the joint command of
Captain Holland, and Captain Gordon shall be recommended to Peking as joint commander,
and to regularly enter the Chinese service. The Footae appoints Futsiang, Le Heng
Sung, to the joint command.
Art. 2. No expeditions shall be undertaken beyond the radius of thirty miles without
previous discussion with the allies (England and France); but in reference to sudden
expeditions within those limits their consent shall not be required.
Art. 3. A Chinese officer of the fourth or fifth grade shall be placed under the orders of
the joint Commanders as Provost Marshal, to carry out such punishments as they shall
order, who shall always be on the spot. Another officer of the same rank shall be
appointed under their order to superintend the commissariat and pay off the force, who
shall also be always on the spot. A third officer shall be appointed to take charge of
the military stores, who shall report from'time to time to the Footae.
Art. 4. Three good linguists shall be appointed permanently to the force.
Art. 5. The discipline and internal economy of the force shall be in the hands of the
joint Commanders, and they shall be both present, in person or by deputy, at all issues of
pay or rations to the force.
Art. 6. Orders on the Hae-quan Bank for six months' pay shall be issued twice every
year, payable as due monthly, the amount to be settled when the standing of the force '
arranged.
22
Art. 7. The strength of the force shall be 3,000 ; but if the Custom-house receipts
should fail, this number may be eventually reduced.
Art. 8. No foreign officer of the force shall be dismissed without a Mixed Court of
Inquiry, the sentence of which must be confirmed by the Footae, and which sentence
cannot be reversed without the concurrence of the British General. No officer shall be
appointed to the force by the Chinese Commander without the concurrence of his British
colleague.
Art. 9. The Commanders shall not interfere with the civil jurisdiction of Sung-kiang
and its suburbs.
Art. 10. The civil authorities shall carry out the wishes of the joint Commanders in
all matters connected with the defence of the city; but no public works shall be under-
taken without their consent.
Art. 11. No purchases of arms, ammunition, or military stores of any kind shall be
made without the written consent of the Footae.
Art. 12. The British Commander shall rank as equal with the Chen-tae or Footae,
and shall be given a proper Chinese designation corresponding thereto, but shall be under
the orders of the Footae.
Art. 13. The British Commander is only to leave the force (if at his own request)
with the consent of the British Commander-in-chief, obtained and signified through the
Consul. If the Chinese are dissatisfied with the Commander, they shall not dismiss him
without a judicial inquiry (in which the Consul shall take part), and due notice to the
British Commander-in-chief. In either case three months' notice must be given. All
subordinate officers are to be appointed at the discretion of the joint Commanders, due
regard being paid to the 8th Article.
Art. 14. That the number of coolies employed by the force shall be reduced, 100 per
1,000 soldiers only being allowed, and their pay put on the footing of those employed in
the Footae's camp, viz., 3 taels per mensem.
Art. 15. That the hospital expenses be reduced; the force to be put, as regards
sickness, wounds, &c., on the same footing as other Chinese troops.
Art. 16. That the foreign officers of the force shall receive certain pay, but no extra
allowances.
(Signed) C. W. STAVELEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Her Majesty's Forces in China.
No. 10.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government have considered, in communication with the Law
Advisers of the Crown, your despatch of the 10th of December last, in which you
inclose a copy of the instructions which you addressed to Mr. Consul Sinclair on the
course to be pursued in cases in which the Chinese authorities and Her Majesty's Consul
may differ with regard to the penalty which by Treaty should be imposed on vessels
breaking the Chinese Customs laws, and on the power of the Custom-house to seize
contraband goods on board ship without a Consular warrant, and also on the liability to
confiscation by the Chinese of vessels which enter Treaty ports with cargoes shipped at a
place not open by Treaty.
I have now to state to you that the instructions in question contain a just and proper
exposition of the principles which ought to regulate the conduct of Her Majesty's Consuls
towards the Chinese authorities in dealing with cases of a similar nature.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 11. '
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(.Received March 27.)
(Extract.) War Office, March 26, 1863.
REFERRING to my letter of the 17th instant, I am directed by the Secretary of
State for "War to transmit to you, for the information of Earl Russell, the accompany-
ing further despatch from Brigadier-General Staveley.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
(Extract.) Head-Quarters, Shanghae, January 17, 1863.
WITH reference to my letter of the 8th instant, informing you that, at the
request of the Chinese authorities, I had placed Captain Holland, R.M., Light Infantry,
in temporary command of the Ward Force, I have the honour to transmit herewith a
copy of the conditions I have made with the Governor of this Province, under which
a British officer is placed with a mandarin in joint command of the force.
This measure became absolutely necessary, in consequence of there being no officer
belonging to the Ward Force fit to succeed General Burgevine, who had been displaced in
the command, and to avoid the consequences which might arise from the defection or
sudden dissolution of so large a number of men.
Colonel Forrester, the next senior to General Burgevine, and whom I suggested
to the authorities to place in command, is in bad health, and has declined the appoint-
ment.
In drawing up the agreement with the Governor I endeavoured to induce him to
keep the force up to 4,500 men ; but as you will perceive by the conditions, it is not only
to be reduced to 3,000 men, but an opening is left for a still further reduction hereafter.
On this latter point I have entered a protest 3,000 men, trained as they now are, being
actually necessary to assist in the defence of the thirty miles' radius.
Tsung Kwo-fan is the Governor-General of the three Provinces of Kiang-su (in which
Shanghae is), Ngan-hwui, and Kiang-se.
He is the Viceroy, and holds a higher position than the Governor-General of any
other Province.
Le, who resides here, is Governor of Kiang-su alone, and therefore subordinate to
Tsung Kwo-fan, whose residence ought to be at Nanking or Foo-chow ; but as both these
places are held by the Tae-pings, he resides at Ngan-king, on the Yang-tze-kiang.
The Governor here, Le, and the Treasurer, Lien, are Tsung Kwo-fan's friends and
proteges, and are expected to provide him with the necessary funds to feed his army
in the Valley of the Yang-tze.
In the event of this force becoming extinct, the officer commanding Her Majesty's
troops at Shanghae might soon, and perhaps during the hot season, find himself with
Kading, Tsing-poo, and Sung-kiang, invested by the rebels, and the Chinese as usual
imploring him to succour their garrisons.
He could spare a column to go to the relief of one of these places, but after driving
the enemy from this, and proceeding to the relief, of another, the rebels would certainly
return to the place he had just left.
On these grounds I would urge the necessity of insisting on this force being kept up
in an efficient manner to at least 3,000 men.
I have learnt, on very reliable authority, that Tsung K.wo-fan's tactics are to drive
the Tae-pings in this part of China into the triangle formed by the Yang-tze-kiang from
Nanking round by the sea to Hang-chow, at the head of Hang-chow Bay and a line drawn
across from Nanking to Hang-chow, and then to starve them into submission. He has
now his forces posted along a line from Wu-hu, on the Yang-tze, to Yen-chow-foo, high
up the river on which Hang-chow stands. He has 30,000 men watching Nanking, 10,000
at Wu-hu, 10,000 at Ning-que and Yen-chow-foo, and some 50,000 more in support at
Nganking and elsewhere.
The Governor-General of Che-kiang, in which province Ningpo is, has 40,000 men at
Yen-chow-foo, and guards the south from that city eastward to the sea, communication
being open between all these troops. From this line the whole country is clear of
Tae-pings to the Province of Sz'-chuen, on the borders of Thibet, where are another body
of these rebels, not settled in cities, but continually on the move. These two bodies of
Tae-pings form the whole rebellion, and one of Tsung Kwo-fan's objects is to prevent their
junction. The insurgents in Kwang-tung have no connection with these, and are not
numerous or formidable.
I purpose proceeding up the Yang-tze next week, when I shall endeavour to obtain,
an interview with Tsung Kwo-fan, and urge him to keep up the Ward force, so as to be
able to co-operate with him.
P.S.Since writing the above I have received the Governor's reply to my Protest,
in which he states that the rebels are gradually receding from the thirty miles radius.
This is not true; they still hold the cities next beyond those captured by the allies,
24
but refrain from showing themselves between those cities, for fear of falling in with the
patrolling columns of the allies.
Inclosure 2 in No. 11.
Agreement for placing the Ever Victorious Army under the Joint Command of Chinese
and Foreign Officers appointed by his Excellency the Footae and Brigadier-General
Staveley.
[See Inclosure 4 in No. 9.]
Inclosure 3 in No. 11.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, January 12, 1863.
I REQUEST you will be good enougli to inform the Governor of the Province,
with reference to his application to me to place an officer in joint command of the Ward
Force, that I think it very desirable, if possible, that Colonel Forrester should succeed
to the command, in which case I should continue to furnish officers and non-commissioned
officers as instructors to the force. If, however, there be reasons why Colonel Forrester
cannot take up the command, I am prepared to place Captain Holland, R.M., in tempo-
rary joint command, and to recommend Captain Gordon, R.E., for the permanent joint
command, on the amended conditions herewith transmitted.
I have &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
Inclosure 4 in No. 11.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Consul Medhurst.
Sir, - Shanghae, January 16, 1863.
I REQUEST you will have the goodness to inform the Footae that although I
have signed the conditions under which a British officer is to have joint command of the
c
which would have, under the circumstances, been inxepedient.
I desire, however, that he should understand that I protest against that paragraph
where he leaves an opening for a further reduction of the force below 3,000.
I enter my protest against this, because I think that 3,000 men of that force are abso-
lutely required to take the share in the defence of the thirty-mile radius which I consider
the Chinese Government ought at the very least to take.
I request, therefore, that you will urge his Excellency to erase the paragraph in
question before sending it to Peking.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
Inclosure 5 in No. 11.
The Footae Le to Consul Medhurst.
(Translation.)
IN reference to the agreement that Ward's force is to number 3,000 men, the provision
for further reduction was added for fear of the insufficiency of the customs revenue to meet
the current expenses.
Considering also that the rebels are daily receding beyond the thirty-mile radius of
Shanghae, there is no necessity for a greater force to defend the place. This question of
number is to be consulted according to the times, and cannot be settled beforehand.
Seeing that both parties willingly signed to the articles of the agreement, there can be
no protest after the act.
If General Staveley should insist on cancelling the provision in question, and if I
should again wish to cancel some other phrases, how can the document be an agreement.
You will be pleased to inform the General of my opinion on the subject.
25
No. 12.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(.Received March 30.)
(Extract.) Admiralty, March 27, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you here-
with, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, an extract
from a letter of Rear-Admiral Kuper, dated the 14th February, relating to the state of
affairs in China.
Inclosure in No. 12.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
(Extract.) February 14, 1863.
THE following is an extract from a despatch of the 8th instant from the senior
officer at Shanghae, describing the state of affairs in that quarter:
" The rebels continue to remain beyond the limits assigned them.
" The city of Chiang-shu, which is sixty miles in a north-west direction from Kahding,
has lately submitted to the Imperial authority. Information having reached the Chinese
authorities that the city of Tai-tsan, situated on the north bank of the Leho, about eighteen
miles from Kading, in th6 same direction as Chiang-shu, is weakly defended, an expedi-
tion, composed chiefly of Ward's troops, will be sent in a day or two to take it.
" Robberies having been committed on some junks belonging to the British merchants
Fletcher and Co., and a French merchant, M. Dupuis, by some boats belonging to the
rebels at Nanking, Lieutenant Lee of the c Slaney/ accompanied by Mr. Thomas Adkins,
Her Majesty's Consul at Chin-kiang, obtained an interview with the Chung Wong, who
punished the offender and made ample restitution."
All is quiet in the vicinity of Ningpo.
No. 13.
Consul Medhurst to Earl Russell.(.Received April 1.)
My Lord, Shanghae, February 4, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to forward, for your Lordship's information, copy of a despatch
addressed by me on the 31st ultimo to Mr. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure in No. 13.
Consul Medhurst to Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, January 31, 1863.
THE Tae-ping cause is beginning to show signs of weakness in this vicinity. Chang-
shu, a large district city north of Soo-chow, and Fushan, a smaller town close to the
Yang-tze, and which till now has harboured a nest of pirates, who have committed serious
ravages on the river junk trade, have both sent in their submission to the Imperial
authority, and garrisons have been despatched hence to receive charge of them. Tae-tsang,
the next town north-west of Kah-ding, had also offered to give in its allegiance, but the
Chief having been recalled to Soo-chow, his subordinates feared to open the gates to the
Imperialists when they arrived to receive charge, and an expedition, consisting chiefly of
men of Ward's Brigade, has been organized to proceed against it, when it is expected that
the place will fall an easy prey.
A glance at the map will show the importance of these towns as a basis of operations
against Soo-chow, and the Chiefs there must see their danger, for they have already sent a
force to endeavour to recover Chang-shu : but Governor Le intends to meet the movement
by advancing some of Ward's Brigade beyond Tae-tsang to that town.
T have &c.
(Signed)..... w! H. MEDHURST.
[160] E
No. 14.
Consul Medhurst to Earl Russell.(Received April 1.)
*
My Lord, Shanghae, February 4, 3 863.
I HAVE the honour to forward, for your Lordship's information, a copy of my
despatch of the 30th ultimo to Mr. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure 1 in No. 14.
Consul Medhurst to Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, January 30, 1863.
MR. ALABASTER has returned from the mission to Sung-keang on which, as I
reported in my despatch dated the 16th instant, I had allowed him to go. The result is
told in the accompanying interesting memorandum, from which much may be gleaned, not
only as to the present circumstances of Ward's Brigade, but as to the cause of its defects
hitherto, and its chances of improvement hereafter. Mr. Alabaster, from his knowledge
of the language and the confidence placed in him by the Chinese authorities, appears to
have slidden insensibly from the particular duties he undertook when he left this into the
position of a general mediator between the Brigade and the Mandarins, and to have done
material good in that capacity; and I am not sorry that it has so happened, for some
soothing influence was sadly needed to still the troubles and arrange the confusion which
mismanagement and misapprehension had brought about. The authorities are so pleased
with what has been effected, that they have asked Mr. Alabaster to present himself monthly
about pay day to give them the benefit of his tact and tongue, and I have consented to his
doing so in a private capacity so as not to commit the Consulate to any future disagree-
ments which may arise between the force and their masters.
One important point has been determined by Mr. Alabaster, which will go far to
prevent future misunderstandings, and that is, the injunction laid on the Commander of
the Brigade to take no share in the civil administration of Sung-keang. General Ward from
his position and power fell naturally into the mistake of interfering with the Civil authori-
ties of the city, and Burgevine endeavoured to maintan what Ward had gained. Hence
much injustice on the one side and heart-burning on the other, which had very much to do
with the quarrel that ensued. I had previously had complaints made to me both by the
authorities and people of this interference, and when negotiations were started between
General Staveley and the Taoutae for the appointment of a successor to Burgevine, I sug-
gested that a clause should be inserted in the agreement rendering it obligatory on the
foreign commander of the Brigade to avoid any such usurpation. I am happy to say the
General accepted the suggestion, as you will observe from Article 9 in the Agreement copy
of which I inclosed in my despatch dated the 16th instant.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure 2 in No. 14.
Memorandum.
* HAVING been requested by the Chinese authorities to do so, I, with your permission,
proceeded to Sung-keang to arrange the affairs of the ever-victorious army, generally known
as Ward's Force.
On arrival we found everything quiet, the men being aware of the arrival of the pay,
and positively refusing to do anything likely to delay its issue. The officers were in a
somewhat excited state, threatening to resign in a body, &c., under the belief that their
services were indispensable, and that by concerted action they could force the concession
of their demands, and fearing the proposed modifications of the force would seriously
curtail their emoluments; but were pacified by the assurance that anything affecting their
position would be submitted to them for acceptance before coming into operation, and
that, should they be unwilling to serve, their resignation would be promptly accepted.
27
The next day the grievances of the Chinese authorities (civil and military) and gentry
were entered into, mainly consisting of attempted usurpation of Civil authority by the
Commanders of the force, and a few local grievances ; and Captain Holland having no
desire to be Civil as well as Military Commandant, some points were conceded%t once,
while others were compromised to the satisfaction of both parties.
The master and payment of the men was then proceeded with, nearly 4,000 answering
to their names out of a nominal roll of about 4,300, and deserters and those absent without
leave were struck off. The men, as a body, were average ; but with the exception of the
Body Guard, a portion of the Artillery, and some four or five companies of Infantry, they
did not seem in a very high state of either drill or discipline.
The next thing was to inspect the articles in store, which was easily done, there
being, notwithstanding the enormous bills against the Chinese Government, very little to
show ; and, having done that, the only thing left was to arrange the basis on which the
force was in future to be carried on.
The first articles were to limit the power of the Commandant. Ward had always
looked forward to something more than a mere military command; had tried for, and,
during the pressure from the rebels, obtained, large power over Sung-keang ; and Burge-
vine had claimed the civil as well as military jurisdiction over the place. The authori-
ties, useless under Ward, were indignant under Burgevine; and it was made a prime point
that the Commandant of the force should, while maintaining his right to undivided
jurisdiction over his own men, acknowledge the Civil authorities as the proper persons to
deal with civilians. This was at once agreed to ; the difficulty of deciding cases in which
civilians and soldiers were equally engaged being got over by the concession that the
Commandant should sit with the Civil Magistrate in. the event of such occurring. Ixl-- *
The joint command presented some difficulties, the Chinese General being a man of
the coarsest type, and gifted with less intelligence than even the ordinary run of Chinese
military mandarins ; but happily it was discovered that he had boasted of being well versed
in European drill, and being shamed by an exhibition, before the Chinese Commissioners,
of his utter ignorance, he was compelled to consent to remain in the back-ground, as far
as actual interference with the force was concerned, until he should attain greater profi-
ciency.
The financial articles come next. Tile force, exclusive of military and commissariat
stores and military works, had cost some 80,000 taels monthly. Five or six steamers, to
which a reckless allowance had been made, had been emploj^ed by the force chiefly to
convey messages or officers desirous of visiting Shanghae for amusement. A fleet of
32 gun-boats and 400 men had been attached to the force, who had invariably steadily
refused to do anything for it: 700 coolies were borne an the rolls, and all coolie-work had
had to be done by outside coolies: 600 taels a-month had been expended for candles only,
and everything had gone on the same extravagant scale. By simply dismissing the useless
men, reducing the force to its effective strength, cutting off the superfluous steamers, &c.,
a saving of 30,000 taels monthly was shown, and General Holland hopes to be able to effect
a still greater retrenchment. I? T
Such were the articles ; and, everything having been discussed, it was agreed finally
that
.r That the Military Commandant of the force should confine himself to his military, and
not interfere with the civil, jurisdiction of the place.
That proper discipline should be introduced, and the force be no longer a band of
licensed robbers, useful" against the Changmaos, but more to be dreaded even than them in
time of peace.
That the foreign Commandant should bear in mind the Chinese nature of the force,
and not, as Ward and Burgevine, strive to make it, not only foreign in discipline and drill,
but anti-Chinese in feeling.
And lastly, that the force should be rendered effective and all superfluities unsparingly
cut off.
The force therefore now stands as a force of 3,000 men, with 300 coolies and 100
boatmen and a proper complement of officers, two steamers and thirty-two boats being
attached to it, besides a sufficient staff of linguists, writers, executioners, &c., &c,, and
should General Holland be able to make it effective and useful, there seems every
disposition on the part of the Chinese authorities to keep it up. They are quite determined,
and it would seem justly, to abstain from supporting a force which, like this, has hitherto
been entirely anti-Chinese, and taken every opportunity to subvert their authority ; but they
are well aware of the advantage of an European drilled and led force, and if they see a new
spirit infused into it, would be anxious not only to maintain but to increase it.
A great deal depends upon the head, who unless gifted like Ward with consummate
28
tact and favoured by fortunate pressure from without, or thoroughly acquainted with the
Chinese manners and customs, must necessarily come into direct antagonism to the Chinese
authorities. The habit of thought and modus operandi of the Chinese are so distinctly
opposite to ours that it is difficult to avoid giving offence, even if somewhat acquainted
with them ; but for an ordinary Englishman, with nothing but Chinese linguists, who, if
(which they rarely are) capable, simply give a literal rendering of what passes, it is
impossible to avoid misunderstanding. Holland, who now is most popular with all, was two
months back, simply for want of some one who could explain as well as translate, so
misunderstood that petitions were presented to the Footae against him by every one who
could do so, and in some instances, where the lack of explanation had been on his side, with
justice ; points had daily come up which it had been found impossible to settle, and irritation
had so accumulated that without Burgevine's overt offence a crash must needs shortly have
occurred, whereas on this last visit nothing was brought forward which was not found
susceptible of satisfactory accommodation. Indeed, so plain did the cause of former dis-
agreements appear that the authorities and gentry united in begging me to go up at least
once a month, stating their willingness to submit patiently during my absence to any
grievances, in the assurance that as soon as they were properly explained they would be
removed or redressed.
Indeed, the Commandant requires to be as much a diplomatist as a soldier with any
Chinese. I believe with this force, as it at present stands, it is impossible to introduce
European routine; to be able to carry it out with any army, every officer, commissioned or
non-commissioned, requires to be brought up to it; and were the proper staff forthcoming,
I believe it would be impossible to introduce our method into a Chinese army, the mind of
every individual of which is so incapable of comprehending and so unwilling to accept a
matter so foreign to their traditions. They are capital irregulars, but I believe nothing will
make them anything else, and it is undoubted that the foreign forces who have been most
successful with these Chinese officers, whether English or French, here or at Ningpo, have
been sailors free from prejudice of rule ; they wTere more ready with expedients, and have
got over difficulties quite insurmountable had they attempted to overcome them by the
regular traditional course.
Proceeding to the officers, it seemed that the force had a far too large a number ; the
few Chinese captains of companies were far smarter and more reliable than the
Europeans in a similar position; their men were cleaner, in better drill and order, and
during the late troubles their companies were the only ones that would turn out for duty.
Some Europeans are required, but if they were good men, three or four to a battalion would,
it is the opinion of all I have asked, be amply sufficient. A first, second, and third in command
who could and would work would be far more useful than twenty or thirty ever getting in
each other's way and never doing anything under the pretext that everything to be done
came into some one else's province. The number has already been reduced by General
Holland, and he proposes to do so, I believe, largely still; the Europeans, when in such
numbers as they have been hitherto, having proved more unmanageable and troublesome
than the rest of the force put together.
But should even General Holland or his successor prove a perfect commander, and so
manage that no difficulties like those hitherto should occur, it is of paramount necessity
that the revenue of the force should be secured. The present Footae has a reputation for
honestly carrying out his engagements, but beyond the difficulty of trusting any Chinese
official whatever in pecuniary matters, there is the danger of his being removed or super-
seded, and it is rarely that you find a mandarin who even has, like him, the mere reputation
of carrying out what he engages to perform ; but although the Chinese may expect the
Commander to do impossibilities in the way of drilling and organizing the army (kept
constantly in the field), in the intervals of the fights, to do anything with his men he must
pay them regularly. The Chinese are patient: although, unless encouraged by the laxity or
misconduct of their officers, they would not mutiny so soon as in the late case in Sung-
keang, they would be utterly useless unless regularly paid ; and to make this certain the
money should be paid into the bank by the Custpm-house authorities at the commencement
of every month. No orders, no agreements, without this are of the slightest use.
With reference to the expenses of the force, reduced as they now are, they are still
susceptible of retrenchment. So soon as Captain Osborn's fleet comes out, the force
should be able to do with one steamer, and that a little despatch-boat; the staff of foreign
officers could be largely reduced, and the innumerable channels through which money is at
present squandered stopped, dependent of course on the funds that really reached it coming-
in regularly.
For its use it has hitherto been ever victorious when backed by European force, how-
ever small, and it is susceptible of great improvement; but at present, although ready
29
enough to advance, it has not learnt to retreat, and a check at any moment would lead to
a total rout. Invaluable, joined to a small number of our troops, it is unsafe without
them.
(Signed) CHALONER ALABASTER.
No. 15.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.{Received April 2.)
Sir, War Office, April 2, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the informa-
tion of Earl Russell, the inclosed copy of a despatch from Brigadier-General Stavelev.
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 15.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, February 8, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to transmit, for your information, a copy of a letter I have
addressed to the Honourable F. Bruce with regard to the Ward force being employed in
the capture of the rebel city of Tai-tsan, the rebel garrison of which is said to be wavering
in its allegiance to the Tae-ping cause.
The thirty-mile radius continues clear of rebels, and the remains of the towns and
villages are being rapidly re-occupied and country cultivated.
A surveying patrolling party, under Captain Gordon, Royal Engineers, which returned
on the 25th ultimo, traversed the wrhole country on the south side of the Woo-sung River,
called the Poo-tung side, and found the inhabitants returned to their villages, cultivating
the land, and expressing confidence that they would have no more visits from the Tae-pings.
I have Src
(Signed) ? c/STAVELEY.
Inclosure 2 in No. 15.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, February 4, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report, for your information, that the rebel walled towns of
Changshu and Fushan, immediately to the north-east of Kadingy have given in their
allegiance to the Chinese authorities, and that 600 men of the Ward force have been
placed in the latter town, in consequence of its having been since its surrender threatened
by the Tae-pings from Soo-chow.
I have since had an application from the Footae for my consent to the Ward force
being employed under Captain Holland for the capture of Tai-tsan, sixteen miles north-
west of Kading, and just on the thirty-mile radius.
I have consented to the force going on this expedition, but have only permitted
Captain Holland to command the force as far as the Leho River, the boundary agreed
upon by Vice-Admiral Protet and myself.
Captain Holland will, however, accompany the expedition, to be able to report to me
the result of the operation.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
30
No. 16.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, ifyn'Z 8, 1863.
I HAVE to state to you that Her Majesty's Government entirely concur in your views
and approve the instructions which you have addressed to Her Majesty's Consul at
Shanghae, as reported in your despatch of the 5th of November last, with regard to
the proposals made by the Taoutae lor taxing Chinese subjects who reside within the limits
of the so-called British Concessions.
The lands situated within the limits of the British Settlement are without doubt
Chinese territory, and it cannot reasonably be held that the mere fact of a residence within
those limits exempts Chinese subjects from fulfilling their natural obligations.
r I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 17.
Earl Russell to Sir P. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, April 9, 1863.
I HAVE had under my consideration, in communication with the proper Law Advisers
of the Crown, your despatch of the 2nd of December last, showing, with reference
to the confiscation by the Chinese Custom-house of sixty-three bales of silk belonging to
Messrs. Hanbury and Co. of Shanghae, the course you had pursued in cases of seizure and
confiscation of goods for evasion of duties; and I have to state to you that Her Majesty's
Government are of opinion that the general course pursued by you in such cases is right
and proper, and that in the individual case of the seizure of Messrs. Hanbury's silk you
formed a correct opinion, upon the evidence, that neither restitution nor compensation
could be demanded or required for the confiscation of the silk by the Chinese autho-
rities.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 18.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond(Received April 13.)
Sir, War Office, April 11, 1863.
REFERRING to that portion of the despatch addressed to the Honourable Sir F. Bruce
by Brigadier-General Staveley, a copy of which was transmitted to you in my letter of the
2nd instant, in which he states that although he had consented to Ward's force, under
Captain Holland, being employed in the capture of Tai-tsan, he had only permitted
Captain Holland to command the force as far as the Leho River, that being the limit of
the boundary within which the operations of the British forces were agreed to be restricted,
I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the information of
Earl Russell, the inclosed extract of a letter from the Military Secretary to the Field
Marshal Commanding-in-chief, pointing out the objections entertained by His Royal
Highness to the course thus adopted in depriving the force of its commanding officers at a
time when the services of the latter would be most urgently required.
I have
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inelosure in No. 1C ;
Major-General Forster to the Under-Secretary of State for War.
(Extract.) April B, 1863.;
HIS Royal Highness cannot but apprehend that the decision of Her Majesty's
Government communicated in your letter of 29th January last that the British officers
and men who have been detached from their regiments as instructors of the Chinese troops,
shall act with those troops in the field against the Tae-pings within a radius of thirty miles '
from the city of Shanghae, cannot but lead to confusion, as under these circumstances the
force, in the event of hostilities being commenced close to, and afterwards carried beyond,
the extent above mentioned, the force would suddenly be deprived of commanding officers
and left to fight without them because the thirty-mile radius had been passed.
Such an arrangement the men would never understand, and the result would be that
they would look down upon their officers.
No. 19.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell(Received April 17, 1863.)
(Extract.) Peking, December 23, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a despatch from the Prince of Kung,
protesting against the attempt to sue before British Tribunals British subjects in the
service of China for acts done by them in the exercise of the authority confided to them.
Also copy of a Mandamus issued by the Supreme Court of Hong Kong to Mr. Consul
Medhurst, directing him to try the case of Bowman v. Fitzroy, for seizure of goods, as a
Customs officer, to which case the Prince alludes.
From a careful perusal of sections 4 et seq. of Her Majesty's Order in Council of
the 13th June, 1853, it appears to me that both the wording and the intention confine
all proceedings in cases of breach of rules and regulations for the enforcement of
Treaties to the Consul and to the Chief Superintendent of Trade. In case a British,
subject is dissatisfied with the decision of the Consul, the remedy lies in an appeal
against his decision to the Chief Superintendent of Trade, and if the Chief Superin-
tendent of Trade fails in his duty, the authority to which he is responsible is that of the
Chief Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Chief Superintendent in cases arising
under this section is the Supreme Court in China; it is for him to prescribe to the
Consul the course he is to pursue, and the Supreme Court at Hong Kong cannot interfere
in such matters without producing confusion.
Your Lordship wall understand the importance I attach to a strict adherence to this
division of authority, as I am aware that if Her Majesty's Government decide that a
suit against the Chinese Government can be brought before a British Tribunal under
colour of an action against a British subject in Chinese employ for an act performed by
him in execution of his duty, the Chinese Government will cease to employ British
subjects in its Custom-house, and will substitute for them foreigners of other nations,
whose Governments do not hold them personally responsible in such matters. In that
case I should be deprived of the influence which, as British Minister, I ought to exercise,
considering the stake we have in China, or I should be obliged to oppose the introduc-
tion of foreigners into the Chinese service. Either alternative would prove fatal, in my
opinion, to the success of the policy I have endeavoured to inaugurate at Peking,
namely, that of strengthening the Chinese Executive, while introducing ideas of admi-
nistration favourable to the gradual and pacific development of trade.
In my despatch of December 2 I referred your Lordship to a joint opinion given by
Sir W. Atherton and other able Counsel to the effect that the Chinese Custom-house is by
Treaty entitled to confiscate goods in certain cases, and that, if it exercises this power
unjustly, redress must be sought against the Government by diplomatic proceedings.
Also, that for acts done by a British subject in its employ, the Chinese Government is
responsible, and that wrere an action to be brought against him before a British Tribunal
for any act done in the exercise of the authority conferred on him by the Chinese, it is
a sufficient defence to plead the authority under which he acted.
In this case, had Messrs. Bowman and Co. in the first instance brought an action
against Mr. Fitzroy for having seized their goods, it would, technically speaking, have
been advisable to allow the plaint to have been entered, and Mr. Fitzroy to have set
forth his defence on record, The action would then have come to an end. But a long
32
correspondence and several interviews took place with the Chinese Superintendent of
Customs 011 this case, in which that officer, very properly, treated the act as done by his
authority, and accepted the whole responsibility of it.
When the case was referred to me, no sufficient ground existed, in my opinion, for
demanding compensation; and it did not appear to me advisable to direct the Consul to
go through the farce of summoning Mr. Fitzroy, after the complainant had recognized
the act as done under the authority of the Chinese Government.
If any further argument were required to show that the Order in Council does not
contemplate cases against the Chinese Custom-house, it is to be found in the fact that
the only penalty which can be imposed under it is a fine of 500 dollars, or imprisonment
for three months.
It would be a very advantageous operation for the Chinese Government to be able
to confiscate a cargo "through its foreign employ^, and to escape further liability on
payment of a fine of 500 dollars, or by the imprisonment of its foreign employd.
However, the point at issue between me and the Supreme Court is one of jurisdic-
tion. I deny that, in cases under the 4th section of the Order in Council, the Supreme
Court can dictate to the Consul what lie is to do. These cases are exclusively within
my province, subject to the instructions I may receive from the Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs. Whether I ought to have ordered a trial pro formd under the circum-
stances of this particular case, it remains for your Lordship to decide; but I know that
the Chinese Government would have denied the competcncv of the Court to enter into
the merits of the case, and that we should not have been further advanced, in obtaining
compensation, had the Consular Court entered judgment against the defendant.
I may mention that an analogous case happened while I was in Egypt. The
director of the transit was an Englishman, and some goods having been destroyed on
the railway, owing, it was alleged, to a want of proper precaution, a suit was begun for
damages in the Consular Court against him. The defendant demurred to the compe-
tency of the Court, on the ground that the railway belonged to the Egyptian Govern-
ment, and that the claim ought to have presented against the Government. The defence
was held good, and the plaint was dismissed. The propriety of the decision was not
called in question. The principle is the same as that which directs that when damages
are sought for an injury inflicted by a carriage, the action lies, not against the driver,
but against the owner of the carriage.
I inclose copies of documents connected with Messrs. Bowmairs claim, which will
show that, so far from their having been treated with harshness, they were dealt with
leniently by the Chinese authorities. The excuse of unintentional error is not made out,
for the size of the bales in itself was sufficient to show that the quantities were mis-stated,
and should have led to a voluntary offer, before seizure, to amend the description; while
the forcible carrying off the bales, in spite of the tide-waiter's remonstrances, was an
offence which exposed the agent of Messrs. Bowman to serious punishment, had it been
brought forward against him. If the Chinese Custom-house is to be efficient, it must
apply penalties rigorously and without exceptions ; for if a merchant of one nation is let
off, the merchants of other nations claim the same indulgence. National jealousies are
called into play, and efficient Customs administration becomes impossible.
Inclosure 1 in No. 19.
The Prince of Rung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, October 24, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
The Prince has been informed that the British firm of Bowman and Co., of
Shanghae, who, in describing certain goods landed by them, returned to the Customs
the number of pieces as much less than was found to be the case, in consequence of
which they were confiscated by the Superintendent of Customs, have petitioned the Law
Court of Hong Kong to call before it Mr. Fitzroy, the (Foreign) Commissioner of
Customs for Shanghae, alleging that the above penalty was wrongfully inflicted.
The Prince is not versed in British law, but (it appears to his Highness) that such a
proceeding is as inconsistent with the Treaty as it is at variance with justice (or reason).
It is laid down in the Treaty, Article XLVI, that the Chinese Customs shall adopt
whatever measures seem best fitted to secure the protection of the revenue ; and in
33
Tariff Rule 10, that the high officer charged with the superintendence of foreign trade
is at liberty to engage British subjects to aid in the prevention of smuggling.
Accordingly in the 12th moon of the 10th year of Hien-fung (January 1861) the
Prince addressed a despatch to Li Tai-kwo (Mr. Horatio Lay), expressly appointing him
Inspector-General of Customs, and directing him to engage a number of Englishmen of
good character to assist in various subordinate offices (in the protection of the revenue)
at the different ports.
In the spring of the llth year (1861), Mr. Lay applied for leave to return to
England for the benefit of his health, and the Prince in a second despatch instructed
Mr. Fitzroy and Mr. Hart to administer the functions of Inspector-General together
jointly, Mr. Fitzroy continuing to discharge the duties of Commissioner at Shanghae, his
proper station.
In the 7th moon of this year (August 1862), the firm of Bowman and Co,, of
Shanghae, applied to the Customs for a permit to land 80 bales of 25 pieces each of long
clpths, making 2,000 pieces in all. Thirty bales had been landed and stored in the godowns
of the firm, when a lot of twenty-two bales was stopped by the tide-waiter, on account of
their bulk, and, on Ills report, the Superintendent sent a watcher to weigh them. In the
meantime, however, the firm, without waiting to have the goods inspected, had lodged
eight bales in their godowns, so that but fourteen were left in the vessel. These, on
examination, were found to contain fifty pieces each, and the Superintendent, on the
ground that fewer pieces than the correct number had been returned, detained the
fourteen bales, and wrote to the Consul to request that he would send a constable to the
premises of Bowman and Co. to take possession of the eight bales lodged in their godown.
The following day the representative of the firm went to the Custom-house, and
protested that the entry of 2,000 bales was a clerical error, and that there had been no
intention whatever to evade the duty.
As this statement was not made until after the error was detected, it is plain that
the erroneous entry was made for the purpose of evading the duty, and the confiscation
of the goods, for example's sake, was consequently unavoidable.
The Consul, however, begged so hard for a lenient construction of the case, that
it was agreed that the whole should not be confiscated, but only the twenty-two 1 tales
of which cognizance had been taken on the day of the seizure.
The Prince lias reviewed the case as reported to him by the Taoiitae of Shanghae
(the Superintendent of Customs), and he cannot find any fault with the course pursued
by that officer. But, supposing his decision incorrect, why did not the merchant
aggrieved apply, to his Consul to move the British Minister to look into the matter as the
Treaty requires? It is evident that the merchant regards Inspector-General Fitzroy
as acting on his own responsibility. He is not aware that Tariff Rule' 10 expressly
states that British subjects will be engaged merely to assist in the administration of the
Customs; that they have no independent authority; that it is the Superintendent of
Customs who possesses the independent authority. If the Superintendent of Customs
commits himself, on the representation of the British Minister to that effect, it would
be, of course, competent for the Prince to investigate his conduct; and if he were
found to have done wrong, the sufferer by his wrong would, of course, have to be
indemnified.
If the foreigners engaged were to act in defiance of the Superintendent's instruc-
tions, the Superintendent would either displace the offender himself, or would move His
Highness to dismiss him, The foreigner exercises no irresponsible authority. But the
object of engaging foreigners to assist in the Customs was the prevention of smuggling;
and of what use will they be if, at the moment they are seizing contraband goods, their
action is to be stopped by the interference of foreign officials ? The Commissioners of
Customs being foreigners, it has become necessary to engage foreigners as tide-waiters
also; and this being so, why should the merchant pretend that it is the Commissioner
(only) that lie wants to have summoned ? If any trick to which the merchant chooses
to resort is to be the rule, will he not in time to come be summoning the Superintendent
himself? But surely, by parity of reasoning, if a Consul commits an error, it
will be competent for an Intendant or Prefect to subject him to judicial inquiry, will it
not? In a word, if an English merchant be dissatisfied with the acts of the Customs at
any port, the proper course is a reference of. the qitestion by the Chinese and British
authorities respectively to the Prince and the British Minister, who will then be enabled,
after due consideration of the question together,, to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
The business of the Chinese Customs cannot be treated as matter of litigation. It
would not be right to summon even their tide-waiters at random (orwantonly); ct fortiori
it is wrong to arrogate the. power of summoning their Inspectors, who discharge (a
[160] [F
34
higher order of) official duties. Still less can there be any difficulty about the course to
be pursued where duties are evaded by merchants ; they must be dealt with according
to the Treaty, the circumstances must be considered as justice requires, the case reasoned
upon consistently with the facts, and this is ail that is required to close the question;
there is no occasion for judicial proceedings.
These are the Prince's opinions, and he doubts not that they are shared by his
Excellency the British Minister.
A necessary communication addressed to the Honourable Mr. Bruce, &c.
Tung-Chili, 1st year, 9th moon, 2nd day (24th October, 1862),
Inclosure 2 in No. 19.
In the Supreme Court of Hong Kong.
Crown side. July 28, 1862.
Johnson & Co. v. W. H. Medhurst.
UPON reading the affidavit of Francis Buikeiey Johnson, it is ordered that the said
Walter Henry Medhurst do, upon the expiration of one month from the date of the
service of this rule upon him, show cause before the Supreme Court of Hong Kong, at
the Court House, Queen's Road, Victoria, why a writ of mandamus should not issue out
of the proper office of the said Supreme Court of "Hong Kong, directed to the said
Walter H. Medhurst, ordering him to proceed to hear and determine, as Her Britannic
Majesty's Consul at Shanghae, a certain charge against the applicants of infringement
of the provisions of the Treaty between Her Britannic Majesty and the Emperor of
China, in respect of eighty bales of shirtings imported by them in a certain vessel called
the Capriolane to Shanghae aforesaid, in accordance with the application of the said
applicants to the said Walter H. Medhurst so to proceed, dated the fifteenth day of
February last past, and why the costs of and attendant thereupon, and of this applica-
tion, should not be paid by the said Walter H. Medhurst, and why the said Supreme
Court of Hong Kong should not make such further or other rule or order herein as may
be necessary or expedient.
Upon the motion of Mr. Edward H. Pollard.
By the Court,
(Signed) T. S. HUFFUM, Acting Deputy Registrar.
Served on me, August 7, 1862.
(Signed) W. H. Medhurst.
Inclosure 3 in No. 19.
Woo, Taoutae, to Vice-Consul Markham.
(Translation.) Oetober 30, 1861.
I WRITE under the following circumstances :
On the 5th day of the present moon (8th October), Messrs. Johnson and Co. applied
for a permit to land eighty bales of shirtings from the English ship No. 3,634,
describing them to contain twenty-five pieces each, or 2,000 pieces in all, and a permit
was accordingly given them, which they kept till yesterday, when they landed twenty-two
of the bales, which were at once perceived by the watcher named Fang to contain more
than tweniy-five pieces each, and as he saw that the eighty bales would contain 4,000
pieces, and that they reported too little by one half, he prevented the landing, and came
to the Custom-house to report the case.
On this, contrary to all expectation, Messrs. Johnson and Co., taking advantage of
the absence of the Custom-house officer, carried off eight bales into their godowns, when
the officer returning stopped the remaining fourteen bales, and went to the hong to
demand those already carried off from a servant of the hong named Hue, who was very
bostreperous, and said he would carry the other fourteen bales off too, and Fang had
great difficulty in persuading him to allow the fourteen bales to be detained.^
As, therefore, Johnson and Co. have broken the Regulations, both in reporting
goods falsely and landing them by force when stopped by the Customs officer, 1 shall
35
feel obliged if you will issue a warrant to enable me to send an officer and to seize for
confiscation the eight bales carried into the hong, and I shall feel obliged if you will
arrest the Cantonese Hue, and send him to me for examination.
Inclosure 4 in No. 19.
Woo, Taoutae, to Vice-Consul Markham.
(Translation.) Novembers, 1861.
I WRITE again with reference to Messrs. Bowman and Co.'s case.
Messrs. Bowman and Co. having, by applying for a permit to land certain shirtings,
described them as less in quantity than they really were, and when the goods were
stopped by the Custom-house officer, taking them into their go-down, broken the Regu-
lations, I applied to you for a search warrant, to enable me to send an officer to seize
and confiscate the eight bales they had carried off, and requested you to send me their
servant Hue for trial.
On this you came to see me, and said that the business of the house was carried
on by a clerk, that he was a youngster, that he had no intention to err, and that he would
give up the eight bales for confiscation, but begged that the rest might be given up;
and I, willing to deal extraordinarily leniently with the case, allowed the fifty-eight bales
which had not been landed to be so on payment of the proper duty : but he must be
ordered to give up the eight bales he carried off, and I write again, therefore, to request
you to issue a search-warrant to enable me to send an officer to seize them, and to
confiscate them, with the fourteen bales already in my possession, in accordance with
the Regulations; and at the same time I beg you will send me the Cantonese Hue for
punishment, as a warning to others.
I beg you will do this without delay.
Inclosure 5 in No. 19.
Vice-Consul Markham to Woo, Taoutae.
Sir, Shanghae, November A, 1861.
I HAVE the honour to hand you the warrant you applied for, to take eight bales
of grey shirtings out of Messrs. Johnson and Co.'s go-down, which you have confis-
cated on the ground that they are smuggled. At the same time, I beg again to bring
to your Excellency's notice that I firmly believe the act was unintentional on the part
of Messrs. Johnson and Co.; and as the error would be sufficiently punished by the
forfeiture of the eight bales in question, I must trust that you wall allow the other
fourteen, which are still at the Custom-house jetty, to be landed by the merchants, or
I shall be compelled to lay the matter before his Excellency Her Britannic Majesty's
Envoy Extraordinary at Peking.
% (Signed) JOHN MARKHAM.
n Inclosure 6 in No. 19.
Woo, Taoutae, to Vice-Consul Markham.
(Translation.) November 7, 1861.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th of
November, &c.
Immediately on its receipt I dispatched an officer, protected by your warrant, to
Messrs. Johnson and Co.'s go-down, and seized the eight bales that had been forcibly
carried there, the other fourteen bales, which I detained in the first instance,* having
already been confiscated.
The whole eighty-one bales should have been confiscated by rights, but, in conside-
ration of the arguments and applications preferred by you personally, I have agreed
that the twenty-two bales only should be confiscated, and allowed the merchants to take
delivery of the remainder on payment of the proper duty, and consider I have been
extraordinarily lenient in doing so, as this is the second time the merchants offended,
they having on a former occasion landed thirty bales the number of pieces in which
was falsely reported,
F 2
36
If this had been a clerical error, they should have gone to the Custom-house, and
corrected it, instead of which they attempted to land twenty-two more, and only found
out their mistake when their goods were seized; and it is evident, therefore, that the
false description was intentional, and not an accidental mistake.
Again, when my officer stopped the goods, they took advantage of his going to
report it to carry off eight bales by force, and if he had not been quick back to the jetty,
the other fourteen bales would also have been carried in; besides which they aggravated
their offence by the threat made by some of the people in the hong to beat the officer
when he went there to demand the eight bales hack.
I shall be very glad, therefore, if you report the case to Mr. Bruce ; for if all these
cases were reported to him he would know how bad merchants are, how many difficulties
there are in my way. The confiscation was brought on by the merchant himself, and I
was forced to my present course of action.
Inclosure 7 in No. 19.
Statement of J. L. Vogeler.
% In the Supreme Court of Hong Kong, Crown Side.
FRANCIS BULKELEY JOHNSON and Alfred James How, trading under the
name or firm of Johnson and Company versus Walter Henry Medhurst, Her Britannic
Majesty's Consul at Shanghae.
John Leopold Yogeler makes oath and says:On the of October last,
being in the employ of the Imperial Customs as landing waiter at the Custom-
house jetty, Mr. Gilmore ordered me to go down to 1 Bowman's jetty, and look
after some bales which had been entered at the Custom-house as containing twenty-
five pieces each, belonging to Johnson and Co. I accordingly went and found that the
boat contained fourteen bales, but the mate's order stated that the twenty-two bales had
been delivered out of the ship into the boat. I inquired of the Chinese landing-waiter
what had become of the eight bales; he answered through the interpreter that they had
(Johnson and Go's people) taken them into the go-down. I thereupon asked him who
had given them permission to let the eight bales pass, as they apparently contained fifty
pieces ; he answered that the go-down man struck him and forced him away from the
jetty. I ordered the boatmen to leave the jetty, and gave the boat in charge of the
Chinese landing-waiter to take round to the Custom-house jetty. After I saw the boat
safely anchored I reported the fact to Mr. Gilmore and told him the boat was there, and
that by all appearance the bales contained fifty pieces. I also reported to him that the
Chinese landing-waiter had been struck by the go-down man ; he asked me if he had any
marks to show; I said I did not ask him, and I had not seen. The fourteen bales were
some days after taken into the Custom-house go-down and opened, and found to contain
fifty pieces; I opened one or two of the bales myself.
Sworn to before me at Her Britannic Majesty's Consulate, Shanghae, this eleventh
day of August, 1862.
(Signed) John Markham, Her Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul.
Inclosure 8 in No. 19.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Medhurst.
(Extract.) Peking, November 3, 1862.
I HAVE had before me the papers connected with the claim of Johnson and Co.
for restitution of twenty-two bales of grey shirtings confiscated by the Taoutae of
Shanghae.
With respect to the merits of this particular claim, I am clearly of opinion that the
circumstances of the case, and the violent conduct of the agents of Messrs. Johnson
and Co., were such as not only justified the seizure of the twenty-two bales, but would
have justified the seizure of the eighty bales had the Taoutae availed himself of his
undoubted right to seize and confiscate them.
If the application to land had contained an error in the description of another
parcel of goods, and had that error been against the merchant, there would have been
evidence of an absence of fraudulent intent, and good ground would have been afforded
for claiming a remission of penalty. But the statement of the offending party, that fraud
37
was not intended, is not sufficient ground on which to found a claim for restitution ; for
it is perfectly clear that unscrupulous traders would never hesitate in making a state-
ment to that effect, when their fraudulent mis-description was discovered, and the
consequence would be that the honest merchant would be exposed to an unfair
competition with those who, from time to time, would succeed in eluding the vigilance of
the Custom-house officers.
You will inform Messrs. Johnson and Co. that I do not consider myself at liberty
to claim the restitution of their goods. It is open to them, if dissatisfied with my decision,
to appeal to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to whom I will
forward any statement they may wish to make.
No. 20.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.-{Received April 13, 1863.)
My Lord, Peking, December 24, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copies of two despatches from the Prince of Kung,
with my replies thereto.
No. 1 from the Prince states the substance of a petition from the junk interest at
Shanghae remonstrating against the Decree permitting the exportation in foreign bottoms
of pulse and bean-cake from the northern ports, and proposing that they should not be
allowed to land such cargoes at Shanghae. Had this question been debated at Shanghae,
the junk interests would have succeeded in 1861 as they did in 1858 in preventing the
concession. They are powerful, and their dread of competition with foreign vessels is
perfectly well founded. Insurance will decide the shipper in favour of foreign vessels
whenever they can be freighted. But as grain is sent up on Government account, and the
tonnage required to convey it is very large, it is probable that this trade will remain in a
great measure in their hands.
I do not think the Government here is much influenced by the commercial theory of
protection to native industry ; but it dreads very justly offending any considerable interest,
and I should doubt the policy of the concession did I not think that the effects of the
change will be slow and gradual. From the date of the Prince's despatch it is clear that
the petition is founded not on any experience of the results of the Decree, but on the
anticipation of what is likely to take place.
The despatch Inclosure No. 3 contains three proposals of his Excellency Kwanwen,
the Governor-General of Hoo-kwang, intended to meet the defalcation in the inland
revenue which he anticipates from the operation of the transit-duty clause. The supplies
of Tseng Kwo-fan's army are in a great measure provided by Kwanweirs provinces, and a
deficit in this branch would seriously affect that General's chances of success. 1 am in
hopes notwithstanding Kwanwen's assertions, considering the great impetus to the
Hankow trade given by the opening of the Yang-tze River, that the receipts of the
Government will increase. But the malversation of the inland Custom-houses will be
checked, and the gains of the employes will suffer, and I infer that Kwanwen's suggestions
are prompted by a regard rather for their pockets than for the public purse. The officers
£ of the Chinese Government are very badly paid, and from time immemorial have calculated
on the indirect profits they are enabled to make out of their posts. The weakness of the
Government in the provinces renders it necessary to proceed with great caution even in
measures which will benefit the State, if they are of a nature to produce discontent among
its officers. These reforms to be effected with safety must be accompanied by increased
force and vigour in the Executive of China.
1 have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 20.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, August 19, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
The Prince has received a despatch from Li, Acting Governor of Kiang-su, to the
effect that, in accordance with his instructions, he had directed the Commissioners of
Finance and the Taoutae to give notice to the mercantile community that the restriction
38
on the trade in beans had been abolished in the first moon of the year (February), and
that foreign merchant-vessels would be at liberty henceforth to carry and sell them; but
that a petition signed by the junk owners Wang Yung- shing and others had nowbeen
presented to him through Wu Hsu, Taoutae and Superintendent of the Kiang-hai Customs,
the purport of which is as follows :" Since the interdict on trade in the northern waters
was removed, the coast population have been wont to build junks and go to sea, each man,
much to the advantage of some other locality, carrying and dealing in the produce for
which his native place was remarkable. These have been their chief means of subsistence
for upwards of two centuries, and no matter under what head aid has been called for by
the State, the junk trade has ever been foremost with its contributions. In the carriage
of grain by sea, for instance, the mercantile community generally do their part in finding
the necessary amount of southern grain; but the transport of it to Tien-tsin devolves
entirely upon the junk trade; it is 110 slight help to the finances of the State and the
means of the people. And this is the reason why, when the Treaty was negotiated, a
clause was inserted stipulating that foreign merchants should not be authorized to ship and
carry the beans of New-chwang and Teng-chow; which clause has been so far the
rule. The ports opened to foreigners are the marts of trade, nine-tenths of which foreign
nations have already possessed themselves of. The two ports left, New-chwang and T6ng-
chow, are the only chance of the junk trade ; and if these are caught in the net as well,
the junk trade of China will be ruined at once; and with this sole way by which the coast
population gain a livelihood blocked up, where is money for the army to come from now,
and where wrill means of transporting the grain supply come from hereafter ? The
consequences of opening this trade to foreigners are very serious." They add, At
Tien-tsin the bean trade is not an object, for there are no beans to ship; but at T£ng-
chow and New-chwang foreign vessels can take good care of themselves without it, trading
as they do in everything but beans. If, for some reason, it has been agreed that the bean
trade shall be opened to them at all the ports, the reservation of the one port of Shanghae
to the native carrier and dealer would still, to a certain extent, open one side of the net
and save the native community. For this reservation, therefore, your Petitioners present
their prayer, signed by their whole body ; and having stated their whole case, request that
it may be laid before the Throne."
The Intendant (Taoutae) who is also Superintendent of Customs, remarks on the above,
that the large junks called the sha-tan belonging to Kiang-su and Che-kiang, in their
voyages north find a variety of cargoes, but that the gross of their return cargo when they
go south is beans, and that consequently the largest native trade done at Shanghae has
always been the trade in beans. There is, therefore, perfect truth in the averment of the
petitioners, that to put it in the power of foreigners also to ship and carry this article,
wmuld be to enable them in one morning to engross the trade on which the junk interest
has been entirely dependent, that the ruin of the junk trade would be the consequence,
and that this would seriously affect the questions of war supplies and the transport of
grain by sea to the capital. Still the proposed modification having beeii duly considered,
and on submission to His Majesty having received the Imperial sanction by Decree, it is
scarcely possible that this should be reversed. He (the Taoutae) would therefore suggest,
as a compromise, that the prayer of the petitioners should be graciously accorded ; that to
and from every other port foreign merchant-vessels should be allowed to trade in beans,
but that at Shanghae the old agreement (or the Treaty as it was) should stand, and the
carriage of beans remain in the hands of the native merchant This would leave some
ground under the feet of the Chinese merchant, and it would undoubtedly be to the advan-
tage of the regular revenue and the voluntary contribution funds.
The Taoutae's proposition, in the opinion of the Governor, is dictated by a feeling of
compassionate consideration for the Chinese merchant, and a proper regard for the means
required to meet the expenditure of the army, and the transport of grain by sea, while it
does not after all conflict with the relaxation of the interdict proposed (or agreed to).
The Treaty, as the Prince understands the question, refused permission to the foreign
merchant to carry beans, in the first instance, because the number of native dealers who
looked to this trade for a livelihood was very large. The trade was interdicted to the
foreigner by Treaty, because his participation in it would have been detrimental to the
business by which the native dealer subsisted himself. At a subsequent period his
Excellency the British Minister wrote to represent that beans were an article of (compara-
tively speaking) so little value that it was impossible foreign merchants should hope to
monopolise the trade, and that shipment of it would be only made by them in order
that their ships might not return southward in ballast. The Prince, as it will be remem-
bered, thereupon addressed a memorial to His Majesty the Emperor, who was pleased to
authorise the trade by decree. But his Highness, having now perused the petition nume-
rously signed by the junk trade, the paper presented through the Taoutae to his Excellency
Li, Governor of Kiang-su, and by him transmitted to the Prince, is of opinion that the case
of the junk-owners is one thoroughly deserving of commiseration, and that in accordance
with their humble request while the bean trade is left open to foreigners at all the other
ports, at Shanghae the old agreement (or the Treaty as it stood) should stand, and the
carriage of beans be reserved to the native dealer ; that so in some degree some ground
may remain to the Chinese merchant, while northern bound foreign vessels, having still the
right to carry beans to all ports but Shanghae, would be spared the inconvenience of
having to return south without cargoes.
It is the duty of the Prince to make this communication to the British Minister, and
he will be obliged to his Excellency for an early reply.
A necessary communication.
Inclosure 2 in No. 20.
Mr. Bruce to the Prince of Rung.
Sir* ' Peking, December 12, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of a despatch from your Imperial
Highness stating the substance of a petition from certain owners of junks, remonstrating
against the removal of the restriction against the shipment of pulse and bean-cake in
foreign vessels, and recommending that foreign vessels with such cargoes on board should
not be permitted to discharge them at Shanghae.
I must observe, on this proposal, that its effect would be to neutralize, in great
measure, the advantages of the permission accorded last winter by your Imperial Highness,
for the trade in imports to the Northern ports is conducted chiefly from Shanghae, and the
and the vessels employed in it ship pulse and bean-cake as a return cargo. It is therefore
impossible for me to consent to the present proposal.
The Trade Returns for the year not having as yet been forwarded to me, I am unable
to test the correctness of the statements in the petition as to the effect of the removal of
the restriction on the junk trade ; and I may remark that the petition is no evidence on the
subject, for it must have been drawn up early in the season, and before the effects of the
change could have made themselves manifest. Considering, however, that the foreign
trade on the coast is passing every year more and more into steam-vesselsa class of
ships which cannot be employed profitably in carrying articles of such bulk and of so little
value as pulse and bean-eakeI am not disposed to admit the accuracy of the petitioners'
statements.
I may remark that Her Majesty's navy effectually prevented the insurgents, while in
possession of Ningpo and Chapoo, from fitting out naval expeditions against the North ;
and that Captain Dew, at the request of the Chinese authorities, has lately destroyed a
piratical fleet of 200 vessels which was levying tribute on the Islands of Chusan, and
would have co-operated willingly with the Tae-pings. I regret, therefore, that the present
proposal should have been brought forward, as the moment is ill-chosen for an attempt to
deprive us indirectly of an advantage given to us only a twelvemonth ago.
I avail, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 3 in No. 20.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, October 18, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
In the regulations forwarded by his Excellency K wan wen, Governor-General of
Hu Kwang, for the general regulation of trade on the Yang-tze-kiang, there were three,
namely, the 11th, 12th, and 13th, affecting the levy of transit duties, and which, as they
slightly modify the present regulations of the Customs (or in force at the different Custom-
houses), he has requested His Highness to submit to his Excellency the British Minister.
It becomes the Prince's duty to forward a copy of these three regulations as a supple-
ment to the list already communicated, and His Highness will be obliged to the British
Minister to inform him whether there be in them anything objectionable.
A necessary communication.
40
Inclosure 1 in No. 28.
Precis of Three Articles to Regulate the Collection of Transit Duties up the
Yang-tze Kiang.
(Translation.)
ARTICLE 11. Proposed that certificates of transit duties on goods passing through
Plu-peh and I-Iu-nan should be issued only at the Kiang-han kwan (Hankow Customs) ;
on goods in Kiang-si and An-hwui, only at Kiu-kiang ; on goods in Kiang-su only at the
Kiang-hai kwan (Shanghae Customs). These two additional articles, to a certain extent,
would modify (the Treaty condition) so as to facilitate its operation.
Art. 12. Merchants desiring to carry imports either in their own custody or that of
a foreign agent from the port of entry, have issued to them by the Customs of that port
a certificate that the Customs have inspected the goods, as particularised in the application,
and that they are bound for such a* point. This certificate the merchant produces at the
Customs Receiving Office, and having paid into it the half Tariff duty due on the goods,
presents its receipt for the money to the Customs,, who thereon issue to^the^ applicant a
note (or pass) which enables the merchant to carry his goods, free of war uuqffio the point y
specified in his application, no matter how distant this may be from the port. But the
merchant is not obliged to take out this certificate at all, and goods going into the country,
if not covered by such a certificate, become liable, whether in charge of foreigner or native,
to the operation of the (local) laws already in force under which the war taxes are imposed.
If, therefore, a foreign merchant, having already disposed of his goods to a native merchant,
shall obtain a certificate by fraudulently representing the goods to be his own, the goods
shall, on discovery of the fraud, be confiscated; and whereas, at the present moment, military
requirements produce a pressing demand for funds, the Customs above enumerated have
moved (his Excellency Kwanwen or His Highness the Prince) to notify that the following
distinctions will be made between foreign and native goods:broad cloth, camlets, clocks
and watches, shirtings, foreign wood, such articles being bond fide foreign, can be covered
by transit certificate; but sea-weed and other articles which are produced in China, as well
as abroad, shall, for the present, not be so covered.
Art. 13. Any foreign merchant desiring to bring down produce to an open port
either in his own charge or in that of a foreign Agent, can apply through his Consul to the
Customs for a certificate. The merchant states in his note where he is going and what
produce he wants to buy, and the Customs, on receipt of the Consul's application, forward
to him for the merchant a triplicate certificate and a blank pass. The merchant takes
these to the interior, and having purchased his produce submits it to the inspection of the
first barrier it has to pass, and deposits there one of the triplicate certificates, on the face
of which is entered the quantity of produce purchased. The barrier enters on his pass the
amount of his produce, seals it, and returns it to the merchant, who is then authorized to
proceed. When he arrives at the barrier nearest his port he produces his pass, and the
amount of his produce being found to correspond with the entry, he clears it of the transit
duty at the Custom-house of his port, and then takes it past the barrier.
Should the produce be unaccompanied by a transit certificate, it must pay the war tax
charges imposed by the rules already in force at every barrier it has to pass.
But whereas oil, grain, and timber are articles consumed by the poorer classes, and
there would be consequently much embarrassment attending the transit of these, it is
proposed to issue no passes, for them, and to punish any Chinese and any linguist wTlio may
combine with him in demanding a pass for the same, besides confiscating the goods.
Inclosure 5 in No* 20.
Mr. Bruce to the Prince of Kung*
Sir, Peking, December 22, 1862.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of the despatch from your Imperial
Highness containing three regulations proposed by his Excellency Kwanwen affecting the
levy of transit duties.
It appears to me, after mature consideration, that these proposals are in fact a curtail-
ment of the privileges secured by Treaty to Her Majesty's subjects. I have little doubt,
now that there is a Custom-house opened at Han-kow, that merchants who wish to export
the produce of those provinces will take out their certificates at Han-kow, and bring it
down to shipment at that port. If, hitherto, transit certificates have been taken out at
41
Slianghae for that purpose, this inconvenient method was resorted to because the Han-kow
authorities refused to grant the facilities which by Treaty they were bound to afford.
The object his Excellency Kwanwen has in view will now, therefore, in great measure
be attained; but looking to the disturbed state of the country, and the possibility of the
road between the producing districts and Han-kow being intercepted, I cannot agree to a
regulation which might prevent the merchant from availing himself of the safest route to
another Treaty port.
I must remark that two of the regulations proposed by his Excellency are open to
serious objection, both as being inconsistent with Treaty rights and as leading to endless
embarrassment. The Chinese and foreign merchants, if it is for their interest to carry
imported goods under certificate into the interior, can always arrange the transaction in
such a way as to make it impossible to prove that the goods are not foreign property, and
the attempt to seize them will lead to constant disputes and claims which will far outweigh
any advantages to be derived from it.
I am also convinced that his Excellency's fears as to the decrease of the revenue will
prove unfounded, and that if he will direct his efforts to facilitate and develop the export
trade in oil, wood, &c., which has sprung up since Han-kow has been opened to commerce
and the highway of the river rendered accessible to shipping, your Imperial Highness
will find that the Imperial and local revenue will largely benefit. The half-transit duty
and the full export duty are quite as heavy an imposition as such articles will bear
without giving rise to smuggling and corruption, and the advantage of the certificate
system is that the Government has in its hands the means of verifying that the full
amount of duty has been really received; whereas, I know positively that the system of
levying heavy duties at different inland barriers leads to evasion, and to corrupt compro-
mises between the trader and the revenue officers, to the great prejudice of the revenue
and to the serious detriment of the State; for every smuggler is an ally to the insurgents.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 21.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.{Received April 13.)
My Lord, Peking, January 3, 1863.
THE Chamber of Commerce at Hong Kong having addressed me on the subject of a
complaint by Messrs. Scott and Co. against a decision of Her Majesty's Consul at Canton,
I have replied in the inclosure, stating my reasons for not entertaining a complaint unless
it is forwarded by the aggrieved party himself.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 21.
Mr. Bruce to the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong
Sir, Peking, November 29, 1862.
I HAVE received the letter which as Secretary to the Chamber of Commerce you
have addressed to me, on the subject of Messrs. Adam Scott and Co.'s complaint on
account of duty charged on re-exported goods.
I am very glad to hear from the Chamber of Commerce on all general questions
connected with the Treaties with China, and their operation; and such practical sugges-
tions as may be made by that body will always meet with my most careful consideration.
But when there is a case of complaint which, if well-founded, may be the foundation
of a claim for redress against this Government, I cannot proceed in the matter unless the
document containing the substance of the complaint is made and signed by the complainant
himself, and is transmitted to me through the Consul, in order that he may make such
observations on it as he may think fit. In this way the delay of reference may be avoided,
and I may be enabled to pronounce a definitive decision at once.
As 1 do not feel at liberty to deal with this case without a previous report from
Mr. Consul Robertson, I have to request that Messrs. Adam Scott may forward to me,
through him, a remonstrance against his decision, in the usual manner.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
[160]
G
42
No. 22;
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received April 13.)
My Lord, Peking, January A, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to forward translation of a despatch from the Prince of Kung,
by which your Lordship will see that the Chinese Government have adopted a national
flag, for which they claim the same privilege as that accorded to other nations.'
i have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A.|BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 22.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation,,) Peking, October 22, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
It is the usage of foreign vessels to fly a national ensign, so easily recognized that a
glance suffices to show, at any distance, that such or such a vessel is a Government vessel,
and the removal of this ensign is prohibited. . ^jg
The war-vessels of China have flags which enable them to be distinguished ; and to
those already in use there is now to be added a Dragon Ensign." The flag will be
three-cornered. That carried by large vessels will measure ten Chinese feet in the perpen-
dicular; that of small vessels seven or eight Chinese feet; its length along its other sides
may be varied at discretion. The ground will be yellow, and on this will be designed a
dragon, with his head toward the upper part of the flag. This will, to a certain extent,
make the flag recognizable the moment it is seen.
The proposal having been submitted to the Throne, His Imperial Majesty has issued
a Decree instructing the naval forces of all the provinces to adopt it; and the Prince trusts
that the British Minister will forthwith signify to the officers of the British navy in
different parts of the Empire, and to all British vessels, that whenever they meet the
above-described
that, as with foreign flags, the removal of it is an unauthorized proceeding; that if it be
removed (the offender) will be punished for violation of the rule (lit., steps will be taken
as in the case of violation of prohibitions) ; and that no matter what the cause of quarrel,
or what the rights of the question, the violation of the prohibition must be severely
punished before any further discussion.
The Prince hopes the British Minister will issue most positive instructions on this
subject.
A necessary communication, addressed to the Hon. Mr. Bruce, &c.
Tung-chih, 1st year, intercalary 8th moon, 29th day (October 22, 1862).
No. 23.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received April 13.)
My Lord, Peking, January 6, 1863.
I REQUEST your Lordship's instructions on the XLVIIth Article of the Treaty of
Tien-tsin.
The following case has arisen :A British lorcha (schooner) took in a cargo of salt at
Chin-chew, a port not opened by Treaty, and proceeded with it to the port of Foo-chow-foo.
The Chinese authorities claim the right to confiscate vessel and cargo under the Treaty.
The Consul disputes it, and he is sustained by the Attorney-General of Hong Kong, on
the ground that the vessel is not liable to confiscation unless she is seized in the act of
trading at the port itself at which by Treaty she is not entitled to trade.
I do not agree with this construction, as I conceive that the vessel is committing a
breach of the Article, and is liable to the penalty as long as she continues with the cargo
on board, and attempts to dispose of it in China. This description of trade deserves no
favour. It is carried on chiefly by lorchas, which craft are the cause of almost all our
difficulties on the coast. They are generally owned by Hong Kong or Singapore
Ghinese, who assume a Chinese or British character as it suits them. They call them-
43
selves Chinese to evade the restrictions of the British Treaty, and British to evade what
they call squeezes," that is to say, the payment of dues levied on Chinese traders.
- Should the opinion of the Attorney-General prevail, either the object of the Article,
namely, the suppression of this illegal trade, will be defeated, to the detriment of our
reputation for good faith, or collisions will take place between the clandestine traders and
the Chinese authorities. It appears to me indefensible in argument to say that a vessel
taking in a cargo at a prohibited place may be seized, hut that if she is found with it on
board taking that cargo to another Chinese port she cannot be seized ; for such is the view
maintained by the Attorney-General.
If we wish to avoid collisions and misunderstandings, we must act on the broad
principle that when a vessel deliberately breaks the Treaty by going to a place she ought
not to trade at, she forfeits all claim to protection.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 24.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.{Received April 13.)
(Extract.) Peking, January 20, 1863.
WITH reference to my despatch of the 22nd of November last,* on the
Regulations of Trade on the Yang-tze River, I have the honour to inclose an article from
the China Mail," to which I beg to call your Lordship's particular attention.
I may observe that, before Great Britain abandons entirely the policy hitherto pursued
in China, which has led to the execution of Treaties between it and foreign Powers, it will
be necessary either to obtain the assent of the Chinese Government to the proposed
change, or at least to have the same system adopted by the other Treaty Powers; for if
the latter were to object, they would encourage the Chinese Government to confine
British traders within the limits enforced by the general Treaties, and collisions would
infallibly take place. Great Britain is not the only country from which a foreign element
could be drawn to re-organize the executive branches of Chinese administration; and I
am at a loss to discover on what ground it can he maintained that the Chinese Govern-
ment is not at liberty to employ foreigners in its service, if it chooses. Russia, if I am
not mistaken, owes much of her progress to the foreigners taken into her service by Peter
the Great and his successors; and I think the Chinese are sufficiently aware of the
advantages they can derive from this foreign aid, not to forego it.
No doubt, if the Chinese Executive were to continue in its former condition,
the proposed policy would be favourable to the interests of the large houses in China,
for their command of capital would give them a decided advantage, and they would
conduct their trading operations in expensive vessels, heavily armed, which would
overawe opposition. But this monopoly would not be beneficial to the manufacturing
interests of Great Britain, and the calculations of its promoters will be defeated if the
Chinese are in possession of a naval force. Supposing that they were able, in defiance of
it, to carry on a clandestine trade at small places along the coast, they would be debarred,
without difficulty, all access to the rivers and large ports. It is not worth while, however,
to discuss a scheme which is only put forward to justify, by establishing an exceptional
state of affairs, proceedings which, in ordinary cases, would be treated simply as smuggling
and as breaches of Treaties. The result of this doctrine, and of the acts to which it gives
rise, is to convey to the Chinese (xovernment the impression that foreign merchants observe
no rule or restriction, unless it is supported by force ; and as I have to explain that we
cannot employ our force to prevent these illegal acts, the Chinese Government feels that
the organization of an efficient preventive service is indispensable.
It is of importance that the Yang-tze trade should be conducted so as not to diminish
the Chinese revenue, as the extension of the privilege to other ports than those of Hankow
and Kiu-kiang will depend materially on the financial results of this partial experiment.
I trust your Lordship will cause the article of the China Mail" on the Yang-tze
trade to be published. It is an admirable exposition of what trade will become if regula-
tions are not observed, and of the motives wffiich prompt opposition to our attempts to
re-organize the Chinese administration, and it points out the improved position England
will occupy when it is seen that she has faithfully and honestly made use of her position at
Peking to do good to China as well as to herself.
* See Papers relating to the Rebellion in China," presented to Parliament in March 1863, No. 102.
44
Inclosure in No. 24.
Extract from the (i China Mail" of December 11, 1862.
The Yang-tze Trade.Our contemporary the u Shanghae Recorder," in his issue
of the 29th ultimo, draws attention to the Revised Regulations for Trade on the Yang-tze
River. We may say at the outset, with regard to this new journal, that it gives decided
promise of being conducted in a manner that will not discredit journalism in this part of
the East. As a centre for political intelligence, Shanghae will always hold a position in
China, and at present its proximity to the theatre of war (for by no other name can the
existing disorders be designated), renders it still more important as a medium of intelligence
between the Empire of China and the nations of the West. We therefore quote freely,
with due acknowledgments, from the Shanghae press, and it is only due to the Recorder"
to say that it has already increased our means of information. We therefore speak with
perfect respect of our contemporary when we say that his remarks on (he Revised Regu-
lations" indicate that the Chinese question does not seem to be entirely understood by him.
We may be wrong, and the line of argument adopted by the Recorder 99 may be the
result of mature deliberation after a thorough investigationjof all the facts in the rise and
progress of foreign relations with the Celestial Empire. To say, as our contemporary does,
that iC China is not for the Chinese alone, but for the commonwealth of man," is merely to
utter a general truism in one sense of the proposition. In another sense, however, it is to
propound a principle which only opens the door to aggression and injustice. On the one
hand, if we interpret the proposition tc China is not for the Chinese alone, but for the
commonwealth of man," in the same sense as we should interpret such a phrase as "A man
should not live for himself alone," we merely express a great moral duty that pertains to a
nation or to an individual. The truth of the proposition no one will be at the trouble to
question. But the fulfilment of the duty referred to is one that rests with the individual
or the nation alone, and for which either is accountable solely to the Moral Governor of
the universe. With the omission of such duties by men or nations we have absolutely
nothing to do. But there is a dangerous sense in which our contemporary's proposition
may be understood, a sense under which acts of injustice and inhumanity have been
perpetrated in China already, and may be again, if we resume such principles of action.
Our contemporary is too honest to leave us in doubt as to the sense in which he desires his
proposition to be understood. A return to the old state of affairs which existed before
Treaties were framed for the regulation of trade is what he desiresa right to trade at any
part of the coast whatever, and settle terms as to import duties with the local mandarins.
This we know to mean that foreign trade shall be subject to no rules and to no supervision.
We are sorry that we cannot compliment our countrymen on the mode in which, when
beyond supervision and uncontrolled by rules, they have heretofore conducted their
trading operations in China. From the captain and crew who did not scruple to bombard
a village and hold it to ransom, up to the largest mercantile firm that did its business with
the minimum amount of violence and the maximum amount of profit, China trade
presented in former days a sorry spectacle to the world generally. Whether the
" Recorder is aware of it or not we cannot tell, but it is pretty well known how terms are
made with the local mandarins in places not open by Treaty to foreign trade. The local
authorities are very glad to get any terms they can from a well-armed vessel of English
build ; and we scarcely think that an intimate acquaintance with the past history of such -X
a traffic would greatly strengthen our contemorary's arguments for its resumption; or, if
what he says be true, for its continuance. He tells us, on good enough authority we
suppose, that at this moment, in the Yang-tsze River, a very large and lucrative trade in
smuggled goods is actually carried on." He laments bitterly that the new Regulations
provide for the services of revenue cruizers : he asks fretfully what a Chinese revenue
cruizer is; how it is to be distinguished; how many times a day it may stop a vessel; who
is to remunerate the shipowners for loss of time, tide and wind; and what is to be done to the
captain who deliberately runs downs a revenue cruizer or pitches a revenue officer over
the side. Though he thus assumes great efficiency on the part of the Chinese Revenue
Service, he elsewhere seeks to enforce his arguments by attributing great inefficiency to
the Chinese Government in their Preventive Service. That is to say, he first blames the
Government for having no Preventive Service, and then he complains because they are
about to get one. The following extract will show what we mean :
" The Manchou Government possesses no adequate means of enforcing its regulations;
and were those regulations systematically set at defiance, it could no more close the
Yang-tze than it could close the Thames. But, moreover, it would appear that it has
never entered the minds of those who guide Chinese affairs to calculate what is the
45
minimum bribe for which a native official will wink at the maximum infringement of rules
arbitrarily laid down. How few vessels have been seized within the last year on tne
Yang-tsze while engaged in a prohibited trade, and yet we cannot close
fact, that in spite of custom-houses,Teveiiue cutters, and all the other preventive para~
phernalia, a very large and very lucrative trade in smuggled goods is actually carried on.
This is plain enough : "in spite of custom-houses, revenue cutters, and all the other
preventative paraphernalia" (the last phrase is rather obscure), a very large and a very
lucrative trade in smuggled goods is actually carried on."
If the Manchou Government is railed at for possessing "no adequate means of
enforcing its regulations," why should it, in the same breath, be railed at for taking steps
to provide "adequate means," in the shape of the revenue cruizers whose advent our
contemporary laments in exact proportion to their prospective efficiency ? There is no
middle course between having Rules for the regulation of trade, with Consuls to see those
Rules enforced, and the throwing open of every creek on the coast of China to the mercy
of lawless buccaneers, or large firms of every nation. If our merchants expect protection
for themselves, their property, and their agents, they must adhere to the terms of* the
Treaty under which we can demand that protection on their behalf; but if they insist on
doing a very lucrative trade in smuggled goods on the plea that there is 110 preventative
service of an efficient sort, they must not complain if the Emperor, with our advice and
assistance, provides a fleet of cruizers that can neither be bribed by dollars nor frightened
by big guns. Our contemporary, however, is not, in the present instance, we should hope,
the exponent of a wide-spread feeling.
The present course now adopted by the authorities of Peking was spoken of so far back
as 1859, and felt to be necessary in order to render the Customs scheme complete. The
merchants and others among whom the idea of a Foreign Customs Collectorate originated,
have always urged the necessity of an efficient Preventative Service in order to complete
the scheme and render it effective for the purpose intended. It is even affirmed that a
fleet of cruizers, each capable of giving a good account of the largest smuggling vessel now
afloat in Chinese waters, would have been had from England though no rebellion had ever
(existed. The opinion here and elsewhere certainly is, that Sherard Osborn's fleet is for
service against the rebels, and would never have been organized but for that purpose. We
have reasons for doubting this : the idea of such a fleet has long been in existence, and
the presence in England of a high officer of Foreign Customs is the first good opportunity
that has offered for carrying out the idea, on to which that of warfare has undoubtedly
been engrafted. Be that as it may, the new Regulations for trade on the Yang-tze show
that operations against Nanking, if they be undertaken by Captain Osborn's fleet of gun-
boats, are not expected to absorb all his attention: it seems to be assumed that he will be
able to spare time for the supervision of the river trade. There is even a likelihood of
Captain Osborn's fleet being used to prevent unlawful trading on the coast, as well as in
the river.
It must be confessed that England has begun to bnild up in China much of what she
threw down by her earlier policy. She is determined, at least, that future wars with
China shall not arise out of mercantile embroilments, where it is difficult to affirm posi-
tively who is most in the wrong; she is determined, too, that if the English nation is, to
its loss, represented in China by a class who do not scruple to carry on "a very large and
lucrative trade in smuggled goods," it shall also be represented by those who will endeavour
to turn the national revenues into their legitimate channel, and see that the Treaties are
observed and our own countrymen, controlled.
Let China be as faithless towards us as she may, we shall at least be able, when
another collision takes place, to challenge the criticism of neutral nations as to the unde-
viating faithfulness with which we have performed our portion of the Treaty, and wrought
for the interests of the Empire.
No. 25.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received April 13.)
My Lord, Peking, January 26, 1863.
THE Chinese Government has issued the accompanying Decree of amnesty.
I have strong reasons for believing that disunion and discontent prevail among the
Tae-ping bands, and that numbers, including some of the principal leaders, would abandon
the cause if they believed that their lives would be spared.
Were the Treaty Powers to guarantee it, an amnesty would be largely embraced ; but
46
there are, in my opinion, insuperable objections to guaranteeing pardon from molestation
to such a class of men as the Tae-pings are. It is not to be expected that the brigands
and pirates to be found in their ranks will abandon entirely their criminal pursuits. To
prevent their puFiishmcnt, if they really committed crimes hereafter, would disorganize
the country ; and to distinguish between a real and a vindictive case against an ex-rebel
is a task no foreign Minister can perform.
I am not without hopes, however, that this Decreeissued by the present Adminis-
tration, and alluding with approbation to the course Tseng Kwo-fan has already pursued
may be productive of good effects, and it will enable foreign officers in the Chinese service
to prevent local officers from putting to death deserters.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 25.
Imperial Decree.
(Translation.)
ON the 1st day of the 12th moon of the 1st year of the reign of Tiing-Chih
(19th January, 1863), the Grand Secretariat had the honour to receive the following
Imperial Decree :
cc While, on the one hand, ever since the war in the provinces began, orders have been
issued to the military to go forth and extinguish utterly the cause of that terrible disorder,
the venomous influence of which was inflicting cruel suffering upon the people; upon the
other, with equal frequency have Decrees from the Throne enjoined upon the Generals
conducting the different campaigns the duty of greatly compassionating those who,
constrained by the rebels to join them against the Government, had been thrust upon the
spears of the army in the capacity forced upon them of counterfeit (sc., rebel) officials;
and they, the Generals, have been instructed that if any would bring over a number of
their fellows to their allegiance, they should be allowed to reform themselves (unharmed).
" And accordingly, whenever a report has been forwarded from any of the armies in
the field that certain from among the rebels have rescued themselves and have returned
to their allegiance, we have in all instances forgiven them the past, and have considered
how best to place them in comfort (or, security); nor has any one who, when our forces
appeared before it, surrendered a city, or who, after returning to his allegiance has done
us service by destroying the enemy, been left without a liberal reward immediately
bestowed.
" So was it with Hung Sung-hai and those who with him brought over, at a moment's
notice, a large number of followers, and surrendered a city. Their past offence was
forgiven them, their merit was recorded, they were liberally recompensed. Thus was our
graciousness made manifest; nor can there be any of our people, even of those who are
still in the hands of the rebels, who have not seen this and heard it.
cc It is but too possible at the same time that our officers and troops do not second as
they should the goodly purpose of the Emperor, whose desire it is that man should live,
and that when those who are in extremity would present themselves to tender their
submission, they in some cases notwithstanding meet with a violent death.
f c Tseng Kwo-fan, Li Hung-chang, and Tso Tsung-tang, are at the head of large forces
to destroy the rebels in the Kiang Provinces and Cheh-kiang ; the terror of their arms
fills the rebels with consternation. Those in Nanking are in extreme difficulty, and very
shortly when the troops shall have invested the city on all sides, it will fall without
further trouble.
" Now, inasmuch as there are in that city, fallen as it were between fire and water,
a number (it is to be feared no few) of our subjects, who though serving the rebels with no
good will, but forced by them to act, may yet be unable to rescue themselves from them,
let Tsfeng Kwo-fan and his colleagues declare by proclamation that if any one now con-
strained to grow his hair and to take part in repelling the force engaged in the siege of
Nanking shall faithfully return before the city fall, to his allegiance, his submission shall
be accepted, whether he have been a long time or only recently on the side of the rebels,
and when he shall have given up his arms and horse, these high officers shall consider
whether he is to remain and serve with the force under them against the rebels, following
in every respect the precedent of Hung Tsung-hai; or if he prefer not to serve with the
army, the local authorities shall be desired to send him to his own district, or otherwise to
provide for him so that he shall not be without a home. Nor are the troops to be allowed
47
t despoil him of any property he may bring with him. If they plunder him, or murder
him, they shall be dealt with at once as the military code requires ; and if their misdeeds
be not noticed and punished by those commanding them, the moment their remissness is
discovered we will command the Generals their superiors to denounce them, and punish
them with all possible severity.
" And if in any other quarter in Kiang-su or Cheh-kiang, at Soo-chow or Hang-chow,
whether in town or country, there be any who shall kill a rebel and return to his allegiance,
or who shall submit himself with his head duly shaven ; we command that the same course
be followed in his case, that his past be not inquired into, that he be not wantonly put to
death, lest the earnest desire to return within the pale of civilization be thereby let and
hindered.
" When this proclamation, which once more affectionately appeals to the people, shall
have appeared, it will behove all those now constrained to adhere to the rebels to see their
error, and themselves to find out a means by which their lives may be preserved. Let
them not tarry till the city is stormed, when the gem and the pebble burned in the same
conflagration, repentance will be too late.
"Let Tseng Kwo-fan, Li Hung-chang and Tso Tsung-tang print this Decree upon yellow
paper, and post in every direction, that men may know how great is our desire that the
living may be overshadowed as with a canopy (by our goodness), and that all may be
allowed to lead a new life. Respect this!"
No. 26.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell(Received April 13.)
My Lord, Peking, January 26, 1863.
IN continuation of my despatches of the 10th of December and 6th of January last
on the case of the Pearl" at Foo-chow, I inclose a further despatch to Mr. Consul Sinclair
on the subject.
The Prince of Kung has addressed me a letter arguing against the construction put
by the Attorney-General of Hong Kong on the Article of the Tien-tsin Treaty, and
begging me to submit it to your Lordship. I cannot have it translated in time to gojby
this opportunity, but I may say that he takes the same view of the Article as I do.
Indeed, the construction put upon it by the Attorney-General is at variance with the
intention of the Treaty, and cannot be reconciled with good faith in the eyes of the
Chinese.
Steam is being so largely developed on the coast and on the rivers of China that I
am in hopes the legitimate trade will pass out of the hands of the lorchas, &c., altogether.
Nothing will conduce so much to peaceful relations as the disappearance of this class of
vessels, and I therefore recommend that no protection be given to them when they engage
in clandestine trade.
I have, &c.
/£ (Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 26.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Sinclair.
Sir, Peking, January 24, 1863.^
WHERE a vessel is engaged in a trade prohibited by Treaty, the clearest evidence
must be adduced by the owner, if he tries to defend the proceeding by establishing in her
favour an exceptional case.
The "Pearl" was bound, therefore, to have produced when she entered the port of
Foo-chow, the permission of a competent Chinese authority to carry salt, and this docu-
ment ought, on the face of it, to have shown that it was given to her as a British vessel;
for I cannot allow that individuals of Chinese extraction, whether subjects of the British
settlements at Hong Kong or Singapore, are to take advantage of their origin so as at one
and the same time to evade restrictions put upon British trade by Treaty, by representing
themselves as Chinese, and then to evade what they call the exactions of the Chinese
authorities by claiming British protection.
I am, therefore, of opinion that the document given by the Tung-an authority was
not sufficient to save the Pearl" from the consequences of the breach of Treaty committed
48
by her in trading at a port not open by Treaty, and in bringing a prohibited cargo to
Foo-chow ; for it does not state that it was issued to a British-owned vessel, and it gives
the Chinese and not the British name of the craft.
I have to instruct you to execute strictly the Treaty in the matter of clandestine and
prohibited trade, particularly as against lorchas and small sailing-craft engaged in the
coasting trade. ^ The class of men who sail these vessels, and their lawless and violent
proceedings, make peaceful progress difficult, and do much to keep up a feeling of alarm
and aversion to foreigners among the authorities and the population of China. You must
be aware from your experience at Ningpo that it is the employment to be found in
these vessels which keeps up the class of lawless foreign adventurers which infests the
ports, and is the hot-bed of crime on the coasts of China.
^ I have also to observe that the Chinese Government in employing foreigners in its
-Custom-house is doing what foreign Powers have advised her to do, and following a system
of improvement which in other countries has led to the best results. I expect Her
Majesty's Consuls to set an example to foreign communities of treating with respect the
gentlemen who hold these important offices, and who are not inferior to them either in
character or social position. It is your duty in this way to strengthen their influence with
the Chinese provincial authorities, as it is to that influence that we must look for the
peaceful execution of Treaty privileges, and for the gradual introduction of progressive
ideas into Chinese administration which will enable us to accommodate its maxims to the
growing development of trade.
I am, tS:c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE,
No. 27.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received April 15.)
Sir, Admiralty, April 13, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith
for the information of Earl Russell, an extract from a letter dated the 25th February last
from Rear-Admiral Kuper, reporting the state of affairs in China.
I am, &c.
(Signed) C. PAGET.
InclosuL'e in No. 27.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
(Extract.) February 25, 1863.
AFFAIRS in the north of China generally continue in a satisfactory state, although
I have heard from private sources, since my last report, that a body of Ward's Chinese
troops, destined for the capture of Tai-tsan, had met with a repulse near that town, suffering
considerably in killed and wounded, and losing one or two guns.
The official report of this reverse has not yet reached me.
His Excellency Colonel de Raasloff, Danish Minister, has passed through Hong
Kong on his way to Shanghae, in furtherance of the object of his mission to the Court of
Peking.
No. 28.
Consul Medhurst to Earl Russell{Received April 17.)
My Lord, Shanghae, February 22, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose a copy of a despatch addressed by me, under this
date, to Sir F. W. A. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
49
Inclosure 1 in No. 28.
Consul Medhurst to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, February 22, 1863.
THE expedition reported in my despatch dated the 31st ultimo as being
about to start with the intention of reducing the rebel position of Tai-tsan has been
repulsed, and with such severe loss to the attacking party in officers, men, guns, and
material, that the attempt has had to be given up for the present, and the force brought
back to head-quarters at Sung-kiang.
I inclose a newspaper narrative of the affair, which gives, I believe, a fair account of
what occurred.
This is the first severe reverse sustained by the Ever-victorious Brigade," as Ward's
force is officially designated, and it is the more unfortunate in that it has happened in this
their first action since the force was placed under military command, and its general
condition and discipline improved under the new arrangement.
I have not heard General Staveley or Captain Holland give an opinion as to the
cause of defeat, but report seems to be clear in attributing it to a mistake as to the nature
of a moat that had to be crossed at the last moment, and not to any failure on the part of
the men, who appear to have behaved with proper coolness and courage both at the onset
and afterwards in the equally dangerous retreat.
Immediately on the receipt of the pews here General Staveley despatched a suitable
force of regulars to Kahding, to protect that point in case the Tae-pings should push on
after the retreating Imperialists. They did not, however, venture beyond their own lines,
and the force was returned to Shanghae, after patrolling the country in two or three
directions beyond Kahding. They found no Tae-pings in the open country on this side the
River Liu-ho, and the Imperialists were left strongly posted at Wyconsin, just outside of
Kahding, and between that town and Tai-tsan.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. H. MEDHURST.
Inclosure 2 in No. 28.
Neivspaper Extract.
Expedition of the Sung-kiang Troops under General Holland against Tait-san,
and their defeat by the Tae-ping rebels.
(From our own Correspondent.)
AT daybreak on the morning of the 10th February, the rain, which had been pouring
down all night, began gradually to clear away, until about 9 o'clock, when the first artillery
boat left Sung-kiang, it had almost ceased. After proceeding about a mile up the creek
the leading boats halted to allow the remainder of the convoy and the troops to assemble.
A little before 11 the leading column issued from the North Gate, and half-an-hour later
the whole force was in movement along the right bank of the creek towards Pao-kiong.
It was only when beholding the whole expedition assembled that one realized how large a
force Soon-kiong was able to send into the field. This is the largest expedition that has
yet left the city; it consisted of more than 2,500 men, all well armed and equipped,
besides 22 pieces of cannon, with abundance of ammunition. The boats contained ample
supplies of pork, rice, fire-wood, cooking apparatus, tents, scaling-ladders, and even
lanterns; in short, all requirements had been fully provided for. The following is a list of
the guns :
2 S-inch mortars, 200 shells.
4 5-J- ditto, 300 shells.
4 32-pounders, 200 shot and 200 shell.
10 12-pound howitzers 1 200 round shot and shell.
2 4-2'd ditto J
22
There were 700 artillerymen to work them.
Many delays took place during the first days march, in consequence of the number
of broken bridges found. However, as the precaution had been taken to bring portable
bridges, made of planks lashed across bamboo ladders, they offered no serious impediment
to our progress. The horses and ponies had, of course, to swim such creeks as were not
[160] ' H
60
fordable, the bridges being too slight to bear their weight. Earthworks had been thrown
up alongside of many of the broken bridges, showing that the rebels had evidently once
had an idea of defending them. Just as it was getting dark, another of these impassable
creeks was encountered, and as no sign of Village could bt seen as far as the eye could
reach, the order was given to halt for the night. There was no shelter, we were in the
middle of an open grassy plain, and it was really admirable to see the cheerful manner in
which the men, who had been marching from about 10 in the morning, set about collecting
grass to light fires, rolling themselves up in their single blanket for a night's rest.
Those who had been able to sleep through the cold frosty night were roused at
daybreak on the following morning by the sound of bugle and drum, and all were soon
busily engaged in cooking their breakfasts. Some of the cargo-boats containing the 32-
pounders had not been able to get past a broken bridge at the foot of the Pu-ka-say hills,
about a mile below the halting ground. However, this morning, some of the coolieS
stripped, got into the water and passed ropes round the sunken blocks of granite, which
were hauled by main force out of the way. The remainder of the boats came up about
8 o'clock, and by half-past the whole force was on the move for Pao-kiong, which was
now about ten miles off. A little the other side of Sung-ku we marched over the battle-
field of the Imperialists, and entered Pao-kiong about half-past 2. After passing over
the fine stone bridge leading into Pao-kiong the troops turned to their right, leaving the
town, into an open space, where each company, as it came up, formed column and piled
arms. The men then fell out and brought their tents, which they pitched in the intervals
between the rows. The boats did not arrive till about half-past 3 ; hut by five o'clock the
tents were pitched, fire-places built, fires lighted, and rations in the boilers (two of which
were served out to each company). The rations for each company of 100 men were two
bags of rice and half a pig. The tents are good serviceable ones, and tolerably large, made
after a French pattern. Four are allowed to each company.
Early on the morning of the 12th we were again en route. The previous evening
several of the boats were sent on to Sung-kiang-ku to help form a bridge over the creek,
which is there of great breadth, so that when we reached it, at 8 a.m., no delay occurred.
The bridge had been formed just to the west of some stockades. The mandarin in
command of the Imperialists there had given all his war-junks, sixteen in number, which
were moored side by side; a large junk moored stem and stern, and seven of General
Holland's boats, completed the communication. After filing over this bridge the troops
turned on to the road, which here leaves the creek and leads through En-din to Wong-cha-
dza. The boats reached Sung-kiang-ku as soon as the troops, and immediately pushed on,
without waiting till the crossing was effected, as they had much further to go (on account
of the winding of the creek). My boatman could not at first be induced to move beyond
this point; but finding entreaty not of much avail, he at last went on with the rest. At
half-past 11 the boats reached a point where a small creek branches off to the west towards
En-din. Here the Imperialists have lately constructed four large stockades, in which 1,100
men are encamped ; half of these accompanied us to Tai-tsan. The head mandarin was
anxious to know whether any European troops were going to join in the attack. He said
he had not been much troubled with the rebels lately, as they had nearly all retired to Tai-
tsan, Quin-san, and Soo-chow.
At Wong-cha-dza there were about 3,000 Imperialists, who had entrenched themselves
strongly within stockades. There may have been more, but it was impossible to get any
information on the subject from the Imperialist soldiers; and when I inquired of the
mandarin he replied first one thing and then another, till having no other subterfuge left,
he wound up by saying he did not know. Rebel spies appear to be dealt tolerably severely
with, and the head of one was hanging up with a warning written over it. All along the
line of march from Wong-cha-dza, I had noticed a number of stockades on the left, and
on arriving at Wy-con-sin I went out to inspect them. There were nine of them,
garrisoned by some 5,000 of the Footae's men, some of whom are armed with muskets and
bayonets. They threw them up about four days ago, when they arrived from Lu-tu*
chow, where they had been expecting us, as they thought we should march on Tai-tsan by
way of the Lee-ho creek. But this means of access has been blocked up by the rebels.
Directly the mandarins heard of the arrival of our force, a body-guard was ordered off to
Kahding to escort thence the Footae's brother. The men composing this body-guard are
all fine fellows, well-dressed and armed with muskets. Their pay is a trifle more than
four taels a month, but they are frequently in arrears. It was arranged so that, as soon as
Holland advanced on Tai-tsan, this force should march in a north-westerly direction
between the latter city and Quin-san; as it would thus protect our left flank and cut off
the rebels, in case Tai-tsan had been taken and they had endeavoured to retreat on Quin-
san : but they afterwards accompanied us to Tai-tsan.
01
It rained early on the following morning, but a breeze springing up from the north-
west, it cleared towards 8 o'clock; and it was determined tp march on Tai-tsan without
farther delay. A good road runs from Wy-con-sin along the bank of the creek towards
Tai-tsan. Soon after the troops got clear of the Imperialist stockades, they formed lip
beside the road and waited till the boats came up, and the whole force then moved on
together toward Tai-tsan, for about three and a half miles; but after that the creek
diverges to the right and winds a good deal, so that the boats w7ere some distance behind
when the troops halted, about a mile from Tai-tsan, to enable them to come up. In the
meantime, the Imperialists also began to arrive with a grand blowing of trumpets and
display of flags. Some of these were sent into a neighbouring village to get doors,
windovrs, tables, &c., to form a bridge over the creek which here intercepted our further
advance. A little distance the other side of this creek, the rebels had constructed a
stockade, and as we could not yet get at it, General Holland brought up the guns and
opened fire : this was continued for nearly two hours, without the rebels showing the
slightest inclination to leave. At the end of that time Holland returned to the boats
* and embarked a couple of hundred men, intending to storm it; but, as it afterwards turned
out, the distance by the creek was nearly four miles; though, from the spot where the
artillery was placed, it was only about half a mile. In the meantime seven Europeans
crossed the creek in a small dingy, and the moment they appeared the rebels left, apparently
not a hundred strong. This wras the beginning of the mistakes ; had General Holland
reconnoitered a little, instead of throwing away so much ammunition to little purpose, he
woulcl have ascertained how few men were left therein all probability merely to watch
the movements of the attacking party. Directly the rebels began to run, a tremendous
cheer burst from the Imperialists, who had pushed on some ropn armed with muskets
towards a little cover, v/hence they fired across the creek at their adversaries. Rows of
stakes had been here driven into the crpek by the rebels, and tfte boats had to be delayed
some time until these could be pulled up. By the time ail had passed it was more than
five o'clock, so the force was halted for the night, and the rations served out. The
Imperialists showed no lack of activity, as they had their tents pitched and an entrenched
camp formed before it was dark. The guns were landed and got into position during the
' night, and the rebels made a sortie against them, but w7ere driven back after some sharp
firing, principally by the Rifles, who were turned out to oppose them. After their repulse
a few shells were fired at intervals, to show we were on the alert, and they did not again
disturb us.
About daybreak on the following morning, the rebels received large reinforcements
from Soo-chow, who were greeted with immense cheering. Shortly afterwards fire was
opened from two 32-pounders, eight 12-pound howitzers, and four mortals.
This continued for between four and five hours, after which time General Holland
ordered the assault, and then our disasters began. The mandarins had assured him that
there w7as no creek running round the wral!s, but only a dry ditch. He did pot think \t
necessary to assure himself of the truth of this by personal observation, but took their
word for gospel. Captain Graham, with twenty pf the body-guard, volunteered to plant
the ladders against the breach; the gallant fellows picked up the ladders with a cheer
which, as it turned out, caused one-half of the confusion that ensued, as it was taken up
k. by the Rifles, who were in the front, and then by the 1st Battalion, who, being behind,
did not know what w?as going on, but seeing the parties with ladders run forward, and
hearing the cheers, rushed past their officers to join, as they thought, in the assault.
About forty yards from the wall, all arrived together at a deep moat wdiich the men could
not ford. In the absence of bridges they were ail huddled together on the banka mark
for the fire of the defenders, who now manned the breach in hundredsand kept up a fire
which told fearfully on the masses of the trained troops. A ladder was thrown across the
creek, and a few men with several officers crossed on it, but it was too weak to bear their
weight and broke, and the Chinamen did not fancy another attempt at such a novel mode
of crossing. A serjeant-major of the Rifles here performed an act of bravery which no
European could have outdone. He rushed to the front with Wards flag, and stood there
alone, a mark for the enemy's bullets, for several minutes, polling on his men to advance.
It is extraordinary that though six bullets pierced his clothes, not one struck him. In the
meantime, the few who had crossed the creek attempted the breach, but most fell in the
attempt; poor Maunder fell here, shot through the heart; a few reached the top, but only
to be shot, or knocked down by bricks which, at such close quarters, the rebels used with
deadly effect. Unable to cross the moat, and tired of standing to be shot down like sheep,
the men retreated; seeing which, Colonel Barclay, who, since Colonel Forrester's retire-
ment, is second in command, ran to the guns, and fired a few shell, at the breach. Finding
H 2
52
that the guns were still manned, the men ran behind them, and halted under their protec-
tion.
General Holland now ordered the guns to the rear, and determined on a retreat. All
were safely conveyed there save the two 32-pounders, which were so deeply sunk in the
soft swampy ground that they could not be removed. General Holland did not wait to see
their fate, but started off in his chop for Wy-con-sin. The other boats followed his ; and
now began the run of mandarin soldiers, stragglers from the Soon-kiong troops, coolies,
and boatmen, which has given rise to the report that the disciplined Chinese also had
all fled in disorder. Such was not the case ; the Rifles in the front, under their Command-
ing Officer, Major Cooke, who deserves every credit for the admirable way in which he
kept his men together, fought well for an hour and a-half or two hours longer, in the
endeavour to save these guns, and were well supported by the 1st Battalion. Major
Cocke, it will be remembered, is the officer who commanded the Shang-yu expedition, in
conjunction with Le Brethon.
The rebels made a sortie from a neighbouring gate at this time, but were gallantly
repulsed by Le-ai-dong, who charged them with a body of mandarin troops. A number
of them also poured through the breach, but were held in check by the firing of the Rifles
and 1st Battalion. Every effort was made to save these guns : a ball from a 6-pounder,
which the rebels had on the walls, killed two men while they were hauling at the ropes,
and still their comrades continued their efforts, But it was useless : the carriages had
sunk to their axle-trees, and could not be moved. Seeing that the men were falling
thickly to no purpose, Colonel Barclay now ordered a retreat. It would have been impos-
sible even to spike the guns save at a terrible loss of life: the rebels seemed to have marked
them for their especial prey, and concentrated on them such a hail of shot that no one
could approach them. They were abandoued, but the retreat was conducted steadily and
in good order on Wy-con-sin, the men facing about at intervals, and firing at their pursuers
to keep them in check. A number of mandarin troops retreated in an orderly manner
along with them.
The following day 1,500 men of the Sung-kiang force fell in there. General Holland
went on in his boat to Sung-kiang : the troops followed, and arrived there on Tuesday
evening.
The rebels fought admirably, and were all well armed with European muskets. A
mistake was made in placing the guns so close to the walls : the artillerymen were shot
down as they stood beside them, as there was no cover. I doubt much whether their fire
did much execution among the garrison, as it was all concentrated on one point of the
wall, which of course they took good care to avoid. When the troops advanced to the
assault, however, they stood gallantly in the breach, and fired point-blank at them.
The loss of the Sung-kiang force cannot yet be correctly ascertained, as stragglers will
probably drop in for some days to come. At the present time it consists of about 500
killed, wounded, and missing. Twenty casualties occurred amongst the Europeans.
Captains Maunder, Macarthy, Macleod, and Bosworth killed, and twelve other officers,
besides four marines, wounded. Among the former are Captains Graham, Murray, Tapp,
Silverton, and Dunn. The latter is shot through the groin, and, it is feared, will not
recover.
No. 29.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received April 17.)
(Extract.)- Peking, January 20, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose a very interesting report from Mr. Brown, one of the
Student Interpreters, of an expedition he made with Lieutenant Howarth, of Her Majesty's
gun-boat" Weasel," to examine the coal mines in this neighbourhood.
Lieutenant Howarth having been directed by Sir James Hope to ascertain whether
coal, for steam purposes, could be furnished for the use of Her Majesty's ships at a
reasonable rate, I directed Mr. Brown to accompany him as interpreter. This duty he
performed very well, his acquaintance with the language rendering him capable of perform-
ing it satisfactorily.
53
Inclosure in No. 29.
Memorandum.
ON the 18th of October last I accompanied Lieutenant Howarth, R.N., on a
visit to the coal districts situated in the mountains to the west and north of Peking, with
the object of investigating the possibility of obtaining coal, of a satisfactory quality, at a
suitable price, and in sufficient quantity, for the supply more especially of the steam-vessels
of Her Majesty's naval squadron on the China Station, and generally for foreign consump-
tion at the open ports.
Some time ago Lieutenant Howarth obtained at Tien-tsin, from amongst several
samples brought thither for foreign use by native merchants, a few tons of coal of a quality
which he found to be admirably adapted for steam purposes. It was sufficiently bituminous
and combustible to be easily ignited, and not too much so, so as to choke the draught-
pipes or flues with soot. This particular variety, he was told, was brought from mines in
the hills to the west of Peking. One other sample, which was not in sufficient quantity to
allow of its burning qualities being tried, but which from its appearance was judged to be
serviceable, was brought from mines situated, according to the indefinite information
attainable, somewhere to the north of Tien-tsin, in the direction of Jehol, and not far from
the banks of the Lan-lio River.
These two mines, or sets of mines, Lieutenant Howarth proposed to visit, and per-
sonally investigate the difficulties that lay in the way of obtaining the coal in any required
quantity at the nearest seaport.
Our investigations, therefore, were directed to the ascertaining
1. The price of the coal at the pit mouth, together with its actual and possible
supply.
2. The means and cost of transport to the nearest convenient depot.
3. The possibility of applying European skill and capital to the working of the mines,
and to the facilitating and cheapening the cost of transport.
As the two places we intended to visit are in nearly opposite directions with reference
to Peking, we found it would be more convenient to make two separate journeys of it,
returning to Peking after visiting the mines to the westward, and setting out afresh for the
north-east.
By inquiring of the coal merchants in Peking we ascertained that the only mines to
the westward known to them which produce the coal answering to the description of
Lieutenant Howarth are at a place called Chai-t'ang, situated we found in the heart of the
mountains almost due west of Peking, about forty miles distant in a straight line. Owing,
however, to the direction in which the ranges of hills and intervening valleys run, the
road to the place is very much lengthened, and the distance to be travelled is little short of
sixty-five miles.
For the first twenty-five miles of the journey we were obliged to proceed in a north-
westerly direction, and for the rest of the way in a south-westerly.
We reached the places early in the morning of the third day from Peking, and found
Chai-t'ang to be a fair sized village in the middle of a small mountain valley, about two
and a half miles long, by one mile broad, the coal mines being situated in the sides of the
hills surrounding the valley, and at a distance of from one to two miles from the village.
In making our inquiries we were assisted by the petty mandarins of the place, who with
much civility sent for the owners of the coal for us, and requested them to be as definite
as possible in their answers to whatever questions we might put to them. We explained
at length to them, and to the mandarins, the object of our visit; that we wished to
ascertain the possibility of having coal from their mines conveyed at a sufficiently cheap
rate to Tien-tsin or Taku for the use of foreign steam-vessels; that if a scheme with such
an object in view were found practicable, the quantity required annually would not be less
than 18,000,000 to 20,000,000 of catties (10,000 tons); that the object of our present
visit was not to buy, but to find out whether such a quantity could be supplied, and if so
what the price would be, including original cost and carriage when the coal reached
Tien-tsin.
The information we obtained from the inquiries we made, as well as from our own
observations both at the mines and at various places along the road, in reference to the
three principal points which we considered necessary to investigate was as follows :
1st. The lowest price at which the proprietors of the mines would undertake to
supply the coal at the pit's mouth is at the rate of 4 taels of silver per 1,000 catties, or,
expressed in English money and weight, about 16s. per ton ; and the maximum quantity
which they thought themselves capable of raising with their present facilities would be
54
125,000 catties (70 tons) per day. At the time of our visit, owing to the very slight
demand for that variety of coal, not more than half-a-dozen miners were at work, and the
amount brought to the surface did not exceed 4 or 5 tons per diem, part of which indeed
was converted into coke before leaving the valley.
2ndly. The only means of carriage that at present is, or over certain parts of the
road can be, employed is on muleback, these animals or donkeys being alone able when
laden to overcome the difficulties of the road. As to the cost of carriage separately we
were unable to arrive at any definite reliable information. This arose partly from the
natural antipathy of the Chinese to give answers to the point, and partly because as the
persons from whom we could obtain the information were necessarily the owners of mules
for hire, and being convinced that our object was sooner or later to hire mules, their
answers to our questions were dictated less by a desire to give the requested information
than with the hope of driving a profitable bargain with us. The price demanded for the mere
hire of their mules when compared with the known price of the Chai-t'ang coal in Peking
was simply ridiculous. This coal is at the present time delivered to foreigners resident at
Peking at the rate of about 6 taels per ton. Knowing this, and taking into account the
relative distances of the places, it would be easy to calculate what the price of coal ought
to be when brought to Tien-tsin or Taku.
As Tung-chow is only 40 li (13 miles) farther from Chai-t'ang than Peking is, or less
than half a clay's journey (indeed going direct from Chai-t'ang to Tung-chow, the addition
to the distance would not he so much), and as there is cheap water communication from
Tung-chow to the sea, this coal ought, under judicious management, even with the present
expensive mode of carriage, to be procurable at Tien-tsin for, at the most, 8 taels per ton.
Good English coal at the same place could not costless than 12 taels per ton. Reckoning,
therefore, the prime cost of the coal at %2\ taels per ton, the remainder (5|- taels) would
represent the cost of carriage.
3rdly. In reference to the employment of foreign capital and skill in the working of
the mines, we made a few inquiries. The owners, in the first place, professed themselves
unwilling either to sell or let the mines. We then explained to them the nature of our
foreign machinery, by the use of which a great saving in labour was obtained, and asked
them if such machinery was brought to them, would they be willing to employ it at a
reasonable charge. They immediately replied that they could not do so, as all the inhabit-
ants of the surrounding district depended on the working of the mines during the latter
end of autumn and winter for their livelihood ; and if such machinery as we described
were employed, many persons would necessarily be thrown out of employment. We did
not succeed in making them comprehend that the more machinery was employed, the
mpre men would be required to assist the machinery.
In reference to facilitating and cheapening the cost of carriage, it will be necessary to
describe briefly the nature of the road over which the coal is brought.
I have stated above that the distance from Peking to Chai-t'ang is about 65 miles, or,
in Chinese phraseology, 190 li. As far as a small village called Yang-fang, 70 li from
Peking, the road is in a north-westerly direction, skirting the western bills, and is, over
the alluvial soil of the plain, passable tor carts or camels. At Yang-fang we passed round
a spur of the hill range, and for the next 30 li, as far as a small village called Kou-chia-
k'ou, we ascended a rough stony valley, at first 2 or 3 li in breadth, but contracting finally
to as many hundred yards. The ascent to this point is perfectly gradual, and scarcely
perceptible, and a sort of cart-track, evidently, from its appearance, little used, reaches as
far as the above village. The gravel and rough stones which form the bed of the valley
are, for the most part, the broken and evidently water-worn fragments of the two varieties
of rock that mainly compose the range of hills, namely, a hard bluish limestone underlying
a coarse compact sandstone.
Frpm Kou-chia-k'ou to Chai-t'ang is 90 li, and the road all the distance is a mere
mule-track, threading its way among the rough stones, and at times large boulders, that
are thickly strewn about. The valley winds considerably among the hills, but there is
little rise or fall in the ground, with the exception of two difficult passes, which are together
about 15 li in length. The first of these is about 20 li beyond Kou-clfia-k'ou, and Is
called Fo-t'ou-ljng, The valley at the place seems to be brought to an abrupt termination
by a spur from the hills running across it. The road is continued and the pass surmounted
by a ruflely-paved narrow path, which winds up the face of the hill, and rises about 800 feet
in les§ than as many yards ; descending, however, more gradually into the valley on the
other side. The second pass is 25 li farther on, and is known by the name of Hsia-po-
ling. It is not so high, but quite as steep and difficult as the first. The descent from its
Summit on the south-west side is by a long and tedious path that, for 10 li, runs along
the side of an almost-perpendicular rocky hill, at the foot of which run the waters of
55
the Huen-ho, or Muddy River." The path at the place is compelled to keep to the side
of the mountain, inasmuch as the bed of the river completely fills the bottom of the valley
below, not leaving sufficient space for a continuous track at either side. Though consi-
derable care has been expended upon the construction and paving of the narrow pathway,
still there is occasional danger in passing along, owing to the perpetual, and, at times,
sudden, ascending and descending of the track, the height of which above the bottom of
the valley varies from 10 to 60 or 70 feet.
At about 12 li from the commencement of the pass, the path leaves the hill side,
crosses the Huen-ho by a rude plank bridge, strikes off from the river side up another
valley, and for the remaining 33 li meets with no farther difficulty except the
roughness of the road and the necessity of perpetually crossing and re-crossing a shallow
stream that winds down the valley.
The existence of these two difficult passes renders the employment of any animals in
carrying the coal except well-trained mules or donkeys impossible: and the coal from the
Chai-t'ang mines is consequently much dearer when brought to Peking or Tien-tsin than
the coal from other mines along the range which are accessible to camels. One of these
cost originally little more than a mule, while its daily expense compared with the latter is
not more than one-fourth, and the quantity it carries at least twice as much. The
employment of these animals therefore, where possible, would materially diminish the cost
of transport, which item according to the above rough estimate constitutes full two-thirds
of the price at Tien-tsin. Now the distance over which mules must of necessity, in the
present state of the road be employed, is not more than 90 li; and allowing this we
could see no reason why camels or carts should not be employed to carry the coal for the
remaining distance, about 130 Zi, as far as Tung-chow. Such an arrangement would
certainly diminish the cost to an appreciable extent, and is quite practicable without any
serious outlay. As to the saving that could be thus effected, we in our limited time were
unable to obtain sufficiently definite data to calculate its exact amount, but from the answers
to our questions on the subject we were convinced it would be considerable.
It may not be out of place to state that there are merchants at Tien-tsin, both native
and foreign, who are quite prepared to form a company with the object of bringing such
coal as is obtained at the Chai-t'ang mines in any quantity down to the sea-coast. These
merchants are not determined to content themselves with the present available means of
transport, but are quite prepared to invest considerable capital in the undertaking even to
the making of a tramroad or railroad over part of the way, if such were considered necessary
or profitable. Whether such a work would pay or not we could not take upon ourselves
to say, but certainly to an unprofessional eye part of the country to be passed over in the
direction of Chai-t'ang seems to be peculiarly adapted for laying down a line of rail. The
first 130 li from Tung-chow is almost a dead flat, of which the first 100 is a dry firm
alluvial soil, and the remaining thirty what seems to be the gravelly bed of an ancient river.
Beyond this 130 ti9 however, little could be profitably done except to improve slightly the
existing road by removing rough stones and filling up holes, rendering it thereby "more
passable, and therefore speedier for the mules going backwards and forwards.
If such a railway as I have alluded to were constructed, it is more than probable that
it would not be confined to the carrying of coal alone, as at one point in its course, near
its farthest extremity, it would approach to within three miles of the southern mouth of
the pass through which all the traffic between China and Mongolia and Russia goes to and
fro, and merchants, both native and foreign, would naturally avail themselves of the
facilities it would offer.
In addition to the above, we made a few inquiries in reference to the working and
ownership of the mines, the result of which it may not be unnecessary to state. We were
told that the hills in which are the mines at present in operation are the property of two
men, natives of the village of Chai-t'ang ; that the ground has been property in their
families for generations; and that they have in their possession title-deeds proving their
ownership. These two men have entered into partnership, and joined their properties.
They pay all the expenses of working the mines, and share all the resulting profits in
common ; by this means preventing the possibility of competition, or of one underselling
the other.
The method adopted in working the mines is simple enough. The stratified beds of
the district have all a considerable "dip," and the coal is in consequence often found
" cropping out." The mine is accordingly commenced at the surface, and the shaft, so
to speak, follows the bed of the coal, descending often at an angle of 30 or 40 to the
horizon. Rough stairs are constructed up the shaft, the projecting edges of which are
protected from being worn away by round pieces of wood fastened from side to side of the
56
pit. The coal is brought to the surface either on men's shoulders by means of the ordinary
carrying pole, or drawn up in small sledges, which, being shod with narrow pieces of iron
not unlike skate-irons, run lightly over the round bars of wood with which the steps are
faced. A double rope is attached to the sledge in the form of a large loop, and the
miner placing this over his shoulder, drags the whole up, himself walking on all-fours.
When water breaks into the mine, which not unfrequently happens, their only means
of getting rid of it is by carrying it to the surface in buckets. This process is necessarily
slow, and when the water gains upon them, as it often does, the pit is necessarily aban
doned, and another opened.
Eire-damp is also not an unfrequent enemy, and as there is nothing like an attempt
at ventilation, and the lamp in use is open, and of the rudest construction, accidents are of
common occurrence, and the best working mines have often to be given up on account of
the presence of the dangerous gases. Owing, therefore, to ail these drawbacks, but a small
fraction of the available coal in any of the pits is brought to the surface. Indeed, from all
we all we could ascertain the coal seems to be practically inexhaustible.
The men employed in working the mines are the ordinary labourers of the neighbour-
hood, who during the summer months assist in cultivating the ground, and it is not until
the harvest has been secured that they take to the mines. There is little inconvenience
found to result from this arrangement, inasmuch as during the hot weather the coal is
in scarcely any demand.
The miners are paid either by the day or by the amount of work done; and we were
told that the wages of a single man averaged about 150 small cash per diem, which, taking
into account the relative value of silver and copper at the place, is equal to about 8d.
English money.
The mines to the north-east of Peking, which produce what is known at Tien-tsin as
the Lan-ho coal, being much more distant, and our information as to their whereabouts
being very indefinite, the time occupied in our second journey was necessarily much longer
than in our first. However we at length discovered the mines to be situated about 620 li
to the north-east of Tien-tsin, on the north side of the great wall, and in the neighbour-
hood of theLan-ho River. The distance of the mines from the sea is about 650 li, and the
river is navigable for small boats all the way. About 160 li nearer the sea than the coal-
mines are, there is a small town called Sa-ho-ch'iao, situated on the bank of the river;
the mines can only be reached by passing through this town, and on our arrival there we
found large quantities of coal stored up, which we were told were brought down from time
to time and laid up for future sale, the place being a convenient depot, as roads branch out
from it in every direction. On making further inquiries on the subject, we found we
could obtain at Sa-ho-ch'iao our desired information in reference to the price and mode of
conveying the coal, without visiting the mines themselves. No doubt personal investiga-
tion on the spot would have been likely to give collateral information not obtainable by
mere hearsay; but as going up the river against the stream would necessarily be tedious,
and as we had already spent considerable time on our journey, we did not think it advisable
to add four or five additional days, with all the attendant expenses, when the gaining of
any additional advantage was by no means certain.
The principal mires from which the Lan-ho coal is brought are at a place called
Ching-ko-yao, and the mode of working them is similar to that adopted at Chai-t'ang. 2
The price of the coal at the pit's mouth we found to be exactly the same as that of the
Chai-t'ang coal, namely, 1 \ taels per 1,000 catties, or 16s. per ton.
The mines, we were told, are close to the banks of the Lan-ho river, and the coal is
brought down in small boats, each carrying 3,500 catties or about 2 tons. Owing to the
existence of rapid shallows at many places along the river, both above and below Sa-ho-
ch'iao, boats carrying larger burdens than this cannot be employed. When the coal
arrives at the mouth of the river, it is put on board junks and transported to whatever
part along the coast it may be required. We were informed that the boats generally
occupied about seven or eight days in going from Sa-ho-ch'iao to Tien-tsin, and the freight
usually paid for a small boat-load for the whole distance is little more than 4 taels.
Adding to this the original cost of the coal, together with the cost of bringing it down as
far as Sa-ho-ch'iao, we calculate roughly that the Lan-ho coal could be delivered in Tien-
tsin or Taku for about 6 taels per ton, that is, 2 taels less than the probable price of the
Chai-t'ang coal.
As the water communication already existing to the Lan-ho coal mines is necessarily
cheaper than any other, little could he done in that quarter to facilitate and cheapen
traffic, except, perhaps, deepening the shallow rapids at one or two places along the river,
so as to allow boats of larger burden to pass up and down,
57
I may add that since my return to Peking I have received a short note from Lieutenant
Howarth, in which he states that since his return he has tried the Lan-ho coal, and finds
it to be, though of very fair quality, still much inferior to the Chai-t'ang coal, and that the
latter, though much dearer and more difficult to obtain, is worth all the difference in price
and trouble.
The general result of our inquiries and observations may therefore be summed up as
follows:
1. That coal of a satisfactory quality, and in apparently unlimited quantity, can be
procured at two places at least in the mountains to the north and west of Peking; that
one of these places is little more than 200 miles from the sea, with water communication
all the way, and that the other place is less than 200 miles from the sea, with a navigated
river nearly two-thirds of the way.
2. That the coal is obtainable at Tien-tsin or Taku at a cheaper rate than any other
coal of corresponding quality.
3. That it is more than probable that a moderate investment of capital, backed by
European skill and energy, would so far cheapen the cost of carriage as to make the
conveying of the coal to other parts of the seaboard of China a profitable speculation.
Peking, December 8, 1862.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN Mc LEARY BROWN.
No. 30,
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received April 18.)
(Extract.) Peking, February 9, 1863.
IN continuation of my despatch of the 8th of September, 1862,* I have the
honour to inclose copy of a despatch from the Prince of Kung, on the loss of property of
a mandarin on board a junk destroyed on the Yang-tze River by one of Her Majesty's
cruizers, under the impression that she was a piratical vessel; also of my despatch to His
Imperial Highness on these and similar cases, inclosing the information supplied to me by
SinJames Hope.
I have taken upon myself to indemnify the Chinese officer Hwang Tehsin at once, as
I think it important to sustain the credit of the Foreign Board, and as I have no doubt of
the bona fides of the claim and of its justice, I am anxious that Chinese applicants should
see that the Foreign Board is able to obtain justice for them.
Inclosure 1 in No. 30.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, December 12, 1862.
THE Prince of Kung makes k communication.
The Prince has already informed the British Minister of the destruction of junks on
the river, in one instance at Chou-chia-hsu, and in a second instance off Kiang-yin, and
has inclosed his Excellency a list of the persons, soldiers, braves, employes, or passengers
who were burned in the junks, or carried off from them, as also of the effects missing.
His Excellency has replied that violent proceedings of this nature were not at all to
his taste, and that he should at once call on the Consul at Shanghae and the officers of the
navy for an explicit report upon these cases, on receipt of which be would again address
the Prince.
His Highness assumes that the Consul has by this time replied; to what effect the
Prince does not know, but he makes no doubt that the British Minister will deal equitably
with the cases in question, and he awaits his Excellency's reply with earnest anxiety.
His Highness has written to Tulisinga, General commanding the Manchou garrison
of Nanking, to examine the return made by Hwang Tehsin of property missed by him,
and is now~in receipt of a reply from the General to the effect that Hwang Tehsin and the
rest of the party had made out an account of the trunks, &c., removed by the foreigners,
in which was given the value of every article separately. This he requests the Prince to
* See Papers respecting the Rebellion in China/5 presented to Parliament in March 1863, No. 61.
[160] 1
58
examine and forward to the British Minister that he may give orders to have the sufferers
indemnified.
The reports appearing to the Prince to have neither suppressed facts nor exaggerated
them, it becomes His Highness's duty to forward a copy of the articles missed by Hwang
Tehsin to his Excellency, who he trusts will send instructions to the Consul at Shanghae
to look into the matter and deal with it impartially, and without loss of time to close this
case, and thereby to tranquillize the minds of the community. It is most important that
there should be no further delay.
Appended is an inventory of boxes, clothes, and other effects, with a note of the value
of each, the total being 423 taels 8 mace 7 candarines.
Also are missing ;
1. The passport of Wang-ting-hu, Tu-szu (a Major) in the Kiang-shau Division of
the army or navy of Kwang-tung.
2. Four despatches in his charge.
3. Four despatches in charge of Wu-ti-wen, Pa-tsung (an Ensign) of the Yang-kiang
Division of the navy of Kwang-tung.
Inclosure 2 in No. 30.
Mr. Bruce to the Prince of Kung.
Sir, Peking, February 8, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Highness' despatch of the 12th December,
inclosing a list of the property belonging to Hwang Teh-sin, a mandarin who was passenger
in a junk destroyed off Kiang-yin by a ship of Her Britannic Majesty's Navy.
I w7rote as I promised your Highness to Admiral Sir James Hope for further infor-
mation, and from his reply I learn, that having received several complaints of the
capture of British junks, and the murder of British subjects on the river, he had
despatched a gun-bcat to capture the aggressors. In the neighbourhood of Lang-shan
certain junks were pointed out by respectable people as pirates. The gun-boat sent a
boat to examine them. It was fired on and some of the crew wounded. On the
arrival of the wounded men at Shanghae, Sir James Hope sent up the Sphinx," a
larger steamer, to the spot. Her boats with those of the gun-boat entered the creek
where the boats of the latter had been beaten off, and there found three Canton junks.
The largest of these, that which had fired on the gun-boat's people, was deserted. The
other two were suspicious-looking craft, and as several respectable-looking villagers on
shore averred that these junks had been plundering them for some time past (a state-
ment corroborated by a small mandarin), the commander of the larger steamer caused
them to be set on fire. Two other junks forming* part of this squadron disappeared,
but on the 14th July, off Kiang-yin, the steamer fell in with and burned a Cantonese
armed vessel against which the Commander had strong suspicions. He continued to
cruize on the river for some days, and off Fuh-shan one of his boats was fired upon by
a party of rebels whom he dispersed, &c., &c.
The Admiral inclosed the reports of the officers commanding Her Majesty's steamers
engaged in this affair, and concludes his despatch with the following remarks: "The
truth is that the Canton men-of-war junks in the Yang-tze do no good whatever, either
in protecting the people against the rebels or any other way ; while, on the other hand,
they oppress the people wherever they go and plunder the junks in passing whenever
they have the opportunity of doing so.
"There are, at this moment, a gang of 300 Cantonese at Plover Point who plunder
every junk that passes that they can get hold of the moment I withdraw a gun-boat from
watching them, and I have reason to believe that the Cantonese junks are in league with
them."
Sir J. Hope's energy and zeal in the defence of Shanghae and in preserving the
inhabitants of the surrounding districts from plunder and massacre are well known to
your Imperial Highness. The Admiral was informed that the position of Plover's Point
was occupied by pirates, the natural allies of all rebels in China, and the officers sent to
examine the places were confirmed in this opinion by the inhabitants and even by a Chinese
officer.
A short time since Captain Dew destroyed a fleet of pirates at Chusan at the request
of the Chinese authorities, and these officers, at the request of the people, destroyed these
m
junks,awhich the popular voice, as well as the appearance of the vessels themselves, pointed
out as Cantonese and as piratical. The vessel destroyed off Kiang-yin was supposed to
belong to the same piratical band.
I trust that the speedy arrival of the steam flotilla which your Imperial Highness has
so wisely ordered will make it unnecessary for Her Majesty's ships to do the police of the
waters of China, and will relieve the Chinese Government from the necessity of employing
these Cantonese vessels, which make use of their authority to oppress the people and extort
money from peaceful traders.
As early as last autumn I wrote, however, to the Admiral to request that strict orders
might be given on no account to destroy junks on the river, unless a competent Chinese
authority requested that they might be dealt with as pirates ; but that, in all cases where
complaints are made against an armed junk, she is to be detained, if necessary, until her
character can be ascertained, and until the matter can be investigated by the superior
Chinese authority in whose jurisdiction she is found. I trust, therefore, that no such
cases as those complained of will happen again; Her Majesty's Government being most
anxious that all cases of complaint should be brought before your Imperial Highness, and
be settled amicably according to the usages in force among friendly nations. I am also
prepared to indemnify at once Hwang Teh-sin for the property belonging to him that was
lost on board the junk destroyed off Kiang-yin ; and I will instruct the Consul at Shanghae
to pay the sum of 423 taels 8 mace 7 candarines to any person who may be authorized to
receive it on account of Hwang Teh-sin and give a receipt for it in his name.
I have not received any reply as to the acts complained of near Kiu-kiang and Lu-ho,
but I trust that the Regulations adopted for the river-trade, and the institution of a
national flag, will prevent the recurrence of acts which arose from the disturbed state of
the river, and the difficulty of distinguishing between the acts of a legitimate Chinese
authority and the proceedings of unauthorized people.
It is very desirable that public notice should be given at Shanghae and Hankow of
any Customs stations on the river.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 31.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received April 18.)
Sir, War Office, April 18, 1863.
REFERRING to your letter of the 9th January last,*' in which you explain the
conditions upon which officers and men may be permitted to accept service under the
Chinese Government, I am directed by the Secretary of State to transmit to you, for the
consideration of Earl Russell, the inclosed copy of a despatch which has been received from
Brigadier-General Staveley on the subject.
The Secretary of State will be glad to be furnished with the opinion of Earl Russell as
to the answer which should be returned to the inquiry contained in this despatch,
t I have &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure in No. 31.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Earl de Grey and Ripon.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Hong Kong, February 1863.
IN consequence of your letter of 24th December, approving of a British officer being
placed in command of the Ward force, and having also received the new Order in Council,
dated the 9th January, 1863, wherein permission is granted to naval and military officers
to accept service under the Chinese Government, I have the honour to inform you that I
purpose placing Brevet Major Gordon, R.E in command of the Ward force, immediately
on my return to Shanghae, which will be in the course of two or three weeks.
With reference to your letter of the 10th January, in which you state that those
qfficers who accept service under the Chinese Government, in accordance with the new
Order in Council dated 9th January and who will be on the half pay and not on the full ^
* See Papers relating to the Rebellion in China," presented to Parliament in March 1863, No. 81.
60
pay of regiments, are not restricted to the neighbourhood of the Treaty ports, but are at
liberty to act in any part of the country their services may be required, I request that I
may be instructed to what extent the above quoted letter (particularly as to acting outside
our boundary at Shanghae) will apply to Major Gordon and the officers it is necessary
for me to appoint, pending your approval, to assist in organizing the Ward force.
The following officers have been strongly recommended by their respective command-
ing officers as likely to prove of the greatest assistance to Major Gordon in rendering the
Ward force an efficient body of men. For this reason I shall give them leave to act under
Major Gordon, pending your approval and that of His Royal Highness the Field Marshal
commanding-in-chief.
I beg leave to suggest that Major Gordon and above alluded-to officers, namely,
Lieutenant Wood, Royal Artillery, Lieutenant Danyells, 31st Regiment, Lieutenant
Kingsley, 67th Regiment, Lieutenant Cardew, 67th Regiment, Captain Clayton, 99th
Regiment, and Ensign Stevens, 99th Regiment, be allowed to retain their names and rank
in their respective regiments during the uncertain period they may be required by the
Chinese Government, but only to receive the half-pay of their rank while so employed.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. W. D. STAVELEY.
No. 32.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received April 18.)
Sir, War Office, April 18, 1863.
REFERRING to my letter of the 11th instant relative to the expedition about to be
undertaken by the Chinese Government against the rebels at Tai-tsan, I am directed by
the Secretary of State to transmit to you, for the information of Earl Russell, the accom-
panying copies of a despatch and its inclosure from Brigadier-General Staveley, in which he
reports the failure of this expedition.
I have. &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Jnclos\ire 1 in No. 32.
Brig adder-General Staveley to Earl de Grey and Ripon.
Sir, Head Quarters, Hong Kong, February 28, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to forward for your information, a copy of a despatch that I have
sent to Sir Frederick Bruce, at Peking, reporting the failure of the expedition of the Ward
force for the capture of Tai-tsan.
I have &c
(Signed) C. W. D. STAVELEY.
Inclosure 2 in No. 32.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Head Quarters, Shanghae, February 21, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report for your information the failure of the expedition of
the Ward force for the capture of Tai-tsan, with the loss of four officers killed and ten
wounded, and 200 Chinese killed and wounded.
I had already explained to Governor Li that the force as yet was not sufficiently
organized to undertake such serious affairs as the capture of walled towns, but he was bent
on the Tai-tsan expedition coming off, urging that if the force could not undertake so
simple an operation it was not worth keeping up. Under these circumstances, and as he
had already shown every disposition to reduce the force, I thought it impolitic to protest
further in the matter.
Having ascertained from Mr. Alabaster, interpreter in the Consular service, that
notwithstanding my refusal to allow Captain Holland to command the expedition, the
Governor had determined to send the force without him, and knowing that there was not
et
a single officer competent to take charge of it, I decided on permitting Captain Holland to
accompany it, so that there might be, at all events, one person present capable of
maintaining some degree of order, As it turns out it is fortunate that I did so, for I am
satisfied that had Captain Holland not been present, instead of two guns reported as left
under the walls, the whole of the guns would have been lost.
The strength of the attacking force was 2,400 of the Ward force, with four 32-pounders,
ten 12-pounder howitzers, two 8-inch mortars, besides 5,000 of the Governor's troops
armed with percussion muskets.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. W. D. STAVELEY.
No. 33.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, ^ ^ Foreign Office, April 21, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government approve the answer of which a copy is inclosed in your
despatch of the 9th of February, and which you returned to the note from Prince Kung
respecting the destruction of Chinese property by Her Majesty's eruizers on the River
Yang-tze.
I am, &e.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 34.
Mr. Hammond to Sir E. Lugard.
Sir, Foreign Office, April 21, 1863.
v I HAVE laid before Earl Russell your letter of the I lth instant, and its inclosure
from the Military Secretary at the Horse Guards, respecting the restriction imposed upon
Captain Holland not to accompany Ward's forces beyond the thirty miles' radius from
Shanghae; and I am to state to you, in reply, for the information of the Secretary of State
for War, that Lord Russell does not deny that there is an inconvenience in the state of
things pointed out by the Field Marshal Commanding-in-chief, but that Her Majesty's
Government cannot allow British officers who are only temporarily detached from their
regiments, to be making war upon the Tae-pings all over China. The remedy is obviously
to limit the operations of those troops, so long as they are commanded by officers in the
active service of Her Majesty's Government, to the neighbourhood of the Treaty ports.
The Chinese Government would probably then find it to their advantage to retain
the British officers, and not employ these troops in general operations against the
Tae-pings.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. HAMMOND.
No. 35.
Mr. Hammond to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, foreign Office, April 22, 1863.
I AM directed by Earl Russell to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords Com-
missioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Minister in China,*
inclosing a copy of a communication from Prince Kuilg relative to the national flag adopted
by the Chinese Government.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. HAMMOND.
No. 22.
No. 36.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
S r, Foreign Office, April 23, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government approve the answer of which a copy is inclosed in your
despatch ot the 3rd of January, and which you returned to the letter from the Hong
Kong Chamber of Commerce, respecting Messrs. Adam Scott and Co.'s complaint on
account of duty charged on re-exported goods.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 37.
Mr. Hammond to Sir E. Lugard.
Sir, Foreign Office, April 23, 1863.
I HAVE laid before Earl Russell your letter of the 18th instant, inclosing a copy of
a despatch from General Staveley, inquiring to what extent the decision of Her Majesty's
Government, with regard to officers on full pay of Her Majesty's army not accompanying
the allied troops beyond the thirty-mile radius from Shanghae, is to apply to Major Gordon
and the other officers whom General Staveley has selected to assist in organizing Ward's
force.
I am to state to you, in reply, for the information of the Secretary of State for War,
that it appears to Lord Russell that the only rule Her Majesty's Government can lay down
for the Chinese service, is that those officers who choose to go on half-pay with the Queen's
licence, should be at liberty to serve in any part of China they please, but the officers who
retain their regimental rank should keep within the thirty-mile limit.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. HAMMOND.
No. 38.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
(Extract.) Foreign Office, April 27, 1863.
WITH reference to Mr. Brown's interesting Report on China coal mines inclosed in
your despatch of the 20th of January, I have to observe that it would facilitate the
perusal of such papers if the Chinese weights, moneys, and distances were in every case
reduced to their English equivalent.
You will express to Mr. Brown my approval of his Report.
No. 39.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, April 27, 1863.
I INCLOSE, for your information, copies of a correspondence with the War Office
relative to the employment of British officers in operations against the Tae-pings.*
I am, &c.
(Signed; RUSSELL.
No*, 18, 34, and 37.
63
No, 40.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received May 21.)
My Lord, ^ Peking, February 24, 1863.
IN continuation of my despatch of the 26th January, I have the honour to
inclose copy of a further despatch from His Imperial Highness the Prince of Kung on the
subject of the Pearl," with my reply thereto.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 40.
The Prince of Kung to Mr. Bruce.
(Translation.) Peking, January 25, 1863.
THE Prince of Kung makes a communication.
On the 20th of the 11th moon (9th January) the Prince received the British Minister's
despatch regarding the shipment of salt at Quemoy by the Pearl." His Excellency says
that the vessel was not liable to confiscation, but that the salt on board her was so
liable, and that the Chief Magistrate of Tung-an was undoubtedly to blame for issuing to
the Pearl a permit to carry salt. The district of Tung-an, in the province of Fuh-keen,
is, it would appear, a district in which it has been usual to pack salt for exportation (to other
parts of China), and the issue of tickets (passes, permits) is a measure designed to assist
the Executive in the prevention of smuggling. The vessel to which in this case the
permit was given, calling herself the "Chen-chu" ("True Pearl") (the authority issuing
the permit) would suppose her to be a Chinese vessel, and, if the master of the Pearl"
proposes to lay the blame (of her illegal trading) on the local authorities, because the
Magistrate issued this permit, the Prince would observe that if he knew that that the
v applicant was a foreigner, the Magistrate is culpable for having issued the permit, but that
if the party applying was a Chinese, and that the permit was made over (sold) by him to
the foreign merchant, then the blame lies not on the Magistrate, but on the individual
who made the maid fide application. Besides, the permit bears on the face of it the words
"not to be parted with ;" but when the vessel was first detained by the Customs, after
her entry into Foo-chow, the merchant interested did not produce this permit, and the
violation of the condition that it was not to be parted with rendered the vessel liable to
seizure and inquiry on the part of the Customs, whether (the original applicants for the
permit was) a Chinese or a foreigner. Salt, moreover, being an article trade in and
carriage of which is interdicted to the foreign merchant by the Treaty, the merchant
interested had no right, when no certificate accompanied the salt, to objecjt to the penalty
the Customs would have imposed. The High Officer (Attorney-General) resident at
Hong Kong has informed Mr. Consul Sinclair that the vessel (to be liable to confiscation)
must have been seized flagrante delicto, and that she could noLbe seized and confiscated
v when she had entered one of the open ports. If this be so, if a vessel that has been;
trading at other than an open port can only be confiscated if she be there taken, and
cannot once she shall have left the place, it appears to the Prince that foreign merchants may
go on smuggling to all eternity without it ever being possible to confiscate either ship or
cargo. A foreign merchant, falsely describing himself as a Chinese, may under his
assumed name ship salt at any place not open under Treaty, and, having carried it out
of port, tranship it on board a foreign vessel, or, without any such transhipment, may hoist
a foreign flag when about to enter a Treaty port. The XLVIIth Article of the Treaty,
with its plain provisions, will thus be little more than waste paper, and it is more certain
than ever that this is not the last case of smuggling that will be heard of.
The British Minister has apprised the Prince that he has submitted this opinion of
the Attorney-General of Hong Kong to Her Britannic Majesty's Government, and His
Highness would urge upon his Excellency the expediency of appending to his despatch the
arguments advanced by the Prince in this communication.
64
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Mr. Bruce to the Prince of Kung.
Sir, Peking, January 29, 1863.
I HAVE received the despatch of your Imperial Highness stating the grounds on
which it is contended that the Pearl" was liable to seizure on her arrival at Foo-chow-
foo, and that the permit to ship salt exhibited frcm the Tung-an authorities being given
to a vessel with a Chinese name, and not to the Pearl," cannot be held to cover her.
On the latter point I concur with the views expressed by your Imperial Highness, and
I have explained to Mr. Consul Sinclair that a permit from a Chinese authority to ship a
prohibited article will not be sufficient to protect a vessel unless it is given to her under
her English name, or states that it is given to her as a British-owned vessel.
On the first point I cannot give positive instructions, contrary to the opinion of the
Attorney-General of Hong Kong, until I have consulted Her Majesty's Government. I
have already submitted the case to it with observations in the sense of those contained in
the despatch of your Imperial Highness, but I will transmit by the speediest route the
despatch itself, which will receive an attentive consideration.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 41.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received May 21.)
My Lord, Peking, March 7, 1863.
IN my despatch of the 26th of January last, I alluded to the difficulties encoun-
tered by the Chinese Government in the disposal of the Tae-ping insurgents, arising
from the habits of plunder and licence which had become to them a second nature.
In his despatch giving an account of the robbery committed on the Rev. Mr. Gray and
his companions, in the disturbed districts near Canton, Mr. Robertson states that the
brigands who are now ravaging those districts are insurgents who submitted to the
Imperialists near Nanking, and were sent back to their native province. The return they
make for this act of clemency is to recommence their career of pillage and massacre.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 41.
Consul Robertson to Mr. Bruce.
(Extract.) . Canton, December 23, 1862.
ON hearing of this, I represented to the Bishop the imprudence of such a step,
considering that the borders of the Province were overrun with banditti, who had submitted
as rebels in the neighbourhood of Nanking, and on being sent back to this Province, had
taken to brigandage, and were ravaging the northern part of the Province in every direc-
tion. His Lordship at once acceded and returned to Hong Kong.
No. 42.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received May 25.)
My Lord, Peking, March 12, 1863.
IN continuation of my despatch of the 20th of January last, I have the honour
to inclose copy of a despatch from Mr. Vice-Consul Adkins, which will prove that; the
complaints of the Chinese as to the use made of opening the Yang-tze River for the supply of
arms and provisions to the insurgents are well founded. I have urged the Prince of Kung
to put a revenue steamer at Chin-kiang to overhaul all boats, native as well as foreign,
that go up the river; for, if this trade be not stopped, we shall be exposed to the charge
65
of having misled the Government when we induced it to open at once Kiu-kiang and
Hankow, and our legitimate and growing trade with those two ports will be seriously
jeopardized.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE,
Inclosure 1 in No. 42.
Vice-Consul Adkins to Mr. Bruce.
Sir, Chin-kiang, February 16, 1863.
ON the 28th ultimo I received a letter from Mr. Dymes, representing Fletcher and Co.
at this port, informing me that two of their junks had been plundered by the rebels at
Nanking, and that junk F, No. 9," was detained with her cargo. I was informed also
that two of her crew had been made prisoners.
I placed the letter in the hands of Lieutenant Lee, the Senior Naval Officer at this
port, and informed him that should he think proper to proceed to Nanking I was ready to
accompany him.
Whilst I was writing a letter to this effect the Commissioner of Customs came to my
office, and informed that M. Dupuis, a French subject, had complained to him of a similar
occurrence on the same day and at the same place. I therefore added a postscript to my
letter, and inclosed also the claim of M. Dupuis. I thought myself justified in doing so,
because the French Government, is unrepresented at this port.
On the following day Lieutenant Lee got his vessel, the Slaney," under way, and
proceeded to Nanking. That evening we anchored about six miles below Nanking; at the
entrance to the Tsao-'hea Creek.
On the morning of the 29th I landed with Lieutenant Lee's communication to the
insurgent authorities, which I handed to the Head of the Tien-hae kwan, for transmission
to the proper quarter. I was told when I delivered it that an answer might be expected
on the evening of the following day.
From the anchorage of Her Majesty's ship "Slaney" we could see the junk
" F, No. 9," with her ensign and house-flag flying, at anchor close to a large square fort
on the opposite bank. In the course of the afternon Lieutenant Lee steamed across the
river, and anchored alongside her. He then dispatched a note to the Chief in command of
the fort requesting the immediate release of the two Chinese sailors who had been taken
from the junk. The Chief was also informed that his lawless conduct had been reported to
his superiors in the city. Some hours elapsed before a reply was received. When it did
come, it was apologetic and stated that the stolen articles had all been recovered, and
were then in the fort. A low Cantonese, who was the bearer of the reply, seemed deter-
mined that Lieutenant Lee and myself should go ashore then and there, though it was
pitch dark at the time. He was told that no further communication could take place with
the fort until the prisoners were released. If then the Commander of the fort wished to
see Lieutenant Lee he could come on board Her Majesty's ship Slaney."
Early next morning the two men were sent on board the Slaney." About 8 o'clock
the rebel chief himself came on board. He was evidently alarmed at what had been done,
and declared emphatically that it had taken place without his knowledge. He handed
Lieutenant Lee a list of things which he said were in the fort awaiting his acceptance.
On looking over the list, I saw at once that hardly one of the stolen articles was included
in it. That afternoon a messenger arrived from Nanking, with a message to the effect
that in consequence of that day being a sabbath no public business could be transacted,
and that a reply to Lieutenant Lee's communication could not be dispatched till the
following day.
On the 31st Lieutenant Lee recrossed the river. He wrote a second despatch to the
authorities, again requesting them to recover the stolen property or else pay the money
compensation. A more detailed list of the missing property was inclosed in this letter.
Shortly before midnight a reply was received to Lieutenant Lee's first letter. I
inclose a translation of this paper for your Excellency's perusal. The bearer of it was
urgent on behalf of the Chung Wang that Lieutenant Lee would go into the city and pay
that Prince a visit. He was told to await a reply on the following day.
I urged upon Lieutenant Lee the propriety of complying with the Chung Wang's
request. I felt certain that no treachery was to be apprehended, and I felt anxious to see
the state of affairs in the rebel capital. It was arranged, therefore, that Lieutenant Lee
[160] K
66
and myself should proceed in the "Slaney's" gig to the city gate (Han-si-men), where a
chair would be provided for Lieutenant Lee and horses for myself and the two officers of
the £C Slaney who were to accompany us.
We were conducted into the city by the messenger who brought out the Chung
Wang's letter.
The aspect of the streets has improved considerably since I visited the place in July
1861. Building is going on to some extent, and there are a few shops open. The streets
were clean, and I only saw one dead body.
I must confess that I was somewhat astonished at the Chung Wang's residence. I
had on a previous occasion visited a Wang in Nanking: the dirty den he chose to call a
Ct fu much resembled the yamun of an official in an orthodox Chinese city. In this
instance, however, the case was different. The building was quite new, substantially
built, and tastefully decorated with gilding and mural paintings, The Chung Wang, who
was dressed in magnificently embroidered robes, received us in person, and conducted us
through a handsome suite of apartments to a large and handsomely furnished hall. He
proceeded to business at once, and expressed his regret at what had happened. He said
that it YvTas the wish of the Tien Wang to avoid all collision with foreigners, and alluded to
the events at Ningpo and Shanghae as having mainly influenced this policy.
I tokl him that the right of navigating the Yang-tze, conceded by the Imperial
Government, was considered highly important by foreign nations, and that the detention
of foreign vessels by the insurgents had compelled Lieutenant Lee to take the steps he
had done.
When we went over the list of stolen property with him, he said that the junk
"F, No. 9," would he returned with her cargo, except seven bales of paper which would
be paid for. The other claims would be paid in full. This was done : the sycee was
packed in our presence, and conveyed to the ct Slaney's gig. One other circumstance
occurred which, though it might indicate a desire on the part of the rebels to punish those
who make difficulties with foreigners, was highly disagreeable.
The Chung Wang mentioned casually that the rebel soldier who had been foremost in
the robbery had been apprehended by his order, and would be beheaded. I begged him
not to take such extreme measures. I was still speaking when in walked the executioner
with a reeking sword, and kneeling at the feet of the Chung Wang, reported that the man had
been decapitated. The Chung Wang then turned to Lieutenant Lee, and asked if he wished
to see the head. This was of course declined, but as we rode out of the fu our horses
could hardly avoid trampling on the still bleeding head.
I was much struck while at Nanking with the abundance of foreign arms and ammu-
nition.
Percussion muskets are very common, and percussion caps are sold retail in the city
at 2 cash each.
I regret to say that the Chinese Government have to thank foreign traders for this
state of things. Lying up the creek at the mouth of which the Slaney5' was at anchor,
was an American Ningpo boat. I boarded this vessel, and asked the person who seemed
to be her owner or supercargo to show me her papers.
He complied with considerable alacrity, but refused to allow the papers to leave his
hands, remarking,
into trouble at Chin-kiang.''
On my return to the Slaney I reported these circumstances to Lieutenant Lee,
who ordered the master of the boat to come on board. On board the "Slaney" he
became more communicative, and told us of his dealings with the rebels, and how he
managed to get muskets and powder past the Chin-kiang Customs. He said that a short
time previous he had brought up 500 muskets and 500 lbs. of powder from Shanghae.
He flew foreign colours while passing the native Custom-houses, but on getting near
Chin-kiang hauled them down, and passed up as a native boat. When we saw him he was
disposing of a cargo of rice at an enormous profit. He said that he paid no duties or dues
of any kind, and that the rebels encouraged him to come and trade with them. I heard
from one of the rebels belonging to the Tien-hae kwan, who went with Lieutenant Lee
and myself to the city gate, that this American had sold them them a good many arms,
but not so many as another whose name he did not know, or would not tellwho, he said,
had sent them up a "whole ship-load" two months before. I may add that on the
evening of the day before we left Nanking a large American schooner and an American
Ningpo boat anchored at the mouth of the creek off which we were lying. The people
on board had communication with the shore, and some large boats went alongside the
schooner. Both the craft were there when we left the next day, though the wind was
perfectly fair for proceeding up the river.
The rebels seem to take no notice of the Imperialist force at present encamped outside
the south gate. They say they will go away before long. As for the Imperialist war-
boats (of which there are some 300 in the vicinity of Nanking), they are as nearly as
possible useless* The very indifferent artillery of the rebels is quite enough to keep them
at a most respectful distance.
There is no doubt that a considerable rebel army has, within the last month,
crossed the river at Nanking, and is now7 operating in the provinces of An-hui and
Kiang-su.
Your Excellency will perceive that the claim made by Fletcher and Co.'s agent was
settled in full|by the rendition of the two first items on the list, less seven bales of paper,
and by a money payment for the others. M. Dupuis' claim was also settled in full. This
appeared to Lieutenant Lee and myself a satisfactory termination to the business, and Her
Majesty's ship Slaney returned to Chin-kiang.
The most difficult part of the whole transaction now commenced. Fletcher and Co.'s
agent declared that he was not satisfied, and wished to make it appear that his principals
had further claims upon the sum total recovered from the rebels. He stated that more
than seven bales of paper had been removed from "F, No. 9 that ninety-seven bales had
been damaged, and that the junk herself had been injured while in the hands of the rebels.
To this I altogether demurred. The European who was in charge of "F, No. 9," when she
was seized by the rebels, w7as on board Her Majesty's ship Slaney all the time we were at
Nanking. It was his duty to have ascertained the actual damage done to his employer's
property, that the original claim might have been made accordincly. He took no steps in
the matter, and I therefore peremptorily declined to make any deductions from the
amounts due to the Chinese sailors of the three junks, as claimed in their behalf by
Fletcher and Co.
I have, &c.
(Signed) THOS. ADKINS.
No. 43.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received May 21.)
My Lord, Peking, March 14, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copies of a despatch to Admiral Kuper on the
proceedings at Ningpo, and of a despatch to General Staveley on the late changes in the
Chinese drilled corps.
I regret that any misunderstanding should have taken place between Mr. Burgevine
and the Chinese authorities, for he is well spoken of by every one, and the force while
under his command achieved the greatest success it has had over the insurgent force ; and
I am inclined to think that the error he committed in the events that led to his quarrel
with the Governor, namely, that of using violence to obtain the money necessary to pay
his troops, was prompted by the good motive of preventing the force from breaking up.
But the state of things detailed in the report of Mr. Alabaster, on his visit to Sung-keang ;
the usurpation of Civil authority there, first by Ward and then by Burgevine; their
oppressive conduct towards the Chinese, and the waste and extravagance of the corps in
general,have in my opinion awakened, very justly, the alarm of the Chinese authorities as
to the dangers that may result from a large body of Chinese disciplined and led by the
the class of Europeans to be found among the officers of that corps.
While, therefore, I am desirous of seeing General Burgevine's services properly
acknowledged, I think the time is come for taking the force out of the hands of adventurers,
and of placing it under officers whose' position in the military service of their own country
is a guarantee both for their military knowledge and for their economical organization of
the force. This is more particularly necessary in a force which is organized primarily with
a view to the defence of Shanghae, for the foreign interests are large and tempting, and
the force which is to protect them ought to be one that can be thoroughly relied upon.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
K 2
68
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Mr. Bruce to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
Sir, Peking, March 14, 1863.
WITH reference to late proceedings in the neighbourhood of Ningpo, I wish to
remark that the instructions of Her Majesty's Government do not authorize the employ-
ment of Her Majesty's forces in any operations beyond the defence of Ningpo itself and
such a radius as its garrison may be enabled to protect.
If French officers wish to carry on operations against the Tae-pings beyond the above-
mentioned limits, they should be informed that Her Majesty's forces cannot be moved in
support of them, and the Chinese authorities ought to be remonstrated with, if these
distant operations are undertaken, and Ningpo exposed to risk from the absence of a
garrison. Our policy is to protect the ports against any assault, not to make war on the
Tae-pings, and this distinction must be borne in mind.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE
Inclosure 2 in No. 43.
Mr. Bruce to Brigadier-General Staveley.
(Extract.) Peking, March 12, 1863.
WITH reference to the late proceedings at Shanghae, I am very anxious it should
be borne in mind that we are not making war on the Tae-pings. Her Majesty's Govern-
ment has approved of Shanghae and the radius round being saved from the ruin that
would befal our commercial interests were that port to fall a prey to this civil war, and it
has approved of aid being given to the Chinese in disciplining their troops, and liberty is,
f understand, to be granted to officers in Her Majesty's service to enter that of the
Emperor of China.
Such officers as take advantage of that permission will be at liberty to serve in any
part of the Empire and against its domestic foes, but they will then bear a Chinese and
not a British character, and Her Majesty's Government will not be responsible for the acts
done by them in that capacity.
But officers lent to discipline the Chinese are not, in my opinion, justified in serving
beyond the radius ; they can only serve for the protection of Shanghae and the radius,
and in improving the military organization of the Chinese.
I think it would be well to come to a clear understanding on this subject with
Le, Footae, and that you should concert with him a plan for the defence of our common
position, which would gradually enable us to reduce the number of troops at Shanghae,
and consequently the expenses of the occupation ; for I look with dread at the conse-
quences of the financial difficulties that must result from the present rate of expenditure.
As respects Ward's corps, I regret that circumstances should have led to a misunder-
standing between Mr. Burgevine and the Governor, as the accounts I had received ol
the former led me to think that he was well fitted for the post. But as this breach has
taken place, it appears to me that the great amount of foreign property at Shanghae
renders it desirable that this force should be commanded and officered by men who are
not adventurers, and who afford a guarantee, by the position they occupy in the military
service of their own country, that they are both competent and to be relied upon; other-
wise we should be constituting a force which would be as dangerous to us as the insurgents
themselves.
I should prefer that the military men employed by the Chinese Government should
not belong to the great Treaty Powers, on account of the jealousies to which the employ-
ment gives rise.
But in the meantime, and provisionally, steps must be taken to keep the force
together, and to improve its organization, with a view to constitute an efficient garrison for
Shanghae.
Whatever assistance we give the Emperor of China is at present indirect, and based on
our own, not on his, interests.
69
No. 83.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, May 23, 1863.
I HAVE received your despatch of the 14th of March, inclosing copies of
letters which you had written to General Staveley and Admiral Kuper respecting the
organization of Ward's Force of Chinese, and the limits within which Her Majesty's
military and naval forces should confine the assistance to be given to the Imperial cause,
and I have to state to you that Her Majesty's Government concur in your views as
recorded in those letters.
Her Majesty's Government do not, however, consider it essential that Ward's
Force should be commanded by an officer a subject or citizen of a non-Treaty Power; the
main point is that he should be competent to command.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 45.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.([Received May 28.)
Sir, Admiralty, May 28, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a
copy of a letter dated the 30th March from Vice-Admiral Kuper, with copy of its inclosure,
relating to the state of affairs at Chinese Consular ports.
I am, &c.
(Signed) W. G. ROMAINE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 45.
Vice-Admiral Kuper to Secretary to Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalusf at Yokohama, March 30, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, that by the latest accounts from the Chinese Consular ports the state of
affairs continued tranquil, the only exception being at Tamsuy, with reference to which I
forward herewith an extract from a letter of the 18th ultimo, from Lieutenant Temple,
commanding the Staunch," stationed between that place and Foochow.
T have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS KUPER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 45.
Lieutenant Temple to Vice-Admiral Kuper.
(Extract.) Foo-chow, February 18, 1863.
MR. SINCLAIR, Her Majesty's Consul at Foo-chow, has inclosed me a despatch
from Mr. Braune, Vice-Consul at Tamsuy, in which that officer represents the place to be
in a disturbed state, and requests the presence of a man-of-war, and the interference of the
provincial authorities at Foo-chow.
I in consequence met two of the Prefects at a conference at the Consulate, when
these matters were represented to them, and yesterday the Consul received a note from
the first Prefect of Foo-chow, accompanied by a despatch for the Taoutae at Tamsuy
temporarily restored, which I shall take with me to Tamsuy, as soon as Mr. Sinclair is
convinced that the Provincial Government have done all that they promised.
70
No. 83.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr* Hammond.(Received May 30.)
Sir, Admiralty, May 28, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a
copy of a letter dated the 30th March, from Rear-Admiral Kuper, with copies of its
inclosures, relating to the repulse of Ward's Chinese troops on the 16th February last,
before Tai-tsan.
I am, &c.
(Signed) W. G. ROMAINE
Inclosure 1 in No. 46.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
ir, u Euryalus" at Yokohama, March 30, 1863.
I BEG leave to forward herewith, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, a copy of a letter from Captain Borlase, of the Pearl," late senior officer at
Shanghae, detailing the particulars of the reverse met with by Ward's Chinese troops
before Tai-tsan, on the 15th February, and alluded to in my general letter of the 25th of
the same month.
2. Inclosure No. 2 is an extract from a further report from Captain Borlase, showing
the steps taken by the Brigadier-General at Shanghae to check the advance of the rebels.
I have, &c.
(Signed) A. L. KUPER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 46.
Captain Borlase to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
Sir, " Pearl," Shanghae, February 22, 1863.
ON the 15th February the Sung-keong or Ward's force attacked Tai-tsan, and
succeeded in making a breach with their 32-pounder guns.
On advancing to storm the place, however, they were met with such an overwhelming
force of rebels who had assembled there from Soo-cliow and the neighbouring district that
they were driven back with a loss of about 200 men, and were obliged to leave two of their
32-pounder guns behind.
The General had strongly objected to Ward's force being employed on this service,
and had refused to give Captain Holland permission to cross the boundary.
Le, the Footae, however insisted on the force going, whether Captain Holland
accompanied it or not; the force, he said, was of no use if it could not be employed in
such a service, and he talked not only of reducing it, but of entirely disbanding it. It
was my opinion, as wrell as that of General Staveley, that it would be impossible for
Captain Holland to continue to command the force if it went without him. The General,
therefore, let Captain Holland go, at his own risk of the consequences.
I consider it to be most fortunate that he did so, as had Captain Holland not been
present, the whole of the artillery would have been lost.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JNO. BORLASE.
Inclosure 3 in No. 46.
Captain Borlase to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
(Extract.) " Pearl," Shanghae, February 22, 1863.
ON the 16th instant the Imperialists having been defeated in an attempt to take
Tai-tsan, Brigadier-General Staveley took 500 Infantry and two Armstrong guns to Kading,
for the purpose of checking the rebels should they attempt to cross the boundary.
71
It being the wish of the General to send his supplies by the Woo-sung creek, which
was deep water all the way to Kading, I caused the boats to be towed by the gun-boats
to the entrance of the creek.
The troops return to-day, the rebels not having shown themselves 011 this side of the
boundary.
No. 47.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, June 5, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government have considered, in communication with the Law
Officers of the Crown, your despatches of the 6th and 26th of January and 24th of
February, and their inclosures, respecting the farther questions which had arisen
in connection with the case of the "Pearl," namely, as to the extent to which,
under the XLYIIth Article of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, the Chinese authorities have the
power of confiscation in the case of a vessel which has taken on board a prohibited cargo
at a prohibited port.
It appears from these papers that you support the view taken by the Chinese
Government of its right to confiscate both vessel and cargo, but that Consul Sinclair and
the Attorney-General at Hong Kong contend that the vessel is not liable to confiscation
unless she is seized in the act of trading with the port itself at which by Treaty she is
not entitled to trade.
I have now to state to you that tier Majesty's Government do not see any reason
for narrowing the construction of the language of the XLVIIth Article of the Treaty
so as to defeat its plain and avowed object, and that Her Majesty's Government concur
with you in thinking that the Chinese authorities have power to confiscate the Pearl,"
as well as her cargo.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 48.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received June 13.)
Sir, Admiralty, June 12, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith
for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter dated the 14th of April last, from
Rear-Admiral Kuper, and of its inclosures, respecting the proceedings of Captain Dew
of the "'Encounter" at Show-shing; and I am to state that my Lords have desired
the Rear-Admiral to inform Captain Dew that he exceeded his instructions in taking part
in hostilities beyond the prescribed limit of thirty miles.
I am, &c.
(Signed) C. PAGET.
Inclosure 1 in No. 48.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalusff at Yokohama, April 14, 1863.
WHEN Captain Dew reported to me the death of Acting Lieutenant Tinling of the
" Encounter," from the effects of a wound received under the walls of Show-shing, I consi-
dered it my duty to inquire under what circumstances the deceased officer had been engaged
in hostile operations at that place, situated at some eighty or ninety miles from the city of
Ningpo.
2. The accompanying copy of Captain Dew's reply, although it states that the officers
had the strictest orders not to act against the Tae-pings, shows that he and his officers were
present to prevent any false step being taken by the disciplined force, though, as it would
72
appear, taking a part in hostilities beyond the prescribed limit of thirty miles, and I have
informed Captain Dew that in so doing I consider he exceeded his instructions.
r have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS L. KUPER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 48.
Captain Dew to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
Sir, "Encounter," Yokohama, April 13, 1863.
IN reply to your memorandum of the 28th ultimo, calling on me to report under what
circumstances the late Acting Lieutenant Tinling, of this ship, was engaged in hostile opera-
tions at Show-shing, I have to state that Acting Lieutenant Tinling had accompanied me
to the front, whither I had gone to watch the proceedings and prevent, if possible, any
false step being taken by the Chinese disciplined force, which would at once have empe-
rilled Ningpo. Though both Acting Lieutenant Tinlirg and the other officers with me had
the strictest orders not to act against the Tae-pings, or run any risk by exposing themselves,
still I hold myself responsible for the fate of this young and promising officer.
I am, &c.
(Signed) R. DEW.
No. 49.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received June 13.)
Sir, Admiralty, June 12, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith,
for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter of the 14th instant, from Pvear-
Admiral Kuper, inclosing an extract from a letter from Captain R. Dew, of Her
Majesty's ship Encounter (a copy of which is also inclosed), reporting the evacuation of
Show-shing by the Tae-pings.
I am, &c.
(Signed) C. PAGET.
Inclosure 1 in No. 49.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalus," at Yokohama, April 14, 1863.
BE pleased to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that no intelligence
of importance has reached me from any of the Chinese Consular ports.
2. The evacuation of the city of Show-shing, eighty or ninety miles from Ningpo,
as described in the inclosed extract from a report from Captain Dew of the Encounter,"
has restored the Province of the Chi-kiang to the undivided control of the Imperial
Government.
I have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS L. KUPER.
Jnclosure 2 in No. 49.
Captain Dew to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
(Extract.) "Encounter," April 12, 1863.
ACTING on the discretionary orders contained in your Memorandum of the 23rd of
February, I did not deem it advisable to leave Ningpo till the large city of Show-shing,
then being besieged by the Imperialists, had fallen, there being a report that Chung Wang,
with 50,000 men, was coming to its relief, and the withdrawal of the Encounter from
Ningpo at that time would have caused a panic. I am glad to inform you that Show-shing
was evacuated by the Tae-pings on the 20th ultimo, and that they were driven across the
Hang-chow Bay with loss; thus restoring the Che-kiang province to the Imperialists, and
making the presence of a gun-boat only necessary at Ningpo.
73
No. 83.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received June 17.)
My Lord, Peking, March 30, 1863.
WITH reference to the mode of proceeding in cases of breaches of the Custom-house
Regulations, contained in the Treaties with China, I have the honour to inclose the accom-
panying letter to Mr. Consul Harvey. It embodies the views of the United States'
Minister, as well as my own, on this rather complicated question.
I have. &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
Inclosure in No. 50.
Mr. Bruce to Consul Harvey.
Sir, * Peking, March 30, 1863.
WITH respect to the imposition of a penalty on the Blackburn," I have to direct
your attention to the legal opinions on the powers of the Chinese Government under
Treaty forwarded by me to Mr. Consul Medhurst.
I apprehend in such cases that the Chinese authority is at liberty to seize and confis-
cate goods landed in breach of regulation. This power of confiscation extends, however,
only to goods in process of landing, not to the cargo which remains on board.
If the Chinese authorities wish to impose a fine under Treaty, they must address a
complaint to the Consul, and you must hear the case in the usual way, but without
Assessors. The Chinese are not entitled to impose a fine indirectly by withholding the
ship's papers until it is paid; unless, indeed, the Consul should refuse to hear the case.
If the Consul decides improperly, an appeal lies to the Minister.
Certain breaches of regulation are punishable by a fine, the amount of which is
specified in the Treaty. Where the words "not exceeding" are attached to the penalty,
you are at liberty to award such proportion of the extreme penalty fixed as you may think
just under the circumstances of a case ; but where a specific sum is fixed without such
qualifying words, the fine becomes an obligation due under Treaty to the Chinese Govern-
ment, and you have no option but to inflict the amount specified, on proof of the breach
of regulation. You can only bring forward, subsequently, such circumstances in mitiga-
tion to the notice of the Chinese authority as may tend to show that he ought to be
satisfied with less than the whole penalty.
This proceeding is in the nature of an equitable appeal, rather than the exercise of a
legal right.
With respect to this particular case, I have to observe that it is the duty of the
Minister to state general principles, and of the Consul to apply them to particular cases,
and that there is great inconvenience and irregularity in the Consul shrinking from the
performance of his part in a matter so simple. Neither I nor the Chinese Government
can arrive at any satisfactory conclusion on the question, whether the whole penalty, or a
portion of it, or none at all, ought to be levied. There may be equitable considerations in
favour of the master ; on the other hand, there may be a general contempt shown for regu-
lations which may make it necessary for the Superintendent of Customs to exact the full
penalty, whenever regulations are infringed. The hesitation that has been shown at
Shanghae, in facing the unpopularity of recognizing the rights of the Chinese Government
under Treaty, and in enforcing the obligations of Her Majesty's subjects in Custom-house
matters, is the real cause of that want of an amicable understanding which gives rise to
cases such as the present; and I am convinced that if you will consult with the Chinese
authorities, whether native or foreign, in a suitable spirit, showing a disposition to recognize
the rights of China if they respect those of Great Britain, you'will not find any difficulty
in settling these particular cases, or if yon do find difficulty, I will have it removed.
I request you to come to a clear understanding with Mr. Hart or Mr. Fitzroy on the
substance of this despatch, and state to these gentlemen that I think it most desirable for
the interests of the Chinese Government that local matters should be as much as possible
amicably settled at Shanghae itself, and that in exacting fines they would do well always
to make allowance for bond fide extenuating circumstances. Their position is a delicate
one, and they ought to avoid the appearance of harshness.
I have the authority of Mr. Burlingame, the Minister of the United States, for stating
that he concurs in the principles herein laid down.
I am, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
[160]
L
83
No. 83.
Sir F. Bruce to Earl Russell.{Received June 17.)
(Extract.) Peking, March 30, 1863.
DREAD of diminished revenue is the great obstacle we have to encounter in the
Yang-tze arrangements, and the establishment of Custom-houses at the ports in the
interior has in this respect favourably disposed the local authorities to trade. In order to
make permanent and specific progress we must show that we do not propose to sacrifice the
interests of China. If we cannot succeed in conciliating these interests, we are only
preparing the way for a reaction against our privileges which will, sooner or later, leave
us no means hut force of protecting them.
. No. 52.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.{Received June 17.)
(Extract.) Peking, April 8, 1863.
DURING winter, bands, consisting of brigands in considerable numbers, had pene-
trated the southern part of this province from the mountainous districts of Shan-tung,
destroying the unwalled villages and pillaging the peasantry. The Governor-General of
the province, being unable to drive them back, was degraded, and his Excellency Tsung-
how, the Superintendent of Trade in the northern ports, who resides at Tien-tsin, was
named Acting Governor-General, and charged with the duty of restoring tranquillity.
This officer has taken great interest in the drill of the Chinese troops at Tien-tsin and
Taku, and finding, on his arrival at the disturbed districts, that the troops on the spot
were not sufficient, he applied for the assistance of the trained force. Mr. Acting Consul
Gibson represented to me that they were not fit to act without the presence of Captain
Coney, of Her Majesty's 67th Regiment, and the military instructors; and as the bands
to be repressed have no political character, and are merely plunderers, I sanctioned this
officer's accompanying the men. I further permitted Mr. Gibson to go with the force, as
his Excellency Tsung-how had expressed a wish to have that gentleman as a medium of
communication, and because, the river being then frozen, business at Tien-tsin was at a
stand-still. I was also desirous of having from him an exact account of the nature and
extent of this anarchical movement.
Unfortunately, Mr. Gibson, having undertaken to make a reconnaissance, came upon
some of these bands, whom he charged and dispersed, but in doing so received a wound
from a spear above the eye, which threatened serious consequences. I am glad to say,
however, that he is recovering, and I hope he will be restored to duty shortly.
I regret very much this accident to Mr. Gibson, who has proved himself a zealous and
efficient Consular officer.
Inclosure in No, 52.
Captain Coney to Sir F. Bruce.
Tsien-kia-tchang, 13 miles north-north-east of Lien-tsen,
on the West Bank of the Imperial Canal,
Sir, March 9, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report to you that I arrived at Ouy-shien, the head-quarters
of the Imperial army, with the Chinese disciplined troops* on the 4th instant, and put
myself in communication with the Commissioner Choong-heou, Acting Governor of the
Province of Chi-li, from whom I learnt that the rebels were in force to the south-west, the
nearest body being some ten or twelve miles distant, but were kept in check on the west
side by large bodies of both cavalry and infantry. The Governor's object appeared to be
to drive the rebels south into the Honan province; but as they still threatened north, either
for the purpose of crossing the canal at this place, where it is easily forded, or passing to
the west of Ouy-shien, and so escaping north again, I deemed it advisable to remain a day
at Ouy-shien awaiting their movements.
Mr. Gibson, who had preceded me, I found on my arrival about to start immediately
with 550 cavalry, to be increased to 800 on the march, for the purpose of making a recon-
* 2 Battalions of Infantry, 800; 1 battery of Artillery, 6 field-pieces; 2 8-inch mortars, 2 5§-inch mortars.
75
naissance, and also preventing the rebels crossing the canal at this point, but with strict
injunctions from me, under whose orders he placed himself, not to molest them in any
way unless they attempted either to cross or fly. It appears, however, by what I learn
from an European who accompanied himStewart byname, late serjeant 31st Regiment
that Mr. Gibson attacked a body of Infantry about mid-day (5th), who gave way, suffering
a loss of some fifteen or twenty. Later in the day he engaged a large body of Cavalry,
when I am sorry to say he was severely wounded by a spear immediately above the left
eye. No loss on either side. The Imperial Cavalry appeared to have behaved most
badly, not one-tenth having attempted to follow Mr. Gibson into action. The report,
however, that night to the Governor at Ouy-shien was "'a successful engagement; some
400 or 500 rebels killed and wounded; no casualty oil the Imperialist side save Mr. Gibson,
slightly wounded."
Not receiving any communication from Mr. Gibson, I proceeded at once (6th) south-
eastward to Chia-pou-se, the Governor sending orders for the troops on the west side to
move eastward, and close in, so as if possible to drive the rebels towards me; at the same
time directing this point, Tsien-kia-tchang, to be occupied. On arriving at Chia-pou-se,
1 found Mr. Gibson not slightly, as reported, but badly wounded (the eye itself is I believe
not damaged) ; he was, from over-excitement and fatigue, feverish and unconscious, and
it was not until the evening of the following day, the 7th, that he recognized me. About
2 o'clock on the morning of the 8th, I received a communication from the Commandant
of this post, requesting I would come at once to his assistance, the rebels having appeared
in large numbers on the opposite hank of the canal, and he feared they would force a
passage. I accordingly got under arms before dawn, and came to him bringing the disci-
plined troops, some 250 Cavalry and two field-pieces, also the Wo 5^-inch mortars, sending
Mr. Gibson under escort back to Ouy-shien. The rebels are in great force on the other
side, but I think it impossible for them to cross, certainly at this point. They show in
great numbers at night, and in the day-time reconnoitre in small parties of three and four.
This day a sentry, contrary to orders, fired, and some twenty of the picket took it up, and
shot one of the reconnoitring party at a long range. This I regret, as my object is not
to molest them unless in mass.
> The result of the closing in of the troops w7as the driving the rebels across the canal,
and chiefly it appears at this point, vdiich does not appear to have been held sufficiently
in time. One mandarin reports an engagement, when closing, in which he killed some 400,
the rest dispersing; but I am inclined to put but little faith in his statement.
The province I believe is at this moment clear of rebelsat least they have dispersed ;
but I fear when the troops are withdrawn, they will re-appear in as large numbers as
formerly.
The country through which we have passed has been sadly laid waste, and very many
villages either totally or partially burnt; the towns for the most part deserted ; all gates
closed and barricaded. At the French Jesuit Mission at Chiang-chiang, we found the
priests prepared to flythis at a distance of about 130 miles north. I am accompanied
by the Pere le Boncq, who volunteered his services as interpreter, and of great assistance
have I found him, especially in the absence of Mr. Gibson.
I have, &c.
(Signed) A. CONEY.
P.S. March 10th.I have just received a communication from the Governor at Ouy-
shien, reporting Mr. Gibson still unconscious. Le P&re le Boncq starts at once to see him,
but I trust ere this Br. Annesley, from Tien-tsin, will have arrived ; he promised, if possible,
to follow us in a few days.
A. C.
No. 53.
. Vice-Consul Markham to Earl Russell(Received June 17.)
My Lord, Shanghae, April 18, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a despatch
addressed by me, on the ] 7th instant, to Sir F. W. A. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN MARKHAM,
L 2
76
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Vice-Consul Markham to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, April 17, 1863.
IT is with much pleasure that I have to report the complete success of Major
Gordon's first expedition in command of the Sung-k'eong force for the relief of Chan-zu,
which was accomplished on the 6th instant, with the trifling loss of two men killed, and
one officer and tw7o men wounded.
I beg to inclose an interesting Memorandum on the operations, handed me by Major
Gordon.
Respectfully, &c.
(Signed) JOHN MARKHAM.
Inclosure 2 in No. 53.
Memorandum on Operations undertaken for the Relief of Chanzu in the Spring of 1863.
Head-Quarters, Sung-keang, April 11, 1863.
ABOUT the latter end of January a large city, Chaii-zu, situated about sixty miles
north-east of Soo-chow, thirty miles from Tai-tsan, and about seventy miles above Woo-sung,
tendered its allegiance to the Imperial Government. The Governor of the province (Footae)
sent immediately a mandarin of rank to this city, which is some twelve miles from the
Yang-tze, and is surrounded by a high wall which envelopes part of the Muirhead Hills.
A large creek leads from Yang-tze through the village of Fu-shan to Chan-zu, and thence to
Soo-chow. This village of Fu-shan is situated about three miles from the Yang-tze, and
has a notoriety for being a pirate station, and for its importing arms into the rebel
country.
The Footae therefore detached some of his troops in gun-boats, and a small force of
500 men and one gun, under Major Brennan, of the Sung-keong force, to take Fu-shan,
and thus open the communication with the Yang-tze. Chan-zu was now closely beleaguered,
and upwards of five Wangs, with some 30,000 to 40,000 troops, invested it. The garrison
consisted of 300 Cantonese (who were executed soon after its investment for treachery),
and 8,000 rebels who had come over. Two Frenchmen were among the garrison who
had been rebels. The country people flocked in in great numbers, and the number of
inhabitants were thus much increased. There was a year's rice, but no powder for the
troops.
To return to Major Brennan3s expedition, it will suffice to say that the troops
landed at the joss-house, and after two or three days fighting in the village near the
same, and on the opposite side of the creek, they found it was hopeless to push matters
any further, and therefore re-embarked and returned.
The Tai-tsan expeditiou being on the eve of departure nothing further was done till
after the repulse, when the Footae again agitated the question, and this resulted in another
expedition consisting of 200 Artillery, with four 12-pounder howitzers, and the
1st Battalion, some 650 strong, being sent with some of the Footae's troops. This expe-
dition landed on the other side of the creek to joss-house, and after driving the rebels
into the two Fu-shan stockades took possession of the village and country about Fu-shan.
The Imperialists strongly entrenched themselves on the beach and on the four or five *
isolated hills about the neighbourhood, and then Major Tapp, of the Artillery, who com-
manded the expedition, got his guns in position, and made his attack. This attack was
made on the eastern stockade ; but owing to the want of a bridge, and also from the
immense reinforcements the rebels threw into the place, it failed, and the troops took up
their position, to wait for reinforcements, in the village of Fu-shan, some 900 yards from
the rebel stockades.
Reinforcements were sent off on the 4th April, and after some small delay (the
" Zingari," Indian steamer, running aground, whereby two men were killed by the cable,
and through fogs on the Yang-tze River), the expeditionary reinforcement, consisting of
200 Artillery, with one 12-pounder rocket, 32-pounder gun, and two 12-pounder howitzers,
and two eohorns, and the Ningpo battery of 500 men, landed at the Imperialists
stockades. On the 5th the 12-pounders, which had been put on board ship, were landed
and dragged up to the point (viz., the village of Fu-shan), the 32-pounder in boat was sent
up the creek under a strong escort, and landed at the village.
It is necessary now to return to Chan-zu. The rebels on hearing of the intended
attack on Tai-tsan, sent off part of their troops, and on the repulse of the attack on this
place they returned with the two 32-pounders they had captured and a man of the
1st battalion whom they had taken prisoner, and to whom they gave three European's heads
with orders to this man to take them into Chan-zu, and show the people that they had
repulsed the attack, and that they had better give up their Chiefs and return to rebel rule.
The Head man of Chan-zu refused to let the prisoner in, but took the heads and
burned them ; the man was afterwards sent about his business by the rebels, and went into
Chan-zu. The rebels now got the two 32-pounders into position some 500 yards from the
wall, and, with five Europeans who were with them, they bombarded the wall for three
days doing trifling damage; they then burst the 32-pounders through using their own
shot, and sent them off to Soo-chow. This is gathered from the Head man of Chan-zu
garrison, who had his information from some of the rebels who had served the guns, and
who had afterwards deserted. The rebels now tried to blow up the walls, and made
several attacks by ladders keeping the garrison very much on the alert. In these attacks
the officer sent up by the Footae had his eye knocked out by a stone, and was shot through
the turban. This would show the attacks were serious, as it must have been a vigorous
attack to call him to the walls and into such a prominent position. The rebels now sold
the garrison various things at extravagant prices, getting by these means a good deal of
plunder in the city. The Chan-zu Head man heard of the attack of Major Tapp, and was
sadly cast down. The rebels held every gate, and had made a breastwork around the same
which defied the garrison to escape ; some spies, however, from time to time got out.
To return to Fu-shan. The position taken up by Major Tapp was excellent, and it
was determined to make the attack from this point.
The rebel stockades were divided by a creek, on the left bank of which was the wall
of the ruined city of Fu-shan, some 300 years old; the east wall of this formed a capital
approach to the edge of the creek opposite the east stockade, and the creek running
parallel to this wall gave good protection to the troops for the assault. The rebel
stockades were some 300 yards long and 60 yards wide, and from the south-east angle of
the ruined wall alluded to, and where the column debouched, no fire could be brought to
bear. The arch of the ruined northern gateway gave a good position for the 32-pounders,
distant some 600 yards from wall of stockade; from this place the country was
commanded. The four 12-pounder howitzers were put in front, and clear of its line of
fire, and the cohorns to the right and left of the 32-pounders, which could enfilade the east
and west faces of the stockade attacked. The 32-pounders, object was
1. To silence the guns in front attacked,
2. To enfilade the two faces alluded to.
3. To make a*breach.
4. To see that the rebel reinforcements were kept from our flanks.
Another 12-pounder howitzer was put on the west of the city wall, so as to keep a
fire on the bridge which united the two rebel stockades.
The Imperialists were to keep the right flank clear.
The Ningpo Battery and two companies of Rifles were placed under the east face of
the ruined wall, and had to keep up a musketry fire to their left; in the creek were the
boats for bridge ; the 1st Battalion were in reserve, two companies being thrown out as
skirmishers towards the stockades, so as to cover the 12-pounder bearing on the bridge.
The rebels during this time did not molest us; they kept up a desultory fire, and
showed in great strength in rear of the stockades; 1,000 Canton men were said to be in
rear, and they are said to be the men who kept the Fu-shan garrison from retreating, or
coming over to us.
April 6.It being low water at 1030 a.m., the guns opened at that hour, and after a
hot fire for thirty-five minutes the point of attack was so damaged that no fire to speak of
was kept up; being only 60 yards in extent the number of guns was terrific, and although
after every shot the rebels would fire from one or two loopholes, it was evident they had
no chance. The rebel reinforcements now swarmed up, and the 32-pounder having
fulfilled its duty as to a breach, the boats were pushed up and the troops passed over, the
1st Battalion skirmishers pushing up and joining the right of the stormers. The
32-pounder now sent its shell into the rebel reserves, truly formidable as far as flags are
concerned, but they were stopped by three or four rounds. The storming party now
pushed through both stockades, and in a disorganized state some few men ran over to the
rebels who were coming up to the reserve. A valuable officer was here wounded, Captain
Belcher. The troops being very little in hand, were not fit to attack the dense masses of
rebels close to the place, and therefore it was determined to halt in the stockades and
make sure of the capture; the guns, also, that*had been used had to be got together
7
before we could advance to Chanzu, nine miles distant: about forty rounds had been fired
from the 32 pounder and thirty rounds from the 12-pounders.
It was determined to advance on the 7th April, but on that day the rebels retreated,
evacuating two very strong lines of stockades situated between Fu-shan and Chanzu, and
clearing away for some thirty miles. The road from Chanzu to Fu-shan is very wide, the
country very fairly cultivated, but the villages gutted as usual. No people had then, on
the 7th, returned, but they were coming back when we returned. About half-way from
Fu-shan to Chanzu were the head-quarters of the rebel Chiefs, near which thirty-four men
of the Footae's soldiers had been crucified and burnt with hot irons on their chests.
These men had been taken from boats which had been cast on shore during a storm. A
cargo-boat marked 0. & Co., No. 2," was found near here; it appears it was captured
off Fu-shan five months ago, and the crew of five Englishmen executed. The rebels had
a very strong position in front of the north gate, and had evidently pressed the garrison
hardtheir scaling ladders were lying about. The city of Chanzu is partly in ruins ; its
creeks are full of boats; and although the lower parts of the houses are closed, there
appear a great number of inhabitants in themthese are the peasants of the neighbourhood
who came in for shelter; the walls are well manned and have verandahs over them.
The Head man lives in a very fine joss-house; he receives with great state, and is
surrounded by the subordinate Chiefs, good-looking intelligent young men of 25 or there-
abouts, who are Colonels. These Chiefs are well dressed in silks and embroidered shoes,
and large pearls in their caps. There is no crowding in of the servants, but much more
style than is usual in great mandarins' houses.
The Head Chief is a middle-aged man ; he has five wives, who are covered with
bangles of gold, and a large retinue. He had a most care-worn look, and expressed
greatly his misery during his beleaguerment.
On the evening of the 7th eleven mandarin hats were taken in, with the flags of office,
and as the rebels had disappeared from the neighbourhood, and the Chanzu rebels who
had come over and Imperialists had together some 15,000 men, the expedition returned,
leaving a small garrison at Fu-shan.
The rebels who fought at Fu-shan, and many others, are said to be very willing
to come over, and the good faith shown by the Imperialists at Chanzu will have greaf
influence.
The mandarin discipline is very strict, and the smallest breach of discipline is punished
death.
The loss of the force was: one officer severely wounded,^two men killed, and two
wounded.
(Signed) C. G. GORDON, Major,
Commanding Sung-keong Force.
No. 54.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received June 18.)
Sir, War Office, June 17, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the
information of Earl Russell, the accompanying copy of a despatch from Brigadier-
General Staveley, inclosing the copy of a letter which he had addressed to Her Majesty's
Minister at Peking, in which he reports the result of an interview with the Viceroy of
Hu Kwang.
I am, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 54.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, April 16, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a letter addressed by me to his Excellency
Sir Frederick Bruce, K.C.B., relative to my visit to Hankow for the purpose of an
interview with the Viceroy Tsang Kwo-fan.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
79
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, April 16, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report for your information, that having made an excursion
up the Yang-tze River as far as Hankow, I had an interview with Quan, the Viceroy
of Hu Kwang, who informed me that only two-tenths of the Province of Sze-chuen was
occupied by the rebels (the Nien-fei rebels), and that were it not for fear of these the
revenue of Hankow would be much greater; a large number of native traders not having
the means of going to the latter port for traffic,
He complained that he had to provide the Viceroy and Commander-in-chief Tseng
Kwo-fan with funds for his army in the valley of the Yang-tze, whereas the authorities at
Shanghae provide scarcely any.
I also had an interview with the Viceroy Tseng Kwo-fan, who was on a tour of inspec-
tion of his troops ; he informed me that a large body of Tae-ping rebels had crossed the
Yang-tze from Nanking, and were endeavouring to form a junction to the westward with
the Nien-fei rebels, and that he was making arrangements for driving them back on
Nanking. The Tae-pings had got as far as the east side of Poyang Lake, and he had a force
on the west side.
The Nien-fei rebels have a force at Hing-chu in the north of Ngan-whei Province.
Tseng Kwro-fan's tactics are, he informed me, to drive the Tae-pings into the corner
formed by the mouth of the Yang-tze and Hang-chow Bay, as I informed you in my letter
of the 17th of January, 1863.
I was detained a few days in an Imperialist camp at Wuhu, on the Yang-tze waiting
for a steamer, and the amount of suffering I observed among refugees who had sought
protection under the guns (such as they are) of the place was truly deplorable; this is the
state of things at all the Imperial stations on the river.
Tseng Kwo-fan complained that vessels with European flags on board, and whom he
cannot interfere with, keep Nanking supplied with provisions.
Captain Sherard Osborn's vessels, should they arrive, will no doubt be able to put a
stop to this.
I am of opinion that if Nanking, Foo-choW, and Hang-chow were taken, there would
be an end to the Tae-ping rebellion, and this might be effected by raising a force of 10,000
Chinese, organized by. European officers, to co-operate with Captain Osborn's squadron.
The European element would no doubt be costly, but would in the end prove a great
saving if successful, considering the money wasted on the large army in the valley of the
Yang-tze, whose system is not to capture by assault, but to sit down for years before a
place in the hope of starving it out.
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY. ,,
No. 55.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received June 20.)
Sir; War Office, June 20, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the infor-
mation of Earl Russell, the accompanying copy of a letter from Major-General Brown,
commanding the forces in China, together with its inclosure, on the subject of the proposal
to reinstate General Burgevine in the command of the Ward's Force."
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 55.
Major-General Brown to Sir G. C. Lewis.
(Extract.) Head-Quarters, Shanghae, April 22, 1863. _
I HAVE the honour to forward, for your information, a copy of a letter received this
day from Sir Frederick Bruce, relative to the reinstatement of Mr, Burgevme to the
so
command of the Ward Force, and beg to inform you that, at an interview this afternoon
with Le, Footae, 011 the subject of Sir F. Brace's communication, he expressed himself
decidedly against the instructions received from Peking, viz., the reinstatement of
Mr. Burgevine to his former command, and declined to supersede Major Gordon (in whom
he has already learnt to rely) without making further reference to his own Government.
I purpose writing at once to Sir F. Bruce, supporting the Chinese authorities at
Shanghae, expressing a wish that Major Gordon may still be allowed to retain his command
until more definite instructions be received by Le, Footae, from Peking; Major Gordon
having already done so much towards the organization of the force under his command.
Inclosure 2 in No. 55.
Sir F. Bruce to Brigadier-General Staveley.
Sir, Peking, April 10, 1863.
THE Chinese Government having informed me officially of the charges brought
against General Burgevine, I took occasion to examine them at length, and I am perfectly
satisfied that General Burgevine acted from a regard to the interests confided to him, that
he was sacrificed to an intrigue of some Chinese subordinate officers, and to the jealousy
entertained by the Governor towards the Chinese drilled force, against which he
thought he might strike a first blow with safety on account of General Burgevine being
an American.
Now if foreign officers are to have any security in the Chinese service, and if
honourable men are to be induced to enter it, it is absolutely necessary that they should
be sustained against the intrigues and injustice of local authorities, and I have therefore
cordially joined in recommending the Chinese Government to replace General Burgevine
in the command of Ward's Force.
Of General Burgevine's intelligence, tact, and good sentiments, I have formed a
favourable opinion, and the fact of his being cosmopolitan, though nominally American,
renders me very desirous that his restoration to command should be effected, and that he
should receive, as hitherto, every assistance from the officers of Her Majesty's service.
General Burgevine will be accompanied by a Chinese Commissioner to settle the
affair with the Governor, and I shall be very glad if you will use your influence in furthering
these views, and that you will explain to Major Gordon that this is not a step taken on
any comparison of his merits and those of General Burgevine for the command, but in
pursuance of the general policy of seeing justice done to foreigners in the Chinese service
to whatever nationality they belong.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.
No. 56.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Foreign Office, June 23, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government approve the instruction of which a copy is inclosed in
your despatch of the 30th of March, and which you addressed to Mr. Consul Harvey,
stating your view of the course of proceeding to be adopted by Consuls in cases of breaches
of the Custom-house Regulations contained in the Treaties with China.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 57.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, o Foreign Office, June 23, 1863.
HER Majesty's Government approve your views with regard to conciliating the
Chinese, as set forth in your despatch of the 30th of March last.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
mi
No. 36.
Mr. Layard to Sir E. Lugard.
Sir, Foreign Office, June 23, 1863.
I HAVE laid before Earl Russell your letter to Mr. Hammond of the 20th instant,
transmitting copies of a letter and its inclosure from Major-General Brown on the subject of
the proposal to reinstate General Burgeviue in the command of Ward's Force ; and I
am, in reply, to state to you, for the information of the Secretary of State for War, that
Her Majesty's Government see no reason to interfere in this matter.
I am, &c.
(Signed) A. H. LAYARD.
No. 59.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received June 23.)
Sir, War Office, June 23, 1863.
I AM directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the information
of Earl Russell, the accompanying copy of a despatch from Brigadier-General Staveley,
together with its inelosure from Major Gordon, the officer now in command of the "Ward's
Force," in which he reports the capture of Fu-shan from the Chinese rebels, and the relief
of the garrison of Chang-shu.
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure in No. 59.
Brigadier-General Staveley to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, April 17, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report that the rebel city of Chang-shu, twenty miles to the
north-east of Kading, the garrison of which had a short time since given in its allegiance
to the Emperor, has for some time been invested by the Tae-pings.
The Tae-pings had also recovered the town of Fu-shan, situated between Chang-shu
and the Yang-tze River, thus cutting off all communication with Chang-shu.
Two expeditions composed of detachments of the Ward's Force" and the Imperialist
troops which had been sent by the Governor of the province for the capture of Fu-shan
and the relief of Chang-shu had failed, when, on the 3rd instant, Major Gordon, half-pay
Royal Engineers, who had just been placed in command of the "Ward's Force," attached
Fu-shan, captured it, and drove back many thousands of rebels, and relieved the garrison of
Chang-shu.
Major Gordon appears to have performed this service with much ability and
judgment.
I herewith inclose a copy of his report.#
I have, &c.
(Signed) C. STAVELEY.
No. 60.
Vice-Consul Markham to Earl Russell.(Received July 1.)
My Lord, Shanghae, May 5, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to forward for your Lordship's information, copy of a despatch
addressed by me, on the 27th ultimo, to Sir F. W. A. Bruce.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN MARKHAM.
[160]
* In closure 2 in No. 53.
M
82
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Vice-Consul Markham to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, April 27, 1863.
ON receipt of your despatch I addressed the letter of which I inclose copy
to his Excellency the Footae, but up to the present moment I have received no reply
thereto. General Brown has however shown me a letter he received from the Footae, on
the subject of General Burgevine's reinstatement to the command of the Sung-kiang force,
in which he most positively refuses to displace Major Gordon and reinstate General
Burgevine. The authorities here, together with the mandarins, gentry, and people of Sung-
kiang, object to Burgevine's reinstatement on the following grounds :That it is likely to
lead to a renewal of the disturbances, riots, and mutinies, to which the force has hitherto been
prone. That Burgevine has never worked harmoniously with the mandarins, and is conse-
quently unlikely to do so now. That in addition to his unfitness from want of knowledge
of the Chinese, he is likewise physically unfit for the command of troops in the field;
that the force, if given over to him, would immediately become again an anti-mandarin,
uncontrolled, but well-armed rabble, dangerous alike to foreigners and Chinese. They also
state, and with reason, that if Burgevine is reinstated, all the British officers who have
joined the force, and to whom it is indebted for its present efficiency and future standing,
will send in their resignations.
At an interview I had with Major-General Brown on the subject, he showed himself
much opposed to the reinstatement of Burgevine, and he said, that should Major Gordon be
removed, the force would likely become of little or no use, but perhaps a source of
trouble. As General Brown informs me that he is writing to you, he will give you his
views in full.
General Burgevine called on me last Saturday, and mentioned his intentionof proceeding
to Peking by the 66 Island Queen," starting from this to-morrow, should the Footae still
refuse to recognize him as the Commander of the Sung-kiang force.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN MARKHAM.
P.S., April 28.Since writing the above I have received an answer to my letter to
the Footae, which I send up in original, as there is no time to copy it. A translation of
a letter to the General, word for wrord the same, is sent up by him.
J. M.
Inclosure 2 in No. 60.
Vice-Consul Markham to he, Footae.
Sir, Shanghae, April 23, 1863.
I HAVE received a despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, informing me
that General Burgevine comes hack to Shanghae with a Chinese Commissioner, for the
purpose of being reinstated in command of the Soong-keong force. Her Majesty's
Minister further states that he cordially sustains this decision of the high authorities at
Peking.
Presuming your Excellency has received a communication of similar purport, I have
the honour to request you will, with as little delay as possible, inform me what steps your
Excellency intends to take in this matter.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN MARKHAM.
Inclosure 3 in No. 60.
he, Footae, to Vice-Consul Markham,
(Translation.) April 24, 1863.
THE officer Gordon having received command of the ever-victorious army, having
immediately on doing so proceeded to Fu-shan, working day and night, having worked
harmoniously with the other Generals there, having exerted himself and attacked with
success the walled city, and relieved Chang-zu, and at once returned to Sung-kiong, and
organized his force for further operations to sweep out the rebels, having proved himself
83
valiant, able, and honest, I have congratulated myself, and memorialized His Imperial
Majesty to confer on him the dignity and office of Tsung-ping, to enable me to consider
him as part of my command.
This Memorial I sent up on the 25th day of the 2nd moon. On the 5th of the 3rd
moon I received a letter from the Tsungli yamun, that during the 2nd moon Burgevine
had taken on himself to enter Peking, and proceed surreptitiously to the American Lega-
tion ; that while they were taking steps on this they received a number of letters from
the American Minister, to the effect that Burgevine repented him. They also received a
strong letter from the English Minister in his favour; that in their opinion Burgevine should
be dealt with according to law for striking a mandarin, and taking forcible possession of
public moneys; but as he was guaranteed by the English and American Ministers, had
already expressed contrition for his fault, and had proceeded to Shanghae, to be dealt with
by the chief military authorities of the Province, they thought perhaps the rule might be
departed from, and an opportunity given him to turn over a new leaf, and they had, there-
fore, sent an officer to accompany him to Shanghae, for the Footae to do what he thought
best; that if Burgevine did really proceed to Shanghae, and expressed contrition for his
offence, the Footae might decide on the line to be taken.
Now had a Chinaman committed the offence of which Burgevine has been guilty, he
would long ere this have been seized and severely punished ; but, perhaps, being a foreigner,
he did not fully understand Chinese customs, and he has in days goiie by exerted himself
in our service, and received a wound. As he has represented this at Peking, and the various
foreign Ministers have spoken strongly in his favour, arid as the Tsungli yamun have
written leaving the decision to me, and not distinctly ordered me to give him the command
of the force should he repent him, and acknowledge his fault, I must change my course
with regard to him, and not cut off entirely his chance of repairing his fault.
But with regard to the Ward Force, as when Burgevine had the command, there was
no regularity about its expenses; as he allowed it to be disorderly and mutinous, disobe-
dient to orders, and a pest to mandarins and people; as he gave no account of the manner
in which he expended the 90,000 taels which Takee had got together for the Nanking
expedition, and which he took thence ; and as he made up claims for over 300,000 taels
of debts, causing Taoutaes Woo and Yang to be degraded and involved, so that to this
moment they had been unable to extricate themselves,I cannot give him command of the
force, again to increase vain expenses, and suffer future difficulties.
Again, since Gordon has taken the command he has exerted to himself to organize
the force, and though he has had but one month has got the force into shape. As the
people and place are charmed with him5 as he has already given me returns of the orga-
nization of the force, the formation of each regiment, and the expenses, ordinary and
extraordinary, in the clearest manner, wishing to drill our troops, and save our money,
it is evident that he fully comprehends the state of affairs, and in the expedition he is
preparing his men delightedly obeyed him, and preserved proper order: I cannot therefore
remove him without cause.
As, moreover, should the report be spread about that Burgevine has come back to
Shanghae to resume the command, the various officers and petty officers will be insulted,
and the service will suffer, I feel it right to make the letter 1 have received from the
Tsung-li yamun public, together with my intentions with regard to it* that both Gordon
may be fully satisfied as to his position and the officers may pay no attention to idle
reports.
I have therefore forwarded you herewith a copy of my memorial to the Emperor, and
beg you to tell Gordon to feel every confidence, to organize the force jointly with his
Chinese colleague, to look for orders to me only, to pay no attention to rumours, and to
relax in consequence, and should any of the officers who were in the force in Burgevine's
time, and who have since been dismissed, spread idle reports in Sung-kiong, or stir up
doubts and plots in Shanghae, causing the men to get disturbed and mutinous, I have
written to the General to assist him to seize and deport them, that discipline may be
maintained. The Tsungdi yamun has, in referring Burgevine's case to me, shown extra-
ordinary regard for foreigners, and I myself have no desire to show favour to one to the
disadvantage of another, at one time severe and at another lenient, but look merely to
what is best for the armies, and least dangerous to the State. And as Gordon carries on
his duties well, I cannot displace him; should he not do so hereafter, I will then consider
what is to be done. I Lave therefore made up my mind, and besides replying to the Tsung-
li yamun memorializing His Majesty to settle the case, and instructing Major Gordon
of my decision, I write to inform you, and trust you will give him similar instructions.
M 2
84
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Memorial.
AGAIN, the English officer Gordon having taken command of the ever-victorious
army, Chang-zu and Chaowen being hard pressed, and the troops at Fu-shan few in
number, your Minister ordered him to proceed to their assistance ; this he did without
delaying an instant, day or night, and arriving there, worked harmoniously with the other
Generals, attacked and recovered the city.
The English General Stavelev had already told your Minister that Gordon was valiant
and intelligent, and the best of all the English officers in Shanghae, and since he has been
in command he has ever and anon been to see your Minister to arrange measures, desiring
to attack and sweep out the rebels on all sides. He has also endeavoured to discipline,
organize, and get under control the force, which was in a very bad state, and has the very
best intentions.
Last winter General Staveley agreed, with your Minister, that the foreign officer in
command should rank with a Chentae or Taoutae, and it seems right, therefore, that
Gordon should do so, and the temporary office and dignity of Chinese Tsung-ping is there-
fore respectfully craved for him, that your Minister may command and direct him ; the
commission to be cancelled when everything is over, and he returns to his native
country.
Respectfully leaving the decision to His Imperial Majesty, &c.
No. 61.
Sir E. Lugard to Mr. Hammond.(Received July 2.)
Sir, War Office, July 2, 1863.
REFERRING to my letter of the 20th, and Mr. Layard's reply of the 23rd ultimo,
relative to the retention of Major Gordon, R.E., in the command of the Ward's Force,"
I am directed by the Secretary of State for war to transmit to you, for the informa-
tion of Earl Russell, the accompanying copy of a farther letter from the Major-General
Commanding in China, together with its inclosures on the subject.
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDWARD LUGARD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 61.
Major-General Brown to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Sir, Head-Quarters, Shanghae, May 4, 1863.
WITH reference to my previous correspondence by the last mail, relative to
Sir F. Bruce's despatch touching the removal of Major Gordon from the command of the
Chinese forces, I now beg to forward copy of my letter addressed to Sir F. Bruce, and
likewise the Footae's letter to me, explaining his reasons for wishing me still to retain
Major Gordon in command, and to which I have acceded.
Major Gordon has again taken the field with the Chinese forces, and only yesterday
reported to me the capture of Tai-tsan, one of the greatest strongholds of the rebels, and
most stoutly defended to the last, from the prestige of their two former victories against
the Imperialists and the force under Major Holland.
The result, I hope, will be the capture of another rebel stronghold, Quinsan, in a few
days; and with the continued success of Major Gordon in the field, it will enable me, I
hope, with safety to withdraw the greater part of the European troops from Shanghae,
which I have in contemplation, garrisoning Shanghae with the native troops, consisting of
the Belooch and 22nd Regiments, and also (if I can accomplish it) with a force of disciplined
Chinese.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. G. BROWN.
8s rv
85
Inclosure 2 in No. 61.
Major-General Brown to Sir F. Bruce.
Sir, Shanghae, XpriZ 17, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch addressed to
Brigadier-General Staveley, dated Peking the 10th instant, informing him of your having
recommended to the Chinese Government, that General Burgevine- should be reinstated in
the command of Ward's force.
The reasons as stated in your despatch, I am not prepared in any way to combat,
regarding them as entirely political.
But on military grounds I must be excused in taking a very different view, and
leaving the affair entirely in the hands of the Chinese Governor.
On the receipt of your despatch I at once communicated with the Footae on the
subject to rcceive his instructions; and his reply is herewith forwarded for your informa-
tion, and from which you will perceive that it is his determination still to retain Major
Gordon in the command: and if any influence is to be exercised by me in this matter,
I must be candid in stating that I incline to support the Governor, rather than counsel
the removal of Major Gordon, a military officer of Her Majesty's service whose great ability
and physical energy render him so well fitted for the command, and with whom I would
have no hesitation at any time to co-operate in the field, but would pause ere I
committed myself to make any movement in conjunction with a Chinese force not disci-
plined by or under the control of a British Commander.
And I may here mention, from information which has reached me, I have reason to
believe that Major Gordon's removal, if carried out, will bring with it the retirement of every
officer of Her Majesty's service connected with the Soon-kiong force.
At present there is every esprit with all now serving under him, and no lack of good
men prepared to join the forces if Major Gordon is retained in the command.
The force is now arriving at a state of discipline most favourable, and if left (in my
opinion) in the hand of a judicious military commander, and assisted by officers from Her
Majesty's service, might become the nucleus for the formation of a larger force ; but of
this I feel surethat no good will be derived by the Chinese Government if the force is
ever left entirely in the hands of a band of men who have not the slightest military repu-
tation, and nothing whatever at stake.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. G. BROWN.
Inclosure 3 in No. 61.
Le, Footae, to Major-General Broiun, April 24, 1863.
[This is verbatim the same as Inclosure 3 in No. 60.]
Inclosure 4 in No. 61.
Memorial to the Emperor.
[See Inclosure 4 in No. 60.]
No. 62.
Mr. Hammond to Sir E. Lugard.
Sir, Foreign Office, July 6, 1863.
I HAVE laid before Earl Russell your letter of the 2nd instant, inclosing copies of a
despatch from Major-General Brown, and of a letter which he had addressed to Sir F.
Bruce, under date of the 17th of April last, stating his reasons for desiring that Major
Gordon should be continued in the command of Ward's force ; and I am to state to you i:i
reply, for the information of the Secretary of State for War, that Lord Russell concurs with
Major-General Brown in this matter.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. HAMMOND.
86
No. 83.
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce,
Sir, Foreign Office, July 9, 1863.
WITH reference to the letter addressed to you by Major-General Brown on the 17th
of April, of which a copy has been forwarded to me by the War Office, I inclose a copy of
a letter which I have caused to be addressed to that Department,* from which you will see
that I have expressed my concurrence in the view taken by Major-General Brown as to
the expediency of retaining Major Gordon in the command of Ward's force.
I am, &c.
(Signed) RUSSELL.
No. 64.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received July 17.)
Sir, Admiralty, July 16, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith, for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter from Vice-Admiral Kuper,
dated the 5th May, with copies of its inclosures, relating to the state of affairs at Treaty
ports in China, and the destruction of a piratical junk in the neighbourhood of Hong Kong
by Her Majesty's gun-boat
I am, &c.
(Signed) C. PAGET.
Inclosure 1 in No. 64.
Rear-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalus" at Yokohama, May 5, 1863.
BE pleased to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that the state of
affairs at the various ports in China, which does not admit of being classed under the
general report of tranquillity, is described in the accompanying extracts of despatches from
the several Senior Officers and from the Acting Consul at Tamsui, in Formosa.
2. To that forwarded by Captain Nolloth, from Hong Kong, is appended the copy of
a correspondence relative to the destruction of a piratical junk by the gun-boat Grass-
hopper."
3. With reference to Lieutenant Dayrell'S, of Her Majesty's gun-boat Cockchafer,"
report of his endeavour to discover certain piratical vessels which had recently done much
damage to the rice junks in the neighbourhood of Amoy, this officer has been informed by
Captain Nolloth that, in cases of piracy on the coast wThere British or European property
has been plundered, or special ease come to his knowledge, it will be proper for him to
convey to the local authorities, through the Consul, any information which he may have
obtained, and that it will generally be their duty, and not his, to take active measures
under such circumstances. Lieutenant Dayrell will subsequently have received my
Standing Order No. I Of (copy of wThich was forwarded for their Lordships' information),
containing definite instructions as to the mode of dealing with vessels suspected of piracy.
4. It is not apprehended that anything serious will occur at Tamsuj, notwithstanding
the representation of the Acting Consul; the firms most interested in the tranquillity oT the
place considering that there is no good ground for anticipating much interference from the
men alluded to by Mr. Braune.
5. I have been obliged to acquaint this gentleman that the services to be performed
by the squadron under my orders will prevent my detaching a gun-boat expressly for the
protection of British interests at Tamsui, but that the
port and Foo-chow, has been directed to visit Tamsui as often as other duties will admit
of her doing so.
I have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS U KUPER.
* No. 62.
f Inclosure in No. 73.
87
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Captain. Nolloth to. Rear-Admiral Kuper.
(Extract.) Hong Kong, April 11, 1863.
TRANQUILLITY prevails in the city of Canton, but the Consul informs me that the
country south-westward of it is in a disturbed state, and that it is in some degree probable
that trouble may eventually arise, the interference of the Canton authorities to maintain
order having been resented by the contending parties. At present, however, the disturb-
ance is local, and not insurgent.
A piracy, with murder, having been committed close to Green Island, I dispatched
the Grasshopper" in pursuit, under charge of Lieutenant Walker (Lieutenant and
Commander Bennett then being still in hospital), who succeeded in destroying the pirate
junk.
I forward correspondence on the subject.
Inclosure 3 in No. 64.
Mr. Mercer to Captain Nolloth.
Sir, Hong Kong, March 24, 1863.
I HAVE /the honour to inclose copy of a special Report made by the Captain Super-
intendent of Police.
As the boat attacked is registered, apd belongs to this Colony, I think it might be
well if steps were taken to search the neighbouring waters for the piratical craft, and should
you agree with me on this point, the master of the passage-boat will be directed to hold
himself at your orders.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. T. MERCER.
Inclosure 4 in No, 64.
Special Report.
HU-YAT-WXNG, master of the passage-boat No. 773, Hong Kong, states, yesterday,
at noon, he left Chuia-chow, having on board salt fish and seventeen or eighteen passengers,
with a crew of thirteen men. When near to and outside of Green Island his boat was
stacked by a large Hakow boat, having more than twenty men on board, who fired (when
only at distance of twenty-five yards) about twenty shots, killing four men and wounding
three others. This fire was returned by the passage-boat, having on board three muskets,
which, together with the fact of this vessel being so close to this harbour, caused them to
abandon further their piratical intentions, after which they left in the direction of the
Cap-suey-moon Passage. Can identify the vessel, if seen, but not any of the pirates.
(Signed) N. QUIN, Captain Superintendent.
Hong Kong, March 23, 1863.
Inclpsure 5 in No. 64.
Lieutenant Walker to Captain Nolloth.
Sir, " GrasshopperHong Kong, March 25, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inform you that, pursuant to your orders of yesterday, I
proceeded in Her Majesty's gun-boat Grasshopper '' in search of the piratical Ha-kow
boat mentioned in the inclosed Report, and found her on shore near Chain-wan, inside the
Island of Chungvque, about 6 o'clock last evening. The junk had just been deserted, the
cable cut, and food still cooking on deck. She was immediately recognized by the Chinese
on board.
The Chinese fishermen reported that about twenty-five men had gone over the hill,
with muskets, on the gumboat appearing round the point.
Being unable to get her afloat, I gave orders for her to be burnt, which was done.
I have, &c.
(Signed) CHAS. F. WALKER.
88
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Mr. Mercer to Captain Nolloth.
Sir, Hong Kong, Marcft 26, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of Lieutenant Walker's report of the
destruction of the piratical junk mentioned in the special report of the Captain Superin-
tendent of Police of the 23rd instant, and request you will accept my best thanks for the
prompt manner in which you have acted in this matter, and I beg you will convey to
Lieutenant Walker my acknowledgment of the service he has rendered the Colony.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. T. MERCER.
Inclosure 7 in No. 64.
Lieutenant Dayrell to Captain Nolloth.
Sir, " Cockchafer," Amoy, March 27, 1863.
HAVING been informed that the pirates about Amoy had been doing much damage
to the river junks, &c., I have the honour to inform you that I proceeded on a cruize in the
gun-boat under my command on the 19th of this month, taking a Chinese pilot with me, so
as to be able to examine the coast more thoroughly; and returned to Amoy on the 21st.
On my return I anchored the gun-boat off an inlet opposite Notch Island (about twenty miles
to the southward of Amoy); from this position the mast-heads of several large junks could be
seen over the land, apparently at anchor off the town, which is well known to be principally
inhabited by pirates. As the pilot stated that the gun-boat could not be got up to this
place except at the top of very high water, I determined not to attempt it until I should
have your permission to do so.
I have, &c.
(Signed) EDMD. M. DAYRELL.
Inclosure 8 in No. 64.
Lieutenant Temple to Captain Nolloth.
(Extract.) Pagoda anchorage, River Min, March 19, 1863.
SINCE my letter of February 18th I have visited Tamsui, arriving on the 25th ultimo
and leaving on the 6th instant. The place was tranquil, although an attack on the English
settlement had been planned for the nights of the 16th. and 17th of February; but as the
residents had been forewarned by the mandarins, and were well armed and prepared, and
the mandarins kept their own people on the alert, firing guns and muskets at short
intervals, the robbers gave up their project, and the new year passed off quietly.
Strong breezes and current prevented my return to this port till the IOth.
Foo-chow is quite tranquil.
Inclosure 9 in No. 64.
Consul Braune to Rear-Admiral Kuper.
Sir, Tamsui, Formosa, March 14, 1863.
A SHORT time since, an attack was made on the yamun of the Chinese Super-
intendent of Foreign Affairs in Formosa, and the armed band who made the attack were
assembled under the excuse ol preventing foreigners, by force, from buying land and
building houses. I at once took the proper steps with the local and provincial authorities,
and proclamations were issued forbidding any interference with foreigners in the exercise
of their Treaty rights.
The persons to be guarded against are a band of emigrants from Chin-chew, who live
in our quarter of the town, and monopolize the coolie business. They may amount to
200 or 300 able men, most of them of one family name. Such is the dread of this band
entertained by the mandarins that they dare not seize any influential members of it, for it
has a practice of releasing them by force. They are constantly threatening foreign houses,
89
and keep the residents in continual anxiety. At the China New Year I had to land men
from the British brig t( Croukbane" on two consecutive nights. On the different occasions
when they have stolen foreign property I have never been able to obtain the slightest
redress, for the reasons above stated. These being the men with whom we have to deal,
your Excellency will perceive that the mandarins' proclamations are waste paper.
On a recent occasion I tried to induce one of the headmen to sign some title-deeds as
witness, but he absolutely refused, saying it would embroil him with these Chin-chew
men.
Messrs. Dent and Co.'s agents have received instructions to build, and will probably
commence in a month or six weeks; and I trust you will be able to station a gun-boat here
for two or three months, that the first step may be made in safety.
A collision of some sort is very probable, but with a gun-boat in port these men
would receive a lesson which would teach them caution in meddling with foreigners, and
her presence might prevent any outbreak whatever.
It is impossible for four or five Englishmen to defend themselves against a mob of
ruffians who own no law but their own pleasure, nor is it their business to do so; that is
the part of the local authorities, but unfortunately they are as helpless as we are, and I
could bring many cases to prove it.
I trust your serious consideration will be given to these things; I think a collision
must occur sooner or later, and the sooner it occurs and affairs are settled the better.
Moreover, British property will be in serious danger when building commences.
I am, &c.
(Signed) GEO. C. P. BRAUNE,
No. 65.
Mr. Bruce to Earl Russell.(Received July 21.)
{Extract.) Peking, April 13, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to inclose an extract of a despatch from Mr. Consul Medhurst.
Inclosure in No. 65.
Consul Medhurst to Mr. Bruce.
(Extract.) Shanghae, February 4, 1863.
THE cotton produced in this vicinity has of late been largely taken up for export to
Great Britain, to supply the wants of the market there ; twenty vessels, of 15,066 tons,
having been more or fess laden with it between the 5th December last and the present
v date. At a rough estimate the amount thus exported may be calculated at 8,580,000 lbs.,
equal to about 21,450 American bales of 400 lbs. each ; and this is only a commencement
of a trade which promises to increase largely during the next few months.
No. 66.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received August 8.)
Sir, Admiralty, August 7, 1863.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith, for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter trom Vice-Admiral
Kuper, dated the 26th May, with copy of its inclosure from Lieutenant Bosanquet of
Her Majesty's gun-boat Flamer," relative to the state of the Chinese disciplined forces
in the province of Ningpo.
I am, &c.
(Signed) W. G. RQMAINE.
[160]
N
90
Inclosure 1 in No. 80,
Vice-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalus," at Yokohama, May 26, 1863.
BE pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the inclosed
copy of a letter from Lieutenant Bosanquet of the Flamer," stationed at Ningpo,
describing the state of the Chinese disciplined forces in that province.
2. ] have brought this subject under the notice of Sir Frederick Bruce, with a
request that lie will take such steps as may appear desirable for improving the relations
between these troops and the Chinese authorities under whose immediate control they
are placed.
I have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS L. KUPER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 66.
Lieutenant-Commander Bosanquet to Commander Strode.
(Extract.) u Flamer," Ningpo, May 19, 1863.
I BEG to address you on the subject of the unsatisfactory state of the Chinese
disciplined forces in this province.
The Franco-Chinese force now consists of about 1,500 officers and men under
French officers. The Anglo-Chinese force it wars agreed between the Taoutae here and
Captain Dew should be kept at 1,000 men, unless more were required, with a fixed
monthly payment for the same of 12,000 dollars, and I know that both the Taoutae and
the Chinese are perfectly well satisfied with this force. Unfortunately the Taoutae is
subject to the Footae of the province, who is making efforts to have all the disciplined forces
disbanded, being probably prejudiced against the same, as may also be any succeeding
Taootae or Footae, whereby the continuance of the force, and consequently the defence
of this part of the province, is placed on a most precarious footing, being subject to the
caprice of the high Chinese officials. Great efforts have been made, and assistance
afforded, by tier Majesty's Government in this neighbourhood, both as to supplies of
munitions, drilling troops and otherwise, but I am afraid without effect: the last supply
of munitions brought by me from Shanghae and handed over to the Taoutae by Captain
Dew, viz., 1,000 Tower muskets, 100,000 rounds of ball cartridges, besides guns and
other stores, I ascertained, too late to remonstrate, have been handed over to the
Taoutae and his undisciplined troops, which is almost throwing them away.
The Anglo-Chinese force, I have every reason to be satisfied with ; the Commander,
Colonel Cooke, is a good and honest officer, and the discipline and monetary arrange-
ments are satisfactory. It is almost needless to say that the expense of this force is not
severely felt by the Chinese, as the payments into the Treasury of this Taoutaeship
(consisting of three foos or first class cities) for the last quarter was 1,000,000 dollars,
and of course as this tract of country is now cleared of rebels, it must necessarily
increase ; also if the disciplined droops are discharged, braves will take their place.
I have the honour to lay this statement before you in case you should deem it
necessary to communicate on the subject to Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, who might-
take steps to have matters put on a more satisfactory footing by arrangements with the
Government at Peking. I would also suggest the advisability of Colonel Cooke receiving
a commission from Peking. I have desired Mr. Forrest, Acting Consul here, to allow
remonstrances to be made out in Chinese for me, addressed to the Taoutae, who is at
present too sick to be seen, and to acquaint him that Her Majesty's ships being elsewhere
engaged, he must not count on immediate assistance should the rebels, as is very probable
they will, return to this neighbourhood. Mr. Forrest has entered into the subject with
the Taoutae, and these remonstrances will take effect for a short time, but will have no
permanent result.
" Vulcan," Shanghae, May 20, 1863.
Forwarded for the information of the Commander-in-chief.
(Signed) A. C. STRODE.
91
No. 83.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.(Received August 8.)
Sir, Admiralty, August 7, 1863,
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you here-
with, for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter from Yice-Admiral Kuper,
dated the 26th May, with copy of its inclosures, from Lieutenant Bosanquet, of Her
Majesty's gun-boat "Flamer," reporting his proceedings in destroying piratical junks
near Ningpo.
I am, &c.
(Signed) W. G. ROMAINE.
Inclosure 1 in No. 67.
Vice-Admiral Kuper to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, " Euryalus," at Yokohama, May 26, 1863.
I TRANSMIT herewith, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admi-
ralty, the copy of a letter from Lieutenant Bosanquet, of the Flamer," reporting his
proceedings in the capture and destruction of certain piratical junks in the neighbour-
hood of Ningpo, on the 6th and 8th instant.
2. Whilst commending the zeal and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Bosanquet,
and the officers and men under his command, in the operations described, I have consi-
dered it right to express to that officer my regret that he should have attempted
lauding so small a force as a gig's crew in the presence of a large band of pirates, by
which the lives of valuable officers and men were exposed to imminent risk, and a boat
was lost.
3. I have also desired Lieutenant Bosanquet's attention to the instructions in my
Standing Order No. 10,# as to the mode of dealing with vessels suspected of piracy.
I have, &c.
(Signed) AUGUSTUS L. KUPER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 67.
Lieutenant- Commander Bosanquet to Commander Strode.
Sir, " Flamer," Ningpo, May 10, 1863.
I HAVE the honour to report, that on account of the frequent complaints made of
numerous pirates being in this neighbourhood, and as I mentioned as my intention in
my last letter, I proceeded out in search of pirates on the 5th instant, and arrived at
Sheipoo the next morning early, where I seized two piratical vessels, one of which I
destroyed, and the other kept for further use ; also I handed over three suspicious Canton
junks to the authorities there, to be adjudicated by them.
Having at this place received information and a pilot, I left on the morning of the
8th instant for Chokee, a bay on the mainland next below Station Island. On rounding
the south point of the bay (3*30 p.m.), I observed about ten piratical vessels ; six of these
immediately weighed, and took up a position on the mud in a small cove out of sight of
the gun-boat, which could not at that time of tide get closer than 2,200 yards.
Having put one of the hawsers in the piratical vessel mentioned as taken above,
and manned and armed my two boats, I proceeded in to attack, and found the largest
vessel, a Canton lorcha, swung broadside on to command the approach, which, with the
others, on my coming in sight opened fire. Having run my junk as close as possible,
that is to say, aground at 800 yards off, I made use of the howitzer, and then took to the
boats, which were received on advancing with grape and gingalls. When closing, the
pirates evacuated their vessels, and blew up their lorcha.
I immediately sent the second gig, manned and armed, under charge of Mr. Bradbury,
the senior Engineer (Mr. Chamber, Second Master, remaining in charge of the gun-boat,
and Mr. Norcott, the gunner of the junk, covering the landing), to seize the other junks
about three-quarters of a mile to the northward, which duty he performed; but shortly
after the pirates came down behind a bank in force, and renewed the attack, when
the ammunition (two gigs) ran short, they had to retreat to their boat, followed by
* In el as lire in No. 73.
N 2
|