太平天国志王陈志书的历史印象——安徽博物院藏太平天国谒天义陈铜炮考析

Chen Zhishu and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom:Three Inscribed Copper Cannons in Anhui Museum

安徽境内发生的太平天国历史事件众多,使得太平天国保留着醇厚的安徽元素,同时也给安徽留下了许多珍贵的太平天国历史文物。安徽博物院藏三尊太平天国谒天义陈铜炮较为罕见,皆为国家一级文物,具有珍贵的历史价值。一尊铜炮铸有铭文:"九门御林开朝王宗谒天义陈正铸炮刘造太平天国辛酉十一年十二月吉日",时间大约为1862年1月。另外两尊铜炮铸有相同铭文:"九门御林开朝王宗谒天义陈正铸炮刘造太平天国壬戌十二年三月吉日",时间大约为1862年4月。铜炮是谒天义陈志书驻守常州期间铸造,反映了太平天国后期陈为守卫常州而做出的积极努力与贡献。陈志书是太平天国忠王李秀成部将,作战勇敢,战功卓著,但史书对陈的记载稀疏分散,远远不及其胞弟护王陈坤书。本文依据淮军领袖李鸿章攻打常州期间的奏疏,参阅太平天国文献,并结合地方志,考释谒天义陈铜炮背后的历史信息,以揭开历史边缘人物陈志书的人生经历与悲壮命运。

Anhui province is home to numerous events of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom uprising as well as related historical objects. The three copper cannons in the Anhui Museum with inscriptions（first-rate national cultural heritage） are of special historical value. One cannon inscribed with ＂九门御林开朝王宗谒天义陈 正铸炮刘造 太平天国辛酉十一年十二月吉日＂ was possibly made in January 1862. The other two cannons with identical inscription ＂九门御林开朝王宗谒天义陈 正铸炮刘造 太平天国壬戌十二年三月吉日＂ were possibly made in April 1862. All were cast when Chen Zhishu（with the noble title ＂Yetianyi＂） and his army were garrisoning Changzhou and therefore are witness of Chen＇s contribution to defending the city in the late period of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. As an officer under Li Xiucheng（with the noble title ＂King of Zhong＂）,Chen was a brave fighter and had made important battle achievements. However,much fewer records have been found about him in history books than about his brother Chen Kunshu（＂King of Hu＂）. By referring to memorials presented by Li Hongzhang during Huai Army＇s attacks of Changzhou,related documents about the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and local chronicles,the current author investigates historical background of the three cannons and reveals facts about Chen Zhishu,who has been ignored in history for a long time.