The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-18
Letter from General Dcrward, the
British Commander, Prsising the
Gallantry of Americans
ADMITS MAKING AN ERROR
WHICH COST THE LIVES OF A NUM-
BER OF LIsCUMs MEN.
Retirement from N Dangerous POSI-
ton Effected with skill and Cool
ness Under a Calling Fire.

WASHINGTON. Aug. 1.-THE Navy De-
partment to-day made public the reports
OF Col Robert L. Meade and Maj. l. W.
I. Waller. of the United States marine
corps on the battle of Tien-Tsin. They give
not only a graphic account OF this initial
engagement in the Chinese campaign. but
furnish the information with Official exact
ness.
Colonel Meade's report Is dated Tten-
Tsin. July Is. After telling of the situation
around Tien-Tsin and Of the decision on
July II, at a conference held at the English
generals headquarters TO attack the city
about daybreak the next day. Colonel
Meade's report. in describing the early
fighting in which the marines and Ninth
Infantry took such a gallant part, says:
I'VE reached the advanced position about
s a. m. took $50 rounds per man with me-
100 rounds in the belts and eighty in the
haversacks. This is not sufficient for
all-day fight and as IL grew toward night
began TO be apprehensive of being left In
an advance position in a fight where no
prisoners were taken on either side with
only the bayonet to fight with. On the firing
line the action was specially hot and the
enemys fire specially rapid and accurate
AT about $3.50 a. m. the enemy appeared in
large numbers upon our left and among
were with the evident intention or thanking
us i made turning movement 10 the LETT
and rear and we drove them away Later In
the day, about 2 p. m, they again made
thanking effort. but at this time the infantry
support OF the artillery company was on
the mud wall OF the city and aided us by
a cross fire. This company was commanded
enemy proved failure and we drove them
| in. We remained in the trenches until about
p. m, when we received an order from
the brigadier general commanding 10 with
draw, which was probably the most difficult
action of the day. since the enemy had SO
well covered our position that their shots
struck the crests of the trenches and threw
dirt in our faces-many being hit
General Dorward ordered that the troops
should sleep upon their arms that night.
and on the following morning TO enter the
| city. The south gate had TO be blown IN
| by gun cotton. The troops had had nothing
whatever to eat on the 18th save the small
luncheon OF II may be called which each
expected when we started. that the action
would prove so long. but General Dorwarc.
knowing the situation, kindly sent TO the
reservation for food and other necessaries
and the bivouac proved success and the
men. though very fatigued. were ready for
| duty.
"On the 18th inst, the south gate having
city about O'Clock a. m. We found the
| city filled with dead Cinnamon and animals.
No resistance was made TO our occupation
| In the walled city itself. but an infantry
| fire was kept up by the japanese infantry
on the enemy. who responded from the
| suburbs. Since then we have had undis-
turbed possession of all Tien-Tsin-" :"
PRAISE FROM GEN. DORwARD.
Colonel Meade inclosed the following let
| ter from General Dorward. the commander
II
mandng the United States forces:
"Tien-Tsin, China. July Is
"Sir-I desire 10 express the high appre-
citation of the British troops of the honor
done them in serving alongside their COM
rades Of the American army during the
subsequent capture of Tien-Tsin city. and
of my own appreciation OF the high honor
accorded to me by having them under my
command. The American troops formed
part of the front line Of the British attack.
| and so had more than their share of the
| fighting that took place. The ready and
always make their command easy and
pleasant, and when one adds 10 that the
| steady galantry and power Of holding on
10 exposed position which they displayed
on the 18th inst the result is soldiers OF the
highest class.
I'VE all deeply sympathize with you in
| the heavy losses you have suffered. espe-
cially with the Ninth Regiment in the loss
| of their gallant colonel. +. III. Lsscum.
while at the head OF his men. and with
| the Pfrst Regiment OF Marines in the death
| of Captain Davis, who met soldiers
| death I'm the very front OF the fight
II blame myself for the mistake made In
| the taking up of their position by the
| Ninth Regiment not remembering that
| troops wholly fresh 10 the scene OF action
| and hurried forward in the excitement OF
attack were likely 10 lose their way. still
| the position they took up and gallanfly
stuck TO all day undoubtedly prevented a
| large body OF the enemy from turning the
| right of the attacking party and inhict-
| ing serious loss on the French and Jap
anese-
Among many instances OF personal
bravery In the action | propose specially
| TO bring 10 notice I'm dispatches the conduct
| OF First Lieut.. Smedley u. Butler. United
| States marine corps. in bringing wound
| ed man from the front under heavy and
| accurate fire. Lieutenant Butler was
| wounded while so doing. but. am glad TO
learn, not seriously. The regimenta1 adju-
| tant. First Lieut.. Henry Leonard. as Lieu.
| tenant Butler was suffering severely volun.
| teered TO carry him out OF the firing line
| This gallant feat he successfully accom-.
| pIished. but regret TO say. was very
| dangerously wounded In so doing.
''The Ninth Regiment were iighting some
what outside my sphere of action. so an
| tc bring forward only one instance OF per.
sonal gallantry In that regiment. although
| circumstanced as they were. lighting fof
about twelve hours almost alone and lln-
| supported and never giving back foot OF
| ground until directed 20 retire under cover
| of night and nre OF the naval guns. such
| instances must have been very numerous
| The one / would refer 10 is the bringing
back TO me by the acting regimenfaf ad-
1utant, Captain LawtOn. OF the account of
| the position of the regiment. across a wide
and fre-swept space and returning with re-
| inforcements 10 guide them 20 his regiment
when ne was severely wounded.
Tho withdrawal OF the regiment was =
| deliberate military operation finely carried
| out. on which / congratulate Lieutenant
Colonel Coolidge and the officers and men
| under his command. I have the honor 70
| be. sir. your obedisnt servant
a Z. T; DoRwARD. Briesdier General =.