Hu Tu

Overview

Hu Tu, mentioned in Volume 55 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* under the entry for Jing Yilu of the Hong'e clan, was the grandson of Jing Yilu and served as the General of Hangzhou. The genealogy lists this branch as belonging to the Bordered White Banner, residing in Jilin, and also records a change of affiliation from the Plain White Banner; this is the family organizational background, but the specific date of the banner change is not given.

The General of Hangzhou belonged to the Qing Dynasty's Eight Banners garrison general system, managing garrison troops and related banner affairs, and was not the same position as the local civil official governor. The *Draft History of the Qing Dynasty* records that the Zhejiang Garrison General was stationed in Hangzhou, with subordinate officials including Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Assistant Commander, Zuo Commander, and officers such as Defense Commander and Cavalry Commander, forming a hierarchical management system. This institutional background explains the nature of Hu Tu's position; later official appointments cannot be entirely attributed to his actual tenure.

Hong'e is a Manchu surname mentioned in the original text as originating from a mountain name. The grandfather's residence in Jilin and Hu Tu's own service in Hangzhou are two different pieces of information: ancestral home and place of office. Jilin can be associated with the present-day Jilin City, but it does not prove that Hu Tu was born there. The original document did not specify the year of appointment, the battle fought, or the hereditary title, so military achievements cannot be added solely based on the general's title. Individuals with the same name must be identified by considering their lineage from the Hong E clan and the Jing Yilu grandchildren; their individual terms of office still need to be verified through official records.