Page:The Chinese Repository - Volume 01.djvu/125

 JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES.

—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, —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