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I wish to add that in the march to Sheung Ts'un we found the country quite, but the people showed us no civility, and we found it impossible to obtain coolies or supplies on payment. A sullen acquiescence in our proceedings was evinced.
Arrived at Sheung Ts'un I found that the Hong Kong Regiment had taken possession of a court-yard capacious enough to hold 400 soldiers in which they had put dry straw and had made themselves very fairly comfortable. Some had been without much food for nearly a day but speedily made up for lost time on our bringing up their rations.
At about 2:30 p.m. a report was made to me that a large force of Chinese was seen approaching. On examining the situation I saw a goodly number in the far distance evidently intent on attacking us. I ordered Captain Berger to make preparations to receive these people, directing that only fresh troops should be sent out, the tired ones being left in reserve in quarters.
At 3 p.m. Berger had posted his men in their allotted positions and we awaited the enemy's advance. He came on in three lines and in fairly regular formation over a perfectly level plain on dry ploughed land, waving banners and shouting loudly. It was distinctly a determined advance for Chinamen.