CO129-210 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [6-7] — Page 7

C 0.

6

120

Some points, the English dicüzler at Randlema

of four years ago. En bolt cases the

troops from Purope appear to have fallend

sito an ambuscade; and, in both

cases, to have overmunch "despised the

4

| surry" Reinforcements both haval

and Military, have bees despatched

from France to Inguin. I amuck a

translation

14;

the Proclamation issued

on the 25th ultimo by the Frenc

Gwerum Cochin China :-

of

Переводит

Republiq se Française. The Governor of Cochin- China to the Functionaries, Officers, and in. habitants of the Colony-Painful news bas reached us from Tonquiu. After having repulsed with success during two days the invest ng troops massed around Hauoi, and having inflicted on them serious lo-sos, Comandant Rivière, at the head of a detachment of 400 men belonging to the marine infantry and the landing parties of the Victorieuse and Villars, attempted, on the morning of the 19th May, another sortie. Sur- prised in an ambuscade held by the Black Flags, and borne down by numbers, Commandant Ri vière ordered a retreat, and was killed while himself engaged in drawing off the artillery, which was on the point of falling into the hands of the enemy. At his side there were mor. tally wounded Captain Jacquio, Lieut, da Brisés, and Midshipman Moulin. The Chef de Bataillon Berthe de Vilars was seriously wounded; seven other officers were wounded, and seventy men placed hors de combat. The troops re-entered Hanoi, where they are entrenched. Energetic measures have been taken to keep our positions and repeal any attack. Eight days ago two com- panies were dispatched from Saigon to Tonquin, More important reinforcements will be barked to-night. In prosence of those events, which have so strongly impressed the entire colony, the Governor appeals to the patriotism of his fellow.citizens, and recommends to them calm and confideuce. In the name of France. in the name of Cochin-China, he hereby renders solemn homage to the memory of our brave officers, solliers, and marines who have fallen on the field of honour, and to the memory of their Chief, who is mourned by all.

Vive la France ! Vive la Republiqno!

Saigon, 25th May, 1881.

The Governor, CHARLES THOMSON.

01-

RECT

AREC 23 AL

4. The "Black Flags" agarich

whone the French are

aw

fighting the Stagin

appear to be an organized and formidable.

infederacy of banditti, recalling the Mahrattão and Pindame with whom the

English long contended in India -

Indied