The following extract from a_ private letter from a lady now visiting Peking, dated the 10th instant, will be read with great interest "1 have no doubt that you know the condition of affairs, and that Lam really a prisoner in Peking?
There has been no training or out since last Sunday (3rd June), and the wire is cut, so we only know the fearful rumours of damaged bridges, burning villages, ete., and the situation has become more serious every day, An overland courier has been sent as far as Tientsi and Lam writing that way... Personally T have not felt any fear, but to satisfy four host, I had to go' last night and sleep in' the British Legation. Other troops are expected up to-day, and they say by rail, but I have given up expecting. The two poor missionaries, Norman and Robinson, are undoubtedly killed, but they are the only Europeans we know of.
The people inthe city seem quiet enough."
SHINS, MEN, AND annns, The C. M.S. Hsinyu, which arrived yesterday moi ning from tientsin, reports that on the 16th, when she left, some 2500 Imperial troops were expected at the Taku Forts, and a party of German sailors was being' lauded from the Iltis to oppose them. At the time the Hsinyu left, the Al was within a couple of hundred yards of the forts. the armament of the forts is described as being of a mixed character, "a regular job lot," as one navy man called it, but there are mounted in the fort some 12-in, guns that are nob to be reckoned with too lightly. As to the feeling of the people, it can only be described us one of "scare." They are under threat that if they clu not join the Boxer thy their throats will be cut, and in view of the failure of the crops and the river water turning brackish, the poor creatures do not Know What to do, Ihe supply of cargo coolies is smaller than usual, and the trooping derably interfered with the lighter service. informed Chinese are convinced of the Steuth of the report that the British thg was flying yesterday over the Chényang Gate at Peking. the gate opposite the Imperial Palace.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.