A memorial from the Governor of Kuangsi, Chang Lien-kuei, on the merits of the late Ssu Feng-wen, formerly Governor of Kuangsi and subsequently Director-General of the Grain Transport, suggests that his biography be compiled in the State Historiographer's otice.
The gentry of Kuangsi have addressed to memorialist an account of the services of the deceased as follows Ssu Feng-wen, a provincial graduate, commenced his official career asa nai trate in Kuangsi in the year 1850. The Taiping rebel Hung Hain-ch'iian soon afterwards commenced his calamitous uprising, and Ssu greatly distinguished himself in suppressing the revolt within the districts under his control; not. only this, but he afforded efficient help to his neigh: hours, and besides exerting himself as an oficial, he led his troops even during the time he was in mourning. Upon his assumption of office as magistrate of Loch'éng he found the district in fear of a rebel named ¥ii Pa. Having no force to ence with the rebels, Ssu Feng-wen rode alone to their camp, and by hix impressive words induced Yi Pa to give in his submission and even to assist in fighting other hands of outlaws. Afterwards, becoming masistrate of Ch'iianchow, he defended the town against the attack of more thyn 100,000 of ung's men in 1855. In 1856 a great band of more than 200,000 men exme to attack the town. Ssu defended himself With: vigour and sent off messengers to Yungchow in Hunan for help, and, with the aid of the forces which came to his appeal gained a complete victory. Ssu remained at Ch'tianchow for four years and though military cares occupied him incessantly he found time to foster the education of his district. At one time, when the town was surrounded and water supplies were cut off, Su's prayers were "answered by x gush of clear water from a well he had caused to be dug. His own troops numbered: but 2,000 or 3,000 and yet he successfully fought with bands "f myriads.
Foreseving danger to the provincial capital, Kueilin, he sent urgent messages to Hunan for help, and Lu "Ping-chang, the then Governor of Hunan, despatched troops which saved Kueilin from capture, But not only did he call in the help of his neighbours to save his own province, he did what was still more meritorious, went to the assistance of his neighbours. When thetownof Yangchow was beset, he despatched troops, took the rebels in rear atid defeated them. Ssu Feng-wen was subsequently promoted to be Governor of Kuangsi and rooted out all vestiges of rebellion. He proceeded to Peking for audience and was make Director-General of Grain Transvort. All Kuangsi grieved at his departure. The gentry now request that a temple may be raised to his illustrious memory, and that his biography may be compiled. Memorialist is aware that
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.