Alouhan (a Mongol) and Fan Wen-hu received in anticipation the honorary titles of “Left and Right Governors of Japan province”; and when they and the other generals took leave of Kublai, the Emperor said:  “As they had sent us envoys first, we also sent envoys thither; but then they kept our envoys, and would not let them go; hence I send you, gentlemen, on this errand.  I understand the Chinese say that when you take another people’s country, you need to get both the people and the land.  If you go and slay all the people, and only secure the land, what use is that?  There is another matter, upon which I feel truly anxious—­that is, I fear want of harmony among you, gentlemen!  If the natives of that country come to discuss any matter with you, gentlemen, you should join your minds for one common plan, and reply as though one mouth only had to speak.”

When the army, after a week’s sail from Tinghai, reached the islands of Ku-tsi (off Masanpho) and Tsushima, some Japanese stranded fishermen were caught and forced to sketch a map of the localities; and meanwhile it had been agreed that the island of Iki was a better rendezvous than “Kin Chou in Corea,” on account of the then prevailing winds.  From the Japanese sailors’ sketch it appeared that a little west of the Dazai Fu was the island of Hirado, which, being surrounded on all sides with plenty of water, afforded a good anchorage for the ships.  It was decided—­subject, apparently, to Kublai’s approval—­to occupy Hirado first, and then summon General Hung, etc., from Iki, to join in a general attack.  Kublai replied by the messenger in effect:  “I cannot judge here of the situation there.  I presume Alouhan and his colleagues ought to know, and they must decide for themselves.”

Meanwhile Alouhan—­written also Alahan—­had fallen sick, and died at Ningpo, and another Mongol, named Atahai—­written also Antahai—­was sent to replace him.  Now comes the sudden collapse of the whole expedition, recorded, unfortunately, in most laconic and unsatisfactory terms.

I give the various extracts in extenso: 

1. Chapter on Japan.—­“Eighth moon.  The generals, having before coming in sight of the enemy lost their entire force, got back.  They said that, ’having reached Japan, they wished to attack Dazai Fu, but that a violent wind smashed the ships.  That they were still bent on discussing operations, when three of the commanders [Chinese names] declined to accept their orders any more, and made off.  The provincial staff conveyed the rest of the army to Hoh P’u [probably = Masanpho], whence they were dismissed back to their homes.’  But one of the defeated soldiers, who succeeded in escaping home, gave the following account:  ’The imperial armies in the 6th moon put to sea.  In the 7th moon they reached Hirado Island, and then moved to Five Dragon Mountains [the Japanese pronunciation would be Go-riu Shima, or Yama, and perhaps it means the Goto Islands].  On the 1st of the 8th moon