The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-01-09
War Stories IN Far Off Land:
CHINA AND THE GOOD SHIP SUMNER
CAPTAIN Enteag the Scenes and Incidents

intention of Gen. Chaffee to maintain the
largest garrison at Peking. where about l 100
OF his men will spend the winter There will
6e smaller forces at Tnng Chao, which Is the
and Tupgu, which IL the landing place in The
| river inside of Taku. 1t is anticipated that
the winter will hs very severe one, and If
| the ordinary rule IL m iutaiued the garrisons
| Will be cut off from the world during the
| three months OF winter that the river and
Taku bay are locked In the firm embrace or
| Ice Farther up The coast Ia the port of Shan
Hal Quan which is open during The winter,
| and H. IL the intention of Gen. Chaffse To Keep
| in communication with II.
AS far as the necessaries OF life and shelter
Arctic ocean. our commanders have organ
lied system OF transportation that exceeds
| In excellence that OF any other Lower here,
| and the last article named by the garrison at
Peking Is now on the way up the river and
will be there weeks before the winter closes
down. This work has been done under the
ing 10 go to Peking. where he IL TO spend the
winter. My experience here In connection
with sea transportation has been q matter Of
especial qualification to me personally on ao.
count of my humble connection with our SER
vice, for in comparison with our system and
ships the other nations are not in 1t. We
| have the best appoin ted, finished and equipped
transport ships in the world, and have sue
ceeded 10 perfecting system by which the
largest possible number OF men are accomo-
dated with complete com fort In the smallest
space and are handled with the greatest ex.
pedition.
The Sumner ia to have as a passenger on
her trip TO Manila, Gen. Samuel Sumner, son
of the distinguished officer for whom the yes.
sci was named. The following letter shows
the organizations and property to be carried
TO Manila, which ls 10 stop at Nagaski and
debark Gen. James II. Wilson, who is also to
be passenger. and who Is on his way home
Liscum Barracks,
Tientsln. China, Nov. 2, 1900.
Captain Charles T. Baker,
Commanding Transport Sumner:
Sir-In accordance with regulations, I here
with submit q statement Of troops under my
com mmand ordered 10 embark on the Sum ner
Four batteries Third Artillery, armed as In.
officeSs Officers and ' III enilsied @ % men. The hesdausr
ters band and two troops Sixth Cavalry, con-
sisting Of ten officers and about go enlisted
men. This number may vary slightly, owing
10 the uncertainty regarding accom- moda-
tions on the horse transport have no
means OF knowing how many casuals may be
sent, but presume you have Information re-
garding them.
Unless otherwise directed, the artillery will
leave here November 4th. They will be
transported on junks and should reach Tong
ku by F. M. same day, and 1t is hoped tney
will reach the transport before dark.
The cavalry will leave Yengtsun tomorrow,
November 3rd, and will march to Tongku
they should reach that point November 5th,
or on the morning Of the 9th. My plan is TO
OF the cavalry.
1 have sent an order to Lieut.. Marshall.
Sixth Cavalry, TO arrange with you with re-
gard TO the quarters Of these troops.
Very respectfully,
Samuel s. Sumner,
Col. Sixth Cav. Com'd.
It is to be our sad duty to carry from Taku
to Nagasaki the remains Of Gen. Lisoom, who
fell at the head Of his command In the battle
Of Tientsin. At Nagasakl, with hitting cere-
mony, the casket will be transferred to a
transport bound for San FranclBco.
trust that these few rambling lines may
reach you, but am lacking In faith in the
Orie. tai mails, for, since July 18th, nave
not received q letter from the United States.
Very respectfully,
Chas T. Baker,
Capt. and Asst. Quarterm aster.
Commanding Sumner.