This band did remarkable work, and soon grew from a force
of two hundred, to two thousand--every man of them ready to die in his
tracks.
They met the fanatical followers of "The Heavenly King" more than
half-way, and gave them such thorough doses of hot shot and cold steel,
that the rebels finally ran at sight of them. It is said that Ward's
men fought seventy engagements in one year, and won every fight. The
Imperial Chinese Government was very grateful for their aid, and
conferred upon them a high-sounding name which meant, "Ever-Victorious
Army."
Unluckily, Ward lost his life in leading an assault, and left his army
without a general. Li Hung Chang, the statesman, who was later known
as the Grand Old Man of China, came to the British commander General
Stavely, and asked him to appoint a British officer to lead the
Ever-Victorious Army.
Stavely cast about him, and his eye fell upon Major Gordon, who was
then engaged upon a survey of the defenses of Shanghai. He had known
Gordon and admired him. He believed that here was the man for the task.
"What he was before Sebastopol he has been since--faithful, trusty, and
successful," reasoned the General. "Before Pekin and Shanghai he has
evinced just the qualities that are needed now. Although he has never
been in command, he will rise to this occasion, to which he is more
fitted than any other man whom I know.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134