France and Tongking; a narrative of the campaign of 1884 and the occupation of Further India

Author's Preface

THIS book has been very hurriedly written ; in a variety of places, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Canton, in the hottest time of the year in China. If, therefore, there are any slips or repetitions, it is hoped the reader will be lenient. At the same time no care has been spared to make the book as trustworthy as possible. The greater part of it is the result of personal observation ; but whatever French books were available have been consulted, and I now, once for all, acknowledge the assistance so received. No correct picture of French colonies in Indo- China, of the Tongking campaign, or of French projects in that remote part of the world, has been laid before the English public. It is therefore hoped that the following pages may be of interest and of value.

Hong Kong,

September, 1884.

NOTE.

DUKING the absence of my brother on his journalistic duties as Special Correspondent in Tongking, the passing of the present work through the Press has been entrusted to me. To have made any effectual revision (if such be necessary) would have required the knowledge of an expert, to which I can lay no claim. The book therefore appears as it left the Author's hands.

The two plans, one of the triangle formed by Hanoi, Sontay, and Bacninh, the other of the Citadel of Sontay, are reduced by photo-lithography from two of a series of maps supplied to the French Officers for the campaign. These maps were compiled from native sources, and have therefore an interest of their own. The originals, which were on coarse native paper, having suffered from the wear and tear of the campaign, the names of towns in one or two places are almost effaced. The characters on the cover form the Chinese visiting card of the Author. The sounds represented are " Tsz " and " Kut."

E. F. S.

Contents

TONGKING.

CHAPTEE I.

OUTLINES.

Chapter II. Hanoi

Early History — Gamier seizes the Citadel — Death of Gamier — Riviere seizes the Citadel — Black Flags — Liu Jung-Fu's Proclamation— Fights with Black Flag Bands — Death of Riviere — — Awaiting Reinforcements 22;