×

Warning

JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 1064
Print this page
Tuesday, 14 March 2017 05:26

Devils on the Loose

Written by
Rate this item
(0 votes)
Chinese junk Chinese junk Painting origin unknown

In my latest book, Dragons, Devils and Rebels, there's a chapter on what Chinese and westerners thought of each other in the early days of contact. The book's finished, but I've since been reading a biography of an Englishman who lived in Shanghai in the mid 1850's. To his shock, when he first arrived Shanghai had been overrun by rebels, and was under siege from imperial troops. Still, he was an intrepid traveller. One day he went on 'an interesting excursion' to Wusong, by boat down the Huangpu. He and his companions sailed into trouble on the way home.

 

He writes:

'...in the evening we were puzzled to know how we should pass the Imperial fleet in safety. They are somewhat random with their fire after dark, and might easily have taken us for Chinese, if not Rebel spies. Mr Edkins came to the rescue, proposing that we should sing as we passed them, that they might know we were foreigners. This suggestion seemed good and the boatmen were pleased with the idea... We approached some ships we took to be the fleet, and passed them singing lustily. But just as we were about to congratulate one another on our success, the boatmen shouted to us to recommence, as we had been mistaken in what we supposed to have been the fleet and were just coming within range of their guns. 

'So now we had to tune up again without delay...We concluded just opposite the largest ship of the fleet. It was now quite dusk.

'"What now?" cried Mr Edkins, as the alarm-gong struck on board the ship. 'There is not a moment to lose."

'He then commenced singing I know not what. Quaterman struck up a truly American tune...while I at the same moment raised a third with all the voice I could command. The men on the warship were shouting loudly, our boat's crew outdoing them if possible, and the whole thing was so ludicrous that I could control myself no longer. I burst into a fit of laughter most inappropriate to the occasion. 

'"Who goes there?" shouted a voice from the Imperial ship.

'"Bai-gui [white devils]," yelled our men, while we cried simultaneously, "Da Ying-guo" [Great Britain] and "Hua-qi-guo" which means Flowery Flag Country, or America. 

'After a little further explanation we were allowed to pass, upon which my companions began to lecture the boatmen for having called us 'white devils'. The poor men, who had not yet received their day's pay were very penitent.'

This story is taken from a letter by James Hudson Taylor of 20 September 1854, in Biography of James Hudson Taylor by Dr and Mrs Howard Taylor, Hodder & Stoughton, London 1983, pp111-112. 


Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/alisonll/public_html/templates/rt_metropolis/html/com_k2/default/item.php on line 248
Read 2924921 times Last modified on Tuesday, 14 March 2017 09:51

213229 comments

  • Comment Link DonDonGor Friday, 14 March 2025 20:41 posted by DonDonGor

    darkmarket list darknet site

    Report
  • Comment Link Tolikjenny Friday, 14 March 2025 20:40 posted by Tolikjenny

    dark web markets darknet websites

    Report
  • Comment Link Jariormyq Friday, 14 March 2025 20:40 posted by Jariormyq

    Где заказать диплом специалиста?
    Наша компания предлагает быстро и выгодно купить диплом, который выполняется на оригинальном бланке и заверен печатями, водяными знаками, подписями. Наш диплом способен пройти любые проверки, даже с использованием профессионального оборудования. Решите свои задачи быстро и просто с нашим сервисом. Приобрести диплом университета! androidinweb.ru/vashe-obrazovanie-vash-uspeh

    Report
  • Comment Link DonDonGor Friday, 14 March 2025 20:39 posted by DonDonGor

    darknet sites dark websites

    Report
  • Comment Link DonaldExpef Friday, 14 March 2025 20:23 posted by DonaldExpef

    dark web drug marketplace dark market link

    Report
  • Comment Link 1win_aiOn Friday, 14 March 2025 20:09 posted by 1win_aiOn

    1 vin официальный сайт https://1win713.ru/ .

    Report
  • Comment Link Pingcem Friday, 14 March 2025 20:07 posted by Pingcem

    dark market list dark web markets

    Report
  • Comment Link Pingcem Friday, 14 March 2025 20:06 posted by Pingcem

    darknet markets links dark market list

    Report
  • Comment Link AnthonyJes Friday, 14 March 2025 20:04 posted by AnthonyJes

    Metaverse and crypto

    Report
  • Comment Link Social Link - lon Friday, 14 March 2025 20:03 posted by Social Link - lon

    What Makes Online Casinos Have Become So Popular

    Digital casinos have reshaped the gaming scene, delivering a unique kind of convenience and diversity that brick-and-mortar casinos can’t match. Over time, countless gamblers across the globe have turned to the pleasure of online gaming because of its ease of access, engaging traits, and continuously increasing game libraries.

    If you’re exploring for the first time with the world of virtual casino play or seek to learn about safe services, why not engage with our active community? It’s a destination where enthusiasts post experiences, assisting you to improve your virtual play. Check out the experience and start your journey now: 1xbet partner

    One of the biggest attractions of virtual gambling hubs is the unparalleled array of games ready to play. Whether you enjoy interacting with traditional slots, playing through narrative-rich visual slot games, or strategizing in traditional table offerings like Blackjack, casino websites deliver endless options. Numerous services furthermore present live gaming streams, giving you the chance you to interact with actual dealers and fellow gamblers, all while experiencing the immersive ambiance of a brick-and-mortar establishment in your own space.

    Social URL: https://x.com/1xbet_comci

    In addition to diversity, digital casino services shine availability.

    Report