893.00/7752: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 18—5:56 a.m.]
488. My 481, October 15, 11 a.m. Following from American consul general, Hankow:
“Commissioner of Foreign Affairs has notified me that inspection station at Liuchiamiao below Hankow has been withdrawn in view of capture of Wuchang. Station at Yingwuchow near Hanyang will be continued however. Notwithstanding British have submitted to inspection of the merchantmen, several such vessels have been vigorously fired upon without warning below Hankow by Southern troops this week.
Iping, American merchant vessel, heavily fired upon between Shasi and Ichang Tuesday. Chinese soldiers boarded Iping at Ichang on the 14th and endeavored to force ship to sail. Armed guard from Elcano promptly cleared ship of soldiers. Sailing temporarily suspended.
Fighting in progress north, east and west of Kiukiang and considerable anxiety now being felt there.
Unconfirmed rumors of concentration of Northern troops just about [above?] Sinyang for drive on Southerners.
Three additional French gunboats arriving Sunday with French admiral.
Telegraph lines out of commission for 3 days from 13th.”