Wooden forts against the Russians on the Amur
Editorial contextIn an edict of 1682 the Kangxi emperor weighs the report that the Russians (Luocha) raiding the Amur could be driven out with three thousand men. War, he says, is not a good thing; instead he orders fifteen hundred troops from Ula and Ningguta, with boats, cannon and muskets, to build wooden forts at Heilongjiang (Aigun) and Humar facing the enemy, and to farm so they can hold out. This is the start of the Albazin war that ended with the Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689).
But war is not a good thing; it is fitting to pause the attack for now. Transfer fifteen hundred soldiers from Ula and Ningguta, have boats built, and send red-barrel cannon and muskets with men trained to use them to Heilongjiang and Humar, to build wooden forts in both places, face the enemy's lines and act as opportunity allows.
Working translation
Original wording
第兵非善事宜暫停攻取調烏拉寧古塔兵一千五百名並置造船艦發紅衣礮鳥鎗及演習之人於黑龍江瑚瑪爾二處建立木城與之對壘相機舉行
About Qing (Manchu) troops; Russians (Luocha)
Keep in mind
The edict is dated 1682 (Kangxi 21) in the heading on the preceding page.
