Regent Dorgon: Two Edicts concerning the Wearing of Hair under Manchu Rule Year: 1644—1645

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Regent Dorgon: Two Edicts concerning the Wearing of Hair under Manchu Rule
YEAR: 1644–1645
Edict to the Board of War
Imperial Edict to the Board of Rites
Abstract

Now that our dynasty has established its authority in Peking, the soldiers and common people who endured recent calamities are all our children. We will save them from disasters and give them security. Send messengers to cities and forts of all regions requesting their surrender. If, on the day this message arrives, their inhabitants shave their heads and submit, all local officials shall be promoted one rank. Soldiers and common people will be exempt from deportation. Leading civil and military officials should personally collect tax registers and army rosters and immediately bring them to the capital for imperial audience. Those who claim to submit but do not shave their heads are hesitant and watchful.

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