Mr. Griscom to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Tokyo,
Japan, August 15,
1904.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a
copy of a resume of official reports received by the Japanese Government
regarding the capture of the Russian destroyer Ryeshitelni at Chefoo, informally communicated to me to-day by
Baron Komura.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Résumé of several reports so far received concerning capture of
Russian destroyer at Chefoo. On the night of August 10, while
cruising in search of dispersed Russian squadron, our destroyers Asashiwo and Kasumi
sighted one apparently Russian destroyer steaming in full speed
westward and immediately pursued her, but the latter disappeared in
darkness. Continuing search till next morning, they found that the
enemy’s destroyer had fled to Chefoo. They remained outside
territorial water till night, vainly expecting her coming out. Then
they entered Chefoo and found that the enemy’s destroyer was Ryeshitelni, and that there was no sign of
her being dismantled. Accordingly Lieutenant Terashima was sent on
board Ryeshitelni and offered the Russian
commander alternative either to leave port before dawn or to
surrender, The latter accepted neither, and while discussing
proceeding he ordered his men to destroy machineries and to fire.
Then suddenly taking Terashima in arms he jumped overboard. Another
Russian also jumped into the sea with a Japanese interpreter. Then
other Russians commenced hostilities. Meanwhile magazine of Ryeshitelni exploded, causing casualties
among our men. Thereupon Ryeshitelni was
captured and towed out. Our casulties were 1 killed, 14 wounded.
