Every one realized when we became besieged that we were in a position that only divine help and a speedy rescue could avail us. Surrender under any circumstances now could only mean butchery. We had seen the survivors of the massacre at the south cathedral come among us with little children almost hacked to pieces by the cruel knives of the fanatical Boxers, and, knowing their hatred for us, we well knew that if the men were overcome, the women and children must suffer a horrible death or worse. Many of the men had resolved that at the last fight they would themselves kill their wives and daughters to prevent their suffering at the hands of the incarnate devils that surrounded us. My own wife never allowed me to leave her upon a night-attack without first giving her my revolver for the purpose of using it as a safeguard to herself and daughters in the event of my non-return, and the overpowering of our forces. The American marines led in the expedition to the south cathedral to rescue the Catholic Christians being killed there, and were accompanied by a Russian detachment and by civilians W. N. Pethick and W. J. Duysberg. Here they rescued over three hundred Christians, and brought them safely to the American legation, where their wounds were dressed by Drs. Lippett, Korsakoff, and Coltman, and they were then sent into the Su Wang Fu to be fed and cared for until the end of the siege. The American marines also took part in the expedition to the Boxer rendezvous temple, north of the Austrian legation, in which fifty-six Boxers were cornered and killed. Their bravery and endurance has been noted by all. Their main task—that of holding the city wall—should render their fame immortal. True, they have been ably helped in this task from time to time by both Russian and British marines, but the post was theirs, and to them belongs preëminently the glory of holding the position that, like the Su Wang Fu, was a key to the place of last stand—the British legation. In the brilliant sortie on the night of July 3, led by Captain Myers, both Russian and British marines took part, and, although the credit has usually been attributed to the Americans, English and Russians are equally deserving. When on the point of springing over our barricade to attack the Chinese position, Captain Myers addressed his men with ringing words of encouragement. The Chinese had their first intimation of his movement when they were saluted with a deafening yell directly under their barricade, for our little force gave a tremendous shout, as instructed, as they rushed around the one open side and clambered over the breastwork. [Illustration: Robert Coltman, 3rd, 16½ yrs. Rev. R. Coltman Dr. R. Coltman, Jr. Eva D. Coltman, 15 yrs. Chas. L. Coltman, 9 yrs. Alice C. Coltman, 13 yrs. Mrs. R. Coltman Mrs. Dr. R. Coltman, Jr. Wm. P. Coltman, 1½ yrs. Mary O. Coltman, 4 yrs. FAMILY OF THE AUTHOR