1862年上半年西方人天京见闻
标题：《1862年上半年西方人天京见闻》
作者：佚名
转录：chat gpt
译者：chat gpt, deepseek
校对：苏三
一
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 22 February 1862
NANKING
From A Correspondent.
The general tranquility which has prevailed in this region since our arrival here was somewhat, though not much disturbed, by an abrupt advance of the Yao upon a place a short distance below the creek, three days back. On the morning of the 6th, towards daylight a heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of the creek, which was maintained without intermission up to the hour of 9 or half-past 9 o’clock. The rebels were in a state of alarm, though batteries were manned and a black flag, indicating an order for dispatch of troops, was hoisted on Liang’s look-out. The second in command Hsiao—who took special care to change his conspicuous yellow cap usually worn for a black one, that he might stand no chance of being singled out by an Imp—at the head of a chosen force of valiant warriors issued out at an early hour, with the evident and full intent of giving battle to the Yaos and ultimately causing the troublesome pests to retire. His force consisted of a mixed rabble of standard bearers, and the rear guard was composed of old boys equipped with matchlocks, and whose respective ages varied from 7 to 15 years. Such a chose hand of heroes was this. Hsiao returned home, at 5 o’clock with his victorious battalion without having had the opportunity of inflicting serious harm on the Imps. The cause of the firing is said to have been in consequence of the advance of an imperialist fleet on a plundering expedition, and their having come up with some rebel gun-boats which fired on them. The action was then carried on between both parties, and the result was that success accrued to the Imperialists, who succeeded in capturing some (rebel) guard and trading boats, one of the number of which is said to have been full of pretty women. This was a valuable prize for them, and the women are said to have been the wives of rebel chiefs, who possibly may have been taken as well. The affair occurred at a place called Hua-shan, distant about seven miles from here. What the intention of the Imperialists was we don’t know; the noise of the cannonading caused some imagination in our minds that an attack upon this place had no doubt been planned. Had such been the case we should have concurred in the propriety of the move, but as it appears, it was not. We must say that it is great folly for the Imperialists to assault any of the small places in the vicinity of the Capital, for no advantage is gained thereby. In fact it only tends to urge the rebels to fortify themselves additionally stronger each time that the Imperialists approach. When the opposite party do reach the Capital they will find an increased number of guns to battle against; which, had they taken an earlier opportunity to come down upon the city itself, instead of rousing the small and unimportant places round here, would not have been there, and hence affording a greater chance of success, which they have now lost.
In the evening of the same day that the commotion took place, a fire occurred just near the floating bridge. The cause of it was owing to some chai or reeds having taken fire, or rather as is suspected, by a long-haired Imp having set fire to it, with some evil intent and preconcerted design in favour of the Imps.
On the following morning, towards the hour of 10 Liang for the second time, in pomp and majesty, delivered an oration on a platform erected in nearly the same spot as it stood before, when we then had the opportunity of becoming enlightened with his eloquence. After the usual preliminaries of drinking tea, &c., he said, “Let us praise Tien fu,” and then a chorus of voices joined in, with Tsin-mei tien-fu—let us praise the Heavenly Father and so forth.
The concourse of Heavenly children with their heads depressed and their eyes shut looking oh! so heavenly, filled the air with melody, and a great many of them appeared to think it great fun. Liang and Hsiao looked additionally heavenly; and the debauched, dried-up countenance of the former, contrasted well with the full face and good countenance of the latter. After the singing had finished, the two parties moved down the aisle and took their places before a table at which they knelt and read from a sheet of yellow paper, the characters upon which we could not decipher, and the sound we could not hear, from being too great a distance off.
At the termination of this saw, the return of Liang and brother Hsiao, who continued the amusement by their mounting the table, that the multitude of listeners might hear all they had to say. Liang then gave the shop-keepers certain admonitions, and, in making an allusion to the occurrence of the fire on the previous night, said that “the next time such a thing happened the people would not be allowed to cross the floating bridge; as it might be just as likely,” continued he, “that spies might purposely fire some reeds and that under cover of that, an Imperialist fleet would enter and create some havoc about the place.”
He also told them that they were not to billet any soldiers, either fresh from the city or from places outside. This order was given in consequence of recent desertions on the part of the rebels. A few days back about 10,000 went over to the Imperialists and they have now left Chiung-pu (Hsien) where this occurred, and which is but a short distance from this, perfectly bare.
The matter is very easily explained, and the reason is sufficiently accounted for in the fact that there is an entire deficiency of the means of subsistence on the other side of the water, in consequence of the devastation caused by the rebels—who now have nothing more to plunder and hence nothing to subsist upon.
Such is the destitution that human flesh is readily devoured, and there is no compunction whatever upon capturing a wayfarer in tying him up to a tree and slice by slice devouring him. We have this from reliable information and are certain of its truth, as those who have witnessed the enactment of these scenes detail them to us. Can we then have sympathy with those who give rise to such destitution as this, from the spoliation caused by them? Although we seem to be so unfavourably disposed towards these abominable ruffians, we never have spoken well of the opposite party. We are unable to do this, as we see such cowardice exhibited by the braves and Imperial soldiers, whom we believe would be more correct than slaying innocent people, but unfortunately the latter always seem to be the victims of the executioner’s axe, and this is where we find fault. The distressing scenes at Shanghai of the poor and destitute being turned out of their homes and roaming about without knowing whither to turn their steps, must call forth the sympathy of most people, although it does not from some, whose selfish motives in the cause of gain prevents the influence of such a feeling on their minds. We wish heartily that this beautiful place were in other hands, for then would life be rendered more pleasant than it now is, and would be more suitable in every respect. The commonest necessary in which the Chinese live—rice—can only be procured in the coarsest state and that at a high price and nothing else can be bought. The misery existing here is beyond conception. It is no uncommon thing to see a dead body; or a beggar lying by the roadside just breathing his last from starvation.
But I find that I have left Liang in the middle of his discourse, or rather at the closing portion of it, as he had not much more to say for himself beyond delivering certain orders concerning what would be the operations in the event of an appearance of the Imps, &c.
Liang and Hsiao were then escorted home amid harmonious screams from the band—which I must tell you is Liang’s own band, and composed of musicians whose ages range from 6 to 10 years.
“Well! I will not take up space by saying any more here concerning the rebels, but must say that the fact of a certain gentleman having had to run for his life, shows us plainly what they are, and with these words I will conclude by borrowing a quotation—‘After this Mr. Editor, accept the arguments of your warlike self and correspondents.’”
Q.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年2月22日
南京
来自一位通讯者
自我们抵达以来，这片地区一直相对平静，尽管三天前，一支妖军突然向溪流下方的一处地方推进，这多少打破了一点平静。（2月）6日清晨，天亮时分，溪流方向传来密集的炮声，这种炮击一直持续到上午9点或9点半。叛军们处于一片恐慌之中，但炮台仍有人操作，并在梁[1]的瞭望塔上升起了一面黑旗，这似乎是派遣部队的命令。第二指挥官萧——他特别小心地将平时戴的显眼黄色帽子换成了黑色帽子，以免被帝国军队的炮火盯上——率领一支挑选出的英勇战士部队，清晨早早出发，显然是想与妖军交战，并最终逼退这些令人讨厌的麻烦制造者。他的队伍是一群混杂的标准旗手，而后卫则由装备火绳枪的大男孩们组成，他们的年龄从7岁到15岁不等。这真是一支“英雄”部队。下午5点，萧[2]带着他胜利的队伍返回家中，但并没有机会对妖军造成严重伤害。据说炮击的原因是帝国军队的船队在一次掠夺行动中，与一些叛军的炮艇遭遇后发生的冲突。这场交战持续了一段时间，最终帝国军取得了胜利。他们成功俘虏了一些叛军守卫和商船，其中一艘据说满载着漂亮的女子。这对他们来说是一笔宝贵的战利品，这些女子据说是叛军首领的妻子，可能还有其他人。事件发生在一个叫花山的地方，离此地约七英里。我们不知道帝国军队的意图是什么。炮声让我们猜想，他们可能计划袭击这个地方。如果真是这样，我们本应支持这一行动的合理性，但事实并非如此。我们不得不说，帝国军队攻击首都周围这些小地方是极大的愚蠢行为，因为这样根本无法取得任何优势。事实上，这只会促使叛军一次次加强防御，每次帝国军队接近时，叛军的力量都会增强。当敌对阵营最终抵达首都时，他们会面对更多的火炮。如果他们早些时候选择直接进攻城市，而不是浪费时间袭击这些无关紧要的小地方，事情可能会有所不同，他们也许会有更大的成功机会，但现在，这一切都已经丧失了。
在骚乱发生的同一天晚上，浮桥附近发生了一场火灾。据说火灾是因为某些柴火、或者说芦苇着火了，但更可能是一个长发妖魔蓄意纵火。他这样做显然是出于某种恶意，并有预谋地为妖军效力。
第二天早晨，大约10点，梁再一次出现在之前搭建的平台上，带着庄严的气势发表演讲。这给了我们一次机会，听他传递的“教化”。在喝茶等常规仪式后，他说：“让我们赞美天父吧。”随后，人们齐声唱道：“赞美天父。”
一群天国子民低头闭眼，看起来多么虔诚，他们的歌声充满了空气，似乎有些人觉得这非常有趣。梁和萧的表情显得更加神圣。梁那干瘪、枯槁的面孔，与萧那丰满、端正的脸形成鲜明对比。歌唱结束后，两人走到台下，跪在一张桌子前，阅读一张黄色的纸条。我们无法辨认纸上的文字，也听不到他们的声音，因为距离太远了。
在此之后，梁和他的兄弟萧登上讲台，继续他们的表演，以便让周围的听众听到他们所有的话。梁随后对商店店主们发出了某些警告。他提到前一天晚上的火灾，说：“如果下次再发生这样的事情，人们可能就无法通过浮桥了。”他说：“奸细可能故意点燃芦苇，并借此掩护，让一支帝国分子的船队进入并在此地造成混乱。”
他还告诉大家，不允许将士兵安置在城里或城外的任何地方。这一命令是因为最近叛军中发生了大量叛逃现象。几天前，大约一万人在江浦县投降了帝国军队。他们现在已经撤出了江浦县，这个地方现在变得一片荒芜。
这一切很容易解释，原因是河对岸已经完全没有了生存的资源。这是因为叛军造成的毁灭性破坏，他们现在没有更多东西可以掠夺，自然也没有任何东西可以维持生计。
这种匮乏如此严重，以至于人肉成为一种可轻易接受的食物。他们捕捉路人，将其绑在树上，片片割下食用。对此毫无悔意。我们从可靠信息来源得知此事，并确信其真实性，因为亲眼目睹这些场景的人详细向我们描述了这一切。我们是否能够对那些引发如此困境的人产生同情呢？尽管我们对这些可憎的暴徒毫无好感，但我们也无法对其对立的一方表示支持。我们无法做到这一点，因为我们目睹了这些所谓的勇丁和帝国士兵的懦弱行为。我们认为，与其屠杀无辜的人，勇丁和帝国士兵本该表现得更正直，但不幸的是，无辜的人总是成为刽子手斧下的受害者，而这正是我们所指责的地方。上海贫困者被赶出家门，流离失所的景象令人心痛。他们不知道下一步该往哪里去。尽管如此，仍有一些人因自私的利益动机，而对这些悲惨情景无动于衷。我们真诚地希望，这个美丽的地方可以掌握在其他人手中，那样生活将比现在更愉快，更适合各方面的需求。目前，中国人赖以生存的基本物资——大米——只能以最粗糙的状态买到，并且价格昂贵，除此之外什么也买不到。这里的苦难已经超出了想象。看到一具尸体或一个乞丐奄奄一息地躺在路边，这种事在这里并不罕见。
但我发现，我似乎已经脱离了梁的演讲内容，或者更确切地说，他的演讲已接近尾声，因为他除了发出一些关于“如果妖军再次出现时应该如何行动”的命令外，没什么更多可说的了。
梁和萧随后在一阵和谐的乐队嘈杂声中被送回家。让我告诉你，这支乐队是梁自己的，由6到10岁的孩子组成。
好了！我不会再浪费空间谈论叛军了，但我必须说，有一位绅士不得不逃命，这清楚地表明了他们的本质。我接着借用一句话结束：“编辑先生，接受您和战斗性自我和战斗性通信者的观点吧。”
Q
译注
- 指天海关正佐将梁凤超，后封贡王。
- 指天海关副佐将溉天安萧某。
二
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 22 March 1862
NANKING
(From a Correspondent.)
The Imperialists in force made an appearance on the other side of the river a few days back. We could see them distinctly advancing. They did not approach very near, however; but disappeared again after they had lighted many fires and satisfied themselves that they had made a sufficient display of their strength and bravery. The Taiping batteries here were of course speedily crowded with men, and two or three boats wherein were able-bodied warriors with standards were seen to cross the river in pursuit. They halted on the opposite bank, however, and it was not until the yaos were no longer visible that they were seen to move forward to the charge.
With the exception of the fort, the Imperialists have entire possession of the river, and within the last two days they have encamped close to this place. This division of them is from Lu-ho (hsien), that which was seen to the left of the fortification was from Chiang-pú (hsien) which belongs to the Imperialists, and in the possession of which combined with Lu-ho-hsien they manage to intercept some amount of provisions to Nanking. The rice here, bad as it is, is excessively dear. In fact, provisions of any kind are rare, and the prices of them beyond the reach of many. A few of the shops have already shut up and are about to open elsewhere. Others of the shopkeepers intend to move to Soochow and Hangchow, in consequence of the non-peaceful appearance of this place and the scarcity of the necessaries for the support of life.
With a view of stimulating Liang and Hsiao, and encouraging them to make bold in the cause of Taipingdom, promotion has been accorded to them. To the former, for his zealous services in disseminating true principles amongst the heavenly children, the title of Wang has been given, and Liang now assumes to himself the grand title of Kang-wang (Prince of Merit). Hsiao has been promoted to a Heavenly something or other, but I suppose he even aspires to becoming a king at some future period.
Both of them certainly deserve great credit, for they have always been on the alert upon any rumor of the Imps approaching, and have more than once summoned assemblies and delivered lectures to the people, exhorting them to do their utmost in expelling the Imps should they make their appearance.
A rebel boat wherein were two women—wives of rebel chiefs—was captured and carried off by the Imperialists the other day. The two women turned out to be the relations of some Imperialists, who rewarded the captors with the sum of $200.
The encampments on the opposite side of the river and to the left of the pagoda where white banners float daily, are under the command of one Li-chang-slow, who is an ex-rebel and with whose name is associated deeds of treachery and murder. He was first an Imperialist; when seeing a greater chance of acquiring fame and plunder with the rebels, he then became a rebel and with his followers enlisted in Taipingdom’s cause.
Owing to events not assuming the favorable aspect which he anticipated, and conceiving that his prospects would be in a fairer way of bettering themselves he relinquished his interest in the rebels, and determined upon seeking his own gain irrespective of both parties. A change came over him, however, and various were the thoughts which pervaded his mind, until at length he fancied he espied more honors and better chance of receiving reward on the Imperialist side, so he ought to render that side the some assistance towards suppressing the Chiang-maos. Prior to this, we must tell you that when first he entertained intentions of becoming an adherent to the Taiping government, he showed that his zeal and integrity were not to be doubted, by inviting a number of rebel chiefs over to his camp and likewise at the same time four (red and blue buttoned) mandarins; when, by a preconcerted signal, the four mandarins were seized and their heads taken off. A few days back he is said to have sent dispatches to the city avowing his wish again to assist the rebels and to have requested that some one might be sent to confer with him. But in consequence of the general lack of confidence in this Li-chang-show, no one can be found possessed of sufficient courage to undertake the mission. By way of a slight stimulus, $100 was offered to any one who would go, but we imagine, even this amount will not suffice to induce a man to risk his life.
The Imperialists appear as if they were in great force on the opposite side; numerous red and white flags are seen, and a long line of men with standards of the above colors was seen this morning lining the hill on which the pagoda stands. They presented really a most imposing spectacle and with a gaze from any one. Reinforcements were dispatched yesterday to the rebels’ fort on the other side, on account of the threatening aspect of affairs.
The rebels have now a plan of enabling themselves to endure long marches without fatigue. Beef is dried in the sun for a certain time. Eggs are then incorporated with it, and it is then fit for use. A portion can be taken out at any time and boiled with a little water which renders it palatable and appeases hunger, and the remainder preserves its properties without spoiling.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年3月22日
南京
（来自一位通讯者）
几天前，大股帝国军队出现在河的另一边。我们可以清楚地看到他们在推进。然而，他们并未靠得太近，而是在点燃了许多火堆并确信已充分展示了他们的力量和勇气后再次消失。太平军的炮台迅速聚满了士兵，有两三艘悬挂旗帜、载有健壮战士的船只跨河追击。然而，他们停留在对岸，直到妖军消失不见，才开始向前推进。
除了堡垒之外，帝国军队完全掌控了河流，并在过去两天内扎营于此地附近。这支部队来自六合县，而出现在堡垒左边的是来自江浦县的部队。在这一片与六合相连的帝国辖区，帝国军队成功截获了运往南京的一些粮食。然而，这里的米粮质量很差且价格极其昂贵。事实上，任何类型的粮食都十分稀缺，其价格超出许多人的承受范围。一些商铺已经关闭，计划在别的地区开张，而另一些商铺店主打算搬到苏州或杭州，以应对这个地区动荡的局势和生活必需品的短缺。
为了激励梁和萧鼓起勇气为太平天国事业努力，他们获得晋升。梁因其在向天朝子民传播真理方面的热忱服务，被封为贡王（功绩王）[1]。萧则被提拔到一个“天”的职位，但我想未来他有希望封王。
他们两人确实功不可没，因为每当听闻妖军即将到来时，他们总是警惕不懈，多次召集集会并向民众发表讲话，号召大家竭尽全力驱逐妖军，以应对他们的进攻。
帝国军队不久前捕获了一艘叛军船只，船上载有两位叛军首领的妻子。结果这两名女性是帝国军队内部某些人士的亲属，捕获者因此获得200两的奖励。
对岸的营地位于河的另一侧以及每日飘扬白旗的塔楼左侧，这些营地的指挥官叫李昭寿。他曾是一名叛军，他的名字同背叛和谋杀联系在一起。他最初是帝国军队的一员，但为了追求更多的名利和财富，他加入叛军，并与追随者投奔太平天国。然而，局势并未如他预期般发展，他认为自己的前景可以更好，于是他放弃叛军的事业，决定追求个人利益，而不顾双方阵营的立场。然而，李昭寿的思想再次转变。他认为或许能在帝国军队中获取更多荣誉和回报，于是他决定协助清军镇压长毛。在此之前，我们必须告诉你，当李昭寿最初有意成为太平天国追随者时，他表现出的热忱和忠诚是毋庸置疑的。他邀请一些叛军首领和四名蓝翎红翎官员到他的营地，接着他发出事先安排好的信号，将这四人抓住并砍头。几天前，据说他向城中送信，宣称他希望再次协助叛军，并请求派遣某人前来与他会面。然而，叛军普遍对李昭寿缺乏信任，没有人愿意冒险执行这一任务。叛军悬赏100两，稍稍鼓励任何愿意去的人，但我们认为，即使有这样的奖励，也不足以让任何人冒生命危险去执行此事。
目前，帝国军队在对岸展现了强大的力量。我们可以看到无数的红旗和白旗，今天早上有一长排携带上述颜色旗帜的士兵出现在塔楼所在的山上。这场面非常宏伟壮观，吸引了所有人的目光。由于局势威胁严重，叛军昨日向对岸的堡垒派遣了增援部队。
叛军现在制定了一项计划，使他们能够在长途行军中避免疲劳。他们将牛肉晒干一定时间后，与鸡蛋混合制作成一种食物。这种食物可以随时取用，只需加少量水煮沸即可食用，既美味又能缓解饥饿。此外，剩下的部分也可以长期保存而不腐坏。
译注
- 原文是kang wang，但梁凤超的封号是贡王，应为作者误记。
三
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 19 April 1862
NANKING
(From a Correspondent.)
The valiant band of the Tien-wang’s warriors, happily to state, has crossed the river; and after spending still greater peace than that existing here already, they have gone to see what they can do towards the same end on the other side. However, whatever they do matters little to us and we are glad that they have presented their backs to us. We have a certain amount of feeling naturally for the people who will be turned out of their homes and murdered, but we certainly are selfish enough to think of ourselves before them. The warriors were the choicest set of rascals with whom you could possibly meet; and so eager were they to obtain boats to enable them to cross the river and hasten on their work of destruction, that a boat failing to come when hailed was immediately fired at, and that again not being sufficient, two or three of them would divest themselves of their clothes and swim after the offender. Matters coming to such an extreme generally induced the boatman to turn his boat inshore and yield himself up, when an immediate invasion took place, and at the completion of the passage across, not even were the chopsticks left as reminiscences of the affair, to say nothing of the cooking utensils which were of course all not entirely carried off. Matting on the top of the boat became very serviceable likewise.
The first portion of the troops which arrived being somewhat great, there were not boats enough in readiness to convey them all or even a part of them over at once, and as adverse winds proved unfavourable to a speedy transit, a greater delay than otherwise would have occurred had the contrary been the case, was occasioned. The men were hence let loose in the street and had to be billeted on the people, the range of whose wealth is at times by no means extensive. Better had it been had a herd of wolves been released upon them instead, for they could have done something in the way of slaughtering them, but these human wolves they could not annihilate. The rice of the poor was soon devoured and the doors, shutters, &c., of the shops made very good firewood for cooking it; and a visit to the street after the departure of these gents showed that the shops had not been spared, for they were regularly gutted and presented somewhat of a similar appearance to a house which has been on fire for a short time, and the inside of which is nearly burnt away, where remnants of a few beams and pillars only remain here and there to attest to the severity of the fire. The complaint of the people was that not only had their all been devoured, but the cooking utensils and the chopsticks which are in such universal use had likewise disappeared; and to make matters worse nearly all the reeds which had been gathered in so assiduously for the past months were taken off, and as a grand consummation of all and to satiate wantonness, they were set fire to by the villains when they commenced their march, depriving the people thereby of all hope or chance of recovering them. Boys and men were carried off and sundry of the other sex were not exempted.
It was on a misty morning soon after the hour of eight that a portion of the rebels moved over the hills to attack the Imperialists, so long encamped below the Pagoda. The junks (previously mentioned) soon opened fire, which they maintained for some time; when satisfied with what they had done, their sails were hoisted, they vanished, and were seen no more. They fired very probably to cover the retreat of the Imperialists, who discovering in time that superiority of numbers was with their enemies, promptly availed themselves of the opportunity to retire. It would have been vain for them to have remained in their places intrenched, though they were commanding several lofty positions about there. The rebels took possession of the ground, planted their standards on all the earthworks, and when they had obtained all they could, the application of fire completed the scene and showed they had likewise finished their work of slaughter and were about to evacuate the place. We heard from the people here that the Imperialists had retired prior to the arrival of the rebels and that numbers of the people resident and carrying on their avocations just about that place had been killed. A visit to the scene of the slaughter confirmed and verified all this, and we were unable to trace any marks of an engagement having taken place, neither could we discover a single rebel corpse; but we saw bodies to the number of 60 or 70 lying in different parts of the ground, and examination of each invariably showed that death had been caused by the stroke of the knife across the neck. No less than 15 bodies were lying huddled close together in a ditch surrounding a small earthwork. One of them was minus everything but his stockings, and was calmly reposing on his back with his head under another man’s arm. Two or three were almost wholly consumed by fire and lying in the camps, and two partially consumed by fire presenting a most disgusting spectacle, were lying close to a place which marked the site of a small hut, only two or three of the embers of which remained. Some of the huts were partly built of wood and others entirely of reeds plastered with mud. Our abrupt appearance interrupted the tithe of some hawks, which had perhaps not luxuriated so much for many a day, and who seemed to prefer the cooked to the raw meat, not having molested the other men save in picking their eyes out. Two huts still standing and the ex-occupant of one was sleeping the sleep of death just outside, and on the neck of whom the fatal marks of the knife lay clearly displayed. Curiosity invited us to peep into the other and the inmates we found to be two in number. One of whom was a little boy aged about eleven or twelve sitting perfectly still in an upright posture; being told to move his neck which seemed to be very stiff, we beheld a large gash in the neck which, he told us, had been done by some rebels, who, entertaining contrary to their custom, an amount of feeling for him as he told them he was only a small trader and not a soldier, let him off “the rest”—when such a wound can get, well it is difficult to say. The other inmate was a person whose face had been severely burnt, and one hand of whom was well cooked, that is browned well on the exterior and probably not much less so in the interior. A glass of ale after all these sights by no means came amiss.
One part of the rebels have directed their way to Chiang-pú-(hsien), intending eventually to recapture Nganking, and the other portion have branched off in the direction of Loo-ho-(hsien) with the intention of taking Yang-chow and Hsúeh-kí-mino. Dispatches arrived at Liang’s a day or two back and from private information, through one attached to the above person’s place, we learn that the rebels had been defeated at Hsi-leng-shan (West Pillar), at Chiang-pú-hsien, and at Loo-ho-hsien, and that they were pursued for 6 miles from the latter place. The Ying-wang we heard was well hemmed in at Lu-chow.
We must withhold our prejudice against the rebels, when we hear of the ill-treatment of foreigners at Hankow by the braves. Notwithstanding the ferocity of the former, they seem to behave themselves better than the latter; but it may be that in time when the braves become accustomed to the sight of foreigners they will not be so hostile to them.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年4月19日
南京
（来自一位通讯者）
值得庆幸的是，天王的英勇战士们已经渡过了河流；在这里已经存在的和平基础上，他们更进一步地安居乐业后，便前往另一边看看能否实现同样的目标。然而，他们无论做什么，对我们而言都无关紧要，我们只为他们背对着我们而感到高兴。我们对那些将会被赶出家园、被杀害的人自然会有一些同情，但我们确实也足够自私，优先考虑我们自己的安危。这些战士简直是一群极尽无赖之能事的恶徒。他们急于获得船只以便渡河并迅速开展他们的破坏行动。若船只未能应召而来，立刻便会遭到射击。如果这还不够，两三个人会脱下衣服，直接游向那不听召唤的船。事情发展到如此极端地步，他们通常会迫使船夫把船靠岸并投降，随即船便会被立刻入侵。在渡河完成后，船上甚至连筷子都不会留下，更别提那些炊具，当然都被彻底抢走了。船顶上的席子也被他们视为有用之物。
由于最先到达的部队数量相当多，准备好的船只不足以一次性将他们全部或部分运送过去，加之逆风阻碍了迅速过河的进程，延误比原本情况还要严重。因此，这些士兵被释放到街上，并被安置在百姓家中，而这些百姓的财产往往并不丰厚。如果能放出一群狼来对付他们，情况可能会更好些，因为狼至少会直接屠杀他们，而这些“人狼”却无法被消灭。穷人的大米很快被抢光，店铺的门、窗等木制品则被用作生火煮饭的柴火。这些家伙离开后，我们走访街道，发现店铺一个也没能幸免，全都被洗劫一空，宛如一座刚被大火烧过的房子，里面几乎被烧光，只剩下一些散落的梁柱见证火灾的惨烈。百姓的抱怨不仅限于他们的财物被掠夺一空，连炊具和筷子也全数消失，甚至几个月来辛苦收集的芦苇也被抢走。最恶劣的是，这些恶徒在离开时还纵火焚烧了这些芦苇，使百姓失去了任何回收的希望或可能性。男子和男孩被掳走，甚至女性也未能幸免。
在一个雾气弥漫的清晨，约莫八点钟后，一部分叛军越过山丘，准备攻击驻扎在宝塔下方的清军营地。此前提到的驳船很快开火，并维持了一段时间。待他们完成所需的射击后，便扬帆而去，彻底消失，不见踪影。他们的射击很可能是为了掩护清军撤退，清军发现敌人的兵力占据了压倒性优势，便迅速趁机撤离。尽管清军占据了周围几个制高点，留在原地坚持战斗显然是徒劳的。叛军占领了该地，在所有的土垒上插上了旗帜。当他们搜刮完所有可得之物后，又放火烧毁了现场，显示他们的杀戮已结束，准备撤离。据当地百姓说，清军在叛军到来之前便已撤退，附近从事各种生计的人不少被杀害。访问屠杀现场后，这些说法得到了证实。我们没有发现任何战斗的痕迹，也未见到一具叛军的尸体，但却看到60到70具尸体散布在地面各处。检查每一具尸体发现，死因无一例外均为被刀砍断颈部。15具尸体挤作一团，堆在环绕一小土垒的沟渠里，其中一具只剩下袜子，仰面而卧，头靠在另一个人的胳膊下。两三具尸体几乎被完全烧毁，位于营地中，另有两具部分被烧毁的尸体靠近一处小屋遗址，场面极为惨不忍睹。小屋有些由木头建成，有些完全由泥抹的芦苇建成。我们突然的出现惊扰了正在啄食的老鹰，这些老鹰似乎更偏爱熟肉而非生肉，未触碰其他尸体，只是啄掉了他们的眼睛。两座小屋仍然屹立，其中一间屋外躺着一具尸体，颈部刀痕清晰可见，已长眠不起。出于好奇，我们进入了另一间屋子，发现里面有两名住客。一位是一个约十一二岁的男孩，端正地坐着一动不动，脖子僵硬。他告诉我们，他的脖子上有一道深深的刀伤，是叛军所为。他解释说，由于他告诉叛军自己只是一个小商贩而非士兵，他们破例饶了他一命。然而，这样的伤口是否能好转，实在令人怀疑。另一位住客的脸部严重烧伤，其中一只手已被烧熟，外部呈棕色，内部估计也没好到哪里去。看完这些景象后，喝上一杯啤酒的确让人稍感安慰。
叛军的一部分已向江浦县方向进发，意图最终重新夺回安庆，而另一部分则向六合县方向分流，计划进攻扬州和仙女庙。前几日，梁某收到急件，据他手下一名消息人士的私下透露，叛军在西梁山、江浦县和六合县被击败，并被追击至六合县外6英里。我们听闻英王在庐州被严密包围。
当我们听到勇丁在汉口对外国人的虐待时，我们不得不暂时抑制对叛军的偏见。尽管叛军的凶残众所周知，但他们似乎比勇丁的行为更好些。不过，也许随着时间的推移，当勇丁逐渐习惯了外国人的存在后，他们对外国人的敌意会有所减少。
四
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 24 May 1862
NANKING
From a Correspondent.
The Hu-wang with the remnant of his army who managed to escape the slaughter at Yangchow has returned to this place and is now encamped on the opposite side of the river, where report says he will have to remain as neither him nor his horde of savages are wanted on this side. The destruction they caused on previous occasions, and the desolation they spread here, causes the people to be rather suspicious of their brethren, and entertain hopes that they may at length share the fate of those who went out (with great glee) to return no more. They have received very good advice from this side, to the effect that they had better try their luck at Chiang-foh Sien, as there are no supplies here for them and there may possibly be plenty for them there. We likewise concur in this opinion as to the above being the best plan, for it is clear that no shelter reveals itself to them unless they are allowed to cross the river. They would then have a good road open to them and they can try their fortune once again at Chinkiang. Their attempts on Chiang-pi-tsuen and Lu-ho-tsien some time back met with signal failure. They spent two or three days in attempting to force their way into the former, but at the latter place they were not allowed to hang about so long, as they were not only beaten, but pursued for several miles, and numbers of these men slain. They then proceeded to Yangchow in the hope of regaining their prestige and achieving some victory, which would enable them not only to obtain standing ground for themselves and be in a place which they could call their own, but to greet the ears of the great Wang with the fact that another place had been added to his Heavenly Kingdom, and that there was one place less to be conquered before he could sit on the throne of the empire; but alas! their hopes and aspirations were doomed to disappointment. They sent reports at various times that they had killed so many Imps and captured so many horses. This I learned from the Chang-wang a few days back. From a private source, however, a day or two ago we heard that the Hu-wang had met with a great defeat, had lost half his men, and was on his march home. This proved to be but too true.
The general aspect of affairs is not promising for future successes to the rebels—they have been severely beaten of late on all sides, and the people have been very much disheartened, so that many have already fled, amongst whom an official may be enumerated as having bolted and taken with him other people’s money to the amount of 3,000 taels, and many more are desirous to go, as they do not like the threatening state of affairs. To give encouragement to the people and to pacify their minds, Liang dispatched a crier about the place to announce to the people some barefaced lies. He told them that several places had been taken about here, whereas we hear through a good source that it is all false, and we are told not to believe it. Trade is rather dull and the place presents a deserted appearance. Salt which was a profitable speculation some time ago is now at a standstill, there being a few boats in the creek which cannot get rid of their cargoes of the above material. Rice is somewhat cheaper than it has been, the latest quotation being $6.80, having fallen from $7.30. The rebels here it seems are entirely supplied by the Imperialists, and whilst Imperialist forces are obstructing the thoroughfare on the other side of the river, boats are allowed to pass to and from the river in payment of dues.
From Hankow and places on this side of that city, boats containing short-haired men are constantly coming down with supplies of medicines, wine, tobacco, paper, umbrellas, &c., and others from Echang, Hsieuh-li-miao (near Yangchow) are as constantly and of late more so, coming up with supplies of rice, salt, opium, and sundries. The last-mentioned article (opium) is just now cheaper than usual, a good deal having come up of late from Hsieuh-li-miao. Were it not for Imperialist assistance, I don’t know how the people here would live, they deserve some amount of support though, as a good many are natives of this place; but while providing for the requirements of the good, the bad likewise come in for a share, and that is the misfortune. If one could cut off supplies for the T’ien-wang and two or three of the other wangs and some of their faithful adherents, it would be worth while doing so and would be an act of justice, but their allowance could not be taken away from them without the people being in distress at the same time. The Ying-wang we heard some time ago was in great peril at Luchow, after that he had been decapitated, subsequent to that he had been relieved by Miu-pé-lin. This the Chang-wang told me the other day; but we now learn that he is still in Sin-chow closely hemmed in by Imperialists, and with no likelihood of his getting out. The mandarin who reports his capture may be sure of a red button, and a double-eyed peacock’s feather, if not greater distinction. The two characters T’ung-shih have revealed their meaning of late, as the two Heen-fung manifested their significance previously to them. One party accounts for the rebellion, by assuming it an impossibility that two kings should sit upon the same hill without waging war against each other. He alleges that the dissection of the Heen-fung will furnish us with “two princes seated on a hill” in the latter, and Kan-ko to figure in the former character.
The people at this place, strange to say, heard of the fall of Tsing-poo before we did. They are increasing their fortifications and endeavoring to present as formidable a front as possible to any enemy who may appear.—May 10th.
May 20th—Some few of the heroes have been crossing to-day, the boats conveying them having made a very profitable day of it.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年5月24日
南京
来自一位通讯者
那位从扬州大屠杀中侥幸逃脱的护王，带着残部回到了此地，眼下驻扎在长江对岸。据说他们只能留在那边，因为此岸的百姓谁也不愿接纳他或他麾下的野蛮之徒。回想他们过往在此地烧杀抢掠、制造荒芜的行径，民众早已对这群”同胞”心生戒备，甚至暗暗盼着他们步上先前那批兴冲冲出征却再未归来的同伙的后尘。此岸的人给了他们一条好建议：不如去江浦县碰碰运气，毕竟本地粮草已空，说不定那边还能抢到些物资。连我们都觉得这主意不错——明摆着不让他们渡江，此处哪有他们的容身之地？若能渡江，他们倒能畅通无阻，说不定还能在镇江再赌一回运气。先前攻打江浦县和六合县时，他们可是栽了大跟头：在江浦县猛攻两三日未果，到了六合县更惨——非但没攻下来，反被追杀数里，折损大批人马。转战扬州本指望重振声威，既夺块立足之地向天王邀功，谎称”天朝疆土又拓一方，离坐稳江山更近一步”，可惜啊！他们的美梦终究破灭。虽然护王不时吹嘘”诛妖无算、缴获战马若干”（这话我是前几日从章王处听来的），但私底下传来的消息却揭露了真相：他们遭遇惨败，折损过半，正狼狈逃回。如今看来，后者才是实情。
眼下叛军形势堪忧，各处接连吃败仗，人心涣散。已有大批人出逃，其中甚至有个官吏卷走他人三千两银子潜逃。更多人蠢蠢欲动，毕竟谁愿意留在危城等死？为安抚民众，梁竟派人在街巷散布赤裸裸的谎言，声称附近多地被攻占。可靠消息证实这些全是假话，我们也被叮嘱切勿轻信。市面萧条，商铺冷清。往日暴利的盐业如今滞销，河道里积压着卸不出去的盐船。米价倒是跌了些，最新报价六元八角，比先前七元三角降了不少。说来讽刺，此地叛军的补给竟全赖清军——尽管官军封锁了对岸要道，却默许货船缴税通行。汉口及江北各镇的短发汉子们，不断驾船运来药材、酒水、烟草、纸张、雨伞等物；而来自仪征、扬州附近仙女庙的船只则频繁（近来愈发频繁）输送大米、食盐、鸦片及杂货。尤其鸦片价格比往常低廉，全因仙女庙近期到货量大增。说句实话，若没有清军暗中接济，真不知此地百姓如何过活——虽说他们多是本地人该受照拂，可这般救济难免让歹徒也分得好处，实在令人扼腕。要是能断了天王及两三个王爷与其死忠的粮草，倒算得上大快人心，可惜百姓生计与此捆绑，动弹不得。前些日子风传英王在庐州遇险，虽得苗沛霖解围，却仍被斩首。这些是章王日前告诉我的，但最新消息证实英王仍被困庐州[1]，遭官军重重围堵，突围希望渺茫。若真有将领擒获他，怕是能得赏红顶和双眼孔雀花翎。近来”同治”二字显出深意，恰似当年”咸丰”二字早有预兆。有人将这场叛乱归咎于”一山不容二虎”的天命。他说拆解”咸丰”可得”二王坐山”，而”同治”则暗藏”干戈”——倒也算得机锋妙解。
说来蹊跷，本地百姓竟比我们更早得知青浦失守的消息。如今他们正加紧修筑工事，试图在可能来袭的敌人面前摆出最强防御姿态。
5月10日记
5月20日补记：今日有几位“英雄”渡江而来，摆渡的船家倒是赚得盆满钵满。
译注
- 原文误作苏州。
五
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 7 June 1862
Nanking
(From a Correspondent.）
In my last letter, I told you that the aspect of affairs did not augur much for future rebel successes. The Imperialists have for some time been steadily making their way down the river; and since the capture of Wuhu (which at last fell into their hands after repeated unsuccessful attacks), they have come with increased speed. It is naturally important that they should have that place, as they can control their operations from there without impediment; and if they can only get Nanking, the river will be opened, and a brisk trade will in an immeasurably short space of time spring up. It will then be advantageous for most parties, with the exception of salt smugglers. These people will, of course, be dispensed, as, at the present time, if they can only get a boat laden with salt past this place, it is almost a fortune to them; whereas it will be totally different if the rebels are driven out, as the above article will not be allowed to be conveyed past.
For some few weeks past, the Imperialists have been expected, and it was generally known that they were in great force and had 300 or 400 war-boats. Batteries have been repaired, earthworks thrown up, and an additional 32-pounder with “V. R.” on it to Liang’s fort, and most of the guns pointing up the river. They have really been very active of late here and deserve great credit on that account. Additional guns have been mounted on the hill, amongst which there is one 6,000-catty gun subjected to an experimental trial a week or so back and found pretty effective. For the past few days, people have been leaving in great numbers, and at the time I write, the shops are all closed and the streets pretty well deserted. These are sure signs.
Certain signs that difficulties are impending overhead and that thick clouds are gathering in the distance. And strange to say, and what is still worse, that as the Imperialists advance, so are they joined by as many rebels as can manage to run successfully; and I believe that the place will go off with an explosion by and bye, and the Tien-wang and some of his followers will be left to their fate. Changes are taking place all around, and numbers of rebels are going over to the other side; in fact, it is said that the Ying-wang, who I mentioned the other day was besieged at Lu-chow (not at Soochow as printed), has deserted the rebel cause and is probably going to assist in the attack on this place. If the Imperialists can manage to operate with their forces in a proper manner, there is no fear of any failure in effecting its capture. As it seems probable, from the determination of the Imperialists to take this place, that several engagements may ensue, it will be better perhaps, instead of condensing particulars into a limited space, to give as full an account as possible of each day’s proceedings.
May 30th
The people were generally agitated throughout the day, and any amount of them with bundles on their backs wending their way to more peaceful regions. Various reports came to our hearing that the Imperialists had already arrived at the Hsin-tou-kuan, but it was not expected that they would put in their appearance so soon after.
Towards 8 o’clock P.M., however, we espied a fire in the direction of Liang’s and heard the reports of two or three guns. We then knew that they were really near, and so did Liang, for he began to strike to quarters, and the first on the opposite bank of the river opened in the direction of the flames and kept up a running fire for some time—with what precision is not generally known, but two or three of the guns were heavy ones and made some good reports. It was quite refreshing to see the little amount of animation there was after enduring a monotonous life for such a long time. We hope to see still more, and should the place fall, shall be more reluctant to leave it. We really enjoyed the firing as long as it lasted, although it kept us up a long time after the proper hour for retiring to rest. There was great shouting and noise at one time, and several trading boats driven down by the Imperialists attempted to seek refuge at Liang’s establishment but disappeared again after four successive discharges of grape had been scattered amongst them. Noise and firing were carried on pretty well throughout the night, and confusion and disorder for the first time for some months reigned in lieu of “Great Peace.”
May 31st
About 4 o’clock this morning, spirited fire was again commenced at the fort on the opposite side, but only occasionally, followed up with a gun from Liang’s—that gun, though, was a 32-pdr. with a “V.R.” on it, which the rebels were wise enough to find out would be more serviceable than a Chinese one. At five, it was very misty, but we could manage to discern a number of Imperialist war boats, so well conglomerated together that nearly every shot from the batteries must have told. They were allowed to maneuver about and arrange themselves just above the fort without molestation, the firing having been suspended for a short time, but soon after they had opened out and apparently got themselves into position, they recrossed the river and retired to their safe retreat again. The day was comparatively tranquil, with few shots being exchanged on either side. The war boats have managed to ensconce themselves in a small creek a short distance above Liang’s, where little more than their masts are visible. They took possession of four forts on their way down; one of which, though, was not completed, and I am not sure whether any guns had been already placed there or not.
In the evening, I cruised through the streets and was somewhat amused to find Liang in the midst of about 30 or 40 fierce warriors, armed with knives, swords, spears, pikes, &c., with two drawn knives in his hands, threatening anyone who might run, with instant decapitation, and spreading terror around him on all sides. His visage presented a fierce appearance; he was without stockings, but yet had managed to find time to assume his helmet and gaudy-coloured coat, resplendent with drawings of all shapes and sizes in gold lace and other materials; altogether, he was rather a fierce individual.
June 1st
Some desultory firing going on through the day, but nothing much. There seem to be about 200 or 300 war boats, but last night with the telescope, I could make out from Liang’s lookout some more making their way down to join the others. A man who was caught in the act of deserting yesterday had his head removed; it appears he miscalculated on the speed of his own legs.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年6月7日
南京
（来自一位通讯者）
上封信中，我曾向您分析过局势对叛军并不乐观。近些时日，帝国军队沿江步步紧逼，自攻陷芜湖（此前屡攻不克，终被收入囊中）后更是势如破竹。占据芜湖对帝国军队至关重要——此地可掌控全局而无阻滞。若再得南京，则长江航道洞开，商贸必在极短时间内复苏。届时除私盐贩子外，各方皆有利可图。如今私盐贩子若能将一船盐运过此地，几乎等同暴富；但若叛军溃败，私盐贩运必遭禁绝，局面将截然不同。
数周来，城中皆知帝国军队即将压境。其兵力雄厚，携三四百艘战船。叛军已修缮炮台、加筑工事，更在梁驻守的要塞添置一门刻有”V.R.”字样的32磅重炮，多数炮口皆指向上游。守军近来备战积极，确该褒扬。山上新增数门火炮，其中一门六千斤巨炮约一周前试射，威力可观。近日百姓大批逃亡，我提过商铺尽数闭门，街巷空荡，此乃凶兆无疑。帝国军队推进之际，叛军中能脱身者竟纷纷投敌，实为怪象，也让事态更早。我料此地不久将陷，天王与其党羽难逃覆灭。各处叛军倒戈成风，前日提及被围于庐州（非苏州，此前刊印有误）的英王，据传已叛变投敌，很可能将协助攻打南京。帝国军队若调度得当，夺城胜算极大。观其志在必得之势，恐有连番恶战。与其简略概述，不如逐日详述战况。
5月30日
整日人心惶惶，百姓背负行囊逃往安宁之地。虽传帝国军队已抵头关（Hsin-tou-kuan），但未料其现身如此迅速。
将近晚上8点时，忽见梁所在方向火起，两三声炮响传来。众人方知敌军迫近。梁急令备战，江对岸炮台率先朝火光处开火，持续轰击多时。准头难测，但两三门重炮声势骇人。久居死寂之地，见此动荡竟觉振奋。我们希望见识更多，若城破，我们反而会更不舍得离去。我们一直享受着炮战，尽管它持续很久，让我们错过了恰当的睡眠时间。喧嚣中夹杂惊叫；数艘被清军驱赶的商船欲在梁的驻地避难，却遭霰弹四次齐射，仓皇逃遁。整夜枪炮声未绝，数月来的”太平”终被混乱撕碎。
5月31日
凌晨4点，对岸炮台再掀激战，梁部以刻有”V.R.”的32磅重炮还击——叛军倒识得此西洋火炮胜过土炮。5点，雾浓，仍可辨帝国战船密集结阵，几乎每发炮弹皆能命中。对方竟趁守军停火间隙，从容在炮台上游布阵，待阵型列毕却又渡江撤退。白日相对平静，偶有零星交火。帝国战船藏身梁部驻地附近小河汊，唯桅杆微露。它们沿途已夺四座要塞，其一尚未竣工，未知是否已架设火炮。晚上，我在街上散步，有些开心地撞见梁带领三四十名持刀剑枪矛的凶悍士兵。梁双刀出鞘，厉声恫吓逃亡者立斩不赦，四周百姓惊恐万状。梁面目凶煞，他没有穿鞋袜，但得以抽出时间戴上头盔、披上色彩华丽的外套（衣服上到处是金丝或其他材质的大小龙纹），这一切让他的形象更为凶恶。
6月1日
终日断续交火，无甚进展。帝国战船约二三百艘，但昨晚我在梁的瞭望台用望远镜看到更多船只顺流而下汇入舰队。昨日一逃兵被擒斩首，此人腿脚终究快不过军法。
六
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 14 June 1862
NANKING
(From a Correspondent.)
Since writing my last, the war boats on this (lower) side have considerably increased in number, and more are expected daily. There are several large war junks carrying ten and twelve guns a piece, and were they to move themselves up, might be of a great use; but the worst of it is that they are filled with Canton men upon whom no reliance can be placed, and who may at any moment play a treacherous game and suddenly enlist their strength for rebel benefit. We have advised some of the swells here to remove half the crew of each and replace them with natives of this place or other places round, which will render them more secure and certain. In consequence of having moved out to let both parties have it out fairly, we have been unable to watch the movements of the war boats which came down the river and were the first to threaten the place. They are separated from these just here, and do not somehow seem to co-operate in any measure. If they could manage to unite and plan an attack at a certain time and on one stated place they would be more likely to gain some success, but the fact of it is that operations have not yet commenced. The land forces of Tsêng-kuo-fan have not yet arrived; they have been expected for a long time, and it is very strange that they have not yet come. The attacking force of war junks is no use in itself as the rebels present a pretty formidable array of guns in front of all their forts, and can serve their fire well enough to keep the boats off. A land force is greatly wanted to take them in the rear and harass them a little. At present they have it all to themselves, and it is not difficult work for them to look after the war boats. The forts on the island (known as Theodolite Point, so called in Chinese Chi-li-chow) have been strengthened and staked all round, rendering it a matter of great difficulty to gain an entrance. Three deep ditches or trenches have to be passed, a small narrow road only leading into fortifications. This is well staked and two or three guns point direct on it, and would have the command of it unless an immense number of men were attacking it.
The fort on the opposite bank of the river is called C-iu-pu-chow, and for the future it will be better understood if we always employ this name when speaking of it. The chief who commands it is slightly wavering in his intentions, and were a good offer held out to him by the Imperialists would no doubt be inclined to come to some terms with them. The one commanding Chi-li-chow is still more inclined to desert, and we even hear that he has already written a letter to Li-chang-show about the matter. Li-chang-show is the grand leader of the Imperialists, and has a good deal of power. He has offered the chief in Chi-li-chow a button of the third grade with the addition of a peacock’s feather if he will come to some arrangement. The Ying-wang we heard two days back had been captured by stratagem by Mino-pei-lin, and transmitted to Peking in a box. If such a thing is true, which we have great reason to think is so, it gives a death-blow to Taiping success on this side (Kiang-pei side) of the river. Were the Chung-wang taken, the same thing would happen as occurred when the Ying-wang was known to have been captured, i.e., that he was alone, none of his followers could be found, they had managed to disperse and (I suppose) shave their heads and become loyal people. When the Imperialists enter Nanking they will find two-thirds of the people with short hair, the remainder only being staunch rebels. I believe myself that half the inhabitants in the city are women. They are shut in forever, unless the place passes into other hands. I heard a day or two ago that the Tien-wang was dead, but we cannot say for certain whether such news be true. It is said that his decease took place in the third month. The rebels ought to be more convinced of the fallacy of his life enduring to a myriad years.
June 8. A lively engagement suddenly took place about half-past one this morning. It lasted for about two hours, without much loss though to either side. One of the war boats blew up from some mismanagement or other; but it did not deter the others from continuing their fire. It appears that the boats of Tseng-kuo-fan made a sudden attack upon Chi-li and Chin-pu (chow) with a view of gaining those two points; but they did not expect perhaps that they would be received with such a hot fire. They poured in their fire pretty strongly, and managed to pass the forts and gain a safe retreat, where they fired briskly without return from the rebels. The guns on the hill opened twice or thrice, but did not keep up their fire. The Imperialists retired without having gained an inch of ground, and, as is natural with them, they considered it better to let the rebels have time to put themselves in a state of defence that difficulties might increase, and they have all the work to do over again. The war boats on the whole behaved very gallantly, and had they been supported either by an additional force of boats or one of troops they would have used more energy and certainly gained some fort. An English gun-boat giving them either moral or physical support, as is suggested, would tend to imbue them with increased courage and they would feel that they must show themselves off in some way. Had there been a favourable wind the war junks (most of which are furnished with several foreign guns) would have been able to have rendered their assistance, but as it was, they remained inactive throughout the fight.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年6月14日
南京
（来自一位通讯者）
自上次通信以来，此岸（下游）的战船数量已大幅增加，预计每日还将有更多抵达。其中有数艘大型战船，每艘载有十至十二门火炮；若能驶向上游，本可发挥巨大作用。但最糟糕的是，船上全是广东人，完全不可信赖，他们随时可能叛变，将其力量突然投入叛军一方。我们已建议此地几位要人，撤换每艘船上一半船员，代以此地或周边地区的本地人，这样将使他们更可靠、更保险。由于我们移船外出，以便让双方公平交战，我们未能监视那些顺流而下、最先威胁此处的战船动向。它们与眼下此处的战船是分开的，而且不知何故，似乎丝毫未能协同行动。倘若它们能设法联合起来，在特定时间、选定地点策划一次进攻，则更有可能取得一些成功；但事实是，军事行动尚未展开。曾国藩的陆军仍未抵达。人们期待已久，至今未到实属非常奇怪。进攻的战船船队本身毫无用处，因为叛军在其所有炮台前方都布置了相当可观的炮阵，能够有效开火，足以将战船阻于远处。亟需一支陆军从后方包抄并袭扰他们。目前，叛军完全掌控局面，他们对付战船并非难事。岛屿（名称是“经纬仪角”，中文名“七里洲”）上的炮台已得到加强，四周钉满木桩，使攻入变得极其困难。必须通过三道深沟或壕堑，仅有一条狭窄小路通往防御工事。该小路布设了坚固的木桩，还有两三门火炮正对着它，若无大量兵力进攻，此路将完全处于其火力控制之下。河对岸的炮台名为“九洑洲”，今后提及它时，使用此名将更便于理解。指挥该炮台的首领意向略有动摇，若清廷方面向其提出优厚条件，无疑他会倾向于与其达成某种协议。指挥七里洲炮台的首领更倾向于叛逃，我们甚至听闻他已就此事致信李昭寿。李昭寿是清廷方面的大统领，颇具权势。他已向七里洲首领提出，若其能达成某种安排，将授予其三品顶戴花翎的赏赐。两日前我们听闻，英王被苗沛霖用计擒获，装入木笼解送北京。若此事属实（我们很有理由相信如此），则对太平天国在江北的成就是致命一击。倘若忠王被擒，亦将发生如同英王被擒消息传出后的情况——即其势单力孤，部下皆无踪影，他们想必已设法四散逃遁并（我推测）剃发成为忠民。清军进入南京时，会发现城中三分之二的人留着短发，只有余下者才是顽固的叛军。我本人相信城内居民一半是妇女。除非该城易手，否则她们永远被禁锢其中。一两天前我听闻天王已死，但无法确证此消息真假。据称其驾崩于三月。叛军们应更清醒地认识到所谓“天王万寿无疆”之说的虚妄了。
6月8日。今日凌晨约一点半，突然爆发一场激烈交火。战斗持续约两小时，双方伤亡不大。一艘战船因某种操作不当而爆炸；但这并未阻止其他船只继续开火。似乎是曾国藩的水师突袭七里洲和九洑洲，意图夺取这两处要点；但他们或许未料到会遭遇如此猛烈的炮火回击。水师猛烈倾泻炮火，设法驶过炮台后安全撤退至一处地点，从那里他们猛烈开火，而叛军未予还击。山上的火炮开了两三次，但未能持续射击。清军未得寸土便撤退了，并且（他们自然要这样做）认为最好让叛军有时间加强防御，以使困难增加，结果他们又得从头再来一遍。总的来说，战船表现得非常勇敢，倘若他们能得到更多战船或一支陆军的支援，他们本可投入更大力量并必定能攻占某些炮台。正如有人提议的，若有一艘英国炮艇给予他们精神或物质上的支持，将有助于鼓舞其勇气，他们会感到必须有所表现。当时若有顺风，那些战船（多数配备了数门洋炮）本可提供协助，但实际情况是，它们在整场战斗中始终按兵不动。
七
原文
英文转录
North China Herald, 28 June 1862
NANKING
(From a Correspondent.)
Affairs progress but slowly here; no move up to the present time having been made by the Imperialists. The work in hand now is to get two or three of the chiefs to renounce the rebel cause, and give up the forts under promises of buttons and great rewards. Under the present state of circumstances it will be impossible to succeed, but should affairs take a different turn and the rebels find themselves in difficulty, the balance may then be, and there is no doubt it will be, on the side of success. If things are not mismanaged, two or three of the forts may soon change hands. The grand object and aim of the Imperialists is to get possession of Ch’i-li-chow and Liang’s fort — the fort on the opposite side will then present an easy capture and the people holding it, unless their legs are very fleet, will be cut off to a man, as there are a good number of Imperialist troops encamped near, and a similar number waiting behind the hills for them. The most formidable obstacle is the fort on the hill, which can fire with impunity to itself. A new gun, we hear has just been added, the weight of which is 36,000 catties. It is of city manufacture and calculated to carry a shot considerably exceeding the 10 inch in size. Shell, from all accounts, can be made in the city, but it is difficult to say whether such a thing is possible. There is no doubt whatever, but that the city possesses some men of ingenuity caged up within it, for almost any work can be carried on there. I have seen some guns of Taiping manufacture, which are far superior to any Imperialist work, and are on the whole much better finished off. Printing can be done beautifully, and in fact almost any kind of work can be done in the city. However, if one has a strong tie there nothing greets the eye but a picture of ruin and desolation, and no one would imagine that there is an immense amount of work carried on. All seems inactivity, excepting near the gate, where files of coolies keep up a constant in and out traffic throughout the day. Liang showed me a 10 inch shell the other day which he said had been made in the city. It looked to me remarkably like a European one, but he averred that it was not, and added moreover, that there was a good supply of the same size and likewise of two or three sizes larger from where that came. The sooner the city is taken possession of by the Imperialists, the better will it be in many respects. During the time that the war boats belonging to them on this side have been here, trading boats in any number have come, and it has really been a treat to be able to purchase a few things. We have not had such an advantage afforded us for a long time, and it seems sufficiently evident from this that were the river opened, trade would flourish and Nanking would be a pleasant place to live in. But there would be one disadvantage, and that is that it would be more unhealthy than it is now, as what we are happily devoid of, now we should have then, viz: — offensive odours.
The Hu-wang is said to have arrived with his army. It is proposed to send him up the river to effect the recapture of Wu-hu and Taiping-kuan. The Imperialists are encamped a short way off the South gate, so that it is probable an engagement may take place between them and the above Wang’s troops. That Sunday when the fight between the respective parties took place, the Imperialists covered the passage of 200 or more trading boats, and likewise managed to get half their war boats to this side, for the purpose of making an attack at the required time on both sides. A particle of foreign interference would alter affairs in a great measure, and were the place taken by foreigners there would be no fear of there not being Imperialists enough to hold it.
中文翻译
《北华捷报》，1862年6月28日
南京
（来自一位通信者）
此地事态进展缓慢，至今帝国军队尚未采取行动。当前着手进行的工作是劝说两三名头目放弃叛乱事业、献出炮台，并承诺授予顶戴和重赏。目前情况下，此事不可能成功，但若形势有变，叛军陷入困境，那么成功可能性便会增加，并且毫无疑问终将成功。若处理得当，可能很快会有两三座炮台易手。帝国的首要目标是夺取七里洲和梁的炮台——一旦得手，对岸的炮台便唾手可得。守卫该炮台的人，除非腿脚极快，否则将全军覆没，因为附近驻扎着大量帝国军队，山后亦有同等数量的部队在等候他们。最棘手的障碍是山上那座炮台，它可以肆无忌惮地开火。据悉，该炮台刚新增了一门重达三万六千斤的大炮。此炮为城中制造，据计算可发射尺寸远超10英寸的炮弹。有传言称城中可制造炮弹，但此事是否可行尚难断言。毫无疑问，城内确实囚禁着一些能工巧匠，因为几乎任何工作都能在那里进行。我曾见过一些太平军制造的炮，其工艺远超帝国军队所造，整体上更为精良。太平军可以实现精美的印刷，事实上，城中几乎能进行任何种类的工作。然而若驻足细观，映入眼帘的唯有一片破败与荒凉的景象，无人会想象到其中正进行着巨量的工作。除城门附近外，一切似乎都处于停滞状态。城门处，成队的苦力终日穿梭不息，维持着进进出出的交通。前几日，梁向我展示了一枚10英寸的炮弹，他声称是城中制造。在我看来它极像一枚欧洲炮弹，但他坚称并非如此，并补充说，除了这枚炮弹，同样尺寸的炮弹有不少供应，还有两三种更大尺寸的炮弹来自同一个供应源。帝国军队越早占领该城，从许多方面来看都越好。自他们这边的战船在此驻扎以来，已有大量商船前来，能够买到些东西实为乐事。我们长久以来都未能享有此等便利，由此足以明显看出，若开通河道，贸易必将繁荣，南京也将成为一个宜居之地。但会有一个弊端，即此地会比现在更不卫生，因为我们现在幸而未遇上的难闻气味，届时将会出现。
据悉，护王已率军抵达。计划派其溯江而上，以收复芜湖和太平关。帝国军队驻扎在南门外不远处，因此他们很可能与上述王的部队发生交战。双方交战的那个周日，帝国军队掩护了200余艘商船通过，并设法将一半战船调至此岸，以便在必要时从两岸发起攻击。外国势力稍加干预便会在很大程度上改变局势，若该地为外国人所夺取，则无需担忧没有足够的帝国军队来此驻守。
