"On the day of this epistle reaching you, you will favour me with a reply.
"With my best compliments to your gentlemen of your various nations,
"I am your obedient servant,
Lee-Shai-Yin,
"Shee-king, and Imperial Protector General of the Celestial Dynasty
"Taiping Celestial Kingdom, 14th year, 10th moon, 1st day."
—Daily Press.
FOOTNOTES:
[75] See Friend of China, July 11, 1865.
[76] See the account from Shanghae Recorder, at the end of the preceding chapter.
[77] Referring to Colonel Gordon, Captain Osborn, R.N., and their subordinates.
[78] Meaning the noble occupation of buying and selling; and that, too, at the point of the bayonet.
[79] Times, January 12, 1865. China Overland Trade Report, 30th November, 1864.