China, Vol. 2: In a Series of Views, Displaying the Scenery, Architecture, and Social Habits, of That Ancient Empire; Drawn, From Original and Authentic Sketches (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from China, Vol. 2: In a Series of Views, Displaying the Scenery, Architecture, and Social Habits, of That Ancient Empire; Drawn, From Original and Authentic Sketches

The Hyacinth, following the Volage, was soon amidst the war-junks, upon which she fired indiscriminately, rather with the design of destroying property, than taking away life. Several junks fled upon the first fire of our ships, a few kept their position for some moments, and Kwan displayed a degree of courage honourable to his rank in the service of his country. At the close of the action it was found that three junks had been sunk, one blown up, many deserted, and the rest flying. The firing commenced about twelve; the Chinese fleet was completely scattered and disabled before one; while their wretched gunnerv hurt no one. As the guns were not fitted for elevation or depression, their shot went too high to have any effect except on the spars and rigging.

If the Chinese have little claim to a military character, they have less to anything naval. Their vessels are ill built, badly rigged, of insignificant dimensions, and their sailors unacquainted with tactics; nor are these imperfections likely to be remedied until a larger share of truth shall pervade the reports of officials to the emperor and of sincerity, his instructions to them. Lin's mendacious despatch on this occasion offers a very forcible example of the species of hypocrisy here condemned. The British sanpans, writes the commissioner, earnestly begged to pass the Bocca Tigris; they meanly attempted to steal through, but their prayers have not been granted. Kwan killed many of their crew, upon which the rest ought to have fled; but instead, they dared to return his fire, which was like beating an egg upon the stones. Kwan was wounded by a splinter as he sat in his cabin; and four of his sailors, losing their footing, fell into the water and perished. Cheering on his men, the admiral did indeed display the terror of his name, and, firing a broadside, killed several tens of the barba rians. Hereafter they shall never be allowed to peep clandestinely into the Tiger's jiout/i. Upon this false and foolish fabrication, Kwan was promoted in the national peerage, and dubbed, in the military phraseology of Tartary, fa-icae-zong-o/z Pa too-loo.

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