Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1862-08-20
0IO go VlV' ~ !"
OF the Caliph Haroun AlrarChid

the good old days
Of the Caliph Haroun Alrarclid.
The latest advices from China inform US
through the medium Of private letters, of the
unprecedented career in that country of a
Young American, OF this State. who, though
but twenty-nine years Of age, has reached a
position which reminds one of the dim legends
Of Prester John. Here is a brief recountal ol
the story Of adventure =
About twelve years ago Edward Forester
country lad, born in Jefferson county, in this
State, decided, like a great many other boys,
Ito go to sea. His friends opposed the idea
but, Of course, the love of ocean life was too
strong to be resisted, and young Forester join-
ed those who 4" go down to the sea in ships.
He was successful. and soon became q mate oil
whaling ship, though then scarcely beyond
his majority.
In Honolulu Forester made the acquaint-
ance Of a merchant of Hakodadi, and went
with him to japan. Here he remained two
or three years engaged in commercial pursuits.
Thence he went to China, where be was taxi
en- into the Imperial service. He became
popular both with the foreigners and native
authorities at Shanghai, and was finally made
second in command to General Ward, in place
of Colonel Murgiven, who was severely woun-
ded in some recent engagement.
In this capacity the quondam sailor contin-
ued to be much liked, and now enjoys the
confidence of all the Mandarins in the province
and is admitted to their confidence, as well as
the highest and most exclusive Chinese socie-
ty. At one time Forester led a band Of two
hundred men against the Rebels, only nine Of
them returning, the rest having been all killed.
He has now twenty thousand troops under his
command.
For his services he has been made a Man
DARN of the Blue Button, and his name stands
high in Pekin. His rank obiges him to keep
at least twelve servants. The latest letters
received from him Ito May 1s) state that he
is in command of the city of Soungkaing
sleeps with the city keys under his pillow
while not one of the 100000 inhabitants Of
the place-not even the highest Mandarin
can enter or leave without his permission, and
at word from him any individual out Of that
100000 may lose his head.
Mr.. Forester enjoys also the friendship Of
Admiral Hope, General Michael and the 9TH
er English and French officers in China. Ad-
miral Hope he reports as severely wounded
in a recent fight.
On the lst of May the English, French and
Imperialist troops were preparing to attack
Chingfoo, Of which Forester will be made
Military Governor. He predicts the removal
or dcposing of the so called Heavenly En-
/ perOr within year.
/ Such is the brief and brilliant career in the
East of a genuine specimen Of Young Ameri
ca. The American Mandarin has friends ant
relatives living in this city, as well as in the
northern part Of the State, who will leary
with astonisment and pleasure ofhis Inauenc,
and power in far of lands-N Y Post, 4th
THE order ior preventing evasion Of tn,
draft has been so explained and modified a
to render it possible for legitimate travel K
be pursued. Suspected ranaways are not t'
be Immediately consigned to prison or caml
as heretofore, but will be released in giving
one thousand dollars bonds to be on hand a
the time of drafting, or provide some prOpe
substitute. This clause puts at rest the state
ment which has obtained some currency tina
I'll, n -