The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-26
TEe BOmHardu eHt.

The second report from Rear Admiral
Kempff is dated United States flagship
Newark, Taku, China, June 49," 1t reads:
Sir have the honor to report as fol-
lows: The commanding officer of the gun
boats in the river met on the afternoon
of June 10 and agreed for the senior Of
ficer of the gunboats to direct the move
ment This officer happened to be Rus
sian. The positions for the various gun
boats were then assigned, taking posi-
tons in the second reach of the river
above the north forts. The gunboats par
ticipating were the Koreetz, Guilak, Bobr.
Russian; Iltis, German; Lion, French /,
Algerine, English; the English torpedo boat
latter part, after securing the captured
torpedo boats near TOng-Ku The Japa-
nese gunboat claimed that her engines were
disabled, so she remained moored near
Tong-I<u and was assigned charge of the
railroad station at that place. The United
States steamer Monocacy, being under
orders, remained moored at Tong-Ku and
took no part in the action. Many foreign
ers were afforded shelter during the night.
copy of the report of the commanding Of
ficer of the Monocacy is herewith inclosed.
THE vessels, except the Tits. took their
assigned positions early in the evening of
the 18th inst, and at about 1855 a. m, one
hour before the expiration of the time limit.
all the forts guns which could be trained
on the ships fired simultaneously. many
shots striking the koreetZ. The vessels re-
turned the fire with a rapid fire from their
guns, which, with the exception of the
guns of six-inch caliber. were of small
rapid-fre type. The guns on the north
fort were chiefly 4.7-inch. while the south
forts had a number of guns from six to
eight inches in caliber.
THE Algerine, having aboard a landing
party of some $50 men, Immediately put
them ashore. A portion of them advanced
through Taku to the navy yard and took
by surprise four new modern torpedo
boats, carrying two tubes and six three
lxv4 II,
and Whiting, took them to Tong-Ku. The
other landing parties and the remainder of
the English, aggregating some $50 men,
awaited an opportunity for the assault.
The firing continued with more or less
spirit until daylight, when it became very
rapid and active, and. 1t is reported, very
disastrous to the Chinese.
About 4:30 shell entered the magazine
of the Guilak, blowing it up. causing her to
make water and burning forty-seven men
more or less severely. She got over an
awning Gas a collision. maD. and after a
few hours work was floating at her nor
NAL height.
AT about a. m, the gunboats having
silenced the northwest forts, a landing
force charged and occupied it, where, on
hosting the flag, few casualties occurred.
notably the captain of the Japanese land
ing party and one English sailor killed and
several wounded. The Chinese then aban-
doned the north fort, which is joined to the
northwest fort by a protected passage.
forts were taken. Most of the occupants
fled, but were not pursued. Some thirty or
forty were found hiding in various parts of
the fort. The various nations participating
hoisted their flags on the various flag
stats.
1.-The forts being of thick mud and grass
adobe, were but little damaged by the gun
fire. although they received host of pro-
jectiles. The guns and gun shields, a
rule, We're not damaged. Two or three of
the modern guns were disabled.
1.-The dead Chinese were not counted but
IL is estimated by eyewitnesses that some
200 dead were left in the fort. The loss on
the side of the allied forces, as nearly as
possible. is follows:
"Algerine-One officer very badly injured.
eight men wounded.
"Iltis-Captain very badly injured, three
or four men killed, six or eight wounded.
"Koreetz-Two officers badly wounded,
eight men dead. twelve wounded.
"Guilak-One officer badly wounded, eight
men killed ten wounded. forty-seven
burned by explosion of powder room.
.Lion-One man killed, one badly
wounded
"Other vessels engaged, injuries of minor
Importance"
The above is an account CLEANED from
conversations with officers engaged, but
may contain minor inaccuracies.
During the engagement guns were turned
on the Monocacy. which was out of the
line of fire. She was struck (no casualties),
and was forced to move up the river.