The Mutineers Fell In, And A Force Of Nearly 3,000 Men, Well-Equipped And Anxious For The Fray, Returned To Quinsan, Where General Ching Had, In The Meanwhile, Kept The Rebels Closely Watched From A Strong Position Defended By Several Stockades And Supported By The "Hyson" Steamer.

Immediately after his arrival, Major Gordon moved out his force to attack the stockades which the rebels had constructed on their right wing.

These were strongly built; but as soon as the defenders perceived that the assailants had gained their flank they precipitately withdrew into Quinsan itself. General Ching wished the attack to be made on the eastern gate, opposite to which he had raised his own intrenchments, and by which he had announced his intention of forcing his way; but a brief inspection showed Major Gordon that that was the strongest point of the town, and that a direct attack upon it could only succeed, if at all, by a very considerable sacrifice of men. Like a prudent commander Major Gordon determined to reconnoiter; and, after much grumbling on the part of General Ching, he decided that the most hopeful plan was to carry some stockades situated seven miles west of the town, and thence assail Quinsan on the Soochow side, which was weaker than the others. These stockades were at a village called Chumze. On May 30 the force detailed for this work proceeded to carry it out. The "Hyson" and fifty imperial gunboats conveyed the land force, which consisted of one regiment, some guns, and a large body of imperialists.

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Words from 142998 to 143258 of 191255