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3. On the 10th, it was reported that the exodus had from the valleys ceased, the major portion of the population having departed.
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4. On the 16th May, in accordance with your instructions, I directed that Sham Chun and Kowloon City should be occupied. To Sham Chun, 2000 men proceeded in three columns, one moving from Deep Bay, one from Starling Inlet, and one from Taipo. Nothing could have been better than the arrangements made by Major-General Gascoigne and Commodore Powell, R.N., by whom the bluejackets and Marines who composed the Starling Inlet column were supplied. At the same hour as the three columns were timed to meet at Sham Chun (3 p.m.), a force of 300 men, consisting of Royal Welch Fusiliers and 100 Hong-Kong Volunteers with their guns, proceeded to Kowloon City. Both places were occupied without any opposition, and during the march of the columns, they were everywhere received with civility.
5. It was found to be impossible to proceed by river from Deep Bay to Sham Chun. The Deep Bay column therefore disembarked at Sha Tao and marched to Sham Chun, past several towns or villages, each as large as Sham Chun. Near this town, a camp has been established where a force of 400 Infantry, Engineers, and Artillery are stationed with four guns. Men of the Royal Welch Fusiliers have been stationed at Sha Tao, while 200 ... . The entire force being under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel O'Gorman, I visited both camps on the 19th and 20th.
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