From June 20th to July 16th repeated attacks by Chinese troops on all sides, both rifle fire and artillery, including two B-inch Krupp guns.
Tut cordon, The American Conan) hae tera strictly Since 16th July armistic drawn, both sides strengthening worl from the Governor saying that the Positions We hold at present following line Imperial Government has declined to send any message to the. besieged Ministers except such messages couched in plain speech without cipher. Since the dispatches of the 24th of July, therein reason to hope that nothing sinister is concealed in this refusal, however unpleasant is its Wording. The Imperial Government is not lacking in caution, as well as insane in its rage. Further word from Paoting is ominous to the last degree.
The following is a dispatch from Dr. Coltman of the 20th of June (1 July) received here the 31st instant: "Foreign residents besieged in the British Legation, then under daily fire artillery, rifles Chinese. Fortunarely cowardice prevented successful rushes, Our losses 60 killed, 70 wounded. Theirs exceed thousands. No word from outside world. Food plenty, rice and horses. Yesterday flag of truce from Yung Lu, ask Macdonald if willing to make truce. Replied willing, provided Chinese came no closer. Shell firing ceased July 16th. Quiet now. Hope it means relief, having defeated Chinese, is nearing. All exhausted, constant watching, fighting, building barricades, digging' trenches, night and day. All Legations except British utterly wrecked by shell and shot.
Austrian, Italian, Belgian, Holland Legations burned to the ground. British much shattered. American marines still hold vital position on wall commanding Legations, aiter brilliant sortie 3rd July, Capt. Myers driving back hordes of Kansu troops. Myers slighted wounded, arms flags captured. Greatest credit due Secretary Squiers whose military educa tion is invaluable. Present dangers treachery, possible entry of city by a defeated Chinese army. Intense anxiety early relief."
A letter from the American Minister to Mr. Ragsdale, of date the 25th of July has been duly received. It is to be hoped yards wall Tartar City, South of American Legation, Russian and British Legations, half of Park opposite Enst of latter, also French and German Legations. AIL outside this line bunt, and ruins held by Chinese whose barriendes are close to ours, AM women and children in British Legation.
Food sufficient for fiytnight at most. Ammunition running short.
Casualties to date:-62 killed, including Strouts (Captain of Marines), David Oliphant, Warren, and double that number wounded in hospital, including Holliday (Captain of Marines). Rest of Legation all well.
Tnportant that relief force when near should advance rapidly to prevent attack on Legations by retreating Chinese forces.
Yestenlay we refused a renewed demand to leave Peki@y' ind. proceed to Tientsin.
Signed Macdonald (British Minister.)
Tientsin, July 27th, 1900.
'A messenger who left Peking on the 21st instant arrived today from s+veral Ministers. Minister Conger sent a message to Consul The gist of the other m that the missionaries wer red, but the missions destroyed. staff and families were uni Chinese approached the Britis under a flag of truce, cessation of hostility agreed, provided the Chinese made no advance. Treachery is feawd. On the 3rd of July, Captain Myers, American Marines, made a wonderful sortie, eapturing gums and standanis. He was wounded slightly. The Chinese were also badly de~ feated when they attempted "night at~ tack. Foreigners held Legation Street from. the French to the American Legation and the British on the North All are working at barricades, trenches, and.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.