Sub-Enc.No.7
Tai-po-hu.
19 April 1899.
66
040-00
1 no deseang
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Memo of 18 April just delivered by launch and beg to report that in complying with the urgent signal of the Officer Commanding Troops, I was firmly convinced of the necessity of rendering assistance in taking charge of the base camp which had been entirely denuded by troops and left unprotected.
I will take care that your order with reference to a written application will be carried out although at present it is only done by signal from Officer Commanding Troops.
I did not take the men off to the ship at night as it was feared that during the darkness a fresh attack would be made. Every precaution is being taken regarding the health of the Officers and men, and I have erected fresh tents on the high ground around the Flagstaff which is in every way a healthy and sanitary place.
I have the honor to report that in accordance with sailing orders I left Hongkong at 5.15 a.m. on the 17th inst., and arrived here at 10.30 a.m. All stores were landed by 8.30 p.m. On account of lateness of hour I decided to leave till daylight Tuesday morning.
During landing of stores the enemy appeared on the ridges and hills and opened fire with their "gingalls" but were unable to range the camp.
Major General Gascoigne sent out the troops with 4 field guns and drove them back without very much trouble.
Commodore F.Powell C.B.,
under
Hong Kong.