We have to thank the Consul-General for Japan for the following official telegrams:—Tokio, 19th December.
Admiral Togo reports: While attacking the Russian ships in the outer roadstead on the night of the 14th inst. one Japanese torpedo-boat was disabled and abandoned, while the survivors were saved. Another torpedo-boat was temporarily disabled, but was convoyed back. No serious damage occurred to the rest and the total casualties in shore it is dificult to ascertain her damage, but several torpedoes were distinctly seen to hit her and explode. On the night of the 15th inst., the torpedo flotillas renewed the attacks on the Sebastopol, the Otvajny, and some destroyers. They managed to approach close to the enemy's ships and success sively discharged torpedoes, several of which were distinctly observed to d explode. In spite of the enemy's hot fire our craft all returned safe. The total casualties were three killed and three wounded.
Our observation station next morning reported one Russian destroyer aground with the masts broken.
Later.
Admiral Togo, reporting that the petual state of the Russian ships sunk in the inner harbour is substantially the same as previously announced, concludes that they are no longer fit for action. Regarding the Sebastopol, though there is reason to believe she inexpacitated for navigation, yet positive evidence still unobtainable. Six Russian des. troyers at least are still remaining. Later.
The Port Arthur Army Commander reports: At 2.15 p.m. on the 18th inst. detachment caused a great explosion on the breastwork of the north fort at Tungkikuanshan, on which an assault was made, followed by fierce fighting with grenades. The enemy offered the. stoutest resistance, At 7 p.m. General Samejima advanced to the caponitre on the counterscarp and then making a great assault captured the fort 11.50 p.m, We immediately constructed defensive works ud our possession was rendered secure by the morning of the 19th. We captured five field guns, two machine guns and a great quantity of ammunition. We found about forty Russians corpses within the fort. Our casualties are not ascertained, but are not believed to be heavy.
Admiral Togo reports of the 14th inst. our torpedo-boat flotilla made brave attacks upon the enemy's fleet. At about midnight the flotillas reached the outer roadstead of Port Arthur. One flotilla, under the command of Lieut.-Commander Uchida, and a special torpedo-boat, rushed into the anchorage of the enemy's fleet to reconnoitre, and at 1am. of the 15th inst, attacked under the fire and searchlights of the enemy's fleet and fortresses. During this engage ment uno torpedo-buat was hit once and another four times, tire men belonging to the latter being wounded. Ail the flotillas then fixed the direction for attack. The flotilla under Commander Kasama first rushed in to destroy the enemy's defence and to restrain his fire and the operations of his searchlights. The
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