The Secretary of the Admiralty states that the following telegram has been received from Rear Admiral Bruce:–

Taku (via Chefoo), Thursday

There has been no communication from the Commander-in-Chief for seven days, nor with Tientsin for five days. Allies hold Taku forts and Tongku securely, and they will advance for the relief of Tientsin when in sufficient strength. Troops are expected from Hong Kong tomorrow, and 300 from Wei-Hai-Wei the day after tomorrow.





It is believed that fighting is constantly going on round Tientsin. Our garrison there should be about 3,000 men. Following proclamation was agreed to this morning to be at once issued:–



“The admirals and senior naval officers of the Allied Powers in China desire to make known to all viceroys and authorities of the coasts and rivers, cities and provinces of China that they intend to use armed force only against Boxers and people who oppose them on their march to Pekin [sic] for the rescue of their fellow-countrymen.”



Chinese troops on their way to fight the Boxers who were marching on Peking. Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images

Shanghai, Thursday

A report received hero from Her Majesty’s torpedo-boat destroyer Whiting, which is at Chefoo, states that nothing has been heard from the Pekin expeditionary force, under Admiral Seymour, for six days. A force of British bluejackets has been landed at Woosung to protect the telegraph station. There is still no official news from the north, but all kinds of rumours are in circulation.

Manchester Guardian, 21 June 1900.

Later

The bluejackets have returned from Woosung, as there appears to be no imminent danger there. The American Consul at Chefoo telegraphs:–

“I have chartered a Japanese steamer which has left for Kang-Chai-Kau to rescue the American and British missionaries and other foreigners in the west of Shantung and Henan.”



The French Consul telegraphs that the British mission station at Tsang-Chau has been looted, and the missionaries have been conveyed to some place unknown by the Chinese General.



Yokohama, Thursday

It is rumoured here that the foreign Ministers in Pekin have been murdered, and that Admiral Seymour is dead. This news has created a profound sensation, but it is generally viewed with suspicion. The Japanese newspapers express the opinion that Japan must now, with or without the consent of the Powers, adopt vigorous measures. Naval and military officers are very busy at present. It is probable that the whole Hiroshima Division, commanded by General Fukushima, will be afloat in a few days. The Russian cruiser Rurik has arrived here with the new Russian Minister to Japan. She leaves for Taku to-day.

Group of armed Boxers in Peking, 1900. Photograph: Photo 12/UIG via Getty Images

Hong Kong, Thursday

Advises from Canton state that, owing to the representations of the foreign Consuls, Li Hung Chang has consented to remain at Canton, and has cancelled his passage on the steamer by which he intended to proceed north en route to Pekin. Her Majesty’s sloop Rosario left suddenly at two o’clock, bound for the north. Her Majesty’s cruiser Bonaventure and Her Majesty’s gunboat Redpole have steam up, and are ready to start at an hour’s notice. Her Majesty’s torpedo-boat destroyers Hart and Handy have been put into commission, and, having coaled, are ready for emergencies. The American gunboat Don Juan de Austria has sailed, it is supposed for Canton.

Washington, Thursday Noon

The Chinese Minister visited Mr. Hay to-day; and informed him that he had received a despatch from the Viceroy of the three great provinces of the Yangtee Kiang saying he felt perfectly able to keep the peace in his provinces and to ensure the safety of the missionaries, and that in conjunction with his colleague the Viceroy of Hunan he would be able to answer for the preservation of peace and order in all the grey southern provinces.

Later

Admiral Kempff sends the following message from Taku, via Chefoo, the Chefoo date being yesterday –

“Tientsin is being bombarded. The American Consulate as well as much of the foreign concessions are being destroyed. A relief party is on the way to Tientsin, including 130 American marines.”



Cartoon: the spirit of war powers invited to eat the fallen Chinese Empire. 1900-1901. Photograph: UIG via Getty Images

Berlin, Thursday

The following despatch has been received her from Tokio [sic] of to-day’s date:–

“The Japanese Consul at Pekin and the members of the diplomatic body are safe. According to an official Japanese report from Chefoo, the foreign settlement at Tientsin was reduced to ashes on the 18th inst.”

Telegraphic intelligence has been received that the German cruiser Gefion arrived at Chefoo to-day and proceeded at one to Taku. According to present arrangements the steamers Wittekind and Frankfurt, which have been charted by the German Government for the conveyance of troops to China, will sail on the 3rd proximo. The Emperor has given orders for the simultaneous embarkation of a detachment of pioneers, to the strength of about a company.

Kronstadt, Wednesday

In the presence of the civil and military authorities, a Requiem Mass was sung here to-day for the repose of the souls of those who have fallen at Taku. A thanksgiving service was also held for the victory gained by the fleet over the Chinese.