Chinese Customs Secret Files: Correspondence and Telegrams of Hardie and Kintzing (1874-1907) Volume 7 1900-1907

Author: Chen Xifei, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1995-11-01
Features: The work was quite simple, but it occupied all my time. Later, it was taken over by a major named Stuart Waterley, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I was gaining a great deal of valuable experience. I was in charge of leading local and British colonial reconnaissance personnel. You can imagine how much I had to use my wits—to do my best to get everything I needed from them while ensuring the work proceeded smoothly. Due to the inability to obtain a proper map of the area, my work became even more difficult, and I had to draw rough sketches for the troops. You must be very pleased to hear that I was not in danger; I did not have time to take risks. During the time of gunfire, I had to stay in the rear to wait for intelligence reports. Only when I received important intelligence that I had to personally deliver to the general did I get a chance to see the fighting. When could I get to Ladysmith? Because by then, my work in the war would be over, and in the second phase—which might be the last phase of the war—I could step away from the work,, and take a break. Our troops were all looking forward to fighting the Boers!
Madam, you must have already told him that He Chengxian and his wife were both laid up with influenza, but they are much better today. Madam He’s condition was also quite serious some time ago, but she is currently recovering. Mr. He’s cold was very mild, and Mr. Sinoda is almost recovered. Fortunately, we did not all fall ill at the same time.
Sincerely yours,
J. P. Kingdon
2846
Mrs. Harder
Coh girl
Dr. Fock
Z/846
Beijing, January 26, 1900
Dear J. P. Kingdon:
Hawkes sent me many musical scores via the last mail, but without a note or list. The jewelry company also wrote, but the package has not yet arrived. Since the package is insured, I estimate it will be sent from Shanghai when the ship arrives. Your letters Z/1195 and 1196 were received a few days ago. Due to lack of quota, I was unable to help Richardson or Bell (in my last letter, I forgot to include Bell’s letter). As for Dedda—I will see what I can do, but I’m afraid it’s too late! I haven’t thought of a reason to recommend Babié yet. It’s his own compatriot, and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is causing trouble! The Basile War Map has arrived. Even this map is not enough—I haven’t found Spien Kop yet! The telegram reporting Bure’s successful attack on the “key position” and occupation of “Spien Kop” (the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank) has made people here very excited. I can tell you that we have been in a heavy mood all along! Lord Luo’s speech was very moving. “The Minister of Commerce” is now the Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi, and the appointment of the Minister of Commerce has been delayed—no one knows if there will be news in the future. The Empress Dowager recently adopted a son of the Prince of Tuan to inherit the throne of Tongzhi. He is now the heir to the throne. I think he is fifteen or sixteen years old. Today, I heard that an edict will be issued within a week, and he will be proclaimed emperor. The emperor (Guangxu) will be sent to his hometown in Shenyang. After he arrives there, no one knows how he will be dealt with: imprisonment and execution? Or becoming the leader of the Manchus? The Prince of Tuan is the son of the Fifth Prince—the Fifth Prince is the son of Daoguang, the brother of Emperor Xianfeng, the Prince Gong, and the Seventh Prince.