RON+Janice

Name: John Magee He does not look down upon any people of any race, culture, or religion. He knows that there is a sense of equality among the people and he especially has respect for those people of the Committee who stayed behind to aid the ones being mistreated. Most of all, he loathes Japanese military at the time of the massacre because of their insensitive, tactless behavior towards the Chinese civilians.
 * Age:** Born in 1884, died in 1953
 * Gender**: Male
 * Occupation:** He was an American Episcopal priest who was sent as a missionary to China.
 * Social Class:** From a wealthy Pittsburgh family; High-Middle Class
 * Financial situation:** Fairly wealthy.
 * Appearance:** Fair skin, deep, dark eyes with thick eyebrows. Around 5' 9'', average sized. Looks amicable, but at times, very bitter, strict.
 * Habitual locations:** Home, in his study room with a Bible in hand. During the war, at the University of Nanking Hospital with his Committee. After the war, he was providing Sunday worship sessions for the devastated Chinese.
 * Daily routine:** After he wakes up, he has a relaxing breakfast, scanning the news with his wife. He usually visits different places to deliver the words of God and carries out plans to establish more church in China. He has meetings with the pastor of the church to discuss with him the intentions of God and how he wants us living. Most of the time, he is with his wife, who is also a missionary, in teaching the citizens of China the importance of a religion. Often times, he visits the members of the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone to consider the future of the Americans and Europeans in Nanking. His days are always busy because he does not allow loose schedule in his life. When he has time, he writes to his parents to inform them of what is going around in China and Asia.
 * Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits:** Generally calm, thoughtful, but knows what is wrong and what is right. At times, very bold. Once he is sure of his thoughts, he puts it immediately into action. In a way, very stubborn and he can risk his life to save those who are being treated unfairly.
 * Past/individual-family history:** From a family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his first son, John Magee Jr, studied in Britain and in the United States to continue his education. He (Magee's son) wrote several famous poems and was an aviator.
 * Family:** He married to Faith Emmeline Backhouse in 1921 and had four kids: John Jr., David, Christopher and Hugh.
 * Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in other classes, AND your opinions and feelings about them):**
 * Religion:** Christian
 * Education:** Attended the Yale University and a Christian school in Massachusetts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Magee_%28missionary%29



**Diary # I: Calm Before the Storm** Dear Father,

Father, I will begin by apologizing for the delayed reply of your previous letter. Recently, Faith and I were busy, discussing our plan for the construction of a new Christian Church in our area. Yesterday, we heard the news of the Japanese claiming war on China. It was mentioned that they are closing in on Nanking.Yes, they are coming towards us. At this point, I am safe here with Faith and other missionaries; in fact, I do not think this will affect us significantly. However, I am not definite of the intentions of the Japanese carrying out an invasion on the vast land of China where the size is at least forty times larger. Well... come to think of it, the Japanese military is at its highest point. The Western technology, ideas, but more likely, their stubborn ambition. In reality, they do not have anything to lose. They definitely have the advantage at this point; however, I cannot make any bold assumptions because no one seems to know how the Chinese will face off their military. Father, it is not the Japanese that I am frustrated in. I simply do not understand this world. The world of CHAOS. Another war is about to break out. This is eventually going to lead to more and more innocent deaths...Didn't we already have enough of this? The city will be in despair...the streets will not be recognizable. Father, can you make this stop? A war is not about who grabs the victory, it is about the the death. THE DEATH OF THE INNOCENT ONES! THE DEATH OF THE NATION! I am so frustrated that I need to pour my heart out to you on this letter. God cannot possibly bring upon another period of cruel terror on this land. The vulnerability of my life does not matter. What it matters is the safety of the nation of China, the soldiers, and the citizens. Whatever the intention of the Japanese, they should let go of their gears and make their way out of this country. Father, I believe that this will not proceed...any...farther... I know it will not...Please take care and do not worry too much about me. I will write to you soon. Love, November 15th, 1937...

http://www.usshadley.com/Enemy.htm

**Diary #2 A Knock at the Gate** November 25th, 1937... Three times this afternoon, on a chilly winter day, I heard the blaring, ear-piercing noise through the walls of my house. Bombs. They were coming close. Bang. Bang. BANG. The last one startled me. I can sense the footsteps of the Japanese troop coming closer and closer into Nanking. This morning, I was at a meeting with the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone with the leader, John Rabe, discussing Japan's invasion of Shanghai and their future route of attack. He seemed very concerned as we carried out a grave conversation. As for now, we are both unsure of what to put into action. One thing is for sure right now: they are not turning back. Not what I hoped for... I am disappointed..once the invasions commence, the Japanese will not leave unless they achieve what they want. They are known for their stubbornness. At least that is how //I// see them. I will meet John Rabe tomorrow to further discuss this bombing and the intentions of the Japanese military. Wow. Another one. This one is the closest one I heard. Wow. This one hit my head hard. Ouch. The war has begun. At this point, I am trying not to think about my future nor the future of this land, instead I am trying to figure out what //I// can do to help. What //we// can do to help. I do not care if the foreigners leave, in fact, i will accept it "with a great pleasure", but I am not allowing anyone to return (155). Once they step off, they are out for all. I am remaining here to protect this country. Yes, China is not my mother land, but I am determined show the Japanese that a war is a compilation of deaths, suffering, and evilness. Do what God tells me to do. In away, Christian Kroger was right. We as the westerners should not worry too much about our lives because it is unlikely that this war will affect us significantly. Just because this will not threaten our lives, does not mean we should treat it like a simple problem. Wow. I just heard from the radio that Japan is starting their major attacks under the lead of Prince Asaka Yasuhiko**,** they replaced General Matsui Iwane. Not to sure of the intention, but Christian Kroger heard that he was famous for his strict violence. It will be interesting to see how he will lead the military, but it will be the best if they simply retreated because I am no longer going to accept these provoking acts from the Japanese. Why does the imperial flag of Japan look so //bloody// today? The red..the color...red...it is really disturbing me... It is hard for me to erase the film that is fast-forwarding in my head. It is trying to tell me the future. God. Save me. Save the country.

http://www.nationstates.net/nation=imperial_nippon_japan http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=58&catid=2&subcatid=5

**Diary #3: The Gates Come Tumbling Down** Dear father, Father, "Please be very careful of this letter as we might all be kicked out if it were published, and that would be a disaster for the Chinese of Nanking" (155). Please let me know if anything goes wrong. Once again, do not worry too much about me because you seemed extremely concerned. I am writing this to you to inform that the time has come that we pray. Pray for the citizens of Nanking. They are as terrified as ever for their lives, but for their country. The odd feeling of uneasiness in the air, the humid air (although it is winter here) everyone is breathing noiselessly being careful of their deed. At this point, the Chinese are brutally outnumbered by the Japanese which they have the upper hand in this initial process. It looks like they have wiped out the Chinese military. You mentioned that the Japanese are far superior than the Chinese. I pity the soldiers of the Chinese as they are dying one by one. For their country. For their family. Father, it hurts. Just hearing about the growing victory of the Japanese. This means the citizens will soon fall as the victims. They have even less power than the military. Not a chance... Father, as the chairman of the International Red Cross committee of Nanking, I am living through stressful days, yet I am so glad to be part of this and making my way into helping this nation. Today, we met the members of the committee including Christian Kroger to discuss the ways we could do to relief the tension among the citizens and plan out to provide help for refugees and injured soldiers. Once we hear more about the growing injuries (unfortunately, they end up dying), we should visit the sites to help those. At least that is what I am going to do. Yes, you are going to say that I am risking my life, but this is the only thing we, as Westerners, as the believer of God can do to give hope to the people and do what is the best for them. James Henry McCallum has remained, and volunteered to help at the University of Nanking Hospital. My plan is to get everything ready before the next thing happens...We do not know what is going to happen, what the Japanese are going to do next, nor anything about what they will be doing to the country. So we need to prepare it beforehand to save at least one, ONE less person from dying. Father, I want to hear from you about what I can do because you have done what is right for God and although I am becoming old, this is something that I should do to represent my country, but most of all, my Lord. God bless you. Take care and do not worry too much about me, Faith is doing well also, but I am little bit concerned for her. The affect of the war has definitely influenced her...Oh, father what do I hear now...the cries...of...the...innocent....civilians.... Love, December 18th, 1937

http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=58&catid=2&subcatid=5

**Diary #4: Through the Gates into Hell**

December 30th, 1937...

God...How can you possibly give such cruel characteristics to the Japanese? Is this even possible? Oh Lord, Please...I thought this would end after some point. But...this...country...is continuing to be raped...r.a.p.e.d.

I cannot bear a thought of another person dying...the innocent ones being shot by the blinded Japanese...the cruel ones that do not have a heart. Heartless beings they are. I saw everything that I should not have seen. From young boys, blinded, beat up, girls forcfully ripped opened, pregnant ladies brutelly kicked, old woman lying there...not being able to do anything...Nothing but let this go on...No God. Please stop this...I just cannot take this anymore. We have the rights to say no. They have the rights to say no. But the reply from the Japanese is simple. A short, cold reply: 'Next' as they move on to the next civilian.

Yesterday, I was helping out James Henry McCallum at the University of Nanking Hospital with the other members of the committee. We saw endless injuries, gruesome wounds, and even deaths. What caught my eye was this little girl who stood out of the hospital that was so full that it was impossible for us to move around. She was only eleven. Brought in by Chinese soldier. Such a young girl with her elbow gashed, blood pouring out of the wound. She was crying, not in a way a baby cries...It was different...The soldier explained that she was there when her whole family died. In front of her eyes. Her mother was shot; her father, stabbed. I just could not picture anything close to that in my head. Witnessing the death of your parents. This hit me hard as I grabbed my camera. I took photos, lots and lots of them of what was actually happening, I was recording the immoral actions of the Japanese, the disturbing scenes. I even took a short video. It just occurred to me and I do not understand why and how I did that. Then I just let go of my camera and refused to look at what I kept. I was...scared....

Just this morning when I was coming back from The International Red Cross Committee meeting, Christian Kroger and I saw a Chinese woman, middle aged, with two Japanese soldiers surrounding her. It looked like they were about to either rape her or shoot her. At that point, she saw us walking, rather looking. She gave us a terrified look as she cried for help, "Jiu Ming! Jiu Ming!" (Save our lives!). Surprisingly, the two Japanese soldiers gave each other an odd look and ran away, leaving this woman, moaning, on the deserted ground. We thought it was right to carry her back to her family. Luckily, she was not hurt badly, which is considered one of the lucky cases. I just cannot imagine other women, being left, naked, on the ice cold ground, not being able to do anything and just...dying away...

Don't the Japanese understand the meaning of being ashamed? of their mindless acts?

The air is filled with reeking smell of rotten corpses, the rivers are no longer blue...they are thick, dark, red....blood.

I just don't understand the motives behind the Japanese treating other people as if they were animals! I just had enough of it when I heard people being raped in churches, and Bible training schools. Raped in a church? Wow. I am just blown away by these filthy actions of the Japanese. And the worst thing is...little girls, under the age of fifteen, being forced. FORCEFULLY raped. Pregnant woman getting raped //and// getting their abdomen ripped open? This is all for the amusement of the Japanese. Looks like they find it //entertaining// to witness people die in their hands. I just cannot write any more...my hands are trembling... I need to take a rest.

media type="youtube" key="YeIxDezImGM?fs=1" height="258" width="321"

What I filmed at the University of Nanking Hospital.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeIxDezImGM

//January 28, 1938...//

//" I think I have said enough of these horrible cases--- there are hundreds of thousands of them. Being so many of them finally makes the mind dulled so that you almost cease to be shocked anymore. I did not imagine that such cruel people exsisted in the modern world...It would seem that only a rare insane person like Jack the Ripper would act so..." (155)//

**Diary #5 A Survivor** March 3rd, 1946...

I could still remember...remember the faces...the uneasy, terrified expression left on the civilians of China...It was a few weeks after peace finally came to the doors of China, I organized a worship service to assure the survivors of their safety, their nation's safety, and the world's safety...There was consolation in a way through words of God, and the singing of hymns...but they seemed to be worried...even then...even after the //rape// came to an end...

It is hard...trying to erase a chuck of memory out of life. It has been several years since the horrendous Nanking Massacre. What looked like a incessant event eventually came to an end. I can remember each day, there was something new as the intensity grew while the days wore on. What started with one, two, three people dying...ended up with thousands, hundred thousands. Not just dying...but they had to go through a period of pain, suffering, and embarrassment. When it reached the end, I was so worn out that there was no emotion going about me...it felt like the world just froze in front of my eyes...

When I finally left Nanking, it felt great to be home, the place that I belonged, but things have changed drastically. In fact, the whole //world// reshaped itself with a major upturn in economy, the population and technology. This made me realize that the world is no longer the way it was ten years ago and it is continuing to develop. Then later, I served at the Church of the Presidents St.John's Episcopal Church and Lafayette Square (Washington D.C.) which made me reflect on the things that I accomplished in a foreign country that I was not sure of...the place that I went with a single motivation: A strong faith for my Lord. There is a sense of unexpressed pride as a chairman of the International Red Cross Committee of Nanking, giving a strip of hope to the devastated nation. If it was not for my fellow members, nothing could have proceeded. The fact that I lend my hand to some, or at least a few Chinese civilians is important...and I am living with it through my life.

God, I am under constant fear of wars, fought all around the world...especially Asia. How can one justify the attack on Pearl Harbor? I just do not comprehend the motives behind the Japanese. After what they have done to the Chinese, are they not ashamed of their inhumane acts? What they have done at the Nanking Massacre was not enough? After all, they lost, more likely, they surrendered. These wars just does not seem to end...Will there be a point when the whole world is peaceful? Even so, when will that come? God, I do not want to witness more //innocent deaths//...I already had enough...if I see more...I just cannot...even think about... My last hope is peace in the world...It has been long since I saw the world...smile...

The rape of Nanking is staying with me, you, us...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Committee_for_the_Nanking_Safety_Zone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Magee_%28missionary%29

//1953...//

//Son...the time has come that I let go of my life...I am going to leave this* to you...as I said...it is for me...for us...and for// you...


 * //this// is referring to the 16mm camera that John Magee kept the what was really going on at the Nanking Massacre.

//Nanking remains in the hearts of the world...//

//....// //The cries of the civilian echos in me...//