China, during the War and since the Peace

Front matter

CHINA, DURING THE WAR AND SINCE THE PEACE. l.Y SIR JOHN FRANCIS DAVIS, BAET., F.R.S. LATE HER MAJESTY'S PLENIPOTENTIARY IN CHINA; GOVERNoP. AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE COLONY OF HONGKONG. IN TWO A'OLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROAVN, GREEN", AND LONGMANS. 1852. London : Spottiswoodes and Shaw, New-street- Square. TO VICE ADMIRAL SIR THOMAS J. COCHRANE, K.C.B., LATE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE EASTERN SEAS. My Dear Admiral, This Work is addressed to you in re membrance of days passed in China, and be cause there is nobody better able than your self to judge of the various subjects of which it treats. Yours faithfully, J. F. DAVIS. Athenæum Club, March 25. 1852. a

Preface

. The two portions of this work, though con secutive in point of time, and so far connected, are materially different in other respects. The first is, in fact, a Chinese History, founded on native documents not intended for our information ; the second, the results of diplomatic transactions and personal ex perience during a four years' administration. A mass of Chinese official papers, captured or otherwise collected during the war, seemed Avorthy of a better fate than to become the prey of worms, always peculiarly active in a hot climate. Dr. Gutzlaff, by my desire, furnished a regular series of translations and ab stracts during the years 1844 and 1845,

PREFACE.

. VI whence a condensed narrative has been given in the first volume. This history of the Avar describes the im pression produced, on the most ancient existing empire, by a blow unequalled in import ance since the ManchoAV Tartar conquest. The British undertaking was the farthest military enterprise, of the same extent, in the history of the Avorld ; surpassing, in that respect, the expeditions of Alexander and Cæsar in the one hemisphere, and those of Cortes and Pizarro in the other. Qui gurges, aut quæ flumina lugubris Ignara belli ? — quæve Britannicæ Non decoloravere cædes ? Quæ caret ora cruore nostro ? Followed so soon by the El Dorado of Cali fornia, to Avhich the Chinese are swarming from Hongkong across the Pacific — by that of Australia — and by the short passage over the isthmus of Panama, it is not easy to

PREFACE.

. VII calculate the extent of the forthcoming revo lutions in the channels of national and com mercial intercourse. But it may be predicted that a British colony with twenty-five thou sand Chinese subjects, in sight of the south coast of China, is destined to play a part in the drama of the future. The two concluding chapters of the last volume, on the Indo-Chinese nations, may prove interesting at the present time. The chapter on Japan Avas already in the press, when the intelligence of an American mission to that country, of five vessels of war, reached London. Whatever may be the result of this undertaking, nothing important is likely to be gained by mere negociation, as the United States had already, in 1846, about as strong a force in the bay of Jedo, including a ship of 90 guns, under Commodore Biddle.* It is possible that the present exclusively naval * Vol. ii. page 287.

PREFACE.

. VIII armament may prove sufficient to carry out strong measures ; but its amount is very different from our OAvn seventy vessels of war and transports, with twelve thousand fighting men, before the walls of Nanking in 1842. If not sufficient, hoAvever, it may lead to something farther, from either the same or some other quarter. This expedition is an opportune confir mation of the vieAvs and expectations entertained in the tAvo chapters on the Indo- Chinese nations, who certainly will not be allowed much longer to remain in a state of avowed hostility to the rest of the world ; — more especially Japan, which fires on ships in their necessity, and exhibits shipwrecked mariners in cages, preparatory to a cruel death. With them, at least, the time has arrived, pacis imponere morem. It remains for the rest of the civilised

PREFACE.

. IX world to wish the United States all success, and to expect that they will make a humane, liberal, and enlightened use of it. Hollywood, March 27. 1852. VOL. I. a

Part I. Chinese History Of Tfie War With Great Britain

; FROM SECRET STATE PAPERS CAPTURED DURING THE AVAR, AND TRANSLATED OR ABSTRACTED EY DR. GUTZLAFF, INTERPRETER TO HER MAJESTY'S COMMISSION. " Fas est ab hoste doceri." a CONTENTS OP THE FIRST VOLUME.

Chapter I

Alarm on approach of war Loss of Chusan. — The Mongol Yukien. — Kidnapping. — Number of suicides. — Opium forgotten in the war, and never mentioned afterwards. — Mr. Thorn sees his own death represented. — Skirmish at Chapoo. — Capture of the Kite. — Character of Keshen. — Return of squadron from Peiho - Page 1

CHAPTER IL

Infatuation at Canton. — Duplicity of Keshen. — Pretended convention. — Disgrace of Keshen. — His enormous wealth. — Chinese hopes of victory. — The eight Tartar banners called out. — Destruction of Bogue forts Charges against Keshen, with his defence. — Eleepoo. — Order to construct ships Official suicide. CONTENTS. XIV — Copper guns cast. — Kidnapping during truce. — Inadequate means of defence. — Good intention of Eleepoo. — Chusan restored. — Eleepoo's disgrace Page 32

Chapter III

Chinese military force — Strategy. — Great expenses. — General ignorance. — Bold advice of Lin. — Low estimate of British. — Proposed defence. — Emperor orders uncompromising hostility - - - 74

Chapter IV

Renewal of war at Canton. — Emperor's nephew generalissimo. — Defeat on the river. — Immense preparations. — Night attack on British. — Defeats reported as victories. — Desperate condition of Canton. — Reasons for capitulating. — Canton mob. — Hopes derived from Typhoon - - - - - 99

Chapter V

Lin's exculpation of himself. — Contrasted with Keshen- — Change of actors on both sides. — Perfidy and bad faith. — Reported offers of Ghorkas. — Unattended with results. - - - - - 135

Chapter VI

Amoy captured Flight of governor. — Koolangsoo occupied Quiet at Amoy Ruinous expense. — Capture of Mr. Stead. — Yukien's ignorance. — His defensive measures. — Abuse of Keshen. — Posthumous revenge. — Importance of Chusan. — Yukien in credit CONTENTS. XV

Chapter VII

Approach of British force. — Defences of Chusan Second capture of that Island. — More kidnapping. — Yukien's report Action at Chinhae Suicide of Yukien. — Entry of Ningpo - - Page 184 CHAPTER VHI. Chinese plunderers. — Quiet occupation of Ningpo. — Posthumous disgrace of Yukien. — Winter quarters at Ningpo Another imperial relative generalissimo. — Offer of ransom. — Paper war. — Forged notice at Chusan. — Good feeling of inhabitants. — Night attack on Ningpo. — Defeated with slaughter. — General Yang's tactics. — Farther defeats. — Old Shoo. — Superstition and credulity. — Apathy of the people as to the war. — Reprieve and restoration of Eleepoo 206

Chapter IX

Capture of Chapoo. — Tartar suicides Keying. — His origin and character. — Receives the seal of imperial commissioner. — Defences of Woosung. — Paddlewheel junks. — Approach of British. — Destruction of Chinese batteries. — Brief despatch. — Assistance to invaders. — Amount of British force. — Disorganization of Chinese. — The Yangtse-Keang. — Imperial canal. — Capture of Chinkeang-foo. — Self-destruction of Tartars - - - - - 246

Chapter X

Eleepoo and Keying appeal to Emperor for peace. — Conciliatory measures. — Coincidence before gate us CONTENTS. XVI Nanking. — The Emperor subdued. — Nanking de fenceless. — Pacification. — Address to Emperor. — Reply Stipulations Three Chinese commissioners. — Distress of the country. — Keang proved to be navigable by steam for 400 miles - - 283

Appendix

. Chinese Work on the Nations of the West - CHINESE HISTORY OF THE WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

Chapter I. From Commencement Of War To Appointment Of Keshen As Negotiator

AT CANTON. When it became knoAvn, early in 1840, that a force Avas actually approaching to take redress for the opium seizure, and other outrages at Canton, great anxiety Avas felt on the part of those Avho Avere principally concerned, notwithstanding the real or pretended contempt which they had hitherto avoAved for the resources of Great Britain. The Court itself of Peking being, from its great distance and other causes, the last to know or appreciate the real truth, had not yet participated in the alarm ; but in the two maritime provinces of Canton and VOL. I. B Fokien speculations became rife as to the pro bable point of attack. The navy of the latter province had always, from the maritime habits of the people, been considered as the most effective in the empire, and might now ex pect to be called into action.

An officer of this force gave it as his opinion, in an official document, that the English Avould attempt a settlement in the Pescadores, — small rocky islets in the Strait of Formosa, — and from thence injure the trade between that large island and the main. He formed a very in adequate calculation of the extent of the future operations. About this time Teng Tajin, the late go vernor of Canton, had been transferred to Fokien. He was generally accused of having formerly, by his connivance * at least, if not actual co-operation, promoted the opium smuggling at Canton. Here Avas an oppor tunity (as he thought) of signalising himself, and Aviping off the imputation by the activity of his measures against the English. He found a ready coadjutor in a military commander, named Yupooyun, who had acquired some renoAvn, and stood high in estimation at Pe- INVETERATE HOSTILITY. king, by his success against certain native rebel tribes, — a very different enemy from those he was now to encounter.

The conjoint con sultations of these persons were recorded, and breathed inveterate hostility. At that period the most moderate propositions on our part would have stood no chance of acceptancy, for nothing but the annihilation of the British force was insisted on. FeAv warlike preparations were made at Chusan. The Chinese afterwards became sorely perplexed to understand Avhy our bloAV should be first struck in that quarter, where they were not prepared, rather than at Canton, where the grievances arose, and where they Avere accordingly expecting our attack. A few junks Avere assembled opposite to Ting hae, the capital of the island, the miserable battery which was found on the beach being thrown up during the night while the nego tiation for the surrender AATas pending. With its usual crooked policy, the Chinese government, rather than it should be supposed a hostile attack could be contemplated, had issued proclamations at Chusan, pretending that the English were coming for commercial B purposes contrary to the laws, and warning the people to have no dealings with them.

The war-junks in front of the toAvn had no mercy to expect from the emperor, if they had not waited for the effects of our attack on the 5th of July, 1840, which they did in the most devoted manner, and Avere almost immediately destroyed. The governor of the opposite province of Chekeang gave this account of the fall of Tinghae, the capital of Chusan, to his sovereign : — " On arriving at Chinhae (which commands the entrance of the Ningpo River), I had an intervieAV with the admiral, and learned that the second in command had been Avounded in an engagement with the English rebels, and several of our vessels sunk. On the capture of the town of Tinghae, neither the magistrate nor registrar would surrender to the enemy, but threw themselves into the water, and Avere drowned.* My surprise and * To account for the number of suicides which took place among the Chinese officers, it must be observed that this practice of "playing the Roman fool," as Macbeth calls it, is considered as an honourable solution of a difficulty.

The Japanese officers, when reduced to LOSS OF CHUSAN. horror were great on receiving this intelligence, vieAving the important position occu pied by Chusan, and its short distance from the main. I directed a number of men to watch the approaches of Chinhae, and gave orders to sink vessels in the channels, drive stakes into the river, and close the entrance Avith a chain. While thus engaged, I learned that the enemy had arrived in larger force, and among the vessels were some Avith three tiers of guns *, and others with wheels at the sides, moving as SAvift as the AA'ind. Our force cannot cope with the barbarians in number, and must therefore keep on the defensive, wearying them out. When the great army is assembled, Ave shall take measures to seize them alive. . . . The vice-admiral had been advised to withdraw into Tinghae (abandoning his vessels), but he persisted in remaining outside.

As the city was lost when above 1000 disposable troops remained, he extremities, always disembowel themselves, one of the most painful deaths that could be devised — "mais, il faut mourir selon les regies." * Counting the quarter deck as one. b will be arrested until your majesty's pleasure is known. The magistrate and registrar Avho drowned themselves, rather than submit, are deserving of all praise, and as soon as their families are discovered, they will be duly con sidered." In a subsequent paper the Avriter expresses his conviction that the English, having shoAvn such determination, would not rest satisfied, but press fonvard to the rich provincial city of Hang-choAV. He accordingly took all the precautions in his power, constructing bat teries in the narroAvest part of the approaches.

This tempting prize, hoAvever, remained un-" approachable by our ships during the war. The furious eddies in the deep bay within Avhich it is placed, spun our steamers round, and the rapidity of the stream made them perfectly unmanageable. The Chinese Venice Avould otherwise have certainly been visited, and afforded a richer capture than any during the Avar. Captain Elliot having fonvarded a communication by means of a Chinese junk to the governor of Chekeang, that officer made the following report to the emperor : " Full of REPORT TO EMPEROR. 7 crafty schemes, the rebels detained a merchant junk, and forced the master to deliver a letter from a pretended minister of their country, in which he wants us to supplicate the court in their behalf for trade. Their designs being unfathomable, the original was rejected (a copy being taken), while we redoubled our precautions.

The port is now closed, and the English barbarians have retired. " I have requested a former naval com mander on the Chusan station to take the necessary measures for recovering the island. He will for this purpose proceed thither in disguise, and make himself acquainted Avith the position of the enemy. These will of course divide their forces to occupy the most important passes ; and our soldiers, when duly increased, may then fall upon them in the city, and repossess themselves of it.. We must also provide a navy to prevent their proceeding to other places on the coast. The people of this province are not adapted to such ser vice ; but the natives of Fokien and Kuang tung, who have repeatedly obtained victories over them*, will make excellent sailors, and * When? b inspire them with awe.

I am therefore em boldened to intreat your majesty to order 2000 mariners from the latter province to enable us to exterminate the enemy." At this period, Yukien, by birth a Mongol Tartar, was governor of Keangsoo province. This man proved himself in the sequel the most savage and remorseless brute that among several others disgraced his name and nation, but he met Avith a just fate at last. On hearing of the fall of Chusan, he issued this charac teristic bravado, " Since the barbarians con tumaciously loiter in the seas of Chekeang, it is probable that they will repair, after their defeat in that province, to our coast. I have, therefore, in conjunction with the commander of the troops, made arrangements to repel them. The country of these English is more than ten thousand Le distant from hence.

Their traffic in opium, both at Canton and Macao, and their Avhole trade being cut off, they repaired to Fokien, whence they were also expelled, and they have now availed them selves of the wind to visit the northern shores. With no other resource than their ships, Avhich require a draft of sixty cubits of THE MONGOL YUKIEN. water*, they cannot approach our main, and therefore have taken Tinghae, encompassed on all sides by the sea. With us it is quite different ; and every one of us may therefore Avithout fear take care of his own gate, and not trouble himself about them. I look upon these enemies as mere bulrushes, having from my youth upwards read military treatises, and spread the terror of my name myriads of miles through Turkestan. Since the trade at Canton was stopped, I took precautionary measures ; and if they dare to come to our shores, they will be like the moth in the candle, or the fish in the net.

History proves that even our southern soldiers were victorious, and only want a leader to be so again. While, therefore, I guard the interior, the governor-general of the two provinces will take charge of the coast, so that every one may rest quietly on his pillow, and not let himself be disturbed by these robbers, who will instantly be put down by the militaiy." NotAvithstanding the assumed security, and the consolatory exhortations of Yukien, it * This is more than three times the draft of water of a first-rate line-of-battle ship. b proved that the periodical examination for candidates during the summer Avas dispensed with in this province, — a sure test of the dis tracted state of the country. It was soon proposed to close the seaports entirely, and thus prevent all intercourse with our ship ping ; but the seafaring people thus debarred from a livelihood would have occasioned great trouble to the government.

Accordingly, it was resolved to enlist a large number as a naval militia. These people, it was calculated, Avould, from their knowledge of the adjacent seas, and the fearlessness Avith which they followed their calling, render effective service ; and fifteen hundred Avere forthwith engaged for the defence of the provincial metropolis Hang-chow, Avhich hoAvever we never attacked. NotAvithstanding the number of Chinese mariners on this coast, as strong, hardy, and en during as can be found in most countries, none came forward to face us on their oavii element, except as the conductors of that coAvardly system of fire-rafts which never once succeeded in the hands of either the Burmese or Chinese, though such a favourite with both. The rafts were always toAved CONFIDENCE. 11 ashore by the boats of the fleet, or sent down the stream to burn at their leisure.

When the capture and occupation of Chusan became more generally knoAvn, a certain censor of that privileged class Avhose business it is to advise the government, drew up a memorial, which met with high approbation at Peking, and was used as a text-book in the prosecution of subsequent operations. It is a strange compound of ignorance and natural shreAvd ness. " The English barbarians are an insignifi cant and detestable race, trusting entirely to their strong ships and large guns ; but the immense distance they have traversed will render the arrival of seasonable supplies im possible, and their soldiers, after a single defeat, being deprived of provisions, will become dispirited and lost. Though it is very true that their guns are destructive, still in the attack of our harbours they will be too elevated, and their aim moreover rendered unsteady by the waves ; while we in our forts, with larger pieces, can more steadily return the fire.

Notwithstanding the riches of their government, the people are poor, and unable B to contribute to the expenses of an army at such a distance. Granted that their vessels are their homes, and that in them they defy wind and weather, still they require a great draft of water * ; and, since our coasts are beset with shoals, they will certainly, without the aid of native pilots, run ashore, without ap proaching very closely. Though Avaterproof their ships are not fireproof, and we may there fore easily burn them. The crews Avill not be able to withstand the ravages of our climate, and surely Avaste away by degrees ; and to fight on shore, their soldiers possess not sufficient activity.f Without, therefore, despising the enemy, Ave have no cause to fear them. While guarding the approaches to the interior, and removing to the coast the largest guns, to give their ships a terrific reception, Ave should at the same time keep vessels filled Avith * This has for a number of years been a topic of security and consolation to the Chinese.

The great draft of water which they were told our ships required must, they thought, render it impossible for them to be very mischievous. They were undeceived by the war. t The emperor was assured that the English soldiers were buttoned up so tight, that, if once down, they could never get up again. JAPANESE AT CHUSAN. 13 brushwood, oil, saltpetre, and sulphur, in readiness to let them drive, under the direction of our marine, with wind and tide against their shipping. When once on fire, we may open our batteries upon them, display the celestial terror, and exterminate them without the loss of a single life." Another writer gave a correct description of the situation of Chusan. In his opinion, the island was the key to Central China ; and he proved this by going back three centuries. Before 1550, the Japanese had carried on a considerable trade Avith the Chekeang province ; but they Avere ill-treated at Ningpo, and failing to obtain redress for their grievances, fixed themselves at Tinghae in Chusan, from whence they made successful incursions along the Avhole opposite coast of China.

To repel these cost an enormous sum to the then reigning sovereigns of the Ming dynasty. Having first taken and sacked Soo-chow, the Japanese repaired to the Yangtse-keang and reached Nanking, which however they did not take, but received a large sum of money on condition of quitting the river. Similar misfortunes were augured by the writer of the paper in the present case ; and it must be admitted that the career of the British force was a singular corroboration of his prognostics, and a most remarkable parallel to the course of the Japanese; our OAvn success being much the most complete. Observations of the same kind Avere elicited from various other quarters ; and the opinion gained ground that whoever occupied the Chusan Archipelago would exercise an important influence on the destinies of China.

Nothing, however, was done to drive us from Chusan. The only enterprise was the despatch of some spies, avIio gave a full ac count, not over veracious, of Avhat they had seen. A long period elapsed without any instructions from Peking, and this ominous silence boded no good to the local authorities. The first indication of activity on the part of the court was an edict against traitorous na tives. It was observed, " TAvice the English barbarians have taken possession of Chusan. It is evident that native traitors must have acted as their guides, and to free ourselves from these robbers, Ave must first of all suppress treason ; for hoAv could the English, who are ignorant of our written character and KIDNAPPING. 15 of the Avay to Tinghae, have reached that place, if such abandoned villains had not guided them.

The prohibition of the opium traffic has led many to deeds of violence ; and it were to be regretted if these very outlaAvs joined the barbarians. The surest way would be to punish with death all who have already served them, and to enlist the remainder, in order both to keep them from mischief, and to make use of their daring for the destruction of the enemy." The immediate consequence of this was the seizure of an unfortunate comprador (or pur veyor) belonging to our commissariat, who was kidnapped at Chusan, and sent in chains to Ningpo. He was engaged in June or July, 1840, to accompany the force to Chusan. On the capture of that place he Avas sent into the interior of the island to purchase bullocks for the troops. During one of these journies the country people bound him hand and foot, and delivered him over to the Chinese authorities.

Mrs. Noble and her party fell into the hands of the mandarins a month or tAvo later, and were likewise carried to Ningpo, where the man in question behaved very Avell, and was extremely useful to them. In February, 1841, when Mrs. Noble, Captain Anstruther, and the other British prisoners were sent over to Chusan, in pursuance of the convention, the poor comprador remained in the hands of the mandarins, and suffered death by decapitation, with several others, by sentence of the atrocious Yukien, who, if he had arrived from Peking in time, Avould never have allowed the English prisoners to escape alive. It was only the difference of a few days that saved them.* With reference to the capture of Chusan, an imperial order Avas received about August, 1840, for the punishment of Woo-Tajin and the general Avho ought to have saved the island.

The former, however, was more than * The misfortunes of the comprador were not confined to his own person. Upon his seizure, orders were im mediately issued to arrest his family, and confiscate their property ; and seven of his kindred, father, mother, wife, daughter, and three brothers, were forthwith committed as felons to the public prison, under the cruel Chinese law of treason. Three of these died from cruel treatment ; the rest were liberated on the peace, but, with four others, were cast abroad on the world without house or home. They received an allowance from the public treasury at Hongkong until my departure from China, and it has probably been continued. RESORT TO SUICIDE. 17 a hundred miles distant on the capture, and the latter was a decrepid old man above seventy years of age.

" The Criminal Board," remarks the emperor, "has sentenced both to lose their offices, but this is not sufficient to atone for having allowed the English to take Tinghae. To continue their heavy responsi bility, let them still remain in the administration of their functions." Thus many an official person is left with a rope round his neck, that he may have an additional motive to exertion. The same tribunal, having tried the cases of the officers who were actually at Chusan when it was taken, sentenced the naval commander to decapitation, and the inferiors to transportation beyond the wall ; but the former escaped his sentence by dying of his wounds. The only ones who obtained credit were the two that killed themselves. There is, in fact, no other resource to a man darin opposed to an irresistible enemy.

If he is neither victorious nor slain, manet sors tertia. — suicide. The court of Peking waited above a month for more favourable news from the south, hoping that Woo-Tajin would make good his promise of exterminating the barbarians ; but as no such account arrived, he was accused of having done nothing to redeem his offences, and commanded to appear at Peking. He Avas further accused of having rejected a foreign despatch without reporting the transaction. On reaching the capital, as a common criminal, he was sentenced to death, and pe rished miserably, according to some, in prison. He was the first victim to the war Avith England. In the midst of these troubles, a certain minister had proposed deferring for some time the execution of the recent sanguinary laws against the smugglers and smokers of opium.

The emperor was indignant at the very suggestion, and directed that those officers Avho did not act up to the full rigour of the statute should be punished themselves. The absorb ing cares of the Avar, however, soon swalloAved up this minor consideration. The order Avas nowhere carried into effect, and this, the strongest fulmination against opium, is remark able as being the last, for in the treaty not a word was mentioned of the subject, and it has never once been revived since the war. But KILLING IN PICTURES. at no time was the traffic deserving of the full load of infamy Avith which many were disposed to heap it, for at the most it only supplied the poison which the Chinese Avere not obliged to take. The Avorst effect, perhaps, was the piracy it engendered, for this has told against the honest trade.

Of the Avar it cer tainly was mainly the cause. The Chinese could not afford to throAV away any thing that bore even the semblance of success, and therefore made the most of the Blonde frigate quitting the harbour of Amoy without landing troops. On attempting to land a public despatch from that ship on the 2nd July, 1840, it was not only rejected by a party of mandarins on shore, but Mr. Thorn, the bearer, was shot at with an arroAV, Avhich fortunately missed him. The broad side of the frigate amply revenged the insult, killing many of the Chinese and dispersing the remainder. The folloAving official report of the transaction is a curious production, and Mr. Thom used afterwards to exhibit a picture Avhich he had bought, representing his own death by the arrow. " The local officers on the day of the occurrence perceived a barbarian vessel bearing a white flag (of truce), and all being quiet on board, suddenly a boat was lowered, and hastened on shore with an individual who came to ask for peace in the mandarin dialect, using however very insult ing speech.