I am researching a Portuguese musician Emílio Epigménio da Encarnação,(1874-1963) who was the bandmaster for Sir Robert Hart in Beijing. In 1903 Hart writes in a letter that the Empress has requested the band should play for her. Hart writes Empress Dowager has asked for The Band for The 28th and the "boys" are in great glee over the prospect of visiting The Summer Palace and playing for Emperor and Court. Encarnação goes with them; I hope he' II get a "Double Dragon" out of it.
I wonder whether anybody could confirm that Encarnação did receive the award?
Many thanks