The Chao troops have at last succeeded in crossing the river and driving out the Tan troops from the west bank.
For some days preparations have been- making and for at least two or three days, the attack has been rumoured for "to-morrow." Amongst the preparations were a sort of "tank" peat. Armour plates, bedding straw and all sorts of protection for the soldiers while crossing. Yesterday and the day before all the small boats that could be laid hold of were taken to the New River and last night there was a continuous demand om the coolie hongs for carriers to row the boats. Naturally there was as stout a resistance as possible to a job which promised more of danger than of pay.
At dawn the firing which had been more than usual during the the first' hour the streets were quite panicky. A shell burst quite near the Presbyterian compound about 3 a.m. Another at some time, made a. big hole in the funnel of one of the government launches that. was moored below Butterfield and Swire's hulk. About 9 a.m., it was seen that "landing had been effected night, became very fierce and for and the Chao troops were running up the banks. Since then there has been a lull and we are at last rejoicing that this stupid "potting" with rifles and field_ guns will now be stopped. This seems to be the first time that either side has been able to cross in front of the enemy's firing. Whether the cause has been lack of ammunition or something else we do not yet know.
The Woodcock went to Siangtan on Tuesday last escorting tugs of both Jardine, Matheson and Butterfield & Swire. They were fired on almost the whole way and the Woodcock replied with no less than 55 shells. On the return journey on Wednesday, there was much better behaviour. They started again. this morning.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.