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Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 80: General Discussion on Coastal Defense, Part 4

They can also be assembled at any time to achieve the effect of a pincer attack. Regarding the matter of water braves 水勇 (shuiyong): local maritime militia or irregular sailors hired for their expertise in coastal waters, it is generally agreed that hiring them is necessary. However, the primary concern is that they may exist in name only; this wasteful expenditure of recruitment funds has occurred more than once.

Aside from the 280 men from Qi'ao A strategic bay area in the Pearl River Delta hired by Bao Peng for the former Governor-General Qi Referring to Qishan (琦善), the high-ranking official who negotiated with the British during the early First Opium War—who have reportedly already dispersed and thus require no further discussion—there are 120 water braves recruited by the Provincial Surveillance and Salt Commissions. I have heard they are led by directors and should be fit for service. However, it is not yet known where their vessels are currently anchored; they should be inspected and put to the test.

Furthermore, Magistrate Zhang of Panyu District originally brought 300 braves 壯勇 (zhuangyong): literally "strong braves," referring to irregular militia forces from Jieyang. All of them are highly skilled with matchlocks 鳥鎗 (niaoqiang): literally "bird-guns," these were the standard smoothbore muskets used by Qing infantry. Since each man carries his own weapon, their aim is quite accurate. Although this group was initially hired for land-based operations, last year it was clearly announced that those willing to serve on ships would receive additional pay, and they gladly agreed to board. It would seem advisable to...