out some
misgiving. In a letter home, dated March 24, 1863, he writes:

"I am afraid you will be much vexed at my having taken the command of
the Sung-kiang force, and that I am now a Mandarin. I have taken the
step on consideration. I think that any one who contributes to putting
down this rebellion fulfils a humane task, and I also think tends a
great deal to open China to civilization."

Gordon soon proved that he had both courage and resourcefulness. He
did not risk another assault upon Taitsan, as the rebels expected, but
decided to attack them in another quarter. He took one thousand men by
river to an inland town, Chanzu. Here was a loyal Chinese garrison
which had been besieged by the rebels and was in sore straits.

The coming of Gordon was a bold and unexpected move, as the rebels must
have outnumbered his force five to one. But Gordon had brought two
field pieces along, and at once opened fire. By night-fall the enemy
had enough of it, and retreated. The next morning the Ever-Victorious
Army marched triumphantly into Chanzu, where they received a great
welcome. Gordon thus received reinforcements not only from this
garrison, but also from some of the rebel forces who had begun to
"smell a mouse" and decided to come over while the coming was good.

Gordon was much interested in some of these young rebel chiefs. He
says that they were very intelligent, and were splendidly dressed in
their silks, and had big pearls in their caps. The head man was about
thirty-five years old, and was ill and worn with anxiety.

"He was so very glad to see me, and chin-chinned most violently,
regretting his inability to give me a present, which I told him was not
the custom of our people."

This rapid victory was productive of several good results. It once
more put the rebels "on the run," it restored the morale of his troops
and gave them confidence in their new leader, and it brought him many
recruits. One especially gratifying result was that several British
officers asked leave to serve under him.

Gordon had made a firm friend of Li Hung Chang, who aided him in every
possible way. He introduced much-needed discipline into his troops,
who had been at first mere adventurers, and also established regular
grades of pay. The Chinese Government was glad to assume these
payments; while the English authorities were well content with the
unique arrangement. Whether or not, Gordon would have called it
"anomalou