The Chinese Repository/Volume 1/Number 3/Journal of Occurrences
JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES.
Rebellion.—A Peking Gazette of the 29th May, contains an account of a great victory gained over the mountaineers in Hoonan, a few days previously.—"The rebels having invaded a district in the level country, and taken a small town named Ping-tseuen, our troops (says Governor Loo-kwan, in his despatches to the Emperor) attacked them on all sides, and prevented their escape into Canton province. The rebels, however, still kept possession of the town, from the walls of which they fired on and greatly harassed our troops; till about forty of the latter advanced, under cover of their shields, and leaped on the walls. At the first onset they were thrown back and several wounded; but they rallied—and more troops coming forward to support them,—again mounted the walls, and cut down above a thousand of the enemy. The rest of the rebels then feigned to offer submission. But Lo-sze-keu (the commander-in-chief) refused it; and placing two divisions, under Lieut. General Ho-lung-woo, on the north and west sides of the town, to prevent any escape, he himself advanced on the south and east sides. A cannonade was then opened on the town and 'fire balls' thrown in among the rebels, by which means large numbers of them were killed and burnt. But they still obstinately continued to return our fire; our troops, therefore, made a sudden rush among them, killed about a thousand of them; and took prisoners several of their chiefs. They, however, succeeded in again closing the gates on us. But Lo-sze-keu urged and excited a more vigorous attack; our men rushed forward, fearless of danger; and the rebels were routed, but maintained a running fight, till coming between two bodies of our troops, they were slain to the number of two or three thousand, Among prisoners taken were two sons of Chaou-kin-lung,—two chiefs, Chaouwan-fung and Le-tih-ming,[1]—besides 50 inferior persons. Ten cannon and above 3000 small arms also were taken. The fighting lasted ten days, from the 5th to 15th of May, and about six thousand of the rebels were killed or taken prisoners. The remnant do not amount to one tenth of their original number. It is hoped that in a few days the chief rebel himself will fall into our hands."
The Emperor expresses himself highly gratified with the news of this victory, and with the conduct of his officers. He directs the Tribunal of office to deliberate what honors shall be conferred on the the three principal officers. Governor Loo-kwan, and the two Generals Lo-sze-keu and Yu-poo-yun. The list of presents bestowed on the meritorious officers is curious;—"To Loo-kwan, one feather-case of white jade, (this is a small tube, into which are inserted the peacocks' and other feathers sometimes bestowed by the Emperor),—a finger ring of white jade,—a small knife (this is for cutting meat, and is coupled with a pair of chopsticks),—a pair of large pockets, with yellow strings and coral ornaments, (these are for mere ornament, not use, and are worn behind),—and four small pockets.—To Lo-sze-keu," &c,., similar presents are bestowed.
While victory has thus crowned the Imperial arms in the adjoining province, the rebels have given up the contest in that quarter, and have turned round to defeat the army of this province, which is acting under the immediate directions of Governor Le. It was stated in our last number, that there had been some "hard fighting." A despatch to the Emperor from Gov. Le contains some interesting particulars: which, with credible reports now current here, give the war a very unfavourable aspect, —so far at least, as the "Great pure dynasty, " is concerned.
The Governer, it appears, on arriving at the seat of war, was determined to "pursue the rebels speedily and without mercy. Fifteen of the Yaou-jin, who fell into his hands, were accused of being spies, and instantly put to the sword.
By the help of maps, spies, counsels, &c., arrangements were made for a desperate onset; and about 2 o'clock, June 20th, the Imperial troops were in motion. In five divisions, and by five different passes, they attempted to enter the territory of the "Golden Dragon;" but were repulsed, with considerable loss, at every point. About eighty officers fell; the number of privates, who perished, is not stated. For an event so untoward his Excellency betrays not a little solicitude, and makes some statements in extenuation. The ruggedness of the hills, the narrowness of the passes, and the mode of warfare adopted by the rebels, &c., are carefully mentioned. The explosion of a magazine of gunpowder, fired by the Dragon's men, did great damage.
The courage and exploits of several of his Majesty's officers, are noticed with approbation, by Governor Le; the conduct of others is severely censured.
The Imperial commissioners, He-ngan and Hoo-sung-ih, accompanied by a body of troops, arrived at Leenchow from Hoo-nan, on the 26th inst.
The latest accounts from the hills state, that the military are exceedingly displeased, because the Governor, in his despatches to the Emperor, has concealed the loss of privates and uncommissioned officers. The survivers say, "there is no use in our sacrificing our lives in secret: if our toils are concealed from the Emperor, neither we, nor our posterity will be rewarded." The mutiny rose to such a hight, as to induce his Excellency to send a Courier after the original despatches, in the hope of overtaking them, and of making such additions as would satisfy the soldiery. Under these circumstances, the mountaineers are said to have sent out a challenge to meet the Governor in a pitched battle.
A god promoted by the emperor. Chang-ling, the great hero of Cashgar, has memorialized his Majesty, to inform him that, during the late attack of the rebels on that city, they endeavoured to inundate it by cutting a channel and turning the course of the adjoning river. But the Lung-shin (Dragon god), who presides over rivers and seas, prevented the design being effected. For this "divine manifestation" in favour of the Imperial cause, the Emperor has ordered a new title to be given to the god, a new temple to be built, and a new tablet to adorn it.
Beggars. Sturdy beggars in Canton have attracted the attention of Government. They go about in companies,—men, women and children; representing themselves as distressed by inundation, drought or famine, and insist on being supported by the forced contributions of the industrious inhabitants. Government disallows them; but they continue their annoying excursions notwithstanding. They are called San-min, "scattered or dispersed people."
Postscript. A rumour is abroad here, that Kin-lung, the leader of the rebel mountaineers, has changed the scene of action, and made a descent on the borders of Kwang-se province.
A small detatchment of troops passed this city, on the 23d inst., and another on the 28th, on their way to join the Imperial army under command of Governor Le; and 2000 more are ordered from Canton.
The weather has, thus far during the present season been remarkably cool; and much rain has fallen. The first crop of rice, in the immediate vicinity of Canton, is said to be very good; but in the eastern parts of the province the people are suffering much by famine: and the villages, as in several other places, are harrassed by banditti