It is significant that Gordon found it easier to win battles and
to crush mutineers than to keep on good terms with the Chinese
authorities. He had to act in cooperation with a large native
force; and it was only natural that the general at the head of it
should grow more and more jealous and angry as the Englishman's
successes revealed more and more clearly his own incompetence. At
first, indeed, Gordon could rely upon the support of the
Governor. Li Flung Chang's experience of Europeans had been
hitherto limited to low-class adventurers, and Gordon came as a
revelation. 'It is a direct blessing from Heaven,' he noted in
his diary, 'the coming of this British Gordon. ... He is superior
in manner and bearing to any of the foreigners whom I have come
into contact with, and does not show outwardly that conceit which
makes most of them repugnant in my sight.' A few months later,
after he had accompanied Gordon on a victorious expedition, the
Mandarin's enthusiasm burst forth. 'What a sight for tired eyes,'
he wrote, 'what an elixir for a heavy heart-- to see this
splendid Englishman fight! ... If there is anything that I admire
nearly as much as the superb scholarship of Tseng Kuofan, it is
the military qualities of this fine officer. He is a glorious
fellow!' In his emotion, Li Hung Chang addressed Gordon as his
brother, declaring that he 'considered him worthy to fill the
place of the brother who is departed.
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