ASPECT OF SOOCHOW IN RUINS. 281 their hulls left rotting in the canals amidst broken furniture and other débris of destruction. The value of the plunder taken at the ransacking of these boats and houses was greater than on any previous occasion on the capture of a city, not excepting Nanking, for it was in a comparatively poor condition when it fell into rebel hands. "This is a dreadful place," A-Lee remarked to the emissary as they threaded their way with difficulty through the ruinous streets. "I have always heard that it was the most beautiful city in our country, but now it is one of the ugliest. I wish I had not left Nanking, for, although it is not a desirable place to live in, yet I think it preferable to this.” "I agree with you," he quietly said, "the place has a dismal aspect, especially to me who has seen it in its former splendour. But I have no doubt, when the Heavenly Kingdom is thoroughly established it will be restored to a condition surpassing what it has ever been. This inevitable destruction of the "imps'" dwellings is necessary to root them out of the land, so that they may again rise like a phoenix from its ashes in renewed beauty." If Cut-sing had observed the features of his fair companion, he would have remarked her horror and dismay at the frightful aspect of the city, but she prudently suppressed any remarks on this topic, and made inquiry as to the chief in whose residence she was to take up her abode. "He is called the Mo Wang, fair lady, and holds the highest post in the city, where his wife and daughters reside with him, so that you will be honourably accommodated by ladies of rank." This explanation was satisfactory, and she felt a little more confidence in having taken the advice of Cut-sing. Moreover, as they reached the quarter where the Mo Wang resided, there were evidences that rebuilding was going forward. This functionary was appointed commandant of Soochow, and was one of the few leaders possessed of talent and education among the Taipings; and what was of more importance, used them in reconstructing what had been destroyed. In this way some of the best streets were restored in the vicinity of the official residences, and were new structures of a substantial character, but decorated in the usual gaudy manner. What attracted her attention more than these signs of renovation was seeing a number of foreigners, dressed in military uniform, walking about this quarter of the city. Her curiosity was extreme, so she almost involuntarily exclaimed, "I wonder who these officers can be! Perhaps they could give me some tidings of my father, or-" Before she could utter the name one of these foreign officers accosted the emissary, and they interchanged words as if they had known each other before; with a promise to meet again soon they parted. A-lee then repeated her thoughts by asking the question, "who are these foreigners." "Fair lady," he replied, "these are officers belonging to different foreign nations who have joined our holy cause, as Christians armed to fight the idolatrous Manchoos. Some have charge of our artillery, and others have drilled a select corps, armed with foreign weapons, and disciplined like the soldiers of their own countries. There are about two hundred of them in Soochow, and we expect a great many more to join our ranks who have been in the imperial service and have become dissatisfied. From them I expect to gain some intelligence concerning your father, if, as I suspect, he has joined the enemy. A bright hopeful expression passed over her face as she A-LEE KINDLY RECEIVED BY THE MO-WANG. 283 thanked her companion for this further piece of intelligence, by which she saw some prospect of not only seeing her father, but her lover. Whether he fathomed her train of thought or not, it is impossible to say, for by this time the porters who were carrying their baggage slung upon poles, called out to him that they were now at the Mo Wang's residence. It was a very pretentious building; at the same time it had more chasteness of design in its architecture, and was less gaudy in its colouring, than the general style of Taiping palaces. On arriving at the spacious gateway of the Yamoon, they were ushered into the reception-hall, where the commandant was conversing with some of his officers. When the emissary introduced his party, and explained who they were, he gave the ladies a kind welcome, and said that his wife and daughters would make them comfortable. A more enlivening part, however, was played by two of the Taiping officers, who came forward and recognised among the ladies two of their own wives. They greeted them in the most cordial and unembarrassed manner, greatly in contrast to the ancient Chinese salutation between man and wife, on meeting after a prolonged separation. Indeed, it was as hearty and affectionate a meeting as any between loving husbands and wives among Western nations. Had the Taipings followed the religion of the foreigners in as pure and cordial a manner as they did some of their social customs, they might have found in them their strongest allies, and perhaps have succeeded in overthrowing the Tartar dynasty. The Royal Engineers make a military survey of Shanghai and its environs.-Gordon appointed General of the "Ever-Victorious Army."-I also enter the Imperial service as one of his officers. -Gordon addresses the volunteers.-Re-organizes the disciplined native force.-Enters on a vigorous campaign by land and water. -Defeat of the insurgents in their strongholds.-Gallant action in the Hyson steamer.-Rebel prisoners treated leniently.-Siege of Soochow.-The Taiping chiefs capitulate.-I enter the city and learn that A-Lee is in the Mo Wang's house. M EANWHILE I was busily engaged along with my comrades under the directions of Major Gordon in continuing the survey for a military plan of the country around Shanghai. Few persons can realize the labour involved, and the dangers the engineers were subjected to in the course of that survey, which by the time it was completed extended over 2,000 square miles of land and water. Such a task, undertaken in a peaceable country under ordinary circumstances, would be one of no small magnitude. But when it is considered that the greater part of it was performed in the face of a bloodthirsty enemy, or under fire, it must be admitted it was a rare example of "the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties." Previous to this survey foreigners had no map to guide them through the country but the erroneous and |