It will be seen that Dr. Bridgeman thought—as every one else did until the arbitrary interference of the British Government—that the "progress, and ultimate success," of the Ti-pings was certain, "under the inscrutable providence of God."
The following are extracts from the communication written by X.Y.Z., and published in the North China Herald at that time.
"There is no change of policy or of feeling towards foreigners since the visit of the Hermes. On the part of the people the same friendly feeling was manifested that was observed a year ago.
"The visit of the Susquehanna has put us in possession of facts which prove that the insurgents have undisturbed control of a large extent of country, so large as to furnish a guarantee to their ultimate success. There seems to be nothing that can prevent their triumph, but internal dissensions, of which at present no symptoms appear.
"The city itself (Nankin) is under strict martial law, and indeed is at present a mere military camp. The most rigid discipline and perfect order are maintained.
"In passing through the city, little was seen to distinguish it from other Chinese cities, except that some of the streets are very wide, and appear to be kept in a state of cleanliness not often seen in China.
"Whatever Hung-sui-tshuen may mean by calling himself the brother of Jesus, it is but justice to say that no evidence was found of its being insisted on as an essential article of faith among the mass of his followers. And several officers who subsequently visited the steamer, when asked what was meant by it, professed themselves unable to give any information upon the subject. They were so evidently puzzled, that it was plain their attention had never been called to the matter before."
Speaking of the composition of the Ti-pings, X.Y.Z. says:—
"A few were from Kwang-se. These latter were all young men of unusually fine appearance and more than ordinary intelligence, and they were distinguished by some peculiarities of dress."
Of the civil administration he says:—