“上海晋源西字报”之谜(3)

Five students lately returned from the United States were on board the Yang-woo as midshipmen during the action, namely Messrs. Yung Liang, a nephew of Yung Wing, late Vice-Minister to the U.S.; Sit Yew-fuh, Wang Kwai-leong, Chim Tien-yow, and Woo Ki-tsau. These had charge of the guns in conjunction with other midshipmen who had studied in the Naval School at Foochow; and while the Yang-woo was on fired they stuck to their guns while many others were jumping over the ships side to strike for land. The Yang-woo returned broadside for broadside the fire of the French admirals ship. The naval students did not leave their ship until ordered to do so by Captain Chang, who finding it impossible to extinguish the fire, gave the necessary orders to abandon the ship. Captain Chang is reported to be safe as well as the returned U.S. students, except one. Mr. Yung Liang, Yung Wings nephew, about whose safety we have not yet heard of ; but it is probable that, unless killed while at the guns, he must have escaped with the rest of his comrades. Mr. Chim Tien-yow, by his courage, coolness and presence of mind was the means of saving a number of his men from the burning wreak ...

We hear that Mr. Ki, one of the Chinese who went as a student to America, and the Manager of the Kiangnan Arsenal, received a telegram from another American student who was on board the Yang-woo to the following effect: - Five American students took to the water when Yang-woo was sinking; four reached the shore, one missing. Courbet dead. Three French vessels badly disabled; seven of our boats sank.

见于那份编号1024的档案的引述相当浓缩,也有改写的地方[如并没有说出在江南制造局接得战情的前留美学生的姓名。祁祖彝之名是1024号档补入的。],讲及前留美学生的段落则变动不大。档案标出在“扬武”舰上参战的五名由美回华学生之姓名,并谓除容尚谦一人下落不明外,余皆平安,说即自此出。凌鸿勋所讲詹天佑的英勇奋战基本上就如这张报纸所说的一样。

找到这份报纸还有一异常意外的收获:中方参战此役各舰的武装情形,从未见有这样详细的纪录。

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