He worked in secret headquarters at Soochow, with the assistance of German fortifications experts. A plan to reorganize the coastal defense, especially the Yangtze River (originally largely defended by very old guns) at Kiangyin, Chinkiang, and Nanking, was being actively pursued.

Mains are made smaller by reefing. This can be done by rolling up the sail around the boom, or by the more traditional method of tying down a panel along the foot.

the carrying of our main point

In ancient days the hill had been a beacon station, and it was reconverted to this purpose in time of war.