1787.d.7, 3(18)

Genre: Portrait Photography (generic types)

Portrait of two Chinese officers, posed with a workman among armaments of various sorts in the arsenal at Nanking (Nanjing): 'The Arsenal was built under the auspices of Li-hung-chang. It was the first of its kind in China, and stands near the site of the great Porcelain Tower outside the south gate of the city. The 'Monastery of Gratitude,' as well as the tower, were destroyed by the rebels, and the present Arsenal is partly built out of the bricks which had been employed in these structures. The chants of bygone days that used to issue from the Buddhist courts, filling the air with their dreary monotones, are to-day replaced by less peaceful sounds—by the whirr of engines, the clang of steam-hammers, and the reports of guns or rifles, which are being tested for use. The Arsenal is conducted upon the most advanced scientific principles, and superintended by Dr Macartney. It is a startling innovation on the old style of things in China. If the Chinese first taught us the use of guns ... we are certainly repaying the obligation with interest by instructing them how our deadliest weapons are to be made. In this Arsenal many hundred tons of guns and ammunition are yearly manufactured, and I have no doubt its products have proved of great service in the suppression of the Mahometan outbreak in the Provinces of Gangsu and Shensi. In No. 18 my readers will recognize a mitrailleuse; on the right of it is a torpedo, and rocket tube, a pile of shells, a howitzer, a rocket-stand, and a field-gun carriage. The mitrailleuse had just been finished, and was fired in my presence. A native workman is engaged in describing the instrument to one of his officers. The picture shows that, however much the Chinese may have neglected to cultivate the Western sciences which pertain to peace, they have sought to make themselves master of those which relate to war.'