Entry

The meritorious and loyal Western Ocean Jesuit education intendent Lu Ruo-han, who resided in Ao-men, came from Guang-dong to the capital for an audience with the Emperor. Previously, Ruo-han had received orders to raise among the "bay yi" 300 troops and ancillary personnel skilled in the use of firearms. Over 40,000 liang [of silver] was expended to raise the force. They had proceeded to Jiang-xi when they received Imperial orders to stop and return to Ao-men. Only Ruo-han was ordered to complete the mission, and further ordered to present Western Ocean helmets, armour, swords and guns. He advised that they had certainly not built walls and parapets, not dismissed the assistant regional commander or failed to present some of the types of weapons which had been produced. He considered it appropriate to memorialize and requested that the loyal-hearted be shown pity and that the Ao-men forces be shown sympathy.