3-016-802 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Taeping Rebellion in China: outside of the stockade where the Wang was beheaded, 1864. Engraving from a photograph, '...illustrative of the capture of the Chinese town of Soo-Chow by the Imperialist troops, under Major Gordon; and the subsequent destruction of the Taeping or rebel leaders...The authority of the Wangs was despised by a party within the town, which opened negotiations with the Footai, or Imperial Governor. On the 5th of December, accordingly, they surrendered to the Footai, upon his promise, given through Major Gordon, that there should be no unnecessary bloodshed. It is deeply to be regretted that this promise, indorsed by an English officer, was basely violated by the Footai. Not satisfied with the punishment of the Wangs, who were seized and beheaded - the Mo-Wang, certainly, by some of their own people - the Chinese Governor let loose his army upon the defenceless townsfolk, pillaged the houses, and massacred hundreds of men, women, and children'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.