ABSTRACT
Yu Yisheng, a man sent by the Jinshunji to buy tea leaves in Hunan, came near Wuchang, but when he observed the situation there, he decided to double back to Shanghai. The immense military force of the Taipings had come east down the Yangzi River from the Wuhan cities, and Yu Yisheng retreated to the east himself as if pursued by them. When he came to Jingkou, he reported to Lian Weicai, proprietor of the Jinshunji, on his experiences. The government's military forces were in a confused state of escape, and roughly in conjunction with their movement, Yu Yisheng found himself in a clear position to observe the chaos from within. Yu's report accurately assessed the situation from the perspective of the government, as the Taipings were rushing toward Nanjing. Jingkou Commander Xiang-hou, Jingkou Vice-Commander-in-Chief Huo Longwu, and Songjiang Provincial Military Commander Fu-zhu-hong-a were the local military leaders.
