Document 2: Letter from Phan Dinh Phung

Ten years have elapsed since the birth of our movement. Among those who gave themselves to the cause of righteousness, many have been imprisoned and many have been killed, but the determination of those who are left has never diminished [lessened]. On the contrary, they continue to sustain me with all their efforts and the number of these courageous persons increases daily. They did not abandon their families to tread [follow] my path because they found pleasure in adventure and danger. They simply trusted me, they had confidence in me; because of my determination, they could endure all these hardships without a murmur [sound]. Such is the people's disposition. Were you in my place, could you abandon all these men without a pain in your heart?

Portions of a letter from Phan Dinh Phung to Hoang Cao Khai [1]

 


Page Notes:

[1] Source: Adapted from Patterns of Vietnamese Response to Foreign Intervention, 1858-1900 by Truong Buu Lam (New Haven: Yale University, 1967) p. 122-127.

Close Window