tiny and clamouring for the return of Burgevine. His own opinion
of that force was given in the following letter to a military
friend:--

"I hope you do not think that I have a magnificent army. You
never did see such a rabble as it was; and although I think I
have improved it, it is still sadly wanting. Now both officers
and men, although ragged and perhaps slightly disreputable, are
in capital order and well disposed."

Before entering on these matters the following letter to his mother
will be read with interest, as showing what was in Gordon's mind at
the time he assumed the command. The letter was written on 24th March
1863, the day before he rode over to Sungkiang to take up his command.

"I am afraid you will be much vexed at my having taken the
command of the Sungkiang force, and that I am now a mandarin. I
have taken the step on consideration. I think that anyone who
contributes to putting down this rebellion fulfils a humane task,
and I also think tends a great deal to open China to
civilization. I will not act rashly, and I trust to be able soon
to return to England; at the same time, I will remember your and
my father's wishes, and endeavour to remain as short a time as
possible. I can say that, if I had not accepted the command, I
believe the force would have been broken up and the rebellion
gone on in its misery for years. I trust this will not now be the
case, and that I may soon be able to comfort you on this subject.
You must not fret on this matter. I think I am doing a good
service.... I keep your likeness before me, and can assure you
and my father that I will not be rash, and that as soon as I can
conveniently, and with due regard to the object I have in view, I
will return home."

Major Gordon rode over to Sungkiang, situated on the line of the
thirty-mile radius from Shanghai, on 25th March, and the following
morning he inspected his force. He delivered a brief address, stating
that there was no intention to dismiss any of them, and that so long
as they behaved well he would carefully uphold their rights and
interests. These words had a tranquillising effect, and Major Gordon's
assumption of the command might be described as being then ratified by
the Ever Victorious Army. The good he effected was very nearly undone
two days later by the civil magistrate hanging some soldiers for
mara