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Sir,
Report of Proceedings.
H.M.S."Whiting", Hongkong.
April 5th 1899.
I have the honour to report that in accordance with Sailing Orders received from you, I embarked General Gascoigne, Mr Lockhart, and 100 troops, at 3.30 a.m. yesterday, (Mr Lockhart embarked from Kowloon City) and proceeded at about 20 knots for Tolo Harbour, on passage there "Whiting" touched ground at Tung Head, as reported in a separate letter. I arrived at anchorage pointed out by you at 9 a.m., and instantly disembarked troops, sending with them Lieutenant Sinclair and an armed orderly. The troops marched round to a village at the head of the Bay. At 10.15 "Fame" arrived, followed shortly afterwards by 2 torpedo boats with our liberty men. At 1.30 p.m., a signal was made from General Gascoigne to send all boats, which was at once complied with, I also directed the two torpedo boats to proceed as far as in them as possible and assist. At 2.35, having embarked all troops (half in "Whiting" and half in "Fame") I weighed and proceeded for Hongkong at 19 knots, arriving there at 4.47. On passage General Gascoigne informed me that the Chinese had burnt a matshed down, but that he had satisfactorily ascertained that Mr May and party had left there in safety, and that he saw no reason for troops remaining there. The only refreshment provided for troops by "Whiting" was 6 lbs cocoa and 61 lbs sugar.
I have, &c.,
(signed) Edward Kelly.
Lieut. & Commr.
Commodore F.Powell C.B.
H.M.S."Tamar".
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