2 
A LETTER 
PROM 
LI HTJH6 CHAIG 
TO 
Lieut.-Col. C. G. Gordon (late Major.-Gen. C. G. Gordon, C.B., B.E.). 
The following portion of a letter is reproduced from the Notes of B.A.I. “ Pro¬ 
ceedings,” No. 8, Yol. XIV., March 1886. It was communicated by Lieut.-Col. 
H. W. L. Hime, then Secretary R.A.I., and is of peculiar interest now that the 
questions of Li Hung Chang and the yellow jacket are subjects of general 
interest. 
To 
LIEUT.-COLONEL GOBUON, 
Late Commander-in- Chief of the JEver Victorious Army. 
When Colonel Hoyle was going home, I enjoined him to enquire as to your 
welfare, and from your letter lately received, I am fully impressed with the 
sincerity of your esteem for me, and have to thank you for the interest (un¬ 
diminished by time and distance) which you continue to take in my doings. I 
understand that yon are at present engaged in erecting batteries, and I have no 
doubt but that by skill now displayed, you will add to your reputation. 
That peace may long continue I fervently join with you in wishing, but if an 
appeal to arms should at any time become necessary. I shall, while taking the 
precautions enjoined by you in your note, still be inclined to look to you for aid. 
The flags of the Ever Victorious Army are still in my possession. Erom time to 
time I have them unfurled for inspection, and whilst they serve to remind me of 
old times and doings, they also cause my thoughts to wander to you who are so 
far away. You enquire about the yellow jacket: the decoration was first insti¬ 
tuted during the present dynasty for award to Princes, Statesmen, famous 
Generals, the original recipients being those who fought “ The Three Insur¬ 
gents,” and reduced once more to allegiance the districts of “ Tsunghae,” “ Ya 
Kinchawam,” “ Teasn Kin Cliwan,” “ Chun foo,” “ Hwangpoo,” and “ Sin 
Kiang.” Since the days of “ Heew fung,” those to whom the jacket has been 
awarded are few in number, whilst of those from western lands, who have assisted 
China in military matters, you alone, by your loyal and valuable service, have 
been the recipient of this mark of gracious favour. The fact will doubtless be 
handed down to future generations, and I pride myself with the thought that you 
will continue to rise to high positions of honour and distinction. I have re¬ 
quested Mr. Hobson to translate and forward this reply, and, wishing you the 
compliments of the season, I enclose my card, and am, 
&c., &c., &c., 
LI HUNG CHANG. 
HALIFAX, N.S. 
The summer has passed very pleasantly with the usual amusements of fishing, 
yachting, polo, cricket, lawn tennis, rowing, and quoits. 
