Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 394.]

Sir: I have the honor to confirm on the overleaf my telegram of the 14th instant, and to say that 2,000 Americans, 2,000 British, 8,000 Japanese, 3,000 Russian, and 200 French troops are now in the city, and we are safe.1

At the gates through which the Unites States and British troops entered there was not serious resistance, but the Russian and Japanese [Page 161] had considerable fighting. The entire city is not yet in our possession. The “Forbidden City” and the northeast sections are still held by the Chinese. Yesterday in order to drive the enemy out of shooting distance from the legation, General Chaffee fought his way some distance into the “Forbidden City,” but after a conference with the other generals he withdrew his men. He had lost Captain Riley and 6 men killed and several wounded. I am informed this was done because the Russian and Japanese generals thought a sacred place like an imperial palace ought not to be forcibly taken without first making a formal demand for surrender. * * *

As I have heretofore wired, we have lost 7 marines killed and 17 wounded, 4 still in hospital; and 1 child died. The rest of the Americans are alive, but many children are ill. Shall start most of them homeward soon.

I have the honor to be, etc.,

E. H. Conger.
  1. Printed ante.