Entry

The Guang-dong Maritime Route Patrolling Deputy Commissioner Luo Zhi-ding advised: "Hao-jing Bay in Xiang-shan is a place of primary strategic importance in Guang-dong. A squad leader in command of 600 troops defends it. This is not sufficient to keep the area at peace. We should transfer the eastern or western general from Luo-ding with 600 troops to assist in guarding Ao-men." However, the Luo-ding circuit stated: "At Luo-pang, the 10,000 peaks join one to the other and the area is inhabited by Yao and Zhuang. In the early years of the Wan-li reign, they were punished and pacified, and troops were deployed to provide defence. Recently, the number of troops has been reduced by over one half. The transfer of a general or even a temporary transfer of troops should not be lightly considered." The provincial administration commission and the surveillance commission said: "Comparing Ao-men with Luo-ding, it is possible to slightly neglect Luo-ding. Comparing Xi-shan with Dong-shan, it is possible to slightly neglect Dong-shan. Thus, we should establish a commandant in Dong-shan, subject to the supervision of the Xi-shan assistant regional commander, and transfer 400 of its troops to Ying-er Pu where, together with the existing troops, they will form a force of 1,000. We should then change the post at Xiang-shan Stockade into one of assistant regional commander, increase the number of barracks and make a great show of pennants and drums, so as to cut down any sprouts of disorder." At this time, the Supreme Commander Xu Hong-gang and the Regional Inspecting Censor Wang Ming-xuan memorialized: " The `bay yi' are a tribe of Fo-lang-ji. In former years, they traded in the bays and provided 20,000 (liang of silver?) in taxation. This funded rations for the troops. Recently, they have moved to the islands, built houses, erected towers and increased the deployment of firearms. Their community already numbers 10,000 and their grain-stores can support armed defence. Further, they keep Japanese as underlings and retain fugitives as trusted helpers. From this bay to Wei-cheng (Alt: Hui-cheng) is a very short distance indeed. It is backed by mountains, is surrounded by sea and only open on one side. If perchance some able evil-doers were to steal in here and with one shout gained response on all sides, it would certainly be cause for concern. This office has deliberated on measures which appear to be effective precautionary arrangements. The original proposal by the Guang-zhou maritime route associate administrator to station troops at Yong-mo (Alt: Yong-yang) seems now to be unnecessary. It is requested that it be ordered that the matter be sent to the Ministry of War for deliberation and re-submission." This was approved.