Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-02
foreian 1etails.
The Capture OF shanghai.

Inc SAptuTc Oh shanSHacs
We find in the New York Commereiai Adper-
tiserthe following letter
SHANGHAI, Sept. l3.--Aboui the first of this
month much uneasiness began TO be felt by the
inhabitants of Shanghai on account Of differences
existing between the authorities and large body
of Fokien and Canton sailors, lately arrived from
the south. The latter seemed 10 be generally inn
bued with a spirit OF INSTRUMENTATION. Matters
were partly settled by concessions made by the
mandarins, but the feeling of discomfort revived,
and on the morning OF the Th an armed force at
tackled the residence Of the Che-heen or district
magistrate, murdered him, and demolished his
official residence.
The yamun of the Taoutai was next attacked
and speedily TAKEN and the seals of Office Of that
dignitary were taken away. His life was spared,
however, and, by the assistance Of two foreigners,
he effected his escape TO the residence of the
American consul The rioters mSt Iyyjlht no
sisiance, and in few hours were gmasiers OF the
city. i,.no,,-a
vessels OF war in port for the protection Of foreign
residents. Very little apprehension Of an attack
on that quarter has been entertained, and the only
outrage thus far committed within the foreign
precincts was the sacking and partial demolition
Of the custom house on the morning after the
taking of the city.
Up TO the present time effective municipal
government has been established. Conflicts are
occasionally taking place between the different
bands or societies who captured the city, occa-
stoned by disputes as TO the division of the booty
or management of the affairs. All who could fled
from the city at the first outbreak, in most instan
ces leaving their property behind. The gates are
now closed and guarded, and few allowed
TO leave or enter. Heavy contributions are levied
upon those who have property in the city, and pro-
perry itself is not respected.
The imperial government being subverted, and
no one being left to collect receive duties, &c.
some consignees of vessels have deemed them
selves entitled TO ships papers and port clearance,
without compliance with the provisions of the
tariff, guaranteeing, however, the representatives
Of their respective countries against reclamations
by any future government. Both the American
and English consus, however, have declined TO
recognize such proceeding, and have required
full payment Of Dues or an ample deposit in their
hands as security for payment Security is now
given under protest, and the matter will remain
unsettled until reference can be made TO The home
government.
Trade has received another check from these
events. Imports of all descriptions are unsafe
able. The Chinese produce on the market at the
outbreak of the disturbances was eagerly taken
up, partly under the impression that the port
would in future be free, and partly with the idea
that the reported fall Of Hang Chow and 500 Chow
would prevent further supplies.
The same paper also gives another letter, dated
Shanghai, September 18th, from which we make
the following extracts
A week has elapsed since the affair. The in
surgents are still in possession of the city. A
great many Coolies and the lower ranks of the
people are constantly joining them. The whole
affair seems to have arisen in the Triad Society.
and 10 have been brought about by Canton, Chin
choo, and Fokien men.
Two days after the overturn, went into the
city and had an interview with the leader of the
Canton men, the most influential chief Of the party
at present. He told me positively that he had
twice written TO Marking, and was hourly expect
ing messenger back He professed TO be anx-
ious to receive the commands of Ping Wang.
and said that he had no intention Of doing business
on large scale himself His army are hard set.
The Chinchoo men have also chief, and the Fo-
ken men, and the northern men one or two. All
these within the city, and appear to have about
equal authority.
The noble leader whom had the honor Of
meeting has been broker for foreigners, and
shyof, and is almost used up with opium smoking
mine very recently. Nearly every influential man
among them speaks English and some Singapore
Cinnamon speak il as fuently as we do. No Chi
namen of any responsibility yet admits having any
connection with these rebels, and, as far as for
egners have been able to learn, the chiefs and au
thorities among them are men Of no character, and
ofvery mean abilities.
The missionaries particularly speak ofthem with
unqualified severity. They deny that they have
any connection with the Marking men, and say
that they are mere rabble Of the lowest sort and
that any hour may see the city given up to riot
and plumber Half dozen towns in the neigh.
borhood have broken into revolt; others give
symptoms of similar purpose, and there is moth
ing to hinder them if they choose to do so.