Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 82

Page 8

These 300 braves 壯勇 (zhuangyong): irregular militia recruited for their strength and local knowledge, often used to supplement the regular army are to be used for naval combat. Regarding any further hiring, it is essential to examine their technical skills and investigate their backgrounds thoroughly. We must ensure a system of mutual guarantees A "bao" system where recruiters or peers were held responsible for a soldier's conduct at every level to prevent the inclusion of those who are merely "filling the numbers" An allusion to the idiom "lanyu chongshu," referring to someone who pretends to have a skill just to take a salary. Furthermore, it should be clearly announced that those who lead the charge in the face of the enemy will be promoted to official rank; however, if any dare to desert, they will be immediately beheaded as a public warning. Reliable rewards and certain punishments will naturally suffice to stir the spirit of the soldiers and strengthen the military ranks.

1. Naval warships for the open sea should be prepared separately

Investigation reveals that naval warfare on the open ocean is the primary skill of the English barbarians 英夷 (Yingyi): the standard 19th-century Chinese designation for the British during the Opium War period

If the barbarian ships escape outside of Humen Also known as the Bocca Tigris or "Tiger's Gate," the narrow and strategic entrance to the Pearl River leading to Guangzhou, they are certainly not something that flimsy or light vessels can pursue and destroy. We ought to construct warships that are exceptionally sturdy and thick to provide the means for securing victory. Last year, a specific design was discussed and agreed upon, but because the overall situation changed, there was no time to oversee the construction. Those ship models are still stored at the Humen Fort. If we were to retrieve them immediately for consideration and hasten their manufacture—sourcing materials from various regions and assembling the necessary craftsmen—the work could likely be completed within four months.