An attempt was made to replace him by another American named Burgevine, who had been Ward's second in command.

This man, however, was found to be incapable and was superceded; and in 1863 Major Gordon, R.E., was allowed by the British authorities to take over command of what was then an army of about five thousand men, and to act in co-operation with Tseng Kuo-fan and Li Hung-chang.

Burgevine shortly afterwards went over to the rebels with about three hundred men, and finally came to a tragic end.
Gordon's appointment to the work which will always be associated with his name, was speedily followed by disastrous results to the T`ai-p`ings.

The Ever Victorious troops, who had recently been worsted in more than one encounter with their now desperate enemies, began to retrieve their reputation, greatly stimulated by the regular pay which Gordon always insisted upon.

Towards the close of the year, the siege of Soochow ended in a capitulation on terms which Gordon understood to include a pardon for the eight T`ai-p`ing "princes" engaged in its defence.