August 8. The ministers received an official message from the tsung-li-yamen saying: “By an imperial edict dated August 7, full power has been granted to Li Hung Chang to discuss and arrange all matters by telegraph with the foreign offices of all the powers.” Colonel Shiba reported that a Chinese outside coolie came in to say that all the troops in Peking, with the exception of five battalions of Jung Lu’s, have been, or are going to be, dispatched in great haste to meet the foreign troops; he does not know where the latter are. He adds that another 50,000 foreign troops have been landed at Taku. [Illustration: LI HUNG CHANG China’s greatest Viceroy] August 9. Sniper firing all day from Tung Fu Hsiang’s troops, especially at the customs position in the Mongol market. The latter were several times silenced by volleys from the Nordenfeldt machine gun mounted on a parapet built against the west wall of the legation. No firing from Jung Lu’s troops at all. August 10. Very heavy rifle-fire from all sides about 3 A.M. A messenger sent out to meet the troops returned, bringing a letter from General Gaselee, the British general in command, also one from General Fukushima. General Gaselee’s letter is dated south of Tsaitsun, August 8: “Strong forces of allies advancing. Twice defeated enemy. Keep up your spirits.” The following letter from General Fukushima to Colonel Shiba was received: “Camp at Changchiang, two kilometers north of Nantsaitsun, August 8, 1900—Japanese and American troops defeated the enemy on the 5th instant near Pietsang, and occupied Yangtsun on the 6th. The allied forces, consisting of American, British, Russian, and Japanese, left Yangtsun this morning, and while marching north I received your letter at 8 A.M. at a village called Nantsaitsun. It is very gratifying to learn from you that the foreign community at Peking are holding on, and believe me it is the earnest and unanimous desire of the lieutenant-general and all of us to arrive at Peking as soon as possible, and deliver you from your perilous position. Unless some unforeseen event takes place, the allied forces will be at Hoshiwu on the 9th, Mat’ou on the 10th, Changchiawan on the 11th, Tungchow on the 12th and Peking on the 13th or 14th.”