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January 25, 1855, The Oriental
Contribution from China to the Washington Monument -
The North China Herald of Oct 28th says, "We are informed that the United States ship Panama, which has recently sailed for New York, carried a contribution to the Washington Monument from native members of the American mission churches at Ningpo, through Dr. D. J. McGowan, in the form of a large granite slab, having in Chinese characters. The eulogium found respecting the hero in the "Universal Geography," of Governor Su Kiyu. On the margin of the stone are carved in alto-relieve, various significant emblems. Thus China, in common with all other parts of the globe, will also be represented in this remarkable testimonial to a hero of world-wide celebrity."
The eulogium to which the editor of the North China Herald refers was translated several years since by the Rev. Mr. Peet, an American missionary of Amoy. It is as follows:
GEORGE WASHINGTON
There was at that time a Washington, an American of another province, born in the ninth year of Yung Ching [A.D. 1732]. His father died when he was but in ten years old. He was then trained up by his mother. When small, he had great views both in regard to civil and military affairs, and excellent in strength and courage. Washington held a commission in the war of the English against the French, led out his troops against the native plunderers of the South, and successfully subdued them. But the English general did not report his worthy deeds. His countrymen, nothwithstanding, wished him to be appointed to an office over them; but sickness compelled him to retire within doors, so that he did not go out.
At the time when all people rebelled against the English, they pressed Washington to become their general. He then immediately entered on his office. Without arms, ammunition or provisions, Washington stimulated his countrymen to action, by righteous spirt. He pitched his camp near the provincial city. [Boston] At this same time the English general had collected his ships of war just outside of the same city. Suddenly a great wind arose and scattered them. Washington attacked and took possession of the city.
Afterwards the English general collected his forces, and drove Washington from his position. At this the soldiers were greatly terrified, and wish to be disbanded; but he, with the same spirit as at first, having collected and united his army, again attacked the English with success. From that time, during eight years of bloody conflict, while his army was often reduced and weakened. Washington's spirit was undiminished, and the English army had become old. The French raised an army, crossed the sea, and joined Washington against the English. Spain and Holland with their armies admonished the peace. The English, unable to oppose, concluded a treaty with Washington, by which the northern part, a cold country, was given up to them, while the southern part, a fertile region, reverted to them.
Washington, having established the kingdom, disbanded the army and desired to return to the business of husbandry; but all were unwilling, and urged him to become their ruler. In reply, before the assembly, Washington said, "To obtain a kingdom for one's self, to transmit to his posterity, is selfish. In becoming the people's shepherd, such ought to be chosen to this office as have virtue." As to Washington, he was an uncommon man. He conquered more rapidly than Shing and Kwang, and in courage he was superior to Tsang and Low [men of much renown in Chinese history.] Seizing the two-edged sword of three cubits long, he opened the country ten thousand li or furlongs. He then refused to receive a tithe preferring to establish an elective administration. Patriotism to be commended under the whole heaven! Truly, like the three dynasties! [Hea, Shang, and Chau, mostly included in the traditional history of the Chinese, previous to the age of Confucius.] In administering the government, he fostered virtuous customs, and avoiding war, made his country superior to all other nations. I have seen his portrait. His countenance exhibits great mental power. Ah! who would not call him an uncommon man!