Again, even if the French forces advancing from Saigon have captured the Forts along the banks of the river near Hud, still, from what we learn from a foreign paper dated 28th day of the 7th moon and the 19th day of the 8th moon, respectively, it is said that Liu Jung-fu repeatedly been victorious; it is also stated that a certain gauboat had been sunk, 'These facts must be true, since it was feom' officials as well as private merchants that the news has been hence the French must be in a critical situation, whence they will try for an opening in Kuangtung. This plan thi will try to cover their own weakness, Memorialist thinks that, while he is on way to Kuangtung, should the French take Hud, then it will be necessary for them to guard the whole country lying around the Shun Hua river; but this will necessarily be very weak, for what with the distance from their own country of several tens of thousands of li, their numbers surely will The Memorialist desires, on the one hand he stan on the other that should be given to the Yun-kuei and the Fu-t'ai of to appoint valiant generals tome thousands of soldiers, who will, in conjunction, with Liu Jung-fa, harass. the French and attack them ed all along from my's camps in Saigon, and recover possession of their lai jomuch that these Barbarians no place to stand upon, Then those troops that rebel against Kuang-tang (the French) will have to retire, 80 that it will not be impossible for Anam to be preserved. The Memorialist therofore praya that a Secret Decree be sent to the Viceroy and the Fu-t'ai in question, to prepare for action, and then consult jointly as to the course to be pursued, and, acting thus conjointly, complete the matter.
It is the opinion aleo of the Memorialist that the wealth and power of the French as compared with the Russisns is far behind the latter. Last year, when the Ruseians wished to go to war, if it had not been that the Emperor had ordered out his generals and prepared for hostilities, the Russians would not hare become more peaceably disposed and consented to a treaty. Now the French forces have repeatedly been defeated by Liu Jung-fu; hence we can see what they really are. Still, upon consideration, the French must not be too lightly estimated, and thus we shall avoid being too confident of their weakness. If we be neglectful of what is important, where will the matter then end? But if we assert our strength and show our power, other countries will not dare to look down upon the hearts of the Chinese. By one effort we can then forever stand on our omn ground.
In presenting this Seoret Memorial, the Memorialiat prays for Instructions.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.