The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-18

Major Walters report is of especial in
terest. as ne had command Of the marines
in the light before Tien-Tsin was reached
The report is dated Tien-Tsin, June q. and
says In part:
AT . O'Clock in the morning June 5O
the Russian colonel informed me that ne
would push on with his 400 men ana at
tempt 10 get into Tien-Tsin ana ara In tne
defense OF the city. / objected, but was
cverruled in council. My reason told me
that there was a slim chance for passing
the Chinese forces with only 80 men ana
no guns. the three-inch rife proving defec-
tive. I disabled II and rolled IL into the
river and followed the Russians in the
twelve-mile march on Tien-Tsin. Inc
Russian column was in advance, 400 strong,
with my Colt and six-mm- gun IN their
front. under the command OF Lieutenant
Powell. The advance continued until Z
o'clock a. m. without opposition, wnen we
reached a point opposite the Imperial arse
nal. There We met a small flank fire, which
was quickly silenced by our s~harpshooters-
About ten minutes later We met a very
heavy front and flank fire from 1.5O or
2.0G men intrenched. We deplOyed, ana
my line. feeling the flank fire, turned 10
the left and rear, confronting the nanK
movement, our line at that time having
its front advanced.
1.-THE support of the Colt gun having
dwindled TO two men and the gun having
damned several times. all the crew being
shot down but one, Mr.. Powell very prop
cry Q6ClHe0 10 dDdUQDn H. WuiCn HC hiNf
after disabling the gun. Receiving notice
that the Russians would retreat TO a point
four miles beyond out bivouac. L began my
retreat Moving by the right flank anu
keeping up q fight for four hours with the
enemy, who were in force, imperial troops
and Boxers, we succeeded In falling pack
bringing our wounded by hand: AT 3 p. m;
We had reached our base, having mdrcneQ
thirty miles and fought for four hours. L
was obliged to leave the dead, but brought
of the wounded. Our casualties were four
killed and nine wounded.
1T was agreed that we should advance In
two columns on the next day at 4 a. m.
Ny force occupying the advance or the
British column and the right of the firing
line. We struck the enemy at about Z a.
m, and drove them steadily until about
1z:30 p. M, when We entered Tien-Isln,
relieving the besieged- Europeans, our
losses being for the day one killed and
three wounded.
AT noon on the 9th the Russians having
attacke the arsenal. the scene Of my re-
pulse on the I'D. and which had not been
captured asked for achievements l sent
out Second Lieutenant Jolly with forty
men, Mr.. Harding, my adjutant, Joining as
a volunteer. and placed the whole under
the Of Commander Craddock.
r ~. This force was about 1850 strong
and succeeding In driving the enemy from
the parapets, out of their Notifications and
In full flight. 1t was developed thai the
enemy had about 1000 men at this point
Our men charged over the parapet, with a
British company being the first in. in this
part Of the fight. Our loss here was one
wounde and Lieutenant Jolly overcome by
the heat. but not until after he had brought
his men back to their quarters Lieutenant
Harding acted as q volunteer and captured
an imperial flag. which he has presented
to me-
Having given you the bare facts, l wish
10 invite attention 10 the incidents of the
busy week Our men marched ninety-seven
miles in the five days, lighting all the way.
They have lived on about one meal a day
for six days. but have been cheerful and
willing always. They have gained the
highest praise from all forces present and
have earned my love and confidence They
with brave hearts ard bright weapons.
II have to earnestly recommend to your
notice for such reward as you may deem
proper the following officers:
Lieutenant s. ID. Butler for the admir-
able conduct OF his men in all the fights
of the week: for saving a wounded man
at the risk of his life and under a very
heavy fire.
'Lieutenant A. Z. Harding for conspic-
uous gallentry in action, for saving wound
ed at the risk OF his life under a heavy
fire.
Second Lieutenant w. L. Jolly, for the
same risk, and for leading a fine charge
over the parapets in the face of a heavy
fire.
First Lieutenant Leonard for saving life
under fire and for admirable control and
direction of the fire
First Lieutenant Powell for working and
managing a Colt gun under a fierce fire