continue in their places. (2) Southern Anhui should be attacked by three armies, the first going along the river to Wuhu accompanied by boats under P'eng Yu-ling and Yang Tsai-fu, the second from Keemun, and the third from Kwanghsin. In order to carry on these operations without impairing the campaign in northern Anhui ten thousand men from Hu Lin-yi and recruits from Hunan were necessary, also support from Kiangsi, Hunan, and Hupeh. (3) The provinces of Anhui, Kiangsi, and Hupeh were open to further attacks and men must be found for their defence. In order to secure funds for these different armies Tsêng established likin stations all over Kiangsi and left Li Han-chang, as before, in charge of supplies.[1]
These plans required an addition of ten thousand men in southern Anhui. When they should arrive under Chang Yun-lan and Tso Tsung-tang, Tsêng planned to move his headquarters from Susung to Keemun. He asked for more boats on the Hwai River; at Hwaian on the Grand Canal; also reinforcements on the Yangtse and on the lakes south of the river, with bases at T'ungch'eng and Ningkuo, respectively. The Hwai fleet was necessary to insure the grain and salt supply from that region, while the one in southern Anhui would be necessary because of the network of waterways in the level land about T'aihu.[2]
- ↑ Dispatches, XI, 50 f.; Nienp'u, VI, 18.
- ↑ Nienp'u, VI, 10a; Dispatches, XI, 58-61.
always been victorious without one defeat, they are sure to conduct any siege with characteristic energy. As long as Ngan-hui [i.e., the capital, Anking] is secure no anxiety need be felt, but if that city gives way then it will be iinpossible to protect the capital: let each of you use your exer- tions to furnish the place with provisions." Autobiography, p. 37. The Kanwang held the same idea. In warning the Chungwang against regard- ing the east too highly he says: "Let me tell you that the great river may be likened to a snake, the head of which is formed by Hupeh, the body by Kiangnan. Hupeh not being ours, the moment Nganking is lost the snake is divided: and though the tail may survive, it can only enjoy a transitory existence." Sketch, p. 7.
