yards were set up in Siangtan to supplement those in Hengchow. Three types of boats were prepared, the largest being the k'wai-hai, the second the ch'ang-lung, and the third converted fishing boats each mounted with a small gun. To these three varieties were now added several tens of sampan and smaller boats.[1]
By the end of February Tsêng's preparations were so far advanced that he was able to report to the emperor his intention to start for Hupeh at an early date.[2] From this dispatch we learn that his entire flotilla consisted of one large flagship of the t'o-ku type, and 360 other vessels, of four kinds, all fitted to be used as gunboats:
- Forty of the k'wai-hai type, carrying thirty-six oarsmen and scullers and six others.
- Fifty of the ch'ang-lung type, carrying twenty oarsmen and scullers and six others.
- One hundred fifty of the sampan type, carrying a crew of ten.
- One hundred twenty remodelled fishing boats, probably manned as the sampans.
In addition to their crew each of these boats carried gunners.
It proved a difficult task to enlist the necessary marines for this water force, because, except for the river population accustomed to navigate these waterways of the interior, the villagers feared to venture on this new life, unaccustomed as they were to the winds and currents. When at last they were secured, Kwangsi gunners were
- ↑ The addition of the smaller boats was due to the suggestion of a certain Hwang Mien, who came to see his boats and who told him that the rebels moved about in small boats that were able to escape into creeks and small channels off the rivers and lakes, where they were well concealed. With nothing in the flotilla but the large k'wai-hai and ch'ang-lung vessels Tsêng need never hope to get into these concealed places to drive them out. It was on the basis of this suggestion that Tsêng added these to his flotilla. Ta Shih Chi, I, 5a.
- ↑ Dispatches, II, 31-32a.
