Scruggs to G. F. Seward, February 9, 1880

Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In compliance with the request contained in your No. 59 of the 10th ultimo, I have the honor to submit a brief memorandum of the war fooling of this empire within this consular district.

At Kiang Ying on the opposite shores of the Yangtse River, about half way between here and Shanghai, are substantial fortifications, armed with Crook guns, so arranged as completely to enfilade the river passage. The number and calibre of these guns, as also the number of the garrison, are not known. These fortifications are of recent completion, though begun some years ago.

The next fortifications above, are those at Silver Island, about a mile below Chin Kiang. The navigable channel at this point is the narrow, rapid current between the bluffs of the island and those on the opposite south bank of the river. The north current is wider and less rapid, but too shallow for heavy draught vessels. Both shores opposite the island, as also the island itself, are strongly fortified. Those on the south bank and on the island, and which completely enfilade the pass, are particularly strong. Indeed, engineers have pronounced them impregnable. They are armed with Crook guns of large calibre, and manned by a strong and well disciplined garrison.

On the opposite shores at Nanking, are similar fortifications, with Crook guns.

Chin Kiang is a garrisoned city. Its present available force is about 2,000 infantry and cavalry; nearly all Manchus, most of them natives of the place. The Manchus are arranged and drilled under different banners according to their tribal traditions and usage, and armed with match-locks. The commander (a Manchu of course) has the rank of brevet lieutenant general, and is under the immediate command of the general at Nanking.

On one of the high hills outside the city walls, and commanding its approaches from inland southwest, is a large stockade of recent construction, garrisoned by some 600 men, armed with match-locks, together with some 15 field pieces of 6 and 9 pounds calibre.

The mode of drilling (except for the Manchus) is that in use by the British Government. The words of command are given in English; the reason assigned for this is, that raw recruits will learn them quite as readily as those given in Chinese, since both sets of terms and methods are equally new to them, and that it will prevent confusion should a foreign commander be called to the service.

The only soldiers in the district that are armed with breech-loading rifles are those of the viceroy’s guard, some 6,000 strong, now stationed at Nanking.

Foreign powder, imported and sold only by special permission, (and then only for the use of the regular troops,) is principally used. The native powder is coarser grained, and thought to be more liable to accidental explosion. The high provincial authorities take good care to have as little of this (or any other) powder in the hands of the people as possible. Indeed, they seem to be constantly on the watch for possible insurrections. The lead used is imported (in pig form) from England, or through English agents.

Military preparations continue quite active, and seem to be directed mainly to the defenses of the country, and have, for months past, received more attention from the provincial authorities than any other branch of the public service.

I am, &c.,