Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 85: The Annam Maritime Region, Coastal Kingdoms

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King Quang Trung Quang Binh Quang Trung was the reign name of Nguyen Hue (1753–1792), the most capable of the Tay Son brothers. "Quang Binh" refers to the name Nguyen Quang Binh, which he used in diplomatic correspondence with the Qing Dynasty., having been moved by the assistance provided by Europe and admiring their military methods, followed their model without hesitation. He constructed warships and firearms and trained his national troops accordingly. As a result, he now possesses three hundred cannon-boats and one large flagship. Among the various nations of Asia Original: A-xi-ya-zhou., he has few rivals.

For this reason, he was able to seize both Annam and Tonkin The northern region of Vietnam, referred to here as the "Eastern Capital.", as well as the kingdom of Cambodia, uniting these three lands into a single domain. This passage refers to the beginning of Nguyen Quang Binh’s annexation of the Eastern Capital of Annam.

In the military systems of Myanmar and Siam Modern-day Thailand., soldiers are recruited into the ranks by various local chieftains. Their weaponry consists entirely of long spears, blades, and crossbows. Although they possess muskets, these are merely discarded items from the West, purchased and repaired, but ultimately unfit for actual service. Only the military equipment and systems of Annam were obtained from Europe; therefore, they are superior to those of Myanmar and Siam.

Their naval warships range in length from eight to ten zhang Approximately 80 to 100 feet or 24 to 30 meters., yet they are only eight feet wide. The method of their construction involves taking a single trunk of "oily wood" Likely teak or a similar resinous hardwood prized for its durability in water., cutting it to the required length and dimensions, and first...