Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward.
No. 8.]
Shanghai,
January 23, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the
morning of the 10th of January I started for Ningpo, on board of her
Majesty’s ship Coromandel, by the invitation of Vice Admiral Sir James
Hope, and arrived there on the 11th.
We found the rebels in possession of the city commanded by two generals,
whose forces were variously estimated all the way from ten to fifty
thousand men. As in all places taken by them, there was presented a
scene of utter desolation, for they destroy everything and consume
nothing. I saw heads and [Page 833]
bodies of the dead lying unburied in the streets. The inhabitants who
could flee had fled, and those who remained were terror stricken. The
foreign settlement was menaced, and only saved from slaughter by the
presence of the English war vessels the Scout and Kestrel, and the
French war vessel Confucius, In the presence of these things, the
admiral and myself determined, after mature deliberation, to give the
rebels notice that, under no circumstances, must they invade the foreign
quarter, and, that they might know where it was, we caused it to be
defined according to the minute, a copy of which please find marked A.
You will be glad, I hope, to perceive that the minute is drawn with
great care, so as not to involve the government. It is a provisional
measure for defensive purposes to secure the enjoyment of our treaty
rights and subject to our treaty obligations. The other treaty powers
would have gone, I think, a little further than this, and demanded a
concession of territory, subject to the ratification of the imperial
government; but I did not feel at liberty to do this, remembering our
policy, and the minute was kindly made to conform to my views.
On my return to Shanghai I found the condition of things as pointed out
in the letter of the Rev. M. S. Colbertson, which I send, marked B. It
is not possible to ascertain the number of the rebels. We only know that
they are on every side, and that they are the very incarnation of
destruction. The smoke of the fires of the burning houses and villages
has been ascending in every direction for more than a week. They take a
place, “loot” it, kill the old and the young, and force the strong men
to join them and to wear their mark in such a way as never to be able to
return to their old allegiance. I received yesterday a despatch from
their general, Ho, a copy of which I send, marked 0. He informs me that
they are approaching Shanghai by five routes, and that, while they do
not desire to injure foreigners, he declares that if they are interfered
with he will conquer them and all the whole world besides. The list of
cities taken by them, and enumerated by him, I think is tolerably
correct. The Chinese proper seem to be perfectly impotent in their
presence and are crowding by the hundred thousand into Shanghai, seeking
the protection of foreigners. There are, all told, of foreigners only
about three thousand, and of these but two thousand are soldiers, and
yet this force, small as it is, I believe is competent, if well handled,
to hold the place. The misfortune is that the rebels destroy trade now
and the hope of it hereafter, and that this city, whose export trade in
favorable times is nearly as great as the export trade of the Russian
empire, will be very much injured. The most active measures are taken
for defence, not only by the military but by the citizens. What the
latter are doing you will learn from the report I send, marked D. The
French soldiers are charged with the defence of Shanghai proper, and the
English with the defence of the foreign settlement. The Americans, as
volunteers, are lost in the latter force. Mr. Cunningham, whose name is
at the head of the committee for defence, is an American, at the head of
the house of Russell & Co., at Shanghai. The admiral, Sir James
Hope, informs me that he has written to Mr. Bruce, at Peking, to have
the British force of fourteen hundred men at Tien-tsin, which has been
ordered home, detained, and to have a re-enforcement sent up from
Hong-Kong.
I have transferred Mr. William Breck, our present consul at Swatow, to
Kin-kiang, a place about five hundred miles up the great river
Yamg-tze-Kang. I have done this in the interests of our immense trade
now springing up along that river, and because he is by his energy and
ability peculiarly qualified in this forming time of that trade for that
position. I have appointed him acting consul, subject to the approval of
the President. I will fill the vacancy caused by the transfer by the
appointment of a good man for Swatow, also. I hope to be approved by the
government.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.
[Page 834]
A.
Minute of a
conference held at the United States consulate at
Ningpo, China, this Monday, the 13th day of
January, 1862.
Present: Captain J, Corbet, royal nary, her Majesty’s steamer Scout;
Willie P. Mangum, esq., United States consul at Ningpo; Frederick
Harvey, esq., her Majesty’s consul at Ningpo; Mr. Leon Obry, captain
of his Imperial Majesty’s steamer Confucius, and French consul at
Ningpo.
Whereas certain forces in opposition to the government of China have
captured the city of Ningpo and its surrounding districts; and
whereas, in the absence of any imperial authority, it is necessary
for defensive purposes, for the protection of life and property, and
for the general security, order, and good government of foreigners
residing at Ningpo, that certain limits should be clearly defined
within which those foreigners are to reside, free from molestation,
aggression, or interference of any kind, for these purposes the
undersigned, as the only representatives of foreign powers at this
port, have this day met together at the United States consulate, and
have, after consultation, agreed and determined upon the following
three articles :
1. That that tract of land or country or promontory known as the
Keang Pih-Sete, and comprised within the boundaries or limits drawn
by the Yung river, the Yu Yau, a branch of the said river, the
Pih-Sha-Ho creek, and a line drawn across the field from the
Sge-chow-taue (or temple) to join the Yu Yau river above mentioned,
(the whole site forming an irregular quadrilateral or trapezium,)
shall from this date and hereafter be assumed and considered as the
foreign site, within which such foreigners shall reside free from
any interference of any nature whatsoever, subject always to their
respective treaty obligations.
2. The undersigned reserve to themselves the right to make and
establish such rules and regulations within the limits above
mentioned as the future necessities of the settlement may be made
requisite, such regulations to be in conformity with the provisions
of their respective treaties with the imperial government of
China.
3. The above agreement, to which the undersigned have appended their
approval and signatures, will be submitted without delay to the high
ministers and officers of the nations to which the undersigned
respectively pertain and belong.
WILLIE P. MANGUM, United States
Consul.
FREDERICK HARVEY, Her Majesty’s
Consul.
JOHN CORBETT, Her Majesty’s steamer
Scout.
LEON OBRY, Captain His Imperial Majesty’s
steamer Confucius and French Consul.
B.
Shanghai
January 14, 1862.
Dear Sir: As the steamer leaves this
afternoon, I take the liberty of sending you a line in reference to
the state of things at Shanghai, as I have not a little at stake in
the result of the disposition which may be made by foreign powers in
reference to the rebels. Your despatch from our consul will no doubt
inform you that the rebels are now all around us in considerable
force, with a prospect [Page 835] of
daily increase. We on this side of the Su-chau creek are left
entirely unprotected, although the rebel forces are on our side, and
within four or five miles of our houses. I am aware that you have no
force with which to assist us, and that it is out of the question
for the military and naval authorities of other powers to extend
their line of defence so as to include this settlement. My object in
writing is not to apply for aid or give advice, but simply to
express my opinion that it is very desirable you should be present
in Shanghai as soon as possible. I am satisfied the rebels are
coming with an immense force, and a firm determination either to
take Shanghai or destroy it, if they can. The force opposed to them
here is sufficient, I believe, to defeat any number of rebels in any
open fight; but when I consider the extent of ground to be defended,
I am satisfied the force now here is wholly inadequate to guarantee
the settlement against the consequences of another mode of warfare
which the rebels may be able to employ. I mean incendiary fires at
night. They have it in their power also to draw a cordon around us
and cut off our supplies, and in this very way give us much trouble.
As matters stand now, the English and French appear as the allies of
the imperialists, fighting side by side with imperialist troops
against the rebels. We can easily understand the effect of this upon
the minds of the rebel leaders. Would it not be better if the
foreign powers should hold Shanghai for themselves and not for the
imperial government? Could they not compel the imperial troops to
leave and notify the rebels that this must be considered strictly
neutral ground by both parties?
Perhaps you might have some influence here by your counsels, even
without any show of force.
Begging pardon for the liberty I have taken, believe me, dear sir,
with much respect, yours most truly,
Hon. Anson Burlingame,
Minister Plenipotentiary from the United
States to China.
C.
Communication from the Taiping Chief at
Chi-kiang.
Ho, civil governor of the province of Chi-kiang, a meritorious
officer of the heavenly dynasty, in charge of the soldiers of the
imperial palace of nine gates, &c, &c, for renewing of the
dynasty, sends this communication to the American troops to say that
heaven and earth resolve, the hills and rivers change; such of old
is the law of the universe.
For over two hundred years the troops have inflicted injuries upon
the whole empire of China, and now the time has arrived to bring it
to an end. Imperial heaven is angry and has sent down our true Holy
Lord, who has reigned already more than ten years at Nanking and
subdued places more than can be pointed out. This assuredly could
not have been accomplished by the power of man; it is the decree of
heaven. Last year the capital (Nanking) was closely invested. We
came out like a flood and took Su-chau, Chang-chau, Tai-cheng,
Kwung-shau, Chang-Shuh, Kia-ding, and Kia-hung, in Chi-kiang
province. We have also sent forward troops to Shanghai to call back
the people who have been away and to enjoin defendant countries to
carry on trade as usual. Other (i. e.,
foreign) countries have not yet entered into definite arrangements
for trade; and although the leaders of the army are very strict, it
might be difficult to restrain them. Therefore we have not advanced
directly upon Shanghai, but have kept at a distance and previously
taken Ringhoo and Kia-sheu, and have destroyed the troops outside of
Kia-ding. We have taken the [Page 836] two Hoo provinces and Kiang-see. We have sent troops to King-Hwa,
Shau-hing, and Ningpo. Our armies beseiged Hang-chow two months and
took it without effort. The southern regions being quiet, the
Chung-wong is leading his troops by five roads to take Shanghai.
This is only a little corner of a place; how can it give trouble?
Having already taken Su-chaw and Chi-kiang, how can we be prevented
from taking Shanghai? This is not mere boasting, as you may see from
what I have said above. The sea-coast in this region is a place for
foreign trade. As we are now sending forward troops, the two parties
should make terms of peace. I have therefore thought it best to send
you information beforehand. The ground occupied by the troops is not
necessary for you. As to the houses of foreign traders, we shall not
assuredly molest them. If, however, you should foolishly be intent
on gain, then not only this little corner but the whole world shall
be ours. You ought not to listen to the imps, but clean your hearts
and return to your obedience, and thus you shall not only secure
your trade, but promote your own and the public welfare. Consider it
speedily; I am now with my soldiers at Kia-ding; quickly return and
answer, and do not delay, lest you should afterwards repent. A
special communication.
[Untitled]
To the land renters, in special meeting
assembled:
Gentlemen: In pursuance of our duties as
your committee for the consideration of propositions for the
defence, draining, lighting, and general improvement of the
settlement, we held an early meeting after our appointment on the 3d
instant, to ascertain which of these matters pressed for more
immediate attention.
We were unanimous in thinking that the question of defence took
precedence of the others in the present menacing attitude of the
Taipings; and a very little inquiry showed that in this opinion we
were supported by the sentiments of the community.
We have therefore taken the responsibility of deferring for the
moment the discussion of the improvements proposed, and,
concentrating our attention upon the subject of the defences of the
settlement, now offer our report upon that alone for your
consideration.
In view of the report embracing only one out of the three subjects we
were to lay before you, and the need of despatch in our proceedings,
we have incurred the further responsibility of requesting her
Majesty’s consul to call the special meeting within one day of
publishing our report, instead of one week, as required by the
resolution at the meeting.
After consultation with the military authorities, the committee
decided upon the following measures to recommend for your
acceptance, and would say that all those relating to defence have
been approved by the commanding officer of her Britannic Majesty’s
forces on shore, Sir James Hope being absent, and reference to him
impossible.
We propose—
1. That the lines of defence shall be three: the Barrier road; the
Shakloo road; the Boundary creek, carried from the city wall to the
Soochow creek.
2. That the defences on the Barrier road shall be barricades of
8-inch Singapore timber, squared and fitted together, set 5 feet in the earth, and seven feet high
above, with gates of two valves, 11 feet wide, of 3-inch plank, with
2-inch interstices between the planks, each barricade covered by a
pent-house, 10 feet wide, and extending from side to side.
These barricades are to be placed at the opening of each street
towards the west as it leaves the Barrier road. The lanes and alleys
to be closed by rough gates of Chinese poles.
That these shall be supported by two guard-houses on the Barrier
road, in [Page 837] addition to the
main guard-house at the church, each equidistant from the main guard
and the bunds, for the accommodation of the sentries.
That the whole line shall be flanked by block-houses at either end,
one covering the bridge by Smith’s market over the Yang-king-pang,
the other on the bund of the Soochow creek. These blockhouses to
consist of an upper chamber supported on posts, with the space below
enclosed by barricades after the manner of the street barricades,
with double gates, and forming a small fort when closed.
3. That the line of the Shakloo road shall be opened through to the
Soochow creek, by the aid of the Chinese authorities, where the land
belongs to Chinese, and under the provisions in the land
regulations, where owned by foreigners, compensation being made for
the houses, but not for the land, as the owners will be fully repaid
by the increased value of that which is left.
That barricades similar to those on the Barrier road shall be erected
at the opening of each street towards the west as it leaves the
Shakloo road. Any open spaces, or unsubstantial houses, or lanes or
alleys, to be closed by rough palisades of Chinese poles.
4. That on the outer line of defence the creek shall be widened from
opposite the Ningpo Joss House, at the NW. angle of the city wall,
along the whole length, to 50 feet at the top, with sides sloping at
an angle of 45 degrees, and the creek be carried through to the
Soochow creek in the same line.
That along this line, then extending from the city wall to the
Soochow creek, there shall be a bund of 40 feet width, and three
drawbridges across the creek at suitable points.
5. That this line shall be fortified by three low towers, 12 feet
high on 4-feet foundation, ultimately to be built of hewn stone,
placed equidistant between the city wall and the Soochow creek, each
tower mounted with one 32-pound shell gun upon a pivot, and
traversing in all directions.
But as these will be some time in construction, that three temporary
towers of Singapore timber, properly braced and protected, shall be
at once erected for use meantime.
6. That a hulk shall be purchased to serve as a magazine for the
warlike munitions of the settlement, and anchored in a safe place
below the shipping.
7. That as these various means of defence will be of a permanent
character, and will need oversight when not in active use, to
preserve from decay and injury, that a reserved fund shall be
devoted to this purpose and placed in the —— bank on interest, the
income serving to meet the expenses.
The estimated cost of these measures is as follows:
|
|
Tls. |
| Eighteen barricades in the Barrier and Shakloo
roads, 350 tls. each |
6,300 |
| Two block-houses—one 3,000, one 2,000 |
5,000 |
| Opening the Shakloo |
10,000 |
| Extra barricades on the Shakloo road |
5,000 |
| Making on the inner line |
26,300 |
| Three towers of wood—3,000 each |
9,000 |
|
| Deepening and extending the creek, including purchase of
land |
10,000 |
|
|
19,000 |
| Three drawbridges, 10 feet wide—500 tls |
1,500 |
| Three towers of hewn stone, 12 feet high, 30 feet
diameter, walls 3 feet thick—5,000 each |
15,000 |
| Powder hulk |
2,000 |
| Three guns with platforms complete |
3,000 |
| Reserve of 20,000 tls. at interest |
20,000 |
|
86,800 |
[Page 838]
We think the time required for these defences, excluding the stone
towers, would be from four to six weeks.
We recommend these measures of defence for your acceptance with
confidence, for they were mainly suggested, and have been again
approved, by the military authorities as entirely sufficient for the
repulse of any Chinese force, while they are the most economical
works for their efficiency which could be constructed. There is
nothing wasted in useless strength where it is not wanted.
It is not supposed that any attacking force would penetrate beyond
the outer line; and the barricades and blockhouses are mainly to
control the native population from the effect of a panic, and to put
down with greater ease any internal disorder which might arise in
concert with an attacking force.
The settlement would be divided by these two inner lines into three
equal sections, each extending longitudinally from creek to creek.
The residents in each would be confined within their own section,
and the fearful rush of an immense body of panic-struck people be
effectually prevented. These lines, it is presumed, would be guarded
by the volunteers and police—her Majesty’s troops being altogether
upon the line of outer defences.
The question of ways and means for these defences has had the earnest
attention of the committee. While well aware of the readiness of the
community to meet any just demands upon them for the general
welfare, as shown lately in the response to the call for
subscriptions for the volunteer movement, they were unanimous from
the commencement in thinking that this charge should be borne solely
by the Chinese.
The imperial government being bound by treaty and by the usages of
nations to afford us protection, it strengthens rather than
invalidates our claim upon it for these expenses that we have taken
upon ourselves the charge which their incapacity abandons to our
hands.
It was intimated to us by her Majesty’s consul that this claim would
be acknowledged by the Taoutai of Shanghai; but at the same time we
learned from unquestionable sources that the native merchants and
bankers, now congregated in great numbers within the Yang-king-pang,
would readily furnish the necessary means if some mode of
contribution was suggested. For reasons unnecessary to state here,
it is as repugnant to the foreign residents as to the Chinese to
allow the Taoutai any influence within the bounds of the foreign
settlement, beyond the collection of the dues to his government, and
we encouraged the disposition thus evinced. A deputation accordingly
met the committee, learned our views, and agreed to call a consoo of the principal Chinese in the
different departments of trade, that the matter might be properly
discussed, and the contribution, if made, justly apportioned.
Some difficulty has been experienced in determining upon this
apportionment, and a conclusion has not yet been reached, not
because of any indisposition on the part of the Chinese residents to
meet the exigency, but through desire that those benefitted should
all and equally contribute according to their means.
The committee have not thought it advisable to delay their report in
consequence, as they have full confidence that the amount required
will be furnished without recourse to the Taoutai.
E. CUNNINGHAM,
JAMES HOGG,
J. P. TATE,
E. WEBB,
Committee.
Mr. E. M. Smith, disagreeing with his colleagues, declines to sign.
Shanghai,
January 13, 1862.
The committee think it desirable that this report should be kept
private for the present.
