Bruce to Prince Kung, April 2, 1863
Mr. Bruce to Prince Kung
Sir: Some time since your imperial highness addressed me a despatch on the steps taken by Chinese authorities at Shanghai with respect to General Burgevine. Although it is not my duty to take any part in the discussion, as that officer is not English, still the great interest I take in the defence of Shanghai and in the pacification of the country, and a desire to afford to your imperial highness reliable information, led me to inquire minutely into the facts. I have now the honor to state the conclusion at which I have arrived, on evidence that is complete and satisfactory, Putting aside the circumstances and details, which do not seriously affect the case, the charges of impatience against General Burgevine are reduced to two: 1st. That, in spite of his orders, he did not really undertake the expedition to Nanking. 2d. That he forcibly carried off money from Takee, and violently assaulted him.
On the first head I have to state that I have the evidence of Captain Holland to prove that the Chinese authorities were in error in thinking that General Burgevine was hanging back.
The English military and naval officers had objected to the expedition, on the ground that Burgevine’s troops were not strong enough to attack the place with hopes of success. But Burgevine’s opinion was different; and they had yielded to his representations, and were furnishing him with the necessary military stores, when the unfortunate misunderstanding took place which stopped the expedition, with its hope of success. Unfortunately the Chinese authorities are not acquainted with the wants of troops that have to move with artillery and stores; and no doubt they thought there was waste of time, when in fact there was only an unavoidable delay.
On the second point: I have seen the letter from Takee to General Burgevine, informing him that the money was ready for the payment of the troops, and asking him to send men to receive it. I have the evidence of Captain Holland and others that the troops, whose pay was a month in arrear, and who receive no rations, were mutinous, and would have proceeded to acts of violence had Burgevine not pledged his word that the money should be paid. I have the evidence of the witnesses who were present that the money was not taken forcibly, but was paid voluntarily. It was afterward that Takee applied terms of abuse to General Burgevine, so great and disgraceful that the latter lost his temper and struck him. The general regrets that he did so; but the person to blame was Takee, whose conduct, indeed, in the whole transaction, was disgraceful, and who has done great injury to the imperial cause.
In conclusion, I can state that I have formed a high opinion of General Burgevine’s qualifications for the post he occupies. He is brave, honest, conciliatory in his manner, and is sincerely desirous of serving the Chinese government, as he looks upon this country as his home. His appointment excites no jealousies, such as will probably arise should any other officer be put in his place; and as he must look exclusively to the Chinese government for his reward, your imperial highness may depend upon it that you will find in him a sincere disposition to carry out his instructions, as far as, according to his military knowledge, he thinks them practicable and safe.
I am, &c.,