793.94/5691: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 6—5:06 a.m.]
23. Following from Captain Barrett, Fifteenth Infantry, Chinwangtao, January 5, 8 p.m., received en clair through Military Attaché.
“We proceeding to Chinese front line at Liuchiaying halfway between Chinwangtao and Shanhaikwan. Line extends to sea on right of railway, on left to mountains. Right flank held by Thirty-first Regiment Third Cavalry Brigade originally stationed at Yuikuanchen north of Peitaiho. Center held by 600 Twenty-seventh Regiment of Ninth Brigade. Left unit reported as another cavalry regiment Third Brigade. Twentieth Brigade reported in support. Today inspected disposition of right flank cavalry regiment and find have taken up temporary defense without entrenchment. Due presence of Japanese warships at Chinwangtao Chinese state will not attempt to hold right flank if attacked. Intended to push on to Shanhaikwan but were strongly advised by cavalry regimental commander not to do so. No evidences of Japanese activity today. Reported yesterday armored train made several trips to point 500 yards east of Chinese line where small railroad bridge has been temporarily put out of commission. En route to front lines passed refugees estimated at 2,000 from Shanhaikwan and villages between here and that point. Tomorrow intend to cover center and left flank Chinese position. Eleven fifteen a.m. today desultory artillery fire estimated at five rounds 75’s heard on our left front. Barrett.”