t 1 1 WtM \ 1 ■ i 11 ^ W ^1 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Henrg M. Sage 1891 J?..Z4.3-42 t. u H'r?- 7673-2 Cornell University Library DS 517.W87 From the Yalu to Port Arthur :an epitome 3 1924 023 037 520 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023037520 FROM The Yalu to Port Artki' AN EPITOME OF THE FIRST PERIOD OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR. BY OLIVER ELLSWORTH WOOD, Lieut. -Colonel, United States Artillery. (Late Military Attach^.) TOKYO, 1905. PUBLTSHBD BY FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO. KANSAS CITY, MO., U. S. A. (ALL KtGBlS BBSEBVED.) LONDON: KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TBUBNEK & CO., Ltd. 1905. ■i A 7-1^43^; Copyright 1905, by Franklin Hudson Publishing Co , Kansas City, Mo. Entered at Stationebs' Hall. PREFACE. This brief summary of the First Period of the Russo-Japan- ese War covers only the operations of the Japanese armies; no reference being made to naval operations except when land and sea forces co-operated. The naval history of this war should be written by a naval man. The basis of the work is the Japanese official reports daily received from the Imperial Headquarters before being given to the press, supplemented by important information from other reliable sources. Much confusion has arisen from the difference in spelling of the various places in Manchuria which doubtless will con- tinue until the record of the Russo-Japanese is written in a universal language. On the accompanying maps an earnest effort has been made to the end that the places shown shall correspond in spelling with the text. 0. E. W. LIST OF MAPS. 1. The Theatre of War. 2. The Battle of the Yalu. 3. The Battle of Nanshan. 4. The Battle of Tehlisz. 5. The Battle of Fenshuiling. 6. The Battle of Tashihkiao. 7. The Field of Operations of the Battle of Liaoyang, and of the Sha-ho. 8. The Kwantung Peninsula. 9. The City and Harbor of Port Arthur. CONTENTS. PART I. FROM THE YALU TO THE SHA-HO. (hat'ter. Page. I. Japan's notification to Russia. Declaration of War. Troops landed in Korea. Action at Port Arthur, and Chemulpo. Transport and supply 1 II. Japan's preparedness. Ammunition and supplies 7 III. Kuroki's (First) army advances towards the Yalu. Military operations. Preparations tor crossing the river. Disposition of Russian forces Kuroki's plan of cam- paign. Disposition of Japanese forces. The Battle of the Yalu 6 IV Russian attempts to recover Motienling. Kuroki re- sumes the offensive. Actions at Hsihoyen and Chaoki- apao 23 V. Battle of Yushulintsz and Yangtszling. Russian General Keller killed 27 VI. Oku's (Second) army waits behind Elliot Islands the re- sult of the battle of the Yalu. Tlie Second army lands on Liaotung Peninsula. Pulantien and Pitsewo occupied. Action at Sanshilipao. Occupation of Kiu- lichwang. Advance on Kinchow The battle of Nan- shan. Strength of the Russian position 29 VII. Occupation of Dalny. Its condition 39 VIII. The battle of Tehlisz. Importance of Tehlisz 42 IX. Occupation of Kaiping. The Russian position 45 X. Yingkow occupied. Attack on Tashihkiao. The Russian position. A night attack 47 XI. Advance on Haicheng and Newchwang. Successful action and occupation 51 ,\II. Nozu's (Fourth) army lands at Takushan. Actions at Wangkiatun, Chienkiatung and Chipanling 53 vii FROM THE YALV TO PORT AR'THCK. Chapter. . Pag» XIII. Advance on Fenshuiling and account of battle. The Russian position. Capture of the Fenshuiling Defile. Actions at Hsienkiayu. Hsuitsaikeu and Sinpan- layu Crj XIV. Japanese advance on Tomucheng. Action near Yang- shukeu. Composition of the ''Takushan" army. ... 61 XV. The situation on August 1st. Ten great battles have been fought to date. The three Japanese armies united under Field Marshal Oyama 64 XVI. Japanese army headquarters at Haicheng. Russian disposition. Preliminary operations to a general advance. Position in the vicinity of Liaoyang. Position of the First Japanese army. Advance of the Second and Fourth armies, and engagements. Russians retreat north of the Sha-ho. Operations of the First army. A bayonet charge by night. Dis- position of Russian forces near Liaoyang 66 XVII. Advance on Liaoyang. Position of the Japanese forces up to the evening of August 31st. Engagements at Mangkiafang, Tsaofangtung, Fangkialing and Sin- luitung 72 X^^III. Battle at Sheushanpao. Strength ol the enemy. Ac- tions of the three armies. Night attack of Russians repulsed. Carried by assault. Russians in full re- treat 75 XIX. Russian retreat and Japanese pursuit. Liaoyang rail- way station bombarded by guns captured from the enemy. A further advance. Enemy's troops con- centrating near Yentai coal mine 79 XX. Last general advance. Liaoyang captured and occu- pied. Operations of the three armies from August 24th to Sept. 4th. Russian positions. Strength of the Russian forces. A ten days' struggle 82 XXI. Operations of the Right army from August 28th to September 5th. Russsian strength 86 XXII. Operations of the Central army on September 3rd and 4th. Gallantry of the 20th Japanese regiment 91 XXIII. Operations of the Left army from August 30th to Sep- tember 4th 94 FROM TEE TALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Chapter XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. Page. Casualties at Liaoyang. Spoils of War. Strength of the hostile forces. Description of Liaoyang, and vicinity. Importance of its occupation 102 Advance towards Mukden. Severe fighting at Ping- taitsz. Russian movements. Proclamation of Ku- ropatkin. Battle of the Sha-ho. General situation on October 9th. The Russians assume the offensive. Severe fighting near Penchihu. Operations of the three armies. A general attack. Russian retreat. Japanese pursuit. A general advance. The heights of Maershan and Lienhwashan carried. Mangkia- fang, Rukia and Kukiatsz occupied. Russian ad- vance repulsed. Heights south of Shahopao carried. Further operations. Russian casualties. Japanese disaster 108 Description of the fighting on the extreme right of the Japanese army. Resume of operations from Octo- ber 2d to the 13th 127 Strength of the hostile forces in the battle of the Sha- ho. Spoils of war. Comments 133 Operations from the battle of Sha-ho to the end of the year 1904 139 PART II. THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR. Chap ter. Page- XXIX . Report of operations from May 26th to July 31st 145^ XXX. Report of operations from August 1st to October 30th. Imperial solicitude for safety of non-combatants. The enemy refuses to surrender. A general attack. East and west Panlungshan forts captured. Im- perial message to the army. Progress of engineering work. Kuropatkin fort taken. Russian warships severely damaged. Hachimaki yama taken. Situa- tion in Port Arthur 1 5.> XXXI. A general attack. "P" fort captured. Steady pro- gress of siege. Assault on Sungshushan. Capture of 203-metre height. Bombardment of enemy's war- ships. Akasaka-yama taken. Condition of Russian warships. Torpedo attacks on the Sevastopol. Mes- sages from General Stoessel. North fort of Tung- kikwanshan captured. Prizes of war. Occupation of Houyangshukeu. Capture of Erhlungshan fort. The Russian defenses on the northwest of Port Ar- thur. Sungshushan captured. Capture of "H" fort and Panlungshan (new) fort. Wangtai fort taken . . 178. XXXII. Stoessel proposes surrender. General Nogi's reply. The enemy destroys forts and warships. Change of zone of blockade. Signing of the Capitulation. Ar- ticles of Capitulation. Supplementary Stipulations. Stoessel communicates with the Tsar. Interview between Stoessel and Nogi. The transfer of forts and prisoners. Spoils of war. The A'ictorious Japanese army enters Port Arthur 19(> XXXIII. Particulars of the capture of the Panlungshan forts. Success of the Sappers. Attack on the West fort. Fighting on Akasaka-yama. Occupation of the 203- metre height 210- XXXIV. Major General Nakamura on the Siege of Port Arthur. The last days of Port Arthur. A week at Port Arthur just after the Surrender 221 Appendix. I. Order of Battle of Japanese Armies 237 Appendix. II. Order of Battle of Russian Armies 251 xi CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 1904. Feb. 5. Japan's notification to Russia. 8. First shot fired at Port Arthur. 9. Naval action at Chemulpo. 10. Japan's Declaration of War. 28. First collision near Ping-yang. March 28. Action at Chong-ju. April 3. Occupation of Wi-ju. May 1. Battle of the Yalu. 5. Oku's army lands on Liaotung Peninsula. 6. Occupation of Ferighwangcheng. 8. Action at Sanshilipao. 12. Occupation of Kiulichwang. 19. Nozu's army lands at Takushan. 20. Action at Wangkiatung. 23. Advance on Kinehow. 26. Occupation of Kinehow. 26. Battle of Nan.shan. 28. Occupation of Dalny. 28. Action at Aiyangpienmen. Jun" 5. Skirmish near Chienkiatung. 7. Occupation of Saimachi. 8. Occupation of Siuyen. 15. Battle of Tehlisz. 18. Action near Chipanling. 27. Occupation of Motienling. 27. Battle of Fenshuiling. .luly 4. First Russian attempt to recover Motienling. 6. Occupation of Hsienchang. 9. Action at Hsienkiayu. 9. Occupation of Kaiping. 10. Actions at Hsuitsaikeu and Sinpanlayu. 17. Second Russian attempt to recover Motienling. 19. Actions at Hsihoyen and Chaokiapao. 25. Battle of Tashihkiao. July 25. 31. Aug. 1. 3. 4. 25-27. 27. 28. 28. 29. 30. 30-31. Sept. 1. 2. 4. 17. Oct, , 9. 10-18. 13. 14. 16. 18. From Oct. , 20. to Dec. 31. FIW-M THE TALU TO PORT ARTHVlt. Occupation of Yingkow. Action near Tomucheng. Battle of Yushulintsz and Yangtszling. Occupation of Haicheng and Newchwang. .Japanese Army Headquarters at Haicheng. First army occupies right bank of Tang-ho. Second army attacks Anshantien. Fourth army attacks Liushantun. Fighting west of Liaoyang-Haicheng road. Occupation of Tasbimenling and Hiangshantsz. Actions at Mangkiafang, Tsaofangtung, Fangkiatung and Sinluitung. Battle at Sheushanpao. Line of heights occupied by Japanese army. Attack on Hohyingtai. Liaoyang captured and occupied. Severe fighting at Pingtaitsz. Severe fighting near Penchihu. The Battle of the Sha-ho. General advance, and capture of Russian positions. Heights south of Shahopao carrii d. Japanesp lose 14 guns near Santaokangtsz. Russian retreat from Penchihu toward Kaotailing. The hostile armies face each other across the Sha-ho with frequent skirmishes but no engagements worthy of notice. THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR. Japanese troops enter Dalny. Occupation of Waiteushan and Shuangtijii^-^lnin Russians assault Pantao. Russian assault on Kienshan. Fighting at Shuangtaikeu and Antsz'ling. Takushan height captured. East and west Panlungshan forts captured. Kuropatkin fort taken. Hachimaki-yama captured. Capture of "P." fort. 203-metre height captured and held. Akasaka-yama taken. North fort of Tungkikwanshan captured. Occupation of Houyangshukeu. Capture of Erhlungshan fort. Capture of Sungshushan fort. 1905. Jan. 1. "H." fort and Panlungshan (new) fort captured. Capture of Wangtai fort. General Stoessel proposes to surrender. Signing of the Capitulation of Port Arthur. Prisoners of war turned over to the Japanese Array Transfer of forts, warships, etc. completed. Entry of Japanese Army into Port Arthur. May 28. June 26. July 3. 4. 23. Aug. 7. 22. Sept. 20. Oct. 16. 30. Nov. 30, Dec. 6. 18. 23. 2S. 31. Jan. 1. 1. 1. 2. 7. 10. 13. PART I. From the Yalu to the Sha-Ho. CHAPTER I. Notification to Russia by Japan. — The long-drawn-out negotiations had come to an end, and Japan notified Russia that "Further prolongation of the present situation being inadmis- sible, the Imperial Government has decided to terminate the pending negotiations, and to take such independent action as it may deem necessary to defend its menaced position and to pro- tect its rights and interests." This meant War, but the Russian Bear, in the over-confi- dence of his might and position — which had been further strengthened by unparalleled success in the huge game of bluff that for years had deceived not only all the Powers, but himself as well — could not believe it possible that his pigmy antagonist would dare to fight. Note well the date of this notification — February 5th. Telegrams were sent at once to Mr. Kurino, the Japanese Minister at St. Petersburg, to convey to the Russian Govern- ment the statement of Japan's resolution and to prepare to apply for his passports. At the same time Baron Komura, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, conveyed a formal intimation to Baron Rosen, the Russian Minister in Tokyo, that whereas the Japanese Gov- ernment had made every effort to arrive at an amicable settle- ment of the Manchurian question with Russia, the latter had not evinced any disposition to reciprocate this peaceful purpose: 1 2 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. therefore Japan could not continue the diplomatic conference. She was regretfully compelled to take independent action for the protection of her rights and interests, and she must decline to accept the responsibility of any incidents that might occur in consequence. Declaration of War Promulgated. — ^Mr. Kurino, the Japanese Minister, left St. Petersburg on February 10th and re- paired to Berlin. On this date also the Declaration of War was issued as an official notification to the Powers. The Russian Minister, Baron Rosen, left Tokyo on February 11th. First Shot Fired at Port Arthur. — It was not until mid- night of February 8th — three days after Russia had received notification of Japan's warlike intentions — that the first hostile shot was fired by the destroyers of Togo's squadron at the en- emy's ships in Port Arthur — and the war was on. Action at Chemulpo. — The succeeding day (the 9th) Rear-Admiral Uriu's detached squadron at Chemulpo disposed of the Russian cruisers Varyag and Koreetz. It is not the writer's purpose to follow the numerous naval actions and maneuvers off Port Arthur, which followed in quick and startling succession, and showed Japan's great naval ability and superiority, but rather to summarize briefly the various land actions and the movements of the Japanese armies. — First Troops Landed in Korea. — The first detachment of the First Army was landed at Chemulpo on February 8th, under cover of the Japanese squadron. From Chemulpo to the Yalu River is a distance of about 330 miles, through a rugged hilly country, with roads hardly worthy of the name, and which, at this season, were full of snow and ice. Transport and Supply.— The question of transport and supply was a vital one to the Japanese Army. Let us see how it was met. During the previous three years the writer, as the American military attach^ at Tokyo, had had unusual advantages in vis- iting and inspecting the military posts and headquarters of every FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 3 division of the army, extending from the HokkaidS in the north to Kyushu in the south, including also a month profitably spent in Formosa. The annual fall maneuvers of the Japanese Army in 1901, 1902, and 1903 had likewise furnished much food for thought on all these questions. The conclusions drawn are that to-day the Japanese Army has no superior in many vital points; the discipline is superb, the men render absolute instant obedience to their officers, who are studious, well informed, and keenly observant in regard to all details. No confusion in an emergency, no boisterous com- mands, nor unnecessary speech mark their every, action. They are each a part of a great and complete system, well organized and well, administered. Every Japanese in uniform, from the Field Marshal to the newest conscript in the ranks, exhibits an unquestioned loyalty . and devotion to his Emperor and his country that is marvelous to contemplate, and is the key-note of discipline. Thereis but one conclusionj-isu'ch men with such leaders are invincible. Requirements op Officers. — One of the requirements of a military or naval officer is that he must speak and be familiar with one other language besides his own, be it French, German, English, Russian,^ Chinese, or Korean. You can imagine the result and see its fulfillment in the present war. It was a comparatively easy matter, therefore, to select officers and specially-instructed men to precede the Army into Korea and Manchuria. That this was done is without question ; results speak for themselves. The transport and supply of the Japanese Army in its long march to the Yalu never failed. With their small carts and coolies, they not only kept up with the troops, but, until reaching the Yalu, preceded them. When a detachment of troops halted for the night, food and shelter (if the latter could be had), were waiting for them. 4 FROM Turn YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. One thing greatly aided the supplies being on hand when they were needed, and it is indeed the key-note of proper supply — no package weighed more than seventy-five pounds (gun- ammunition alone excepted), and as a rule the packages were of uniform size, so that an exact number could always be carried on the carts, or packed on animals or on coolies. Every package was distmctly marked as to its contents and amount, and no confusion existed in its distribution. Neither heat nor cold, mountain passes nor rough trails stopped the continuous pro- cession of the human-supply train, which, like a column of ants, wended its tortuous way northward to the Yalu. The following quotation is taken from an article entitled "How Japan Moves," written from Korea towards the end of April by Mr. MacKenzie, of the London Daily Mail: "How Japan Moves. — Nothing should give the friends of Japan more confidence than the way the details of supply is being managed here. The arrangements are the more note- worthy because of the contrast supplied by the other side. The Russians sent their cavalry from Manchuria into Korea ham- pered by baggage-wagons, and having to depend mainly upon ■what they could gather from the people. At every step their troops had to stop and hvint for fodder. "The Japanese have gone to work in a different style. Long ago they started Korean language classes in Tokyo for picked soldiers. While some of the best Japanese officers were making their way through Manchuria and Mongolia others went all over northern Korea. Men living as Koreans, speaking the language like natives, regarded even by the natives as people of their own race, were in every district. The Japanese knew not only every road and trail, but apparently every person. Thus, when fighting came, they knew the land, while the Russians living in' its borders, did not. Every Japanese officer has his map of the part of the country he is working in. The Russians, apparently, have had to make their maps as they go, for the first Russian scouting expeditions have been accompanied by staff FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 5 oflScers who drew plans and sketched as they went. The Rus- sians have had difficulty m^btaining relia.ble interpreters, and, if reports speak true, have been utterly misled more than once by information received from Koreans — the Japanese have their own people trained for that purpose. "The first great movement northwards was not of troops, but of transport. A few soldiers were forced up to save Ping- yang from the Russians, but the remainder waited until there were supplies ready for them. In every town between Seoul and Ping-yang, Japanese dressed as coolies, but armed with rifles, appeared on the streets. One man in plain imiform takes possession of a temple or a palace, and gigantic stocks of food and clothing arise, as it were, from the earth. Here is a moun- , tain of red blankets, there an avalanche of cooUe loads of rice.', Here come men from fifty miles away driving cattle; while the advance guard of Japanese troops is still miles away in the rearJ You enter a village, knowing that it is at least two days before the first soldiers pushing on from Seoul can reach there. At the entrance to the village you will probably find a newly-erected notice-board with a large map showing every house and road aroimd, and with minute directions below for the billeting of the troops. "You go some miles off the main road to find one or two cavalry vedettes and a civilian bargaining with the Koreans about the purchase of pigs and rice. And very likely an army of coolies is setting out in another direction for soldiers who are coming on a side road. "The same foresight is shown in every detail — ^the rice is made up to the exact weight for a coolie to carry; these weights are further calculated — so many to a pony or ox-load. Picked natives are decorated with stripes of red to show that they are now in the service of His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Transport Corps. "At this time the Japanese do not haggle over money. Coolies are paid wages never before dreamed of, and the price of 6 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. pack-ponies has gone sky-high. It must be borne in mind, in justice to the Russians, that the Japanese have worked in this land before. Campaigning in Korea is no new thing to them. Their armies marched through it in 1894 and spent a hard winter in northern Korea. " 'It has been very hard work,' the head of one of the Jap- anese transport stations said to me. 'Our first problem has been to get our supplies over from Japan. Every transport ship is wanted for the troops. There is very little to be had from the country itself; the people are so poor that they have not got enough to sell to us.' "At every step one sees the care taken for the comfort of the individual soldier. He has to have a hard time, but the military authorities see to it that what comfort he needs shall be there for him. Hours before a company, even on a forced march, reaches a place, men have arrived ahead, have prepared the houses, lighted great fires in the streets, and have cooked food ready for them. The essence of a successful business is organi- zation. Japan has adopted that as the essence of war." CHAPTER II. Japan Has to Give Up Port Arthur. — From the close of the China-Japan War in 1895, when — at the instance of Russia — Japan was compelled by the Powers to relinquish her hold on Port Arthur on the ground that it imperiled the integrity of the Chinese Empire — only to see that port a few months later pass under the control of Russia — Japan commenced her preparations for the present war. Japan's Preparedness. — Secretly, quietly, and systemat- ically, every move was towards the one end — when she might be able to meet her huge antagonist in the field. Officers of ability, engineers, and agents were selected who could speak the language, and traveled in various disguises all over Korea, Manchuria, and Mongolia. Surveys were made, accurate maps were prepared of the whole region east of Lake Baikal. These indomitable spirits lived among the people, spoke their language. They knew well every foot of ground they would have to fight over, every mount- ain defile, every road and trail, every river — its depth and availability for water transport. They traversed on foot the entire route of the Siberian Railway east of Lake Baikal, noted the bridges, tunnels, trestles, and curves. They are also cred- ited with having organized later, bodies of mounted bandits, having in view the destruction of the railway bridges and por- tions of the great line of steel, but of this nothing is known cer- tainly, and it may be but idle rumor. That the Japanese possessed a more accurate knowledge of that region of country -held and controlled by the Russians than the Russians themselves is as true as the oft-quoted statement that at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War the Germans knew more about France and her communications than did the French themselves. 7 8 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Bureau of Military Intelligence. — ^The bureau of secret military intelligence of the Japanese War Department is iaferior to none, and many lessons, no doubt, could be learned therefrom, were such a thing permissible. AivtMUNiTiON AND SUPPLIES. — For more than a year prior to the outbreak of war the arsenals in Tokyo and Osaka were running their ammunition departments day and night; the Gov- ernment clothing factories made innumerable uniforms, blank- ets and underwear ; shoo factories under Government control piled up cords of boots and shoes ; and so the work went on, day by day, night by night, quietly and unostentatiously, with- out comment or public criticism. The procession of transport supply still goes forward reg- ularly and continuously from an apparently inexhaustible store. The great question of ammunition supply for naval ships, siege, field, and mountain guns and for small arms is also of vital importance. Hundreds of thousands of rounds have been used in the various engagements by land and sea, and yet the supply is not exhausted. Missing Page CHAPTER III. * The First Army — Commanded by General Kuroki. First Army Advances Toward the Yaltj. — The Japanesp troops moved slowly northward; the rough roads, trails, and niountain passes were full of snow, and the rivers and streams encountered were covered with ice not always sufficiently strong to be utilized. The hardships and difficulties were many, but were endured with that cheerful stoicism so characteristic of the race, and no difficulties, however great, proved to be insurmountable. Collision of Scouts at Ping-yang. — On February 28th the scouts of the opposing armies came into the first collision near Ping-yang, and after a short skirmish the Russians were repulsed. Another skirmish occurred on March 8th at Pak-chhon (midway between Ping-yang and Wiju); on both occasions the enemy retreated northward. Action at Chong-ju. — On March 28th a body of Japanese cavalry and infantry encountered the enemy, about 600 in number, a short distance from the south gate of Chong-ju. The Russians were defeated and forced to retire, the Japanese taking possession of Chong-ju. Later in the same day a body of Jap- anese infantry attacked a Russian force some two miles to the northeast of Chong-ju and compelled it to retire in the direction of Wiju (seventy miles away). The Japanese casualties were 1 officer, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 3 men killed and 2 officers and 10 men wounded ; Russian losses, unknown beyond the fact that a few of their dead and wounded were left on the field. Occupation of Wiju. — On April 3d Japanese scouts en- tered Wiju and found no Russians there. The natives stated 10 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTBVR. that the enemy had re-crossed the Yalu on the preceding day. The advance guard arrived at Wiju on April 6th. Evidently all hope of the Russians being able to offer resistance south of the Yalu was abandoned. In view of the nature of the country between Ping-yang and the Yalu, it might reasonably have been expected that the Russians would have checked the Japanese advance in that re- gion. With the exception of the coast-wise road there are no routes offering any reasonable facilities for the passage of troops, and the Cossacks might have made the advance extremely difficult. The Cossacks. — It is interesting to read the first Japanese appreciation of the Cossacks. An officer of rank is reported as saying that in their habits these men differ from any people he has ever met. They live more like savages than civilized beings. They prefer to bivouac in the open to sleeping under cover, and their powers of endurance in covering long distances is remark- able. It is with regard to intelligence and courage that this officer denies them any praise. At Chong-ju they had all the advantages of position, but they made no attempts to utilize them. They can ride from fifty to sixty miles a day, and cannot easily be captured. The speed of their horses does not much differ from ours, but they are tough and hardy, and are more used to traverse mountain trails and difficult passes. They are far from being courageous, as has been repeatedly proved. The ' fact that a young Japanese lieutenant with twenty cavalry soldiers stood off a force of eighty Cossacks successfully for two hours (until reinforcements arrived) shows the fighting quality I of the Cossack soldier. Small Skirmishes. — Small skinnishes occurred along the Yalu between Wiju and Yong-ampo on April 11th and 12th and again on the 21st, the Russians being repulsed on each occasion. Military Operations. — On April 27th the Japan Mail had a leader on the military operations, from which the following is quoted : FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 11 "Some impatience has been shown by observers, who, with- out noting the essential points of difference between War-ships and battalions of troops, are surprised that while the navy has done so much the army should have done so little. But the question is, has the army done little? The army has trans- ported itself to the Yalu, and that alone is no small achievement. "If we refer to the China-Japan War of 1894, it appears that, whereas the order for mobilization was issued on the 5th of June the two divisions that marched from Seoul and from Yuensan, respectively, did not come together under the walls of Ping-yang until the 15th of September, on which day the chief land battle of the war was fought there. The 17th of October found these two divisions on the banks of the Yalu. Thus it appears that an interval of 133 days was required to carry two divisions from from Japan to the Yalu. "Now on the present occasion the mobilization order was issued on the 7th of February, and the van of the army of three divisions reached the Yalu on the 6th of April — an interval of 58 days. We are not permitted to speak explicitly of numbers, but it will be no violation of the veto to note that three divisions of the Japanese Army to-day represent a force nearly three times as large as two divisions represented in 1894. "The net result is that fifty-eight days' work has accom- plished in 1904 three times as much as 133 days accomplished in 1894. "Nor is that the whole story. When the troops landed in Korea ten years ago the time was early summer ; the roads were in their best condition, and the climatic conditions most favor- able for campaigning. When the troops landed there in 1904 they found all these things as unfavorable as possible. Im- mense difficulties have had to be encountered. The van of the army seems to have moved with comparative ease, there still being sufficient frost to consolidate the paths and bridge the rivers. But every succeeding day produced a change for the worse. Soon it became impossible to drag artillery, and the 12 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. troops, instead of pushing forward, had to devote themselves to the task of road-making. These things do. not occur to an or- dinary onlooker, but to the mind of military men they are plain and significant. So far from complaining that time has been wasted, the sentiment should be one of admiration that so much has been done so quickly. After all, we must remember that great risks attended these over-sea operations at the outset. The ocean paths were not secure against attack; even the heavy blow delivered at Port Arthur in the beginning by the navy did not insure security, nor have the subsequent blows insured it altogether. A newspaper is not free to discuss these matters in full detail, but when the historian takes pen in hand his con- clusion will certainly be that greater haste on the part of the Japanese would have meant worse speed, and that the move- ments which the situation dictates could not have been attempted earlier." Preparations for Crossing the Yalu. — It is both inter- esting and instructive to note that on the very day (April 27th) the foregoing extract appeared in print Kuroki's army began its preparations for crossing the Yalu into Manchuria. Description of Country. — ^At Wiju the Yalu has a width of from 7,000 to 8,000 metres, but the actual water surface is comparatively small, the bed being occupied by many islands, of which the largest (Keum-chong-do) measures nearly ten miles in circumference. These islands divide the river into three channels. Only the central one, however, cannot be crossed without a bridge or boat ; the two side channels are passable by wading waist-deep, unless the river be in flood. On the Man- churian side the banks are steep, and the walled city of Kiulien, nearly opposite to Wiju, stands on ground elevated some sixty metres above the river. Northward of Kiulien lie eminences called Makau and Yushukan, from which nearly all the islands can be searched by artillery, though at a long range. The base of these hills is FROM THE TALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 13 washed by the River Ai, an affluent of the Yalu, into which it flows a little above Kiulien. The Ai and the Yalu form an acute angle at their junction and in this angle stands an eminence called Tiger's Hifl, behind which again, where the angle widens, another hill called Yul- chawon is situated. These four highlands — Makau, Yushukan, Husan, and Yul- chawon, together with Kiulien itself, constitute the keys of the position. The Ai River also is an important feature. Though it approaches the Yalu at an acute angle, it presently trends to the northward and then to the westward, thus greatly strength- ening the northern flank of Kiulien. For the Ai is breast-high __ at this season, and the softness of its bottom renders it difiicult for horses to cross. Disposition of Russian Forces. — Such being the general features of the ground, we have next to note the disposition of the Russian forces. Naturally, they were all on the Man- churian side of the central channel of the Yalu. The most advanced outpost was on the island of Cheung-song-do, im- mediately below Kiulien., Bodies of mounted infantry with guns were stationed on Tiger's Hill and Yulchawon, and thirteen miles up stream at Sukuchin a force was posted. This Sukuchin is an important place. Usually the Yalu is fordable there, and in point of fact it was at Sukuchin that the main part of the Japanese forces crossed by wading in 1894. The depth of the water varies greatly at different seasons, and in the spring cannot always be forded on a given day. Neverthe- less, since the Yalu there runs in a single stream and is compar- atively shallow, the place is convenient for bridging. There- fore, the Russians watched it. On the other side of Kiulien — that is, the down-stream side — a strong force occupied Antung, some seven miles from Kiulien, and still further down batteries were in position on highlands called Antseshan and Niangniang- chin, there being also cavalry patrols watching the banks. A large body occupied the heights beyond Kiulien on the north, 14 FROM THE YAJjV TO PORT ARTHUR. and the reserves were in an entrenched position at Hohmutang (Hanaatang), about five miles behind Kiulien on the road to Liaoyang. Four roads converge there — from Antung, Kiulien, the Ai River, and Liaoyang, and all are commanded from the position of the entrenched camp. Broadly speaking, the Russians were guarding the Yalu foi distance of some tweny-five miles from just above Sukuchin down the river. ,/ KuROKi's Plan of Campaigx. — General Kuroki's strate- gical plan was, first, by the aid of a naval flotilla in the reaches of the Yalu from Antung towards the mouth, the gun-boats, torpedo-boats, and steam launches not only searching the right bank with their fire, but also threatening to land a force at some convenient point; secondly, the main body of the army was to make preparations for crossing in the immediate vicinity of Wiju, the Guards Division just above and the Second Division just below; thirdly, a powerful flanking movement (by the Twelfth Division) was to be organized from Sukuchin; and fourthly, Kiulien and the neighboring heights were to be sub- jected to artillery fire from the Korean side of the river. For this latter purpose ordinary field-guns could not be very effective. Comparatively heavy pieces were therefore trans- \ ported by the naval vessels to the mouth of the river and were i thence brought up to their positions. By April 27th everything had been prepared for the begin- ning of cardinal operations. There is reason in saying that all arrangements were timed with almost absolute precision. It was known in official circles that the 30th of April would be an important day in the history of the war — and so it proved. Attack by Japanese Artillery on Kiulien. — Shortly after daybreak on the 27th Japanese artillery opened on Kiulien, and under cover of its fire a part of the Guards Division waded across the first stream of the Yalu to Kulido Island, which lies a short distance up stream from Wiju. From the western shore of this island they found themselves within easy rifle-range, of FROM THE YALV TO FORT ARTHUR. 15 the Russian force on Tiger Hill's, and a sharp engagement en- sued, which resulted in the enemy evacuating the position. At the same time the Second Division waded across to Keumchongdo Island, immediately below Wiju, and, engaging the enemy's outpost on the opposite island of Cheunsongdo, compelled it to withdraw. At dawn of the 28th two companies of the Guards crossed by boat to Tiger's Hill ; as an evidence of the deadliness of their artillery fire on the previous day ninety-five dead horses were seen. The detachment continued northward and occupied an eminence at Yulchawon. Thus the important heights lying in the angle between the Ai and the Yalu were taken and occu- pied, and the posting of artillery in commanding positions ren- dered the holding of Kiulien by the Russians very precarious. On this day the Russians were observed to be entrenching posi- tions on the heights beyond the right bank of the Ai — that is, of Makau and Yushukan — work that should have been done by them weeks before. On the 29th the Guards proceeded to bridge the stream between Kulido Island and Tiger's Hill. On the early morning of the same day the Twelfth Division opened fire on the Russiai* outpost opposite Sukuchin, and ren- dered its position untenable. Whatever may be the explanation, the singular fact remains that in the face of the Japanese fire the Russians vacated the river bank opposite Sukuchin and left the Japanese unmolested to commence building their bridges. Throughout this day an incessant artillery fire was maintained from the Korean bank of the Yalu upon the Russian central positions. Crossing of the Japanese Troops. — Shortly after mid- night of April 29th the Twelfth Division began crossing their bridge, and moved westward through the hills on the east of the Ai River, and took up a position within reach of that river by 6 p. M. (30th), 16 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. The Guards finished their bridge and crossed by it to Tiger's Hill, and were followed later by a part of the Second Division. Disposition of the Japanese Forces. — The evening of April 30th saw General Kuroki's dispositions completed for the final attack. The Twelfth Division was posted among the hills east of the Ai River in readiness to cross the stream and turn the Russian left flank. The Guards and part of the Second Division had crossed the central stream of the Yalu and were bivouacked on Tiger's Hill, ready to wade across the mouth of the Ai and advance direct on Kiulien. The Reserves were prepared to follow in the center of these two divisions. The Guards and the Second Division were inconveniently massed, owing to the circumstances of the crossing. This defect was to be remedied, however, immediately on reaching the other side, for the Second Division had orders to turn down stream and move direct on Antung and attack it, if the enemy was found still in possession. Such an advance would threaten the enemy's communications with Hohmutang and also its commu- nication with the Russians' advanced- base at Fenghwangcheng. In the event of the enemy's retreat from Antung the Second Division was to move in such a direction as would carry it across the western part of the Hohmutang plateau. The Battle of the Yalu. — On the morning of May 1st these various operations commenced ; that they were hazardous cannot be denied, for if the Japanese were driven back the con- ditions would have been unfavorable for an orderly retreat, and a disaster could hardly have been avoided. Precedence in movement had to be given to the Twelfth Division, for if it succeeded in driving the Russians from their entrenchments on the Yushukan, Makau, and other hills the Kiulien position would be completely turned, and a Russian retreat inevitable. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 17 At dawn, the Twelfth Division began to advance . It was extended over a front of about four miles ; the interval between the men on the firing line is said to have been three yards. The Manchurian side of the Yalu is more hilly than the Korean, and, being higher, commands it. This fact emjjhasizes the weakness of the Russian defense. They should have been able to prevent the crossing at Suku- chin, and to have also checked the advance through the hills in the district between the Yalu and the Ai rivers. The greater mobility of the Cossacks should have told strongly in such opera- tions; but apparently they did little or nothing. The men of the Twelfth Division had to cross the Ai by wading in water breast-high, carrying their rifles above their heads. The division seems to have crossed without great difficulty and to have had with it its artillery — mountain-guns, which were packed on horses. Meanwhile the frontal attack upon the Russian position was developing. About two hours after the Twelfth Division ad- vanced towards the Ai, the heavy guns of the Japanese on the Korean side of the Yalu and the field-pieces which the Guards had posted on Tiger's Hill and Yulchawon, opened fire on the Russian batteries at Makau and silenced them. It was then about 7:30 a. m., and the Guards, advancing direct towards Kiulien, waded across the Ai, which at this point was not more than waist deep. They were closely followed by the Second Division, which, as soon as it had crossed, headed down stream in the direction of Antung. At this time the attention of the Russians in the Kiulien position was largely directed to repelling the flank attack now rapidly developing from the north — the attack of the Twelfth Division. For this purpose they changed front, and found themselves between two fires — that of the Guards Division from the south, and of the Twelfth Division advancing from the north. The Twelfth Division overcame all obstacles, driving the Russians from their entrenchments on the right bank of the Ai and pushing up the heights along a line -2- ■y 18 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. from Lishukan to Yushukan, while the Guards had swept the enemy from Makau. Capture op the Kiulien Position. — ^The Kiulien position was lost, and at about 9 a. m. the Russians fell back upon their entrenched rallying point on the Hohmutang plateau. Meanwhile the Second Division pushed rapidly down the bank of the Yalu. A considerable part of the advance lay over open country, and it suffered severely. But the Russians at Antung, bombarded simultaneously by the naval flotilla on the river, did not wait to have their commimications cut; they retired upon Hohmutang. This closed the first stage of the battle. Second Stage of the Battle. — The second was an attack upon the entrenched position at Hohmutang. The Japanese ad- vanced from three directions — the Guards from the east, the Twelfth Division from the north, and the Second Division from the south. Capture of Hohmutang. — ^The Russians fought desper- ately, and were not completely dislodged until 6 p. m., and, while suffering themselves, inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese. Hohmutang was a poor position for defensive purposes ; it lies in a hollow surrounded by hills which, having been crowned by the Japanese, rendered it untenable. The wiser plan would have been for the Russians, after being driven from the Kiulien heights, to have retreated at once to Fenghwangcheng. By 8 p. m. the Russians were finally driven from their posi- tion at Hohmutang and retreated towards Fenghwang. The two most prominent features of the battle seem to be the absence of offensive movement on the part of the Russians and their poor marksmanship. They acted strictly on the de- fensive throughout, and while occupying positions in the begin- ning that commanded the ground over which the Japanese had to advance, they failed to inflict as much loss as they themselves received. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 19 The Russians had had three months' time to make their positions impregnable to assault; the very nature of the country should have made it comparatively easy work — but three days' fighting sufficed to dislodge them and to drive them back with heavy loss in men and material. Casualties. — ^The Japanese casualties were: Killed, 5 officers and 218 men; wounded, 33 officers and 783 men. Total, 1,039. As to the Russian casualties, from such information as is available, the Japanese buried 1,363 Russian dead, and doubt- less the Russians themselves removed the bodies of many officers. At aU events, if we assume that 3 were wounded for 1 killed, the total of wounded would be over 4,000. The prisoners taken wer^ 613, which would make their total casualties over 5,000. — , Spoils of War. — ^The spoils of war taken on the battle-field were: Twenty-one 3-inch Q.-F. guns, 8 machine guns, 19 am- munition wagons for 3-inch guns, 8 ammunition wagons for machine-guns, 1,417 3-inch projectiles, 37,300 for machine- guns, 1,021 rifles, 51 small-arm ammunition wagons, 353,005 rounds of rifle ammunition, 63 horses, 10 commissariat wagons, 53 sets harness, 694 overcoats, 550 fur overcoats, 541 portable tents, and 613 prisoners. — Numbers of the Troops Engaged. — ^The Russians say that their force actually engaged in the battle of the Yalu were 12,000 infantry and 80 guns (some 1,200 men), and that there were 3 battalions of infantry and 2 batteries of artillery at An- tung which, it is said, did not take part in the fighting; but no mention is made of cavalry ; still it is undoubted that they had a considerable force of cavalry. The Japanese estimate of the Russian forces is that there were between 15,000 and 20,000 of all arms. The Japanese force under General Kuroki consisted of three divisions (the Guards, Second, and Twelfth); a total of about 35,000 men. KuANTiEN Occupied. — On the 5th of May, Kwantienching (Kuantien) was occupied by a detachment of the army. 20 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. Occupation of Fenghwang. — Fenghwangcheng was oc- cupied on May 6th by Kuroki's army, the enemy setting fire to their powder and ammunition magazine as they retreated. Skirmish at Teutaokbu. — On May 21st a small body of Japanese infantry encountered 200 Russian cavalry at Teutaokeu, about seven miles northeast of Kuantien, and caused the Rus- sians to retreat in the direction of Aiyangpienmen with a loss of 20 men and 4 horses killed. There were no casualties on the side of the Japanese. On May 27th there was a small skimiish at Taikiapaotsz, in which a Russian lieutenant and 7 men, who were reconnoitring from Saimachi, were captured. Action at Aiyangpienmen. — On the 28th a detachment of the army attacked a force of 2,000 Russians at Aiyangpienmen , and after an engagement of one hour and one-half, forced them to retire in the direction of Saimachi, pursued by the Japanese. The Japanese lost 4 killed and 28 wounded. Reconnaissance. — On June 3d a detachment sent from Aiyangpienmen towards Saimachi on a reconnaissance encoun- tered some 500 Cossacks west of Sinkaichan and forced them to retire. The Japanese detachment lost one killed and 3 wounded. Saimachi Occupied. — On June 7th a detachment drove a force of Russians from the neighborhood of Saimachi and occu- pied that place. The Japanese casualties were 3 men killed and 24 wounded. The Russians left on the field 23 men killed and 2 officers and 5 men were taken prisoners. According to the natives, the Russians had 2 officers and 70 men wounded. Skirmish at Linkiatai. — There was also a sharp skirmish on the same day near Linkiatai, and after two hours' fighting, the Japanese detachment repulsed the enemy, consisting of 6 companies of infantry and 300 cavalry, who retreated towards Timgyuenpao. The Russian casualties were about 70 killed and wounded; the Japanese losses were 4 killed and 16 wounded. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 21 SiUYEN Occupied. — On June 8th a detachment defeated the Russians near Tahuling and then occupied Siuyen, in coopera- tion with a detachment of the Takushan army. The enemy's force, which consisted of 4,000 cavalry and 6 guns, retreated in the direction of Kaiping. The Japanese casualties were 1 man killed and 1 officer and 21 men wounded. Note. — ^This shows that Kuroki's left wing had established touch with the Takushan army along the road leading from Siuyen to Fenghwangcheng. On Jime 22d a force of Russians, consisting of a regiment of infantry, two regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery attacked our detachment at Aiyangpienmen, but were driven back towards Sinkiatun. Major Kubota was killed in this engagement. The enemy's losses, witnessed from our side, were 5 killed and 20 wounded. Saimachi. — Saimachi is on the road leading northeast from Fenghwangcheng. There are two routes from the latter to Liaoyang, one passing through the Motienling defile, the other going to Aiyangpienmen and thence to Chingchang via Saimachi. From Chingchang it turns westward and continues to Liaoyang through the Taitsz Valley. LiuTAOKEU Occupied. — On June 27th a detachment from the Twelfth Division drove off a Russian force near Liutaokeu on the Mukden road, and occupied the position. Of some 5,000 Russian infantry and cavalry who had previously occupied Saimachi, the main force retreated towards Penchihu. Fbnshuiling Defile Occupied. — On the same date a de- tachment of the Twelfth Division occupied Fenshuiling on the" Liaoyang road, and on the 29th the advance guard occupied FenshuHing, Lienshankwan, and a portion occupied Motienling. Motienling Defile also Occupied. — The Guards Division then occupied the line of Motienling, Siao-motienling, and Sinkailing. About 2,000 Russian troops, who were in front, re tired to the west of Tienshuitien. 22 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Occupation op Nohth-Fenshuiling. — Again on June 29th a detachment of the Second Division occupied North-Fenshui- ling without resistance; the Russians having evacuated the heights west of Penchihu Lake. Action at Manlung-ho. — ^A detachment attacked the enemy at the Manlungho river. Japanese casualties, 24 ; those of the' Russians, more than 70. Three Russian officers and 16 men were captured. Action at Lipaoling. — On the same date a detachment attacked the enemy at LipaoHng. Japanese losses were 3 men killed and 1 officer and 22 men wounded. The Russian losses were 10 killed and 8 captured. The enemy retreated to Tien- shuitien. Note. — ^The name "Fen-shui-ling" signifies "the defile of the dividing of the waters/' and consequently is applied to many places. Thus, Fenshuiling is the name of the chief defile on the road from Siuyen to Liaoyang, and it is also the name of a prin- cipal defile on the northern or smaller road leading from Fengh- wang to Liaoyang. The hundred miles of Kuroki's march from Kiulien on the banks of the Yalu to the crests of the heights looking down on Liaoyang have all been through mountainous and difficult country, and from these he finally disentangled himself when he forced the defiles of Motienling and Taling. CHAPTER IV. First Attempt of Russians to Recover Motienling. — Early on July 4tli two battalions of JElussian infantry, under cover of a dense fog, attacked our advance guard at Motienling. The enemy charged three times, and a hand-to-hand combat ensued. After severe fighting the Japanese troops repulsed the enemy and pursued him as far as Kinkiapaotsz (four miles from the western foot of Motienling). The enemy retreated to Yangtszling, west of Tienshuitien. The Japanese casualties were 19 killed and 1 officer and 36 men wounded. The enemy's dead left on the field and buried by the Japanese numbered 53 and their wounded 40. Their casualties during the pursuit are imknown. Cossack Attack. — On the afternoon of July 5th 1,300 Cossacks made a front attack on One of the Japanese detach- ments posted near North-Fenshuiling (on the road from Saimachi to Liaoyang), but the enemy was repulsed and retreated to the northward. Our losses were 4 killed and 3 wounded. Hsienchang Occupied. — On the night of July 6th one of the Japanese detachments dislodged some 300 Russian cavalry from Hsienchang (north of Saimachi) and occupied it, the enemy retreating northward. Second Attempt op Russians to Re-capture Motien- ling. — In making a second attempt to re-capture Motienling the Russian plan included a wide turning movement, which placed their troops at a point several miles to the northeast of Motienling — namely, at Sinkailing, a height between the two roads from Fenghwang to Liaoyang. This point was reached at half an hour after midnight of July 16th; their previous essay in this direction having been in the nature of a forced reconnais- sance, by which they had profited. 23 24 FROM THE TALU TO PORT ARTHUR. At 3 A. M. of the 17th General Count Keller, who commands an army corps, took advantage of a dense fog, and led a force of about two divisions, consisting of the Third and Sixth Divisions of sharpshooters and the Ninth Infantry Division, to attack the Japanese positions in the MotienHng defile and its two flanks. Russians Defeated. — The assault was fierce, but the enemy was driven back at every point, and after many hours of hard fighting (until about 10:30 a. m.) the enemy began to re- treat, and was pursued by the Japanese as far as Kinkiapaotsz — about two and one-half miles east of Tienshuitien. Casualties. — The Japanese casualties were 47 killed and 255 woimded. The Russian casualties are estimated by General Keller as more than 1,000, which includes not only the 200 dead buried by Japanese on the 18th, but the 51 taken prisoners and the large number carried off the field on stretchers by the Rus- sians themselves. There were many spoils taken, but no de- tailed list is at hand. Importance of the Action. — This action is of much im- portance. Considered from the point of view of the Russian forces engaged it is a great battle, for two Russian divisions represent at least 25,000 men of all arms. The main significance is that whereas the Japanese, by superior strategy, captured Motienling in the first place and all the other defiles on the two roads with most trifling loss and little effort, the Russians failed to re-capture them, though they sent a powerful force to make the effort. The presence of General Keller shows that the army engaged was the Second, a part of which fought at the Yalu under General Sassulitch, who was deprived of his command for his blunder at the Yalu, and Keller took his place. Co-ordination of Movements. — It appears to be plain that General Kuroki had coordinated his movements with those of the Liaotung (Second, Oku's) and Takushan (Nodzu's) armies, and that a maneuver on a large scale would ultimately be undertaken. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 25 Occupation of Hsihoyen and Chaokiapao. — It should be remembered that in addition to the main road from Fenghwang to Liaoyang there are two northern roads. After the attempt of the Russians to dislodge the Japanese from the defiles on the main road, General Kuroki immediately assumed the offensive in order to clear the two northern roads. It was known that the Russians were encamped in considerable force at Hsihoyen on the south of the two northern roads, and a column was there- fore sent against this position on July 18th — the day after the Russian attempt to re-capture Motienling. A battalion of in- fantry as advance guard pushed on rapidly in consequence of indications that the enemy was retreating in northerly direction from the position of Hsihoyen; but these appearances proved deceptive, and the battalion found itself engaged with two bat- talions of the enemy with four guns. A fierce struggle ensued, and one company of the Japanese battalion lost its commander and all its officers were wounded. After fighting for about two hours it was joined by another battalion, but their united efforts failed to drive back the Russians, and they bivouacked on the ground for the night, facing the enemy. Reconnaissances showed that the enemy had at this place seven battalions of infantry, a regiment of Cossacks, and thirty-two field-pieces. His position could be approached only by a narrow road; his left was protected by an unfordable river; and to outflank his right it would be necessary to make a long detour over several precipitous hills. A Combined Frontal and Flank Attack. — The Japanese, nevertheless, determined to pursue their wonted tactics of com- bined frontal and flank attacks. Their main body, in the early morning of the 19th, moved against the front of the enemy's position, and two forces pushed out on the right and left. It was 3 p. M. before the force, upon which the main reliance was placed to effect the outflanking of the enemy's right, reached its position. At the same tinie an auxiliary force reached the same neighborhood.^ The early part of the forenoon had been 26 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR, occupied by an artillery duel. The Russians had thirty-two guns in action. The duel lasted from 5 a. m. to 9. a . M., after which the fire slackened on both sides. As soon as it was seen that the flank attacking party had reached its position on the right and was about to move forward, the center and left simul- taneously advanced. The Japanese artillery resumed a hot fire. The fight seems to have been very severe, but at 5 :40 p. m. the Japanese dislodged the enemy from the heights on the west and south. HsiHOYEN Occupied. — The Japanese troops on the enemy's right succeeded in cutting the line of retreat, and at 8 p. m. the whole position was in the possession of Kuroki's troops. Casualties. — ^The Japanese losses were 71 killed and 450 wounded. During the 20th they buried 131 Russian dead, and among the objects captured were 3 ammunition wagons, 300 rifles, a quantity of clothing, and miscellaneous objects. About 40 prisoners, including 2 officers, were captured, and, according to their statements, it appears that the Russian casualties exceeded 1,000. Chaokiapao Occupied. — ^With regard to the column which went by the northern road, it dislodged the enemy from his en- trenched position at Chaokiapao without serious difficulty in a fight which lasted four hours, although his force consisted of one battalion of infantry and 1,000 cavalry. The Russians retired to the right bank of the Taitsz-ho. In this engagement the Japanese had 17 killed and wounded. CHAPTER V. Battles of Yushulintsz and Yangtszling. — At dawn of July 31st the army began operations in order to attack the Russian forces at Yushulintsz and Yangtszling, which places were. strongly held. Attack on Yushulintsz. — ^The attack on Yushulintsz was carried out before dusk of the same day, as had been pre- viously arranged, and both wings of the enemy there were de- feated. His forces, however, were so numerous and his positions so strong that even after dark our force was unable to dislodge him from his positions. Yushulintsz Occupied. — On the following day (August 1st) we resumed the attack before daylight, and succeeded in driving the enemy off at noon, pursuing him as far as Laoholing (four miles west of Yushulintsz). Attack on Yangtszling. — The attack on Yangtszling also gradually succeeded, and at 1 p. m. of July 31st our infantry took the offensive, and, advancing from Tawan and Makumen- zan, occupied the greater part of the Russian positions before dark. A portion of the enemy's force, however, made an ob- stinate resistance, and held its position throughout the night. Yangtszling Occupied. — Our troops passed the night in battle formation, and resumed the attack before dawn of August 1st, occupying all the heights of Yangtszling and vicinity by 8 A. M. The following causes were responsible for the considerable prolongation of these battles : 1. The rugged nature of the ground, which was unsuitable for offensive operations. 2. The lack of good artillery positions, owing to which the full strength of the Japanese artillery could not be utilized. 27 28 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 3. The excessive heat — the temperature being above 100° Fahrenheit, which considerably fatigued our troops. Strength of Russian Force. — The enemy's force at Yu- shuUntsz was at least two divisions with artillery. Most of these troops retreated towards Anping. The strength of the Russian force at Yantszling was two and one-half divisions of infantry and four batteries of artillery; they retreated towards Tanghoyen. Casualties. — The Japanese casualties were 40 officers and 906 men killed and wounded. General Keller Killed. — The Russian casualties in- clude General Count Keller, who was kUled at Yangtszling. The number of Russian dead left on the field and buried by the Japanese is 6 officers and 506 men. The wounded left behind includes 3 officers and 112 men. The number of prisoners cap- tured is 8 officers and 149 men. Spoils of War. — The spoils of war include 2 field-guns, 600 rifles, a large quantity of ammunition, and a number of en- trenching tools. Nearly five divisions, or about 45,000 men, were in position at Yushulintsz and Yangtszling to receive Kuroki's attacks on July 31st and August 1st, and there was probably a strong re- serve at Liaoyang of at least two divisions. The drama is now drawing near to its denoument — Yushu- lintsz and Yangtszling are equi-distant from Liaoyang, twenty- five miles. The positions to which the Russians retreated, Anping and Tanghoyen, are each about fourteen miles from Liaoyang, and neither of these places offer much facility for defense : in fact, all the serious obstacles on the road to Liaoyang have been surmounted by Kuroki. Missing Page CHAPTER VI. The Second Army — Commanded by General Oku. The Second Army. — This army (consisting of the First, Third, and Fourth Divisions) was mobilized at the same time as the First Army (Kuroki's), and to show how the Japanese plan of campaign for the different armies was synchronized — on the date of Kuroki's battle on the Yalu, the Second Army was waiting the result of that battle, on transports sheltered behind the Elliot Islands (a group of islands from ten to twenty miles off the eastern coast of the Liaotung Peninsula). The Great Boom of Logs. — A boom of logs, ten miles in length, connecting adjacent islands, had been previously con- structed as the result of great labor ; the logs, cables, and other material used in the. construction having been transported from Japan. This work had been quietly accomplished without ap- parent notice, and as the Japanese transports loaded with troops reached the vicinity under cover of darkness they were safely moored behind this shelter with a convoy of destroyers on guard. While this army expected and hoped to land on the penin- insula, had the tide of battle on the Yalu turned against the Japanese, it was ready to proceed at full speed to the mouth of the Yalu as an assisting force. Nothing in military history can equal this for preparedness. Landing of tIie Second Army on the Liaotung Penin- sula. — ^As soon as news of the Japanese victory on the Yalu was received by General Oku preparations were immediately made for disembarking on the peninsula. Under cover of a Japanese squadron the first detachment (of bluejackets) landed on the Liaotung Peninsula on May 5th without meeting any resistance. A handful of Cossacks was watching the coast-line — ^that was all. 29 30 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. The sea off the place where the troops effected their landing was shallow for a great distance and was strewn with rocks. At the time of the landing there was a rough sea, and even the boats, barges, and sampans had to stop 1,000 metres off the shore; the men and horses wading through the waves, which at times rolled over their heads. Co-operation of the Army and Navy. — ^The Cooperation of the army and navy is one of the striking features of this war. The two services are working together in a most thorough, whole- hearted manner. It was a capital plan that the sailors should precede the soldiers in landing and that the latter should defer their approach to the shore until they saw the Flag of the Rising Sun float over an eminence where the bluejackets had raised it. Generally, the plan pursued is for the ships to cover the landing operations, which are left entirely to the troops, except so far as the handling of the boats is concerned. Pulantien and Pitsewo Occupied. — Immediately after landing, a detachment of troops moved swiftly across the pen- insula and took possession of Pulantien (Port Adams), destroy- ing the railway and telegraph lines between Port Arthur and the outer world; while another detachment was sent up the coast to cut the telegraph lines at Pitsewo — the point at which the Japanese landed in the China-Japan War in 1894. Pulantien. — Pulantien has historical interest for the Jap- anese : it was there that the Chinese made one of the few really able strategical moves standing to their credit in the campaign of 1894.-95. At two places the Liaotung Peninsula takes the form of a narrow isthmus. Pulantien is on the north and Kinchow on the south. The exact point of the landing on May 5th is not known, but it is certain that not a moment was lost in occupying Pulantien and cutting the railway which there debouches on the coast. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 31 Action at Sanshihlipao. — The detachment sent to Pu- lantien rejoined the advance guard on May 7th. On the 8th there was a sharp action with the Russian cavalry at San-shih- li-pao. On the 12th a detachment sent to Pulantien and Wafang-tien made a successful reconnaissance. KiULiCHWANG Occupied. — On the 16th, after a two-hours' fight with a Russian force near Shihsanlitai, a body of Japanese troops occupied Kiulichwang (about one and one-half miles northeast of Kinchow) and the heights to the north of Chauka- tung (east of Kinchow). Casualties. — The Japanese casualtes in the engagement of May 16th were 146 officers and men killed and wounded, no • officers being killed. Attack on Kinchow. — On May 22d operations were com- menced, and on the 23d the army began the advance on Kin- chow and assembled in the rear of line of battle at Kiulichwang- Chankiatung-Chaitsz-ho.* Russian Position. — As a result of the reconnaissance on the 23d it was ascertained that the Russians had mounted eight heavy guns facing the sea on Hoshangtao on their right wing, some of them placed so as to fire northeast in the direction of Makiatung. Ten forts were believed to be on the summit of Nan-shan (a hill near Kinchow), and the majority faced either north or northeast. The northeastern base of the hill is pro- tected by barbed-wire entanglements and mines. Along the heights on the eastern side of Nankwanling an entrenchment was observed. The enemy has search-lights at Tsoying, Hou- ying, and Yangpaoying, south of Kiulichwang, by which our camps at night are lit up at times. Wire entanglements are laid by the Russians from Yenkiatung on the east Of Nan-shan to a point about 1,000 metres northeast of Liutiatung, passing along the northern foot of the mountain towards the northwest. No defensive works were observed to the left of that point. A small number of infantry and artillery still guard Kinchow. *TheBe are three distinct placea, Kiulichwang — Chankiatung — Chaitz-ho. 32 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. KiNCHow Occupied. — On May 26th an artillery duel com- menced in the early morning and lasted for five hours. Three of the Japanese naval ships cooperated in the bombardment from Kinchow Bay. Kinchow fell into our hands at 5:20 a. m., May 26th. The Battle of Nan-shan. — General Oku, in his modest report, says: "The army, after occupying Kinchow to-day (May 26th) at 5:20 a. m., attacked the enemy at Nan-shan. After a severe engagement our army succeeded in occupying Nan-shan at 7 p. m., and is now pursuing the fleeing enemy. The Russian guns in the uncovered forts were silenced. The enemy had dug several rows of trenches around the forts on Nan-shan, and the auxiliary defense works were fortified with modern arms. The Russians offered an obstinate resistance making our repeated charges ineffective; but finally they gave way to a fierce charge about 3 p. m. and abandoned their camp, retreating in the direction of Nan-kwan-ling. It should be par- ticularly recorded that our oflicers and men have shown extra- ordinary bravery by fighting for sixteen hours to-day and at- tacking the enemy's position in face of a severe fire. In the battle four of our war-ships cooperated with my forces and rendered great assistance." Strength op the Russian Position. — In a later report he says: "The enemy's position on Nan-Shan was strength- ened by the high, rugged slope of the mountain, and in the semi-permanent fortifications were about seventy guns of var- ious caliber and eight machine-guns. Round the line of forts which encircled the mountain side several times — one above the other — sheltered trenches for rifle fire were constructed ; and in front of these works a great number of mines and a net-work of barbed-wire entanglements were placed, the space between being occupied by a number of machine-guns. The whole of our artillery tried hard to destroy these works, and assisted the advance of the infantry by changing the positions of the guns nearer and nearer to the enemy. Owing, however, to the strong FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 33 resistance of the enemy's infantry, the situation remained un- changed until 5 p. M. Up to this time no opening had been ob- . tained for our infantry to advance, and the Third Division (our left wing) was not only in danger of being surrounded, but the enemy had reinforced his infantry in front of its left flank, and his two batteries at Nankwanling were assisting the defense. "Thus the left flank of the division becoming more and more threatened, while the field supply of our artillery ammuni- tion was nearly exhausted, it became evident that the fight could not be continued much longer. Consequently, I was ob- liged to order our infantry to make an assault, even at a heavy cost, and our artillery was ordered to use its remaining ammxmi- tion in vigorously bombarding the enemy. Charge of the First Division. — ^The infantry of our First Division rushed forward to the enemy's position in the most gallant and daring manner, but, owing to the plunging and flanking shots of the enemy's vigorous fire, a great number of our men were quickly killed or wounded. The situation seemed critical, as a further advance was impossible. Just at this juncture our naval fleet in Kin chow Bay vigorously renewed its heavy fire on the left wing of the enemy's line, and the Fourth Division's artillery also joined in the cannonade against the enemy's fire. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Fourth Division brought its full force against the left wing of the enemy and advanced first to the line of high ground. Gallantry of the Japanese. — ^The whole line of soldiers of the First and Third Divisions, while supporting, now rushed up in the most gallant manner, jumping over the bodies of their dead comrades, and forced their way into the enemy's trenches. Nan-shan Captured. — The assault was so fierce that our bayonets crossed with those of the enemy. At last the strong- hold of Nan-shan was taken, and at a little past 7 o'clock in the evening our national flag was flying on the top of every fort. The routed enemy fled in disorder towards Port Arthur. While retreating, the enemy blew up the powder magazine at Tafan- 34 FROM TUB YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. shin. After sending a detachment in pursuit of the retreating enemy, the remainder of our army bivouacked on the battle- field. The spirit of the whole army was splendid, and in every direction loud shouts of "Banzai!" were heard. Our artillery pursued the fleeing enemy. The Russian Forces. — The enemy's forces which opposed us consisted of about one division of the field army, two batteries of field artillery, besides the garrison artillery manning the guns in position, and some marines. The enemy seems to have tried his hardest, in order to cover Port Arthur and Talienwan, to check our advance by tenaciously holding his position at Nan-shan. It also appears that he had endeavored to increase his defensive works there. Casualties. — The Japanese casualties at Nan-shan were 4,170, classified as follows: Killed, 34 officers and 716 men; and wounded, 65 officers and 3,355 men. The Russian casualties cannot be ascertained, but the number of the dead left on the battle-field alone amounts to more than 500. There are a num- ber of prisoners (officers and men) captured. Trophies. — "Our trophies are 68 guns and 10 machme guns, an electric battery, 3 search-lights, one dynamo, 50 mines, and a great number of rifles, ammunition, and other material. "In conclusion, I wish to express my warmest thanks for the valuable assistance rendered by the Imperial Navy." Comments. — Among various comments on the battle of Nan-shan, the following is quoted from the editor of the Japan Mail, Captain Brinkley, a retired officer of the artillery of the British Army: "Some critics think the Russians made a strategical mistake in selecting Nan-shan as their principal point of defense instead of Nan-kwan-ling. The former is only 350 feet high, while the latter eminence is 800 feet in height and has a wider ccJmmand. As between the two places there cannot be any doubt. Nari- shan is the key of. the whole position ; it covers Dalny, and bat- teries placed on it completely search the whole isthmus. If FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 35 there be any strategical objection to Nan-shan it is that to hold the place against all contingencies its defenders should have ac- cess to the bays on either side — :Kinchow Bay on the west and Talien Bay on the east. The isthmus being only two miles across; it is easy to appreciate the importance of the water ap- proaches. Indeed, there is much reason to conclude that but for the cooperation of a naval flotilla from the direction of Kin- chow Bay, the Japanese attack might not have succeeded with- out further heavy loss. What seems to have happened was that the First Division's repeated and most gallant attempts to force the position failed, and the failure appeared likely to be irre- mediable for that day at all events, when a portion of the Fourth Division on the right, having waded along the shore under cover of a heavy fire from the gun-boats and torpedo- boats, succeeded in crowning the heights on the enemy's left rear. That was the turning point of the long and desperate fight, and the inference is that had Russian ships commanded Kinchow Bay the isthmus never could have been forced. On the eastern side, the side of Talien Bay, the Russians were in possession of the sea, and one of their gun-boats seems to have galled the left wing of the Japanese terribly. Had they pos- sessed access to the sea on the west also the position would have been impregnable. Even as it stood, Nan-shan presented one of the most formidable obstacles an army was ever required to negotiate. An eminence crowned with a great park of artillery, surrounded by line after line of shelter-trenches — trenches which completely concealed the troops occupying them, except so far as loop-holes offered a mark for the fire of the assailants, and then again defended by barbed-wire entanglements and rows of mines— nothing stronger can well be conceived. "One imagines that to launch troops against such a position during broad daylight must be suicidal, and that night would necessarily be awaited. But experience has proved that what- ever protection darkness affords is more than counter-balanced by the difficulty of effective operation and intelligent direction. 36 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. Besides^ the darkness of fifty years ago is not the darkness of to-day, nor is the darkness of South Africa the darkness of Kin- chow. The Russians had search-lights at Nan-shan, and thus to have attacked at night would have gained little for the as- sailants in the matter of concealment. It was a magnificent fight. -We offer to the Japanese our highest tribute of ad- miration. That they would fight grandly and hold their own we never doubted, but such feats as the storming of Nan-shan belong to a category apart." Comments by the Japanese Vice-Minister of War. — Major-General Ishimoto, Vice-Minister of War, in a recent lec- ture on the battle of Nan-shan before the Imperial Maritime Asso- ciation, spoke as follows : "Nan-shan stands midway between Kinchow and Dalny, and the isthmus there is only four kilometers wide. But Kin- chow Bay, the water of which is shallow for some distance from the shore, can be waded, as was done by the Chinese when we attacked Port Arthur ten years ago. Of course the shallowness of the bay depends on the state of the tide. "Very strong forts had been constructed on the summit of Nan-shan, but they were of a semi-permaneiit and not of a per- manent nature. Permanent forts are always constructed in time of peace, at great labor and expense, and their materials are* iron, bricks, stones, or concrete. Semi-permanent forts are usually constructed by the engineer corps after the outbreak of hostilities. The forts of Nan-shan belonged to the latter cat- egory. "Some European authorities on fortifications now rather prefer semi-permanent forts to the permanent ones, which latter may become totally useless, according to the developments of war. In fact, a certain country has dispensed with permanent fortresses. We cannot say, of course, that Russia applied this theory to the defense of Nan-shan, but as a matter of fact Nan- shan was strongly defended with forts of a semi-permanent nature. FROM THE YALU tO PORT ARTBVR. 37 "The battle of Nan-shan has been compared with one of the battles that occurred during the Franco-Prussian War; but it might better be compared with that of Plevna in the Turkish War of 1877. The defenses of Plevna were at first very simple, having been temporarily constructed. But the Russian Army attacked the stronghold, and was repulsed several times. While the Russians were making preparations for another attack the Turks strengthened their defense, so that finally it became abso- lutely impossible for the Russians to take the place by storm. In consequence, Russia was compelled to carry out a regular siege, which entailed on her a heavy loss of troops and time. Had Nan-shan not been taken on the first day of the battle it would have been more difficult to carry it on the second day. The Russians would have strengthened the stronghold day by day, and we should have remained farther than ever from Port Arthur. The capture of Nan-shan on the first day of attack was a brilliant feat from a tactical point of view, and the sac- rifice of so many lives was imavoidable. "The enemy's guns were most effectively placed in the ter- races on the heights. Moreover, the wire entanglements, with which the approach to the guns was protected, were the most powerful equipment in modern defensive works. Wire entangle- ments are networks of wire interwoven between poles three or four feet high. The network usually has a width of fifteen or twenty feet and extends several hundred yards. It is impos- sible to pass over it at double time or to crawl under the wires. Nothing can stop the advance of troops so effectively as these entanglements. The latter, however, are never constructed over the entire surface of groimd, but are divided into sections, through the openings of which the defending army can effect a sortie. When, however, the attacking army directs its way to these passages it must be prepared to meet the enemy's quick- firing guns. When dealing with an enemy equipped with wire entanglements we must first silence the enemy's guns, and then dispatch the infantry, led by engineers armed with shears and 38 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Other tools for clearing the entanglements; but as long as the enemy retains any available guns or rifles the feat cannot be performed without a heavy loss of men. One is apt to say that Nan-shan might have been taken by some other methods than those carried out by our army. But if we had hesitated on account of the probable casualties we should have reaped a re- sult similar to that which befell the Russians at Plevna, and have lost much more men than was actually the case. "Some say that Russia should have concentrated her forces at Nan-kwan-ling instead of at Nan-shan. This criticism, however, is too hasty. The question could not be decided until we knew more defiiJitely about the strength of the Russian force. If it was sufficiently large it would certainly have been wise for the Russian commander to have held Nan-kwan-ling, which affords a far better deploying position than Nan-shan. According to the Russian official report of the Nan-shan engage- ment, it was annoxmced that Russia had defended that strong- hold for demonstrative purposes only. Such a declaration is quite inconsistent with the facts, and there is no longer any doubt that Russia had intended to check the advance of our army at that strategical point, as every possible measure for defense had been undertaken there. "Considering the position of the Russians on the peninsula, the enemy must fight desperately to resist the advance of our forces. It is, therefore, no wonder that the Russians admirably defended that place in spite of our deadly artillery fire. It ap- pears that the military experts in Europe thought it impossible to take the stronghold of Nan-shan, but, contrary to expectation, the latter was captured by our forces after some sixteen hours' fighting. It is hoped that the time wiU arrive when it will be possible to lay before the world the full particulars of the fight, which, no doubt, will afford valuable lessons of strategy." CHAPTER VII. Occupation of Dalny. — ^The first official report indicating that Dalny was in possession of the Japanese was from General Oku, received on May 31st, in which he says: "According to a late report, the barracks and warehouses at Dalny, consisting of over one hundred buildings, are in per- fect condition. The telegraph office and railway station remain intact, and over two hundred railway cars (including both pas- senger and freight cars) are available. All the small bridges on the railway in the vicinity have been destroyed. A steam launch has been sunk at the entrance of the docks." It is reported that when a Japanese torpedo flotilla ap- proached "the new landing-place" on May 29th a large confla- gration was observed in Dalny, and it was conjectured that this indicated that the Russians had abandoned the place. General Oku's report, as given above, seems to refer to the state of af- fairs following the conflagration. What happened seems to have been that during the 26th of May — probably in the evening, when the Nan-shan position had been forced — Oi'ders were conveyed to the Russian com- mander at Dalny to destroy the place and retire on Port Arthur. It appears that on the evening of the 26th a body of Japanese troops occupied a position on a distant hill, despite a heavy rain, and bombarded the neighboring Russian position from early dawn of the 27th, and that the Russians retired from Dalny after destroying the railway and all the buildings whicli were possible in the limited time. The Japanese troops entered Dalny on May 28th and hoisted their national flag. Condition of Dalny. — A later report states that all the principal bridges on the railway betwen Kinchow and Dalny 39 40 FROM THE YALV TO FORT ARTHUR. have been destroyed by the Russians. Owing to the prompt measures taken by the Japanese troops who occupied Dahiy, the fire started by the enemy when retiring was practically con- fined to the official quarters; the principal buildings destroyed being the school-house, the city office (excepting the Mayor's official residence), and the residences of the railway officials. There are no locomotives at the station, and nearly all the goods- cars (some seventy or more only being intact) are stiU smoul- dering. The telegraph office, two electric light stations, the harbor office, the Dalny Hotel, the park, and the Chinese Eastern Railway Company's office are all intact. Mines had been laid in the premises of the Electric Light Company and also near the piers, but are now being removed by the Japanese engineer corps. The boom and mines placed in the harbor by the Russians will shortly be cleared by men from the fleet. The dock is in perfect condition. As the water- main was destroyed, the town is short of good drinking water. Large quantities of material at the brick-yard, foundry, and ironworks have fallen into Japanese hands. On the night of May 26th about fifteen hundred Russian troops at Dalny left for Port Arthur, either by rail or junk. During the day pre- ceding the arrival of the Japanese, mounted bandits, joined by members of the working classes, raided the residences of wealthy citizens and carried away all the property they could lay their hands on. Letters from Dalny speak of the immense convenience fur- nished by that port. The Russians made the mistake of not destroying the factories, the electrical machinery, and so forth, before evacuating the place, and all these are now in fuU opera- tion. The waterworks have been restored and thoroughly cleansed, and the bay being now open to steamers, the garrison and the troops at the front are in full communication with the outer world. PROM THE YALV fO PORT ARTHUR. 41 Trains are running to Kaiping and Haicheng, connecting with Newchwang. Among the spoils that fell into Japanese hands on the occu- pation of Dalny was an ice-house containing 2,000,000 kin of ice. The ice is now being used by the Japanese field-hospital there. CHAPTER VIII. Battle of Tehlisz. — On June 13th the Second Army ad- vanced from the Ta-sha-ho (river) near Pulantien, driving be- fore it small detachments of the enemy, which were encountered, and on the 14th occupied the line of Wangkiatung-Pangkiatung- Yuhotung, and bombarded the enemy's position from 3 p. M. till sunset. On June 15th, before daybreak, with a view to attacking the enemy at Tehlisz and vicinity, the right column was ordered to hold firmly the line between Sungkiatung and Wangkiatting, while the center column was sent from Yohutung to occupy the hills west of Tayankeu. There was a dense fog in the morning. Fire was opened on both sides at 5:30 a. m., and as the firing on both sides in- creased in strength, a portion of the center column posted north of Fuchow found itself hard-pressed, but was steadily advancing, when a detachment of infantry and cavalry, which had been hurrying from Fuchow since daybreak, arrived on the heights west of Wangkiatung at 9:30 a. m. ; and, cooperating with the center column, succeeded in repulsing the enemy in the vicinity of Tafangtcheu by 11 a. m. The enemy's artillery posted on Luangtangshan and the heights of Luangwanmiao poured a heavy fire on the center column and cooperating detachments, but they pressed forward, climbing cliffs and precipices. The enem.^y confronting the wing of the right column was still in superior force, and several times assumed the offensive. Our forces in this direction were in consequence twice reinforced from the general infantry reserve of the Army. In the mean- time the position of the right column became almost insupport- able, but a body of cavalry arrived on the scene and threatened the left rear of the enemy. The enemy was now surrounded by our columns, but made a vigorous resistance, and on re- 42 The Battle of Tehlisz, June 15, 1964. ^" JtJtu^siani Army . «= R^letreaJt of Itusauuv Army, •*■ J^apanie^e- Army on JtMt^ *^ FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 43 ceiving reinforcements tried to regain the situation by repeated counter-attacks. Tehlisz Captured. — Our attacks prevailed at last, and the enemy's forces began to retreat at about 3 p. m. in the direction of Tashihkiao, and were thrown into confusion by our pursuit. Enemy's Force. — ^The enemy's force in the field from the beginning of the battle consisted of 25 battalions of infantry, 17 squadrons of cavalry, and 98 guns. In addition, some rein- forcements arrived during the engagement. Casualties. — The Japanese casualties in this battle were: Killed, 7 officers and 210 rank and file; wounded, 43 officers and 903 rank and file. Total, 1,163. Twenty-six horses were killed and 67 wounded. The Russian losses were as follows: Of the enemy's killed and left on the field, the number already buried by our army is 1,854; to this number must be added those sub- sequently buried by a specially appointed burial detachment, whose report has not been received. The number of their wounded is unknown. The number of prisoners is 300, in- cluding the colonel of the Fourth Regiment and 5 other officers. Trophies Captured. — ^With regard to the trophies cap- tured, the following list is given : 16 quick-fire guns; 46 ammunition wagons; 953 rifles; 37,233 rounds of rifle ammunition ; 1,121 rounds of artillery ammunition; 232 engineering tools and implements; 1,110 barrels of cement; besides a large quantity of grain, and a number of other weapons, camp utensils, etc. Comments. — This is the bloodiest battle yet fought. It is also the first battle that has taken place in the open. At the Yalu and at Nan-shan the Japanese had to attack a foe en- trenched in very strong positions. The Tehlisz fight, however, was in the open. It presented no special feature, and the 44 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. forces engaged were fairly equal. Of the two sides, the Japanese should have suffered more, for they were the attacking force. Yet their casualties slightly exceed 1,000, while the Russians lost several thousand. The fact is that the Tehlisz battle is the most important one thus far fought; not the most important, perhaps, from a strategical point of view; for while the fight on the Yalu decided the great question as to whether Korea or Manchuria should be the theater of war, and while the fight at Nan-shan placed Japan within striking distance of the Russian citadel in the Far East, the combat at Tehlisz merely beat back a relieving army which, even though it had gained possession of the Pitsewo-Pulantien line, could never have passed the Nan- shan Isthmus with the bays of Kinchow and Dalny both in Japanese possession. Importance of Tehlisz. — ^The importance of Tehlisz lay in the fact that it represented what must be regarded as the strongest effort of which Kuropatkin is immediately capable to restore the situation. He deliberately moved this relieving force down, organizing it with all the forces he could spare from the defenses of Liaoyang, Mukden, and Haicheng, and invited the Japanese to try conclusions with him in a position from which aU chances of naval participation was excluded. The Russian army at Tehlisz consisted of two and one-half divisions — that is, 10 regiments of infantry or 30 battalions. If each bat- talion numbered 800 men, there is a force of 24,000. He had also 98 guns. The artillery of an army corps of three divisions is 96 guns, and it is probable that General Stackelberg's army consisted of the whole of the First Army corps — ^not far from 30,000 men. The result was an overwhelming defeat with an enomious loss of not far from 25 per cent of their total force. CHAPTER IX. Occupation of Kaiping. — On July 9th the Second Army drove back the enemy in the vicinity of Kaiping, and at noon succeeded in completely occupying that place. The Russian Position. — The main force of the enemy was posted along the Kaiping River, which runs nearly due east and west, and has on its northern side the heights of Haishansai, Tsaikiatung, and Tapingtun. This was his principal position. In addition, on all the hills immediately south of the river were strong outposts. These hills form two chains of defenses. The southern chain, which is nearly parallel to the river, consists of four eminences — Szefangtai, Kinkiakau, Siaolanki, and Tsuikia- tung. Szefangtai (or Sufantai) is on the extreme east of the chain, and from this point the second chain runs in a north- westerly direction, and consists of two groups of hiUs — Tatszekeu on the east of the railway, and Shakangtai and Tawanghaisai on the west. General Oku had to capture all these positions before reaching the main Russian force. Movements of the Japanese. — With this in view, on July 5th he moved up to Rhtao-hotsz, which is about two miles south- ward of the southern chain of outlying hills, and thence on the 6th, with his right moving on the east of the railway, his center along that line, and his left on the west of it. He commenced by attacking. Szefangtai (the apex of the two chains), and then drove the enemy from the other three heights. On the 7th his left wing advanced against the Sha- . kangtai position, and this having been occupied, the right wing and center took Tatszekeu, while the left pushed on to Tawang- haisai. About noon of the 7th information received from the natives made it nearly certain that the enemy had 20,000 men at Kaiping, 2^000 at Haishansai, and 10,000 in that neighbor- 45 46 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. hood, while his artillery was posted at Hsi-tai. This intelligence was confirmed on the morning of the 8th. The enemy was seen to be in force on the west of the railway; his line extended from Haishansai to Hsi-tai; he occupied all the heights around and to the north of Kaiping, and from an early hour in the afternoon the railway brought fresh troops to Haishansai. Dispositions having been made, the advance was com- menced at 5:20 a. m. on July 9th. The right wing was thrown forward first and directed against Hsi-tai, while the center moved towards Kaiping. No considerable resistance was of- fered at the Kaiping River, and the enemy was dislodged from the heights east of the railway. On the west of the railway the enemy organized a strong resistance. His principal positions on that side were Haishansai, Shih-men, and Kaokiatung. Kaiping Occupied. — The Russians made two strong stands on the hills to the north of Kaiping, the second of which lasted until noon, when he finally retired towards the north in the direction of Tashihkiao, fifteen miles distant. Oku's army, starting from Kinchow, had advanced 115 miles to Kaiping, fighting two battles en route — at Tehlisz and at Kaiping. Both combats were in hilly country, but with the capture of the heights north of Kaiping, Oku's soldiers found themselves looking down on the plain that stretches to Tashih- kiao and Yingkow. Casualties. — The Japanese casualties in the neighborhood of Kaiping, lasting from July 6th to the 9th, inclusive, were: Killed, 24 men; wounded, 5 officers (including Major-General Koizumi) and 124 men. Total, 153. The Russian loss is un- known; the killed and wounded having been carried away by the enemy. Missing Page CHAPTER X. YiXGKow Occupied. — General Oku reports that a detach- ment of the army occupied Yingkow on July 25th. All the buildings at Yingkow station had been destroyed, and the Rus- sian vessels there had fled to the upper courses of the Lia-ho, while the Russian garrison had retired to the northeast. Attack on Tashihkiao. — His detailed report of the occu- pation of Tashihkiao is so complete that it is quoted in toto : Japanese Movements. — "The army left the line of posi- tions near Kaiping at 4 a. m. of the 23d of July, and moving forward occupied the line extending from Liukaikeu via Hwarh- shan to Wutaishan; each column driving off a number of Rus- sians in its front. During that day several bodies of Russian infantry, cavalry, and horse artillery repeatedly resisted the ad- vance of our left wing. The army deployed in the positions occupied, keeping the strictest watch, and made preparations for the next day's battle. "Before dawn of the 24th the various bodies of troops con- stituting our right wmg began operations, cooperating with each other, and marched on Tapingling — an elevation 180 metres west of the latter, and the ground further west. At 8 A. M. the army occupied the line extending from the heights north of Yangtsaokeu to the eastern side of the heights north of Sunkiatun, along a height about 180 meters above sea-level. At this time the enemy's artillery on the heights of Tapingling Pienwukeu, and Chengkiakeu fired heavily on our positions. The unfavorable nature of the ground prevented our artillery from reaching the positions whence they could effectively reply to the hostile fire. The infantry, therefore, had to occupy the covered position and await an opnortunity to attack. 47 48 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. "The center force of the army, timing its operations with the right wing, advanced under cover of our artillery near Hwarhshan, and occupied the heights north of Simkiatun at 10 A. M. But owing to the severe fire from the numerous Russian guns between Tsingshihshan and Wangmatai our infantry sus- pended movement and waited the advance of the right wing and our artillery. "The army's left wing, which at first occupied the positions near Wutaishan, seeing the advance of the troops on its right extended its first line from Niukiatun to Liupaitasz, and its artillery took position near Tapingchuang and engaged at once in a severe duel with the enemy's batteries at Wangmatai. Russian Position. — "The enemy's main positions covered the ridge of heights from Niusinshan on his right to Ta,pingling on his left via Tsingshihshan. They were divided into defensive sectors, which commanded a view of the zone of our operations, and possessed a wide range of fire. The entrenchments which were constructed in terraces, had loop-holes and cover, and were defended by abatis, wire entanglements, and mines. The de- fenses were perfect from a standpoint of field tactics. The enemy's artillery had skillfully utihzed the nature of the groimd, and taken positions so well covered that it was difficult to ascer- tain the exact location of his guns. "On the other hand, our artillery positions were every- where exposed to the enemy's view, and the movements of our guns were very difficult. But our batteries frequently changed their positions in spite of great difficulties and covered the opera- tions of our infantry. . Even with this, the nature of the ground caused our artillery to suffer severely, and in spite of the stren- uous efforts of our men, our artillery was not able to silence the enemy's guns. The commander of the army, intent on carrying out the attack to. the last, ordered the right wing to advance on the enemy, regardless of losses. They accordingly advanced in face of the enemy's galling fire, but, owing to the nature of the ground, our troops were not able before the sun had set to storm FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 49 even one of the positions occupied by the enemy. With regard to the force next to the right wing, it was compelled to abandon one of the enemy's positions into which it had penetrated by its extraordinary bravery and to retire, owing to the unusual strength of the position and to a counter-attack delivered by a superior force of the enemy. " Such being the situation, the artillery duel was practically suspended at sunset, though a portion of the enemy's batteries occasionally fired on us until 9 p. m. A Night Attack by Japanese. — "The commander of the right wing then decided on a night attack on the enemy's posi- tions in order to carry out the plans of the Commander-in-chief. Having obtained the latter 's approval, the commander of the right wing finally carried out his plan at about 10 p. m., the ma- jority of the infantry being used for that purpose. "This infantry force dashed forward, charged at the point of the bayonet the strong positions of the enemy near Taping- ling, and finally succeeded in carrying the enemy's first fort. Again, in spite of heavy losses, our troops charged the second fort, which they occupied at 3 a. m. of the 25th. The different bodies of troops adjoining the right wing also occupied the heights near Shansiteu shortly afterwards. With the dawn of day our artillery, in the vicinity of Wolungkang, opened fire on the enemy in front, only to discover that the enemy's con- dition had greatly changed from that of the preceding day. Thereupon several bodies of our troops at once pushed forward and occupied Tsingshihshan. As soon as this was known by the left wing they advanced and occupied the line from Nuisin- shan to Kiaotaipu. Our cavalry operated on the left of our army and protected our flank and rear against a superior force of the enemy's cavalry, assisted by horse artillery. The enemy retired towards Haicheng, the main body along the Tashihkiao road and a portion along the road to its east, while the enemy's reserves passed Tashihkiao about 11 a, m. in the midst of our firing. -4- 50 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Tashihkiao Occupied. — "Then the advanced bodies of our several columns pursued the retreating enemy, and shortly afterward occupied Tashihkiao and its vicinity. Russian Forces. — "The enemy confronting us consisted of the First, Second, Ninth, Thirty-fifth, and the Siberian Re- serve Divisions, and had about 120 guns. KuROPATKiN Commanded. — "According to a captured Russian officer. General Kuropatkin took command in the bat- tle, and the officer states that Lieutenant-General Sakharoff and Major-General Kondoravitch were wounded. Casualties. — "The Japanese casualties in this battle were: Killed, 12 officers and 136 men; wounded, 47 officers and 848 men. Total, 1,043. From various reports it is gleaned that the Russians lost more than 2,000. The enemy retreated in confusion, owing to our pursuit. Indications show that the enemy originally intended to strenuously defend the heights near Tsingshihshan and wage a decisive battle there. He suddenly retired at midnight, due to the defeat of his left wing. "As to spoils of war taken, it is being investigated." On July 26th the enemy was still holding the positions near Huchangtun, while about two batteries of artillery appeared at Kiushanling, east of the former place, and fired in the vicinity Of Tungkiaokeu. They later retired in the direction of Haicheng. On July 27th there were only six squadrons of the enemy's cavalry in the neighborhood of Wenkiaotun, and another body of cavalry with a battery of horse artillery near Tungyung- shukeu. The enemy's force which retired from Yingkow seems to have stopped near Hungwasai. The Japanese troops which were dispatched to Yingkow to garrison the town, arrived there on the night of the 26th, and at once relieved the detachment of cavalry who first occupied the place. CHAPTER XI. Advance on Haicheng and Newchwang. — ^Both Haicheng and Newchwang were occupied on August 3d by General Oku's forces; he reports that at 4 a. m. on August 1st the army ad- vanced in five columns from their positions near Tashihkiao. The second column occupied the positions near Nantsienshan at about 9 A. M. The first column drove off the enemy in its front and occupied the heights near Liukiapaotsz at 1 p. m. The third column took possession of the heights near Kiuling, and its ar- tillery opened an indirect fire on the heights east of Tutaitsz, which had for the last few days been occupied by the enemy. As the Russian force seemed to have retired, the column imme- diately advanced and occupied the heights northwest of Ta- shanpu at 9:30 a. m. At this time about two batteries of the Russian artiUery appeared on the high groimd northeast of Huluyi, and opened a severe fire on the infantry of the second and third coliunns. Shortly afterwards the artillery of our second column took up positions on the heights northeast of Tungkiakeu, and the batteries of the third column near Weng- kiakeu, and an artillery duel ensued. At 11:30 a. m. another battery of the enemy's artillery appeared at the southern extremity of Hiakiaho and fired on the infantry of our third column. All of the enemy's batteries, however, evacuated their positions at a little past noon and retired towards Haicheng. The fourth column drove off a small number of the enemy's cavalry, and reached the line extending from the left wing of the third column to Chaokiatun at 10 a. m. In its front about five or six squadrons of Russian cavalry with one battery of horse artillery appeared near Hungnasai and fired heavily on our infantry; but this force retreated towards Haicheng at 5X 52 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. about mid-day. The fifth column drove off the enemy's cavalry and infantry and occupied Liukiapaotsz and Lienshantun. The enemy's force opposing us aggregated about one di- vision, and his main body retired towards Haicheng via the western foot of Tangwangshan. Haicheng and Newchwang Occupied. — The army then advanced to the line of the Pali-ho on August 2d without meeting with any serious resistance from the enemy, and occupied both Haicheng and Newchwang and the ground between them on the 3d of August. The enemy's force that retreated from Haicheng in a north- easterly direction included some two divisions. No further particulars have been received nor any report as to the casualties. It is believed that the Russians will make their next stand at Anshantien, twenty-two miles north from Haicheng. CHAPTER 3^IL The Fourth Army — Commanded by General Nodzu. The Fourth or Takushan Army. — On the 19th of May, under cover of some Japanese war-vessels which were convoying the transports, a body of bluejackets, under a lieutenant, landed at Takushan unopposed, and by 8 a. m. took up a position at a prescribed point, and raised the national flag. Landing at Takushan. — The landing of the troops was at once commenced, and the operations were greatly accelerated, owing to favorable weather. Action Near Wangkiatung. — On the afternoon of May 20th a Russian squadron of Cossacks which appeared near ' Wangkiatung, six miles north of Takushan, was surrounded and attacked by our infantry. A Russian captain, a lieutenant, and four men were J;aken prisoners. The enemy's killed in- cluded a captain and nine men. In affecting the capture of the prisoners one of our men was killed. In addition, twenty- two of the enemy's horses were killed and nine were captured. The enemy appears to have retreated in the direction of Siuyen and Shalisai. A later report says that in the engagement of the 20th all of the Russian officers were either killed or taken prisoners and the men were entirely dispersed, showing that the Russian force was completely routed. Skirmish Near Chienkiatung. — On the morning of June 5th a small detachment, which had been posted at Fankiatung on the road to Kinchow, attacked a body of the enemy's cavalry at Chienkiatung and routed them, capturing two men and thirteen horses. The enemy fled in a northwesterly direction. Action Near Chipanling. — On the night of June 13th a body of infantry and cavalry scouts encountered the enemy in the neighborhood of Chipanling (thirty miles west of Siuyen) 53 54 FROM THE YALU tO PORT ARTHUR. and captured one officer and two men, many rifles and lances, and killed over fifty of the Russians. Our casualties were 1 man killed and 5 men wotinded. Action at Hsienkiayu. — At dawn of the 23d of June a squadron of Russian cavalry were routed at Hsienkiayu, ten miles northwest of Santaokeu on the road to Tashihkiao. Sub- sequently the same detachment dislodged the enemy from the heights north of the Santao-ho and occupied the position the same morning. The enemy retreated towards the northwest, leaving sixty dead on the field. His force consisted of two bat- talions of infantry and a battery of artUlery. This shows that the Takushan Army has already established touch with the Second Army under General Oku, which is moving up the Liao- tung Peninsula. Missing Page CHAPTER XIII. Advance on Fenshuiling. — The Takushan Army on June 26th was formed into three columns, and began operations with a view to the occupation of Fenshuihng (nine miles north- east from Siuyen). "The Asada detachment proceeded from Yangpankeu to- wards Fenshuiling; the Kamada detachment from Tasangpoyu to the enemy's right wing; the Marui detachment from Tsieh- kuanyin, taking a devious route, to the rear cjf the enemy's right wing; the To jo detachment at the same time being deputed to cover the rear of the Marui detachment. The Tojo detach- ment advanced on its mission and on the 26th attacked the enemy, occupying Shanghohtah and Tungkiachwang, but the enemy's force, consisting of about three battalions of infantry and a battery of horse artillery, with six guns and two machine guns, stubbornly defended its position. The fight continued from 5 A. M. into the evening, and the detachment bivouacked in battle formation. The detachment resumed its attack at midnight, drove off the enemy, and occupied its positions at an early hour on the 27th. In the afternoon, however, the enemy was reinforced by about three battalions of infantry and six- teen guns. He repeatedly assaulted our position and attempted to recover it, -but in vain. Our force repelled the enemy, but the artillery duel continued until 7 :30 p. m. The Marui detachment reached Tsiehkuanyin on the night of the 26th, and dispatched a force to attack the flank and rear of the enemy at Hsiahohtan, who were opposing the Tojo de- tachment. The main force of the Marui detachment began to advance at 3 a. m. on the 27th in order to turn the enemy's rear at Fenshuiling. On the way it was opposed by two battalions of Russian infantry at Erhtaokeu, but our troops drove off the assailants at 11a. m., and finally reached Santaokeu. " 55 56 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. The Asada detachment repulsed a force of the enemy, con- sisting of about 2,000 infantry and cavalry in the neighborhood of Wankiapao on the 26th, and passed the night to the south of Wafantien, at the eastern foot of Fenshuiling. At 5 a. m. on the 27th our artillery opened fire on the enemy, who was entrenched in strong fortifications, to which he skillfully replied. He poured a heavy fire on our troops at the ranges previously deter- mined, which temporarily placed our artillery in a difficult posi- tion. Fortimately, the Kamada detachment, which had been dispatched at midnight of the 26th to turn the enemy's right flank, dislodged two companies of Russian infantry from half- way up the TiKiungshan height, south of Fenshuiling, where, after great difficulty, guns were placed in position by 7 a. m. of the 27th, which now opened fire on the enemy's force at Fenshui- ling from the right flank. The infantry then passed from Tihiungshan to the rear of the enemy. The Fukaya regiment, which had been sent from the Asada detachment, began opera- tions at midnight of the 26th, and cleared the heights west of Yangpankeu of about two companies of the enemy's force at 7 A. M. of the 27th, and then turned to the enemy's left rear. Thus the enemy was virtually surrounded by our forces, and his operations were confined. His artillery was silenced at 7:50 A. M., and the general retreat began at 8 a. m. Fenshuiling Occupied. — The infantry of the Asada de- tachment, who approached the enemy from his front, pressed hard on his force, destroying his defensive works, assisted by our sappers and miners, and occupied the summit of Fenshuiling at 11:30 a. m. June 27th. Our artillery hotly pursued the re- treating Russians. The enemy's force retreated towards Hsi- mucheng in great confusion, after burning his store-houses at Sangtotsze. Casualties. — ^We took 6 officers and 82 men prisoners. The Russians, who were killed in the mountains, ravines, and valleys, are innumerable; those left on the main road alone numbering over 90. Our casualties on the Hsimucl^eng road FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 57 were Major Oba killed and about 20 men killed and wounded. The Tojo detachment sustained about 50 casualties." The Russian Position at Fenshuiling. — Fenshuiling forms the key to the Hsimucheng road, and its fortifications were of a semi-pernianent nature, in the construction of which the enemy had spent three months. They consisted of infantry entrenchments, batteries, passages, equipments for bivouac, etc. The front approach was so strongly defended with wire entanglements and barricades that its capture by a frontal at- tack alone was out of the question. But the Asada detachment skillfully operated in this direction, and the other columns cut the enemy's retreats one by one with the result that this string position fell into the hands of the Japanese. Comments. — The battle, which ended in the capture of the Fenshuiling Defile — thus opening the way to Tomucheng — proves to have been a larger affair than is suggested by the fore- going official report. The position is naturally one of great difficulty, and the Russians had been preparing it for nearly three months, building forts, entrenching the slopes, preparing obstacles, such as pits, palisades, wire entanglements, etc., in order to hamper the approaching enemy, and constructing bar- racks and storing quantities of provisions and ammunition at Sangtotsze in the west part of the defile. The capture of such a place by a frontal attack would be enormously costly, and the Japanese determined to turn the position. The exact number of Russian troops defending Fenshuiling is not known, but a close estimate is 14 battalions of infantry, 3 regiments of cavalry, and 46 guns. Resume of Operations. — A brief resume of the operations is as follows: The commander of the Japanese attacking army organized three columns, one of which, under Colonel Kamada, moved against the western eminences of the defile, being the center of the Japanese line. Another, under Major-General Asada, moved against the eastern heights, thus forming the right wing. 58 FROM THE TALV TO PORT ARTHUR. The third, under Major-General Marui, moved in a westerly- direction, so as to reach a point on the enemy's right rear.. Finally an auxiliary force attached to Marui's column operated between that column and the center; its r61e being to capture certain heights, so as to cover the flanking march of the column with which it cooperated. During the night of June 25th-26th this auxiliary force moved out, and at dawn of the 26th opened the attack. It was opposed by three battalions of the enemy's infantry with eight guns, two of them being machine guns. The fight lasted all day and was resumed before dawn of the 27th, the position being captured about 9:30 a. m. Meanwhile Marui's column, during the night of the 26th, reached its appointed place, whence it moved out at 3 a. m. of the 27th, and, sending its right wing to assist the fight then waging between its auxiliary force and the Russians, pushed forward with its center and left, driving back two battalions of the enemy's force, and by 11 a. m. reached a position directly threatening the right rear of the Fenshuiling position. The whole front of the Japanese force extended about twenty miles; on the right General Asada's column took the appointed route on the 26th, and, driving back some 2,000 Russians, reached the lower slopes of the defile's eastern heights, where it planted gims and opened a heavy fire from 5 a. m. of the 27th. Very little was accomplished here. The Russian forts were skillfully placed and they had all the ranges marked, so that the operations of the Asada column were very difficult. But this column did not confine itself to simply gaining an artillery posi- tion. It had sent out a regiment which, diverging eastward, worked aroimd towards a point on the enemy's left rear, which it reached about 10 a. m. In the meanwhile the center column (Colonel Kamada's) advanced during the night of the 26th to- wards the western eminences of the defile, and at 7 a. m. of the 27th, after driving back two companies of the enemy, gained a position, whence the Russians could be enfiladed. When, FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 59 in the early morning the enemy saw they were doomed to be outflanked, they limbered up their artillery shortly before 8 o'clock, and began to move off their infantry a trifle later. Thereupon General Asada's column, aided by the engineers, cleared away the obstacles, rushed the heights, and won the de- file at 11 A. M., pouring a heavy artillery fire into the retreating Russians, who burned their stores, left eighty-eight prisoners and ninety dead, and fell back on Tomucheng. Action at Hsienkiayu. — On July 9th a portion of our force, who was advancing along two roads leading to Tsiehkuanyin and Hsienkiayu, reached the heights to the south about 11 a. m. The enemy, who occupied the heights west of Hsienkiayu, made a stubborn resistance, and held its positions until the evening. The main body of our troops, who had proceeded to- wards Tsic' kuanyin, engaged a force of the enemy, consisting of two battalions of infantry and a battery of artillery, until the evening of the 9th, when they succeeded in driving him off. Our troops passed the night in battle formation. Early on the morning of the 10th our columns repulsed the enemy from the heights west of Hsienkiayu and pursued him. Action at Hsuitsaikeu. — During this pursuit our troops attacked the enemy, who was strongly occupying the heights of Hsuitsaikeu, and took possession of them. A column of troops was also sent towards Tang-chih via Hsienkiayu and Tsiehkuanyin and another column towards Tomucheng via Fenshuiling. The enemy, who had been at Tsiehkuanyin, retired southward along the valley, but at 5 p. m. his artiUery appeared on the heights west of Choukiachwang and opened fire. Action at Sinpanlayu. — The troops who were advancing towards Tomucheng drove off the enemy in their front and at- tacked his advanced positions at Sipanlayu. The enemy seemed to be greatly panic-stricken, but subse- quently he was reinforced by some ten battalions of infantry and two batteries of artiUery. Our troops, having attained the 60 FROM THE YAW TO PORT ARTHUR. object of their reconnaissance, avoided conflict, and retired to a previously selected position. The enemy's force to the south of Tomucheng consists of about one division. The main force of his cavalry is near Niuhsuishan. CHAPTER XIV. Japanese Advance on Tomucheng. — ^The enemy's force in front of the Takushan Army occupied strongly defended posi- tions on the heights north of Kangyaoling to the east of San- chiaoshan via Changsanyu. The epaulement for the enemy's artillery was seen on the heights of Kangyaoling, and about three battalions of infantry were observed in the vicinity of Lao-tatsz. On July 30th the main force of the Japanese occupied the line along the western heights of Tafangshan and the northern heights of Hiaopachakeu, and the left wing took possession of the southern heights of Kukiapaotsz and the southwestern heights of Yinglaoshan. Enemy's Positions Captured. — At dawn of July 31st the main force advanced against the enemy posted on the height east of Sanchiaoshan, and the left wing attacked the enemy on the heights north of East and West Yangshukeu. At 8 a. m. the left wing occupied the enemy's positions to the west of a height 345 metres high in a northeastern direction from East Yangshukeu. The enemy at Rhtaokeu were rapidly reinforced, and his guns were increased to twenty-one. The left wing, in cooperation with a detachment newly arrived, fired severely on the enemy and drove him north at 3 p. m. The main Japanese force was able to occupy the enemy's positions on the heights west of Tapingling at 10:30 a. m., but owing to the severe fire of the enemy's artillery posted at Chang- sanyu and the heights east of Siaofangshan they were unable to advance further. The enemy steadily received fresh reinforcements, and at 5:30 p. M. his entire front assumed the offensive, but were at once repulsed by the fire of the Japanese artillery and infantry. Tl^e enemy sustained heavy losses, but, owing to the severe firp §1 62 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. of his artillery, he was not pursued. Prior to this, the left wing had defeated the enemy and threatened to cut off his retreat. Russians Retreat to Haicheng. — In consequence the enemy, taking advantage of the cover of darkness, withdrew his positions one by one and retired towards Haicheng. The Russians had spent several months in the construction of strong defensive works, in which they entrenched themselves during the battle. They used quick-fire guns, which greatly harassed the Japanese artillery. The Enemy's Force. — The enemy's force consisted of two divisions of infantry and seven batteries of artillery under the command of Lieutenant-General Alexieff, commander of the Fifth Division. The day was extremely hot, the temperature at noon reg- istering 120° Fahrenheit in the open. Casualties. — After the battle of Tomucheng on July 31st 700 dead Russians were found in the ravines and valleys and were buried by the Japanese. According to the Russian pris- oners and natives, the number of the enemy's killed and woxmded, which were sent to their rear after the battle and during the night, was very great. His casualties will reach over 2,000. The Japanese casualties were: Killed, 8 officers and 186 men; wounded, 24 officers and 642 men. Total, 860. Spoils of War. — The spoils of war were 6 field guns, 570 shells, 63 rifles, 980 roimds of ammunition, 180 entrenching tools, 890 koku of flour, 500 kuku of barley, 130 overcoats. The number of prisoners at present is thirty-three, but is increasing. The Russian surgeons who were left on the field have been sent to Haicheng. Composition of the Takushan Army. — ^The Official Ga- zette of August 10th publishes an Imperial message, addressed to Lieutenant-General Kawamura on Jime30th, after the capture of the .Fenshuiling deffie. His Majesty speaks of the force under General Kawamura (which is the Takushan Army) as the "In- dependent Division," and expresses high approval of the work FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 63 done by it in driving the enemy from important positions and in establishing and preserving connections with the other armies (the First and Second). From this it will be seen that the Ta- kushan Axmy had for its original nucleus one division (the Tenth), and that any other troops included in its battle- line must have arrived after June 30th. Evidently the necessity of preserving a strict reticence as to the nature of the Takushan force no longer exists, and the Takushan, or Fourth Army (now enlarged), is commanded by General Nozu. CHAPTER XV. The Situation on August 1st.— Ten battles have now been fought in Manchuria — namely, the Yalu, on May 1st; Nanshan, on May 26th; Tehhsz, on June 15th; Fenshuiling, on June 27th; Kaiping, on July 9th; Motienling, on July 17th; Tashihkiao, on Julj- 25th; Tomucheng, on July 31st; Yushulintsz and Yangtsz- ling, on August 1st. In every one of them the Russians have been defeated. What Kuropatkin's real intention may have been with regard to the Yalu, opinions may still differ, but when we find his troops occupying positions, to strengthen which they have exhausted all the resources of field fortification, his intention to hold them — if possible — is beyond question. That was the case undoubtedly at Fenshuiling, Kaiping, Tashihkiao, Tomu- cheng, Yushulintz, and Yangtszling. The Russians were there to stay, and, having failed in every case to hold their ground, their strategy has now entered its secondary stage. Apparently they did not intend to make a stand at Haicheng. For some time it has been expected that they would not do so, and the defeat of their two divisions, which should have screened the place against the Takushan army, must have precipitated their decision. Anshantien, too, has become a very questionable position. So long as Keller stood between Kuroki and Liaoyang, Kuro- patkin might have fought with some confidence at Anshantien; but he cannot do so now. Indeed, no action has had more in- fluence on the situation than Kuroki's last two victories, for they have laid bare the whole of the Russian left flank, and practicall}' deprive Kuropatkin of any alternative except to fall back upon Liaoyang. Mukden would be incomparably a safer objective. If Oku's army and the Takushan army lose touch of the retreating Russians they may have time to turn their backs on 64 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 65 Liaoyang, and convert the whole operation into a stem chase for the Japanese ; even then heavy sacrifices would probably be inevitable. But Oku reached Haicheng on August 3d, and will probably not give the Russians time to throw up a new line of fortifications. Kuroki is pursuing the same tactics. His out- posts are only five miles from those of the division lately com- manded by General Keller. The Three Japanese Armies are United. — The next few weeks will be momentous in the history of the East. The three Japanese armies are moving with one impetus and under one direction. They had long been acting as separate pieces in a general plan of strategy, and the coordination of their maneuvers is now more striking than ever. Kuroki's, Oku's, and Nozu's armies are now under the command of Field Marshal Marquis Oyama, with General Baron Kodama as Chief of Staff. CHAPTER XVI. Japanese Headquarters. — ^The headquarters of the Jap- anese armies in Manchuria, under the command of Marshal Marquis Oyama, were established at Haicheng on the 4th of August. Russian Dispositions.- — For three weeks heavy rains had suspended all operations. The Russians had massed six divis- ions at Anshantien, and had fortified the position strongly. Five Russian divisions were in position at Anping, and they had at Liaoyang certainly five divisions more. Between Anshantien and Anping the ground rises to an em- inence called Chien-shan, and from the indications a severe bat- tle was expected along this line. The Russian forces protected Liaoyang on the south and east, but not on the north, thus giving an attacking force an opportimity to flank the Russian positions. But as an offset to this weakness Kuropatkin was supposed to have posted another force along the Mukden-Liaoyang road, having its chief point of concentration at Shwangmiaotsz'. Preliminary Operations of a General Advance. — It was not untU the afternoon of August 30th that the Imperial headquarters in Tokyo published the following official statement of the general advance on Liaoyang, which had been received from Marshal Oyama: "According to telegraphic reports from subordinate com- manders received up to the evening of August 29th, the military- position in the vicinity of Liaoyang may be summarized as follows : Position of the First Army. — "The First (Kuroki's') army, as the result of vigorous fighting, lasting from the night of the 25th to the 27th, has taken possession of the enemy's posi- tions strongly entrenched on the rugged ridges extending from 66 FROM THE YALU TO POUT ARTHUR. 67 Hanpoling through Tatientsz' to Tashikeu, and, while pressing the enemy towards Liaoyang, has occupied the entire ground lying on the right bank of the Tang-ho. Details are given in the report of the First army further on. Advance of the Second Army. — "The forces which ad- vanced along the Liaoyang-Haicheng road reached, on the morning of the 27th, a line extending from Shangshih-kiaotsz' to the westward of Sumatai through Huokiatun, after driving off several bodies of the enemy on the way. They then began the attacking operations against the enemy, who was strongly en- trenched in the positions extending from Anshantien to Tengao- pao. But as certain signs were observed that the enemy was about to retire northward, evacuating his positions without resistance, our forces advanced forward in pursuit. Advance op the Fourth Army.- — "A nimiber of our col- lunns, which started early on the 28th in pursuit of the enemy in the districts east of the Liaoyang-Haicheng road, reached at 10 A. M. Tiaokuntai, Tashihteu, and Pakuakeu, when they overtook him and intercepted his retreat along that road. A fierce fire was poured in the neighborhood of Liushantun and Pankialu on a large body of the enemy, which was retreating in great con- fusion. Thereupon the Russians were thrown into greater con- fusion' and retreated northward of the Sha-ho. "A column and an artillery corps of our army, which were advancing at the same time in the districts west of the Liaoyang- Haicheng road, arrived in the vicinty of Pakuakeu and Tao- kungtun just in time to overtake a big column of the enemy, which was retreating in the districts northwest of Pakiatsz'. A violent fire was poured on the rear of this Russian column, which was thereby driven toward the north of the Sha-ho. "Thus our armies on the Liaoyang-Haicheng road suc- ceeded in pressing the enemy close to Liaoyang. Spoils Taken. — "The spoils taken in this part of the en- gagenient were 8 field guns, 4 ammunition wagons, and a great 6-> ; FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. number of baggage-wagons. From this it may be judged how confused wa»the enemy's retreat. Operations of the First Army. — "The enemy's fighting- line in front of our army extended from Hungshaling to the heights north of Tashikeu through Hanpoling and the heights north of Tatientsz', and the Russian positions on the steep moimtains were strongly defended; the fortifications having been prepared several months previously. "On the other hand, we had no positions suitable for making attacks on the enemy, and especially our field artillery was im- able to find positions to moimt its guns, except in the neighbor- hood of the main road. "The account of the engagement is as follows: Position of the Left Column.— "The left column com- menced operations on August 23d, and after driving forward small forces of the enemy occupied a line extending from the heights north of Rhtaoho to those south of Pailinzui on the 25th. Then the column carried out the preparations for the action of the following day. The center and right columns commenced their preliminary operations on the afternoon of the 25th. Operations of the Center Column. — "At midnight of the 25th the center column with its whole infantry force executed a bayonet charge against the center of the enemy's position on Kangchangling and the neighboring steep moimtains. A Bayonet Charge By Night. — "This charge was carried out most successfully, and the main stronghold of the enemy in this district was taken by our forces. But the enemy soon rein- forced his troops on the heights in his second and third fighting ines and strongly resisted our attack. A severe rifle engage- ment then ensued, and at noon of the 26th it was still going on with unabated vigor. Furthermore, the enemy's artillery in the neighborhood of Anping poured a terrible fire on us, and his infantry showed signs of making a counter-attack in order to capture the positions now occupied by us. Owing to the fact that we were unable to find a good position for our artillery, the FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 69 colunm was at one time in a very dangerous situation. But our column defended its position successfully, and finally repulsed the enemy's forces to the valley of the Tang-ho. Operations of the Right Column. — "As for the right column, it delivered a night attack on the enemy's positions sit- uated at Hungshaling and Chipanling and the space between these two hills. Though its left wing succeeded in carrying the position of the enemy's forces confronting it, Hungshaling could not be completely occupied. At daybreak severe rifle and gun fire were exchanged, which lasted tiU sunset. Operations of the Left Column. — "The main strength of the left column also took the offensive and advanced towards an eminence north of Tashikeu, while its artillery engaged the enemy's superior artillery force, which was under cover of semi- permanent defensive works on the heights north of Tatientsz' and northwest of Kaofengsz', the artillery duel reaching its height between 2 and 4 p. m. The enemy's guns were silenced occasionally, but not completely. Meanwhile the enemy's in- fantry, which had been reinforced, gradually pressed on our left wing, which was placed in a perilous position. Under these cir- cumstances the advance of our left column was greatly retarded. In short, our army was only able to penetrate the enemy's cen- tral position, thus cutting his force in two, but could not carry both his wings, even late at night. In addition, the summits of all the hills were enveloped with mist, owing to a heavy thunder- storm which occurred at 4 p. m., so that we were obliged to sus- pend our attack and pass the night where we stood. During the night the enemy made several assaults on us in the direction of Hunshaling and Tashikeu, but he invariably failed. "Availing ourselves of this opportunity, our force suc- ceeded in occupying Hungshaling and capturing eight guns, which had fired on us most energetically from the heights. The Enemy's Positions Taken. — "On the 27th all of our colunans resumed their offensive movement through the mist, but were stubbornly resisted by a portion of the enemy's troops. 70 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. It was only towards twilight that we succeeded in occupying a line extending from Hmigshaling to the heights north of Tashi- keu via Sunkiasai. The severest engagement of all was the night attack in the neighborhood of Hungshaling and Kangchang- ling. By the light of the moon the advance of our troops was easily perceived by the enemy, who not only poured a deadly fire upon us, but also threw rocks and stones from the heights, causing niunerous casualties to our troops, who, however, firmly maintained their positions and withheld their fire. With dauntless courage our soldiers climbed the steep mountains and then engaged the enemy. The loss sustaine'd by us during this attack was heavy. "The enemy on our left-hand column offered a stubborn resistance, arid our soldiers in this direction fought most fiercely. The Russian Forces. — "The enemy's strength consisted of sixty-five battalions of infantry (the whole of the Third Army corps of sharpshooters and the Tenth Army corps in line of bat- tle,) with 120 guns. The greater portion of the enemy retreated in the direction of Liaoyang, while a portion remained in front of our army. The pursuit of the enemy is still continuing. Casualties. — "The casualties among our officers and men during the battles of August 26th and 27th were about 2,000. The enemy's loss is imknown, but believed to be considerable. Spoils. — "The spoils taken on the field include 8 guns, a quantity of ammunition, and a large number of other articles." Comments. — In the recent operations near Liaoyang, Kuro- patkin disposed his army along two fronts — one facing eastward to meet the advance of Kuroki's army, and the other facing southward to confront Oku's and Nozu's armies. From the outset it had evidently been his purpose to hold Liaoyang, and for many weeks steps had been taken to strengthen the two faces by every means known to the science of field fortifications. Of the two faces, the most important was the eastern, for were this forced by Kuroki he would be able to threaten the Russian line of communications northward from Liaoyang to Mukden, FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 71 and all the Russian troops to the south of Liaoyang would be seriously imperiled. Nothing could be more favorable for de- fense purposes than the features of the country along this eastern face. It follows the valley through which runs the Tang-ho. All along the right bank of the river there is a chain of heights crossed at only three places by roads running through defiles; and on the left bank — that is to say, on the western side of the valley — there are hills which afford excellent sites for artillery. On the other hand, no such sites present themselves for the pur- poses of an attack from the east. With the exception of the immediate vicinity of the main road, which crosses the hills at Kangchangling and goes thence via Anping to Liaoyang, there are no places where artillery can be used by an attacking force. The southern face has for its main point the town of An- shantien. Here the railway from Haicheng to Liaoyang passes through a defile, whence hEls stretch westward to Fenyaopo and eastward to Tashihteu. These hills also the Russians had spent weeks entrenching and fortifying, and it was expected that they would offer an obstinate resistance there to the advance of the Japanese armies of Oku and Nozu. But when Kuropatkin knew that his forces on the eastern face had been forced from their positions by the First army, and that Kuroki might soon threaten his right rear, he dared not attempt to hold the Anshan- tien position, and had already given orders to abandon Anshan- tien, when Oku began to reconnoiter that position on the morn- ing of the 27th. Oku's forces then rapidly advanced and occu- pied the Anshantien position without any resistance, and then pushed on after the retreating Russians, who were in apparent disorder which degenerated almost into a rout by the time they passed over the Sha-ho. Whether Kuropatkin will be able to hold Liaoyang will shortly be seen. CHAPTER XVII. Thk Advance on Liaoyang. — On September 1st Marshal Oyama wired the Imperial headquarters as follows : "The position of our forces in the neighborhood of Liaoyang up to the evening of August 31st was as follows: The First Akmy. — "The First army, after occupying the districts on the right bank of the Tang-ho, continued the attack on the enemy. HuNGSHALiNG AND SuNKiASAi OCCUPIED. — "The right and center columns took possession of the entire position of Hung- shaling and the heights north of Sunkiasai after overcoming the stubborn resistance of the enemy. Shwangmiaotsz' Occupied. — "The two columns next ad- vanced towards Shwangmiaotsz' and Shihtantsz', driving the enemy before them, and took possession of the heights east of Shwangmiaotsz', after repulsing the enemy who was occupying these heights, between the evening of the 27th and the morning of the 29th. The left column, however, was not able, owing to the strenuous resistance of the enemy on the heights southeast of Hiangshantsz', to advance to a line north of these heights. "About two divisions of the enemy, which were driven back by the First army in the vicinity of Hanpoling, retreated on August 29th to the right bank of the Tatsz-ho by crossing the military bridge north of Shaotungtsz'. "Since the night of the 28th till the morning of the 29th, 'the First army continued its forward movements, and its right and center columns were able to occupy a line extending from Shwangmiaotsz' to a point north of Shihtantsz.' Tashihmenling and Hiangshantsz' Occupied. — "The left column succeeded, on the morning of the 29th, in dislodging the enemy from Tashihmenling and Hiangshantsz' and its vi- 72 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 73 cinity. It then advanced towards Yayuchi and Mangkiafang. The enemy at these places being, however, greatly reinforced, the column has so far been unable to accomplish its object. The Second and Fotjbth Aemies. — "These armies, which advanced along the Liaoyang-Haicheng road, after vigorously pursuing and pressing the enemy on the 28th, continued their advance on the 29th, when the Fourth (Central) army occupied a line extending from Laikiapao to Hohnewchwang; while the Second (Left) army occupied a line extending westward from Hohnewchwang to Yukiatai. In addition, a column of the Central army advanced far into Weijaogao, and, effecting a junction with the left column of the First (Right) army, drove the enemy from that locality, and advanced toward Mangkiafang. "Jhe enemy in the direction of the Liaoyang-Haicheng road appeared to be in occupation of the line extending from the heights south of Sheushanpao and past the Shiuluitun heights to those east of Fangkiatun. These heights had strong defense works and were firmly held by a large force of the enemy. Under the circumstances our forces had to pass the night in the respective positions they had occupied. At dawn the following day, August 30th, all of our forces commenced aggressive op- erations against the enemy confronting them. As a result of these operations, the enemy appeared to be in dire condition, as it was impossible for him to effect a retreat. "The enemy was still in occupation of the line extending from the heights north of Mangkiafang,- past those south of Tsaofangtung, and east of Fangkiapao to the heights west of Sheushanpao. Determined attacks were delivered by each of our forces on these Russian positions, and fierce engagements took place in all directions. The Engagement at Mangkiafang and Tsaofangtung. — "At dawn on August 30th the left colunrn of the First Army re- sumed its assault on the enemy stationed near Mangkaifang and Yayuchi. At about 1 p. m. the enemy was strongly reinforced. 74 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. and consequently we were still unable at 3 P. m. to carry his positions. ''The column dispatched from the Central army proceeded towards the heights south of Tsaofangtung, and opened an ar- tillery fire at 6 A. m. At first the attack was attended with con- siderable success, but at 10 a. m. a strong Russian column ar- rived on the scene from the direction of Liaoyang and assumed the offensive against our column in order to recover the lost posi- tion. In the afternoon the enemy was again reinforced, so that his strength increased to over two divisions with fifty or sixty, guns. In consequence, the right wing of the Central army was for a time, in a very perilous situation, but after a gallant and desperate struggle succeeded at about 3 p. m. in effecting a junction with the left column of the First army and in occupying the line extending to the neighborhood of Weijaogao, dislodging the Russians from the heights south of Tsaofangtung. The enemy, however, stubbornly continued his aggressive operations, so that fierce fighting was still going on at 5 p. m. The Engagement at Fangkiatung and Sinluitung. — "The main strength of the Central army cooperating with a por- tion of the Left army commenced, on the morning of August 30th, offensive movements against the enemy, who occupied positions extending from the heights east of Fangkiatung to the heights west of ^inluitung. In attacking the enemy in this region our forces deployed on the heights extending from Dawa to the heights in the vicinity of Shaiaoyantsz'. The enemy in this district, establishing himself in strongly entrenched positions, offered a most stubborn resistance. Our army poured a heavy artillery fire on the enemy preliminary to a general assault, but up to 5 p. M. had not been able to silence the guns in the enemy's posi- tions." CHAPTER XVIII. The Engagement at Sheushanpao. — The main strength of the Left (Second) army commenced offensive operations at dawn on August 30th, and at about 11 a. m., after occupying a line extending from Mataoling to Tachaokiatung delivered an attack upon the enemy stationed at the heights west of Sheu- shanpao. The enemy in this direction dispatched his right wing to a village northwest of Kutsuasui, and incessantly fired on us with machine guns. Although our army attacked the enemy with its whole strength no progress was made up to 4:30 P. m., when a body of our reserves was sent forward to reinforce our left wing. Meanwhile the artillery of our column, which had advanced along the left flank of our army, at about 2 p. m. reached the neighborhood of Wangjantimg, and opened fire on the rear of the enemy in the vicinity of Sheushanpao. Strength of the ENEMY.-^The whole strength of the enemy's forces opposed to the Central army is not known, but, being gradually reinforced, the number of their guns mounted to the eastern part of the eminence of Sheushanpao alone amount to about 100, while all the enemy's positions in the different directions are thoroughly fortified, and even his auxiliary de- fense works would not permit an easy approach of our infantry. Under the circumstances, the attacking operations were con- tinued even so late as after 7 p. m. Night Attacks. — During the night the enemy delivered an attack from the neighborhood of Sheushanpao upon our Left army, but was repulsed. A portion of our Left army, stationed at a point north of Shiaoyantsz', also delivered a night attack on the enemy occupying the hills south of Sheushanpao. A fierce engagement ensued, which lasted far into the afternoon of 75 76 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. the 30th, when no opportunity had presented itself of which we could avail for a turn in the operations. Again at Mangkiafang and Tsaofangtung our army is holding its ground, courageously fighting against a much superior force of the enemy. In this situation our Left army occupied, at 12 :20 p. m. the heights west of Sinluitimg. The whole force of the enemy facing our different armies appears to be about twelve to thirteen divisions in strength. Thk Right (First) Army. — ^The detachment from the left column of the Right army, whicho ccupied the heights north of Sunkiasai before the evening of the 30th, received a fierce fire from the enemy in front, whose strength was gradually increased towards the right. At midnight our detachment was obliged to retreat to the heights south of Sunkiasai, and strenuously defended that district. On the morning of August 31st the enemy in this direction showed signs of attacking us, but he ultimately abandoned his intention. The main body of the right and center columns commenced operations at 11 p. m. on the 30th, crossed the Taitsz-ho in the neighborhood of Lientaowan, and proceeded in the direction of Hwankufan. At 4 p. m. on the 31st our forces were to occupy a line extending from Hanjahtsz' to Tsuofangkow, but no report of their subsequent movements has yet been received. One bat- tery of Russian artillery took its position in the north of Hoh- yingtai, and on the heights north of Tsuofangkow the enemy was seen busily engaged in constructing defense works. The enemy in this direction did not appear to be in great strength. The Central (Fourth) Army. — The enemy's artillery facing the right column of our Central army was not so active on August 31st as it was the previous day. But there took place fierce exchanges of fire between it and our force. Our right colunm is firmly maintaining its positions. The battle in the direction of the left column of the Central army has FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 77 also been fought most fiercely since the morning of the 31st, but the enemy's positions have not yet been occupied. The enemy in the neighborhood of Fankiatung was reported to have com- menced moving in a northwesterly direction at a little past 4 p. M. of the 31st, but no detailed report as to their actual move- ments has yet been received. The Left (Second') Aemy. — The right column of the Left army carried out a night attack from about 3 a. m. on August 31st, and though several bayonet charges were made, no satis- factory result was attained till about noon when reinforcements were dispatched, and our troops succeeded in occupying part of the heights southwest of Sinluitung. Night Attack of Russians Repulsed. — The main column at 1 A. M. of the 31st repulsed the enemy, who had delivered a night attack, and pressed him along the railway route. In ad- dition, the enemy's force, which had made several counter- attacks on the left of the column, was driven back with the co- operation of a portion of the left column. Our attack on the enemy has been continuously carried out, but the heights west of Sheushanpao have not yet been carried. The offensive opera- tions of the Left army were maintained by sheer energy up to 6 p. M. of the 31st. At about 3 p. m. of the same day the enemy's infantry of an unknown strength, assisted by a certain number of guns, appeared in the neighborhood of Peitai, some six miles northwest of Sheushanpao, and was encountered by a body of our reserves. The Left army is determined to direct a further severe bombardment on the enemy with all the artillery at its disposal, and then deliver a general assault. Carried by Assault. — At dawn on September 1st our Left army, by a fierce and daring assault on the enemy, completed the occupation of the heights west of Sinluitung and 99-metre height, west of Sheushanpao. The number of our casualties is probably large, but no detailed report is yet received. A telegram from Marshal Oyama, sent at 1:15 p, m. on on September 1st, says: 78 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. Russians in Full Retreat. — "The enemy in front of our Central and Left armies has commenced to retreat towards Liao- yang, and our two armies are now in pursuit. " Casualties. — ^According to an ofHcial report, the number of casualties sustained by the First army during the operations extending from August 24th to the 28th, is as follows: Officers killed 26, wounded, 69; rank and file, killed and wounded, 2,146 ; missing, 14. The Russians are believed to have lost 3,000 on August 30th. Up to August 27th the Russian killed alone numbered 3,150, and 18 trains carrying the wounded were sent northward. CHAPTER XIX. The next official report from Marshal Oyama was wired Im- perial headquarters at 10:20 p. m., September 1st, as follows: Russian Retreat and Japanese Pursuit. — "The enemy, unable to stand the fierce onslaught of our army, retreated to- wards IJaoyang from early morning of September 1st, and is being pursued vigorously by a portion of the Left army and the whole of the Central army. "The enemy is in great confusion in the neighborhood of Liaoyang and apparently intends to retreat to the right bank of of the Taitzs-ho. Some Canet guns of 10.5-cm. calibre (pre- viously captured) are now furiously bombarding the neighbor- hood of the Liayang railway station. "At 11 A. M. of the 1st the Right army was attacking the enemy's position at Hohyingtai. The main force of the Left army is to further press the enemy to the Taitsz-ho from dawn of the 2d instant. "The casualties to our armies since the 29th of August have not yet been ascertained, but are estimated at some 10,000." Report from Chief of Staff of Left Army. — From the dawn of August SOth the Left army attacked the enemy on the heights in the neighborhood of Sheushanpao, about five miles southwest of Liaoyang. As the enemy's force offered a very stubborn resistance, being protected by strong defensive works, our army could not attain its object, even after a fierce engage- ment lasting two days. Successful Night Assault. — ^By a fierce assault, carried out on the night of August 31st, however, our army finally suc- ceeded, at about 3 a. m., on September 1st, in dislodging the enemy from thei high lands west of Sinluitung, those east of Tatszping, and those west of Sheushanpao. 79 so FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Railway Station at Liaoyang Bombarded by Cap- tured Guns. — As the enemy was retreating towards Liaoyang, a force consisting of infantry, cavalry, and artillery was dis- patched to pursue him, while the railway station at Liaoyang is being bombarded by the Canet guns, before mentioned. A large mass of the Russian force is still remaining in the vicinity of the station, whence trains are to be seen leaving for the north. Central Army. — The troops in the first line of our army have occupied the line extending from Tatepu to Sipalichwang via Tunglichwang. The army is to continue its advance to-day (September 2d) and, if possible, occupy the line extending from Sincheng to Liaoyang, thereby keeping pace with the move- ments of the Left army. On September 2d the headquarters of the commander-in- chief. Marshal Oyama, which had previously been at Haicheng, were advanced to the scene of operations. A Further Advance. — The enemy facing the Central and Left armies continues to retreat to the right bank of the Taitsz- ho, while a portion of his troops is retaining a line of defense works extending from the south to the northwest of Liaoyang, as well as the heights northeast of 'Muchang (on the right bank of theTaitsz-ho). Both of our armies which followed in pursuit of the enemy reached the line extending from Tatepu to Yangkialuitsz' through Sipalichwang, and are maintaining their aggressive operations. These armies expect to be able to advance to the right bank of the Taitsz-ho by to-morrow morning (September 3d). Attack at Hohyingtai. — The Right army attacked the Russian force on the heights (131 meters) west of Hohyingtai, and succeeded in carrying a portion of these heights this morning (September 2d). The subsequent development of the engage- ment has not yet been ascertained. It appears that the enemy's troops are gradually concentrating in the direction of the Yentai coal mine, neaf the right wing of the Right army. FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 81 On September 3d at 9 a. m. Marshal Oyama wires that the remnants of the enemy are still outside the walls of Liaoyang, con- tinuing their resistance. The Central and Left armies are at- tacking them. CHAPTER XX. Last General Advance. — Up to 9 p. m. of September 3d the situation is as follows : Right Army. — The main force of the right column of the Right army advanced west, leaving a portion in the neighbor- hood of Santsz'new in order to protect its right. The center column has not yet succeeded in completely oc- cupying the eminence 131 meters high. The left column is remaining in the neighborhood of Hoh- yingtai, facing the enemy on the .above eminence. Central and Left Armes. — These armies are continuing their attack on the enemy's forces to the south and west of Liao- yang. The buildings in the vicinity of Liaoyang station— ap- parently store-houses — were to-day destroyed by fire. Liaoyang Occupied. — ^At 9 a. m., September 4th, Marshal Oyama wires: "As the result of the engagements during the night of the 3d and the morning of the 4th Liaoyang has com- pletely fallen into our hands." Operations from August 24th to September 4th. — A subsequent report gives the following particulars of the opera- tions from August 24th to September 4th: "Our various armies commenced operations for the attack on the enemy in the neighborhood of Anshantien and Tanghoyen towards the latter part of August, and the accoimt of their sub- sequent movements is as follows : Right Army. — "The Right army commenced operations on August 24th, and after severe fighting, which lasted from the night of the 25th to the 27th, caused the enemy to retreat, and occupied a line extending from Hungshaling to Kaofengtsz' through Sunkiasai. Pursuing the enemy, the army reached a line covering Shihtantsz' and Hiangshantsz' on the 29th. 82 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 83 "During the night of the 30th and on the 31st its main body crossed over to the right bank of the Taitsz-ho at Lientaowan, while a portion of the army remained on the left bank of the river in order to act in conjunction with the Central army. On September 1st the main body of the Right army commenced an attack on the enemy stationed in the west of Hohyingtai. The latter offered a stubborn resistance, and, assisted by reinforce- ments received on the previous day, made our further advance somewhat difficult. But after four days' fierce fighting we car- ried the enemy's position a little past mid-day on September 4th. On the same day the portion, of the army which had been left on the left bank of the Taitsz-ho crossed the river and proceeded to Kuantung. Central and Left' Armies. — "The Central and Left armies began their operations on August 26th, and," steadily pressing the enemy, reached a line extending from Shangshihkiaotsz' to Sumatai through Huokiatung on the following day, when the strong forces of the enerny, stationed at Hsiafangsin and An- shantien, commenced to retreat in the direction of Liaoyang. Thereupon the Central and Left armies immediately pursued the enemy, and driving off one of his columns the Central army reached a line extending from Pankiatu to Shaho, and the left army a line extending from Shaho to Yukiatai, both on the 29th. RtrsBiAN Position. — "The enemy still held a strong position, extending from the heights north of Yayuchi to those west of Sheushanpao along the height.^ to the south of Tsaofangtung and to the east and west of Sinluitung. This position was at- tacked by the Central army. Acting in cooperation with the ■ latter, the Left army also attacked the enemy in the vicinity of Sheushanpao. " On the 30th the right wing of the Central army, in coopera- tion with the left wing of the Right army, commenced an attack on the Russian force occupying the line extending from the heights north of Yayuchi to those south of Tsaofangtung. The enemy, however, having been strongly reinforced from Liaoyang, 84 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. the right wing of the Central army was obliged to temporarily remain in the position taken from the enemy. "Under these circumstances, I gave orders to the Left army to speedily attack the enemy's force in the neighborhood of Sheushanpao. During the same day the left wing of the Central army and the whole of the Left army commenced an aggressive movement against the enemy at Sinluitimg and in the neigh- borhood of Sheushanpao, but their operations were rendered difficult, due to the enemy's stubborn resistance as well as to his frequent counter-attacks. Russians Retkeat. — "The enemy's forces in both of these directions, unable to withstand the fierce attack of our armies, lasting day and night, were finally dislodged from their positions at midnight of August 31st, and retreated towards Liaoyang. Both of our armies at once pursued the enemy, who, however, offered a renewed and stubborn resistance, occupying positions on the strongly fortified line encircling the southern and western walls of Liaoyang, as well as on an eminence northeast of Muchang. Liaoyang Completely Occupied. — "Our two armies, after a continual attack on Liaoyang from September 1st to the night of the 3d, at last succeeded in carrying the enemy's fortified line, completely occupying Liaoyang on the morning of the 4th. "There are indications that up to August 30th the enemy sent reinforcements to Liaoyang by train. Strength of the Russian Forces. — "The strength of the Russian forces engaged by our armies is not accurately known, but it must have been at least twelve divisions. .The greater portion of the enemy appears not to have retired to the north of Yentai ar yet, but are still in the neighborhood of Yingshuitsz'. "The warehouses in the vicinity of the railway station, and the railway bridge, as well as the pontoon bridges over the Taitsz- ho, have been destroyed by the enemy. "Our Left and Central armies are stationed on the left bank of the Taitsz-ho, and a detachment is imder orders to occupy the heights north of Muchang and the vicinity of the railway bridge. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 85 "Our losses since August 25th are not yet known, but must be great. Russian loss unknown. A Ten Days' Struggle. — "Notwithstanding the fact that the enemy had desperately defended his positions by means of semi-permanent defensive works, our armies have, after a strug- gle lasting ten days, been able to attain their object; and, in spite of the numerous casualties on our side, our ofiicers and men are in high spirits." CHAPTER XXI. Operations of the Right Abmy from August 25th to September 5th. — August 28th: Towards the evening the first column, after driving off a small number of Russians troops de- feated in the previous battle, occupied the line extending from Yingyupao to Shuangmiaotsz' along the left bank of the Taitsz- ho. On that day the river had greatly increased in volume and could not be forded. AU the bridges had been destroyed by the Russians, so that the first column was unable to cross to the right bank. The main force of the right wing of the second column at- tacked the enemy on the heights north of Sunkiasai, while its left wing attacked the enemy on the heights northwest of the same place, and our force occupied the line extending from the heights south of Tsaokiayu to the north of Siaolingtsz, via an eminence 243 metres high, and spent the night facing the enemy at the heights west of Tsaokiayu and at Tashihmenling (the pass about two kUometers southeast of Wangpaotai) . After 10 A. M. the third column pursued the enemy the whole of the day and finally drove him off after repeated resist- ance on his part. At night the column occupied the line of heights from Szefangtai to Hiangshantsz'. August 29th: The first column remained in the positions oc- cupied on the previous day, and made preparations for crossing the river. A portion of the right wing of the second column drove off the enemy's outposts and occupied Shihtsuitsz' at a little past 8 a. m. The third column occupied the heights south of Chukiakeu and reconnoitered those of Yayuchi and Mcnkiasai. August 30th: At dawn the third column attacked the en- emy, occupying the heights of Menkiasai and Yayuchi, and was able, after gallant fighting, to occupy the heights north of Chu- 86 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 87 kiakeu. During the night, however, the enemy received con- siderable reinforcements. He lighted up our camp with his field search-lights, and poured a galling fire on the heights occu- pied by our troops, who, in conse.quence, were placed in an ardu- ous position. The left wing of the same column occupied the heights east of Wangpaotai at 6 p. m., and afterwards cooperated with the main force of the third column. The first column left a portion of its force at a place between Shuangmiaotsz' and Tiao- shuilou, and waded across the Taitsz-ho in the vicinity of Lieutao- wan from 11 p. m. A portion of the second column remained at Shihtsuitsz', while the main force followed in the steps of the first column. August 31st: The Penchihu column crossed the Taitsz-ho at 4 A. M. in the vicinity of Woluntsun, and attacked the Russian infantry at Weiningying, who fled. After pursuing the foe the column took possession of Penchihu. The main body of the first column, followed by that of the second, also crossed to the right bank of the Taitsz-ho unmolested by the enemy, and occupied before dusk the heights extending from Kuantien to Shintsuen via Santsago. Pontoon bridges having been thrown over the Taitsz-ho, our field artillery corps crossed the river the same night and joined the column to which it belonged. The second column and the left wing of the third column maintained- their positions of the previous day. From early morning the enemy seemed inclined to make a counter-attack, but abandoned his intention, his operations being confined to a continuous artillery fire. September 1st: The main body of the first and second col- umns opened fire from early morning on the enemy's positions on the heights north and southwest of Hohyingtai and his positions further north. The enemy also bombarded us from his artillery positions concealed in the northwest of Hohyingtai, on the heights south and west of Suikwantun, in the vicinity of a hamlet to the north, and on the heights of Tsuofango. In addition, a 88 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. detachment of the enemy with some gims advanced upon the left flank of our first column, in consequence of which our attacking operations were ' interrupted. A severe rifle and artillery duel between the hostile forces in the vicinity of Hohyingtai and our own was maintained imtil after midnight. The enemy on the heights in the vicinity of Menkiafang retreated, however, and the heights extending from the north of Yayuchi to the north of Menkiafang were occupied by our third column between 7 and 11 A. M. "A portion of the Penchihu column, after a fierce engage- ment lasting from 8 a. m. to shortly before 3 p. m., drove the enemy northward, and then occupied the heights north of Hsiangshantsz'. At 5 p. m. the enemy made a coimter-attack southward, but was again repulsed. "September 2d: After dawn the first column attacked the enemy's force, advancing to its right, and hard fighting ensued, as the result of which the line extending from the neighborhood of the coal mine to the heights about 2,000 metres west of Ta-yu was finally occupied by us. During the afternoon, however, the enemy was gradually reinforced and the number of his gun increased to sixty. "As to the main force of our second column, it succeeded, after constant fighting, in carrying the eminence northwest of Hohyingtai between 2 and 3 a. m. A portion of this column attacked the 131-metre elevation from the edge of the heights at Suikuantim, but could not attain its object, owing to the con- centration of the Russian fire, as well as to the counter-attack by their superior force; our troops merely succeeding in main- taining the heights northwest of Hohyingtai. The enemy's artillery, consisting of about fifty guns, subsequently poured a heavy fire upon the eminences occupied by the second column. "Our artillery, however, had no proper positions and could not return an effective fire, so that the column experienced great difficulties. Under the circumstances, all the officers and men have not been able since the previous evening to obtain any FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 89 regular food or even water; subsisting merely on a quantity of clean rice they had with them. All this was due to the fact that their commimication with the other columns had been com- pletely severed by the enemy's fire, both from the front and on the flanks. At sunset two or three brigades of Russian infantry made a counter-attack on our first and second columns, while at the same time the exchange of rifle-fire became very fierce in the neighborhood of Hohyingtai. "The left wing of the second column, which had fortunately arrived on the field during the afternoon, proceeded to the as- sistance of our troops in the direction of the above place, but in spite of their united efforts the repulse of the enemy had not been effected up to midnight, when the rifle-fire was still at its height. "September 3d: The enemy's force making the counter- attack had been completely repulsed, but was still in occupation of the 131-metre eminence and the neighboring districts. In addition, a strong Russian force was stationed at the places southeast of Yentai and in the vicinity of Lotatai and Cheu- chingtsz'. During this day both the first and second columns were only just able to maintain their positions, so that reinforce- ments were sent to them by the third column. "September 4th: Since dawn tranquility has prevailed in all directions. The third column, which had been ordered for- ward in haste, arrived at Kuantien early in the morning. At 10 A. M. the enemy stationed on the 131-metre eminence completed his retreat, and our forces occupied the position. Thereupon our army at once commenced operations for the pursuit of the enemy. "The Penchihu column occupied the neighborhood of Pingtaitsz', and after leaving a detachment there in order to watch the enemy in the direction of Mukden, the column with its main force immediately hastened towards Yentai. Just at noon it reached the heights northwest of Sankiatsz' to the north of the coal mine, and, after fighting, succeeded in taking Yu- mentsz'shan at 6 p. m. 90 FROM THE TALV TO PORT ARTHUR. "September 5th: Since the previous night the first column has been encountering a superior force of the enemy in the neighborhood of Siaotalienkeu, resulting in desperate fighting; our forces finally causing the Russians to retreat in a north- westerly direction at 6 :30 a. m. "In pursuing the enemy, the colunrn occupied a line be- tween Talienkeu, Talienkeu and Liuluikeu, and then halted. "The Penchihu column, which had been fighting the enemy since dawn, has occupied the Yumentsz'shan district. The sec- ond column also occupied Santaopa at 1:30 p. m. Its artillery fired on the enemy retreating from the neighborhood of Fangsin for thirty or forty minutes, throwing him into complete disorder. The main force of the third column advanced near Loiatai, and then halted. The Russian Strength. — "The strength of the enemy engaged by our Right army on the left bank of the Taitsz-ho mainly consisted of a portion of the Russians who had retreated after the engagements on August 26th and 27th. The strength of the enemy facing the second column was about one division, while that facing the third column was at least one and one-half divisions. The number of the Russians who had opposed us on the right bank of the Taitsz-ho since September 1st was more than three and one-half divisions, comprising the Third, Ninth, Thirty-fifth, and Fifty-fourth Divisions in the line of battle; the Second and Third rifle regiments, and a portion of the Moscow infantry regiment. The hostile forces facing our right flank could not have numbered less than three divisions. Casualties. — "The number of our casualties since the en- gagement of August 28th can be roughly estimated at 4,000, an exact calculation not having yet been made. The Russian casualties are not certainly known, but, judging from those left behind on the battle-field, their number must be larger than ours." CHAPTER XXII. Operations op the Central Army on September 3d AND 4tii. — "Our army, resuming offensive operations from 5 A. M. on September 3d, attacked the Russian positions in the southern outskirts of Liaoyang. In spite of the enemy's un- abated fire, the right column at 6 p. M. determinedly charged his forts at Yuifwanmiao, this step being taken in view of the gradual decrease of our ammunition, and the absence of any prospect of its being speedily supplied, as weU as the nearness of our positions to the enemy's, and the fact that any longer stay under the fire of the enemy's artillery — consisting of over fifty guns — only meant an increase in our casualties. "The left column, which had already approached the enemy's forts, frequently attempted to seize the opportunity for a charge, but was unable to do so owing to the undiminished fire of the Russian artillery and machine guns placed in the neigh- borhood of Chenjalinzui. "Seeing however, that the right column had commenced a forward movement, the left also advanced ready for a charge. "Notwithstanding the galling fire from the enemy, the left wing and the central force of the right column, pressed on the enemy's forts, destroying on their way the several lines of de- fense works and leaping over the dead bodies of their comrades. About 7:50 p. m. the Twentieth Regiment of infantry carried the enemy's redoubt on the eastern side of Yuifwanmiao and at once occupied it. "Another battalion of infantry, acting in conjunction with the left wing of its neighboring detachment, also advanced on the western side of the enemy's fort. "Owing to the enemy's stubborn resistance, the left wing was compelled to halt temporarily at a point 200 metres in front 91 92 FROM THE TALU TO PORT ARTHUR. of the enemy's position, but with the advent of evening rushed the fort. "Even after the occupation of the enemy's fort by the cen- tral force, the latter was fiercely bombarded by the Russians inside the wall and an artillery duel ensued, lasting for some some time. At 10:20 p. m. our various forces finally took pos- session of the south gate of the wall, and passed the night there. "The left column commenced its advance from the northern end of Chenglijuan, but owing to the enemy's hot fire was imable to continue its advance, as well also the right column. Shortly after midnight the entire force of the left column charged and carried the enemy's positions, and thus the southern part of Liao- yang was finally taken by our detachments, which were subse- quently sent in pursuit of the enemy. Casualties. — "Our casualties on September 3d are not yet accurately known, but from a rough calculation the losses in the right column were about 3,000, and 800 in the left." Gallantry of the Twentieth Regiment.- — This regiment lost its colonel and one of the battalion commanders in the battle of Anshantien, and subsequently lost two battalion commanders in the engagement near Weijaogao. On September 2d the suc- ceeding regimental commander and another battalion com- mander were also killed, and there remained no officer above the rank of major in the regiment, so that Major-General Marui was compelled to assume the command in this direction. But what raised the honor of the regiment conspicuously was the assault carried out on the 3d, when the men in the first line of battle fell one after another, and their colors wavered in spite of the reserve corps which pressed them forward. At this juncture Captain Egami assumed the command of the regiment and rushed forward at the head of his company imder the regi- mental flag in front of the firing-line of the attack formation. The entire regiment, suddenly inspirited by this sight, trampled down the many defensive works, and penetrated into the enemy's entrenchments, raising lusty cheers for His Majesty, the Emperor. FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 93 But the honor was purchased at a heavy sacrifice. In a certain battalion all of its officers were killed, and a first-class private commanded one of its companies. The rank and file of another company was reduced to fifteen. Though the exact figures are out of the question, owing to the confusion that existed, this regiment alone sustained losses amounting to at least 1,300 men. Undaunted by these heavy losses, the regiment immediately after dawn of the 4th dispatched a detachment to the eastern extremity of Liaoyang in pursuit of the enemy. CHAPTER XXIII. Operations of the Lett Army from August 30th to September 4th. — "On August 30th at 5 a. m. the army ad- vanced from the line of the Shaho, the first column forming the right wing, the second the center, and the third the left wing, with the object of attacking the enemy in the neighborhood "of Sheushanpao. At 6:30 a. m., when the head of the first column had reached a line extending from the village northwest of Ying- taoyiien to Teutaitsz', some two batteries of the enemy's artUlery, situated in the valley south of Sheushanpao, opened fire. At the same time the sounds of severe cannonading were heard in the direction of General Nozu's (Central) army. As the result of reconnaissances made in various directions, it was perceived that the enemy's positions extended through the heights west and south of Sheushanpao, those west of Sinluitun, and those east of Fangkiatun. They were defended with strong entrench- ments, surrounded by wire entanglements. "It was deemed too hazardous for our first column to make a frontal attack on the_ Russian positions, and consequently it was decided to occupy the southeastern projection of the heights west of Sinluitun with the main force, by advancing from the eastern side of Hohniuchwang. "The column opened fire at 7 a. m., making preparations for an attack in the near proximity with the left wing of General Nozu's army. Owing to the bad road, the march of the second column was retarded. But a portion of the column arrived at the villages southeast and northeast of Tachaokiatun, and imme- diately afterwards the major portion of its artillery also arrived on the scene and opened fire on the enemy's artillery in the valley southeast of Sheushanpao. By 1 p. m. some progress had been 94 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 95 made in the attack of the first column, but the latter was not yet in a position to scale the heights. "The second column also assumed the offensive and ad- vanced from the neighborhood of Tachaekiatai, its right' wing connecting with the left wing of the first column and its own left wing enveloping the enemy's right wing. A portion of its ar- tillery had not yet arrived on the scene of the battle. At that time the main force of the third column was situated in the neighborhood of Hinglimgtai. Our cavalry advanced from the neighborhood of Wangjentun, and made a demonstration with their field guns on the flank and rear of the enemy. "At about 4 p. M. the enemy's infantry and artillery ap- peared to be steadily receiving reinforcements. His right wing extended to the villages northwest of Guzuazui, with machine guns placed at different intervals. The enemy offered a stub- born resistance. Notwithstanding the fact that the second column continued the attack with its entire force, the situation of the column was critical, and the safety of its left wing was threatened, so that the latter had to be reinforced with a portion of the infantry belonging to the third column. Prior to this, an infantry regiment and a battalion of artillery had been dispatched to the first column as reinforcements in order to assist its at- tack. The battalion of artillery took up its positions at Ying- taoyuen at 3:40 p. m. and opened fire. The right wing of the first column attacking the southeastern comer of the heights west of Sinluitvm was subjected to a severe flank-fire from the enemy's artillery situated on an elevation at Fangkiatun, as well as from the redoubt at a projected point in front, and was placed in such a difficult situation that it could not advance any farther. Under the circumstances, the first and second columns, though they continued their attack with the utmost energy, were pre- vented by the enemy's auxiliary defense works and his galling rifle- and gun-fire from effecting a charge before sunset. There- upon it was decided to destroy, under cover of darkness, the enemy's auxiliary defense works and then make an assault, the 96 FROM THE TALV TO PORT ARTHUR. attack to be resumed at dawn in the event of failure. On this day our artillery could not place all its guns in position, owing to the difficult road, and it was a cause of profound regret that its sustained fire throughout the day could not silence the enemy's guns. During this engagement the enemy reconnoitered our movements by means of balloons, and frequently moved his troops from one point to another, thereby evincing his determin- ation to fight a decisive battle. This consideration prompted us to exercise full caution and display redoubled energy. "From 3 a. m. on the 31st the infantry of the first column determinedly carried out a fierce and daring assault. An in- fantry regiment, forming its left wing, succeeded about daybreak in carrying the southern portion of an eminence south of Sheu- shanpao, but owing to the enemy's severe frontal and flank-fire, as well as a counter-attack by a superior force of the enemy com- ing from the heights standing to the north, was obliged, after a hard fight, resulting in heavy causalties, to retire to the base of the above hill. The right wing also pushed forward in spite of extreme difficulties and considerable losses, but the enemy's auxiliary defense works were so strong and the scaling of the heights was so difficult that our troops could do no more than throw themselves upon the ground, and thus keep their position at the base of the elevation. The second column, commencing operations at 1 \. m., repulsed the enemy's repeated counter- attacks, and advanced through a terrible fire from his quick- firing guns in order to carry out a night attack. "The column finally succeeded in pressing the enemy to the railway line and approaching within 50 to 100 meters of his positions. Owing, however, to losses which were heavy, due to a plunging fire by the enemy on one of the heights, the column was unable to charge. Meanwhile the day dawned, and subse- quently about five battalions of infantry from the third column deployed to the left of the second colinnn, which helped to im- prove the situation. At 7 a. m. three battalions of infantry were brought to the battle-field from the highway in order to FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 97 cooperate with the left wing of the first column. In this condi- tion the first and second columns vigorously continued their attack, while our artillery severely bombarded the enemy's position, having taken up their respective positions within an effective range. But our forces were still unable to actively assume the offensive, and, owing to the rain of the preceding day, great difficulty was experienced in obtaining ammunition supplies. About noon the same day our artillery fire developed great strength and wrought havoc on the northeastern portion of a height west of Sinluitun. On perceiving this, the right wing of the first column dauntlessly stormed the Russian position and carried it by 12:30 p. m. Though a portion of the enemy's posi- tions thus fell into our hands, yet our forces were unable to ad- vance farther, owing to the stubborn resistance of the enemy in the other defenses, and also on account of the deadly fire of the Russian artillery stationed at Fangkiatun. Under these cir- cumstances our troops of the second column were unable to continue their advance. "At about 5 p. M. a report from the commander of the third column was received stating that at about 3 p. m. a force x)i Russian infantry with some guns, whose strength was not clearly known, had appeared at Peitai about six miles northwest of Sheu- shanpao and was proceeding southward. Thereupon the re- mainder of the third column in reserve was at once ordered to engage the enemy's force just mentioned. Our cavalry corps operated in front of the left wing of third column, guarding on the one hand the left flank of our army against the enemy in the north, and on the other, carrying out a reconnaissance in the direction of Liaoyang. At 7 p. m. it was decided that the whole of our artillery should bombard the enemy, and then make a general assault. This artillery fire doubtless inflicted consider- able damage on the Russian defenses. "During the night our infantry in various directions worked hard, making preparations for the destruction of the enemy's auxiliary defenses. The preparations completed, they made a -7— 98 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. fearless and energetic charge on the enemy's position. The first column took a height west of Sinluitun and the second column a height (99 metres) west of Sheushanpao, while the reinforcements received by the second column captured a height in the direction of the main road leading to Mukden. This was at about 3 p. m. on September 1st. "The strength of the Russian forces engaged in the fighting appeared to consist of about two divisions of infantry (consisting, according to statements of prisoners, of the whole of the Third Siberian Reserve Division and detachments from the First and Fifth Rifle Divisions) with about fifty guns. The enemy re- treated in the direction of Liaoyang at about 3 a. m. A portion of the second column's reinforcements pursued the enemy and reached the neighborhood of Sipalichwang at about 8 p. m. The third column was ordered to join in the pursuit of the retreating enemy, while our main body assembled and were put in order on the positions taken from the enemy. "From 1 p. M. on September 1st the third column com- menced to pursue the fleeing enemy. By this time the greater portion of his defeated troops was in the neighborhood of the railway station. From about 4 p. m. the enemy increased the number of luggage-cars, and was retreating in succession. Our artillery poured an effective fire upon him, which caused great confusion in the vicinity of the station. The artillery belonging to the third column reached the vicinity of Shakiachwangtsz, in the afternoon, and after a brief duel succeeded in silencing the enemy's guns southwest of Jiguan. Thereupon the above col- umn occupied the line extending from the villages northeast of the latter place to the neighborhood of Wanpaoshan, and re- connoitered the enemy's force near Liaoyang. The army bivouacked in the neighborhood of the battle-field, ready to advance in full force on the 2d instant. "At 7 A. M. of the 2d the first and second columns began to advance in order to effect a junction with the right wing of the third column. As it appeared from various reports that the FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 99 enemy was determined to make another stand within the de- fensive works extending from the west to the south of liaoyang station via the neighborhood of Jiguan, we at once attacked him. Fire was opened at about 8 a. m. in the direction of the third column. "Meanwhile the advanced bodies of the second column, proceeding along the railway route, deployed quickly, and thus effected a junction with the third column. Between 9 and 10 A. M. the advanced portion of the first column reached the line extending from the neighborhood of Suilichjuan to Sipalichwang, while its artillery took positions oh the heights southwest of the latter place, and opened fire at about 9 :40 a. m. upon the enemy's guns placed in the neighborhood of Chenjalinzui. At 10 a. m. the sound of cannonading was heard in the direction of General Nozu's army, and at about 10:30 a. m. that army commenced to. advance. It was then learned that the first fighting-line of Nqzu's army had reached the vicinity of Tateputsz' and Tung- palichwang. "From various reports it appears that the Russian right wing was occupying the positions extending from a point about two and one-half miles northwest pf the railway station to the southwest of the station, and also from the vicinity of Jiguan to the south of Liaoyang. "The middle and eastern half of the above line seem to have been strongly fortified. At about noon of the same day the first fighting-line of the third column gradually pushed for- ward, when fire was opened on it by two "batteries of the enemy's artillery, which suddenly took up their positions in the northeast of Yangkialintsz'. In addition, a column of the enemy also ap- peared in that direction and advanced southward, gradually increasing in number. The right wing of the enemy in the above direction then appeared to extend gradually westward. "The third column stUl vigorously attacked, the 'enemy, who, however, stubbornly resisted, and there were, indications that the battle would be a protracted one. Owing to the 100 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. strength of the Russian defensive works and to his fierce resist- ance, our artillery made little impression, so that darkness descended on the battlefield before our army could obtain an opportunity of charging the enemy. During the same night a portion of the right wing of the second column attempted to storm the enemy's position in the vicinity of Jiguan, but was un- successful, owing to the strength of the auxiliary defense works and the deadly fire of his machine guns. It was noticed that a fire had broken out in the vicinity of the railway station the same day. "The bombardment of the enemy's positions was renewed at daybreak on the 3d, but the enemy still offered a stubborn resistance. Advancing within range of the enemy's rifle-fire, our artillery endeavored to destroy his entrenchments and quick-firing guns. As a result, a portion of his troops at several points was thrown into confusion. The rest, however, still maintained their ground, and it seemed difficult for our infantry to attempt a charge. Under the circumstances it was decided to concentrate the whole of our artillery fire upon the enemy and await an opportunity to charge. "We waited till 7 p. m., by which time our infantry had ap- proached within 200 to 300 metres of the enemy. Our artillery then poured a final fire of great severity on the enemy, and a general attack was spontaneously commenced along our whole line. A fierce infantry engagement ensued, lasting far into the night. Shortly after midnight we at last rushed the Rus- sian positions, and succeeded in carrying his first line of entrench- ments, enthusiastic cries of "Banzai!" arising from the entire line. The fire raging in the neighborhood of the railway station became intense this day. "On the 4th at 2 a. M. a portion of the second column occu- pied the railway station, and a portion of the third column oc- cupied the northwestern extremity of Liaoyang. They did not stop there, but pursued the enemy retreating in the direction of Taitsz-ho. The enemy at last retired to the right bank of the FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 101 river, setting fire to the railway bridge. As there was a strong force of Russian infantry on the opposite bank our army was not able to subdue their fire. "Judging from the general conditions of this battle, it was evidently the enemy's intention to check our advance to the utmost of his power by making a determined stand at the posi- tions near Sheushanpao and by taking the offensive in other directions, thus fighting a decisive battle at Liaoyang. The re- sistance made by the enemy at the second line of defense indi- cated that he only wanted time to safeguard his flank and rear against General Kuroki's army. On the whole, the enemy's defensive action at Liaoyang was desperate, and proves that originally he had no intention to retreat." CHAPTER XXIV. Casualties at Liaoyang. — From reports received up to September 10th from the chiefs of the medical corps of the three Japanese armies, the casualties, in the battles fought at Liaoyaug and in the neighborhood reached 17,539, classified as follows: In Kuroki's Right army, 4,866; in Nozu's Central army, 4,992; and in Oku's Left army, 7,681. Of the foregoing figures, the losses among the Japanese commissioned officers are stated as follows : In Right army, 54 killed, 131 wounded, missing 1, making a total of 186; in Central and Left armies, 137 killed, 151 wounded, making a total of 288. Two colonels were killed and 2 wounded; Lieutenant-General Ogawa was also wounded. It is extremely difficult to arrive at the actual number of the total casualties sustained by the Russians in the various en- gagements at and near Liaoyang. No two of General Kuro- patkin's reports agree as to the casualties. The latest detailed list as published by the Russian general staff shows 2 general officers, 54 regimental officers, and 1,810 men killed, while 3 general officers, 252 regimental officers, and 10,811 men were wounded, and 5 officers and 1,212 men were left on the field. Kuropatkin stated in another report that from August 28th to September 5th his casualties were 4,000 killed and 12,000 wounded. It is known by the Japanese official reports that 3,100 dead Russians were found on the field and were buried. Assuming the ratio of 4 wounded to 1 killed, it would make the total Russian casualties 24,830; the Japanese estimate, made by the field staff, was 25,000. Spoils of War. — The spoils of war captured by the Japanese brces during the attack on and before Liaoyang were 3,578 rifles, 1,638,730 rounds of rifle ammunition, 10,056 rounds of 102 FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 103 artillery ammunition, gun carriages and caissons of one battery of artillery, 129 ammunition wagons, 70 horses, 750 swords, 80 revolvers, 15,985 entrenching shovels, 5,639 entrenching mat- tocks, 2,570 axes, 6,400 overcoats, 18,915 tms of beef, 17,620 koku of forage, 3 electric flash-lights, 3 electric reflectors, and 3 portable telephones, besides large quantities of timber, iron wire, telephone wire, metal fittings, kerosene oil, rice, food stuffs, materials for field railways, coal, mining tools, etc. After the occupation of liaoyang 353 Russian barraclis and 214 store-houses and godowns were found in good condition; these covered an area of 29,000 tsubo, and were situated in the neighborhood of the railway station, and are now occupied by the Japanese army. About 7,000 koku of oats were burned and destroyed by the Russians, but the following were taken in good condition : Three thousand koku of barley, 6,000 of bran, 1,000 of Chinese rice, 1,000 of cracked wheat, 5,000 of kowliang (millet), 1,300 tins of kerosene oil, 100,000 kv'an of wood for fuel, 250,000 kin of coal, and 1,800 cases of loaf sugar. In addition Kuroki's army destroyed 448,000 kin of coal and 6 250 meters of rails for field railway. Strength of the Hostile Forces. — The Japanese forces consisted of Kuroki's (First) army of three complete divisions, 1 brigade of cavalry, 1 brigade of artillery, and 1 reserve brigade; Oku's (Second) army of 3 complete divisions, 1 brigade of cav- alry, 1 brigade of artillery, and 1 reserve brigade; and Nozu's (Fourth) army of 2 complete divisions and 1 reserve brigade; making a total force of about 160,000 men. {Note. — The com- position of a Japanese division will be found in the Appendix.) Kuropatkin's forces consisted of 5 divisions of Siberian Rifles, 2 or 2^ divisions of Rifle Reserves, the Tenth Army Corps of 2 divisions, the Eighteenth Army Corps of 2 divisions, and the Fifth Army Corps of 2 divisions: making a total of 13 or 13^ divisions. A Russian army corps consists, nominally^ of 104 MiOM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 3 divisions of infantry, 12 batteries of artillery, and from 2 to 3 regiments of cavalry. But the army corps sent out from Russia this year (the Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fifth) seem to comprise two divisions only, and as each division has four regiments and each Siberian regiment three battalions (the others having four), a battalion being estimated at 800 men, it is seen that Kuropatkin's force of infantry concentrated near Liaoyang comprised 176 battalions, or 140,800 men, to which must be added his cavalry and in- fantry. Making the necessary deductions for his sick and wounded, it is safe t^^ say that he had at least 140,000 men in line of battle. Comments. — Liaoyang stands where the Liao-ho valley comes in contact with the spurs of the Changpeishan range, which, beginning at the upper reaches of the Yalu, forms a converging point for the roads leading to the Liaotung Peninsula and the northwestern districts of Korea, and also those tra- versing the plains washed by the waters of the liao-ho. The Taitsz-ho, which flows to the north of the city, is not navigable for large boats, but small junks from time immemorial have gone up the river for many miles beyond Liaoyang, and the produce of the fertile country used to be carried to Yinkow by this stream. The depth of the river is from four to six feet in ordinary times and its breadth from 100 to 150 feet. Liaoyang is thus very important point of radiation, not only so econom^ ically, but especially so from a strategical point of view. A mountain range runs close to the south, the highest peak of which is Shou-shan — a bald mountain covered only with underT brush to a height of a foot or so, but its sides being very precip- itous, furnishes an ideal position for the construction of fortifi- cations. It loolcs down upon the highway to Haicheng, and the tactical importance of the place made the Russians choose it for important works of defense. (Note. — The height is variously, spoken of as Sheushanpao, or Shoushanpo). The city of LiaoT yang is surrounded by a wall that measures twenty-five feet in FROM THE YALV fO PORT ARTHUR. 105 height and thirteen feet in breadth. Outside the wall it is sur- rounded by a ditch thirteen feet in depth and twenty feet in breadth. The town is connected with the outer world by means of six gates, the western one directly opening to the highway that leads to Haicheng. There is a great tower or pagoda out- side the gate that was constructed hundreds of years ago, and the distance of about one mile between the town and the railway track is filled with Russian barracks, store-houses, and other buildings. In Japanese hands, the occupation of Liaoyang will compel the Russians to abandon all designs on southern Manchuria. So long as Kuropatkin retained liaoyang he was not only within practicable reach of Port Arthur, but he also covered Mukden, the capital of Manchuria — to occupy which is of cardinal moment from the point of view of Japan and China. He has now been driven beyond all immediate reach of southern Manchuria and beyond the capacity of guarding Mukden. This in itself is of very great importance. It is calculated that the stores destroyed or abandoned by the Russians at Liaoyang and during their hasty retreat represented a quantity 'such as would take the Siberian Railway six months to transport. Besides, Liaoyang is the great warehouse of local food supplies in Manchuria. Most of the agricultural products of the three provinces gravitate there for distribution. The Russians evidently intended to make the place their permanent base, and its losb must have upset Kuropatkin's plans. The lines of defenses surrounding the approaches to Liaoyang were deemed almost impregnable; months had been spent in their preparation, and all devices known in field and semi-permanent fortifications were exhausted. The terrible losses sustained by the Japanese in their re- peated attacks (notably the losses in the Twentieth Regiment of infantry) furnish mute evidence of their great strength. Yet some critics are disposed to condemn the Russian methods of field fortifications, probably with a view to minimize the value of the Japanese successes. However that may be, the fact is 106 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. that with one exception (at Tehlitsz, which resulted in a crushing Russian defeat), the Russians have always fought behind fortifi- cations — and have always been beaten. Should the day ever come when the task devolves upon them of attacking Japanese entrenched positions — and they will certainly have to do so if Manchuria is to be recovered — there will be an opportunity of seeing what they can do with the reversed position. Undoubtedly Kuropatkin's retreat was well managed, but to those who feel disappointed because thousands of men were mt taken prisoners and hundreds of guns captured, there are a iiw observations to be made. The first is that the battle of Liaoyang was not in any sense a battle in the open. It was a battle or a succession of battles where one side had the advantage of fighting behind entrenchments, which by months of work had been prepared to resist the strongest assault. Under such cir- cumstances, signal disaster cannot overtake the defenders unless they invite it by excessive optimism- — by, in short, clinging to the position after all hope of holding it has vanished, and by thus exposing themselves to the danger of being captured simul- taneously with their defenses, or flying from them in disorder and suffeiing all the disasters of a rout. Kuropatkin made no such error. He might very easily have made it. Here was a position of vital strategical importance; a posi- tion which had served him as a principal base ever since the be- ginning of the war; a position which he had openly pledged himself before the world to hold — if he could. He must have abandoned it with vast chagrin. But he did abandon it in good time, and the fact does much credit to his soldierly acumen. The second point is that the Russians were able to hold • these entrenchments so long and to make the task of reducing them so terribly difficult that the Japanese had been fighting for ten days before they carried the position. After such an effort, unprecedented, so far as we know, in the history of war- fare, the assailants could not have possessed sufficient physical strength to Undertake a vigorous pursuit. FROM THE TALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 107 The third point is that the Russians were not surrounded; their rear was open; it rested on a river which, had they deferred their retreat too long, might have been a source of peril to them, but which, owing to their timely withdrawal, they were able, to convert into a fresh obstacle to the Japanese advance. It would not have been at all surprising if Kuropatkin had suc- ceeded in holding the Japanese at bay for two or three months at Liaoyang until winter came to his aid ; that is assuredly what he hoped. The Turks at Plevna, though in possession of com- paratively weak fortifications hastily improvised, defied an enormously superior Russian army for week after week. Kuro- patkin might have fairly hoped to accomplish that much at least. The Japanese force was somewhat superior in strength to that of the Russians — a point of good generalship always — but assuming that the forces were equal the equation becomes, on one side, a certain force of Russians posted behind lines which possessed almost the rank of permanent fortifications; and on the other a similar force of Japanese required to carry these fortifications without any weapons except those used in the open field. It was an immense achievement to capture this position under such conditions; an achievement which establishes be- yond all question the superiority of the Japanese soldier to the Russian. But it was an achievement which could not have been accompanied by any signal results like those accomplished at Sedan, when the French were taken by surprise and exposed to the attack of a greatly superior enemy in the unfortified open. The defeat at Liaoyang is crushing as it stands. The Rus- sians have absolutely no excuse. It must be evident to them now that in order to conquer a Japanese army they must have enormous superiority, both in numbers and position. Kuropatkin has shown himself clever in retreat. He man- ages to draw off his men without a crippling loss. But continual retreats do not win campaigns. CHAPTER XXV. Advance on Mukden. — ^After the occupation of Liaoyang on September 5th the Japanese armies at once began preparations for an advance farther north. When the Russians retreated they destroyed five military bridges across the Taitz-ho (two above and three below the rail- way bridge), and while they destroyed also the wood work of the railway bridge and removed the rails, they did not seriously injure the metal framework, so that it soon became available for the passage of infantry. The main force of Kuropatkin's army retreated to Mukden and beyond, but a strong rear guard was posted along the north bank of the Him-ho. Kuroki's army, having previously crossed to the right bank of the Taitsz-ho, had already reached the Manjuyama line of heights and also occupied Hohyintai, the Yentai coal mine, and Pingtaitsz', while the right flank of the Japanese line was further extended by the occupation of Penchihu by a reserve brigade under Major-General Umezawa. The Central (Nozu's) and I/eft (Oku's) armies remained on the left bank of the Taitsz-ho, and although bridges for crossing the river were constructed as rapidly as possible, they did not cross to the right bank until about October 5th, when it was known that Kuropatkin had commenced an offensive movement to the south. Then both the Central and' Left armies crossed the river and straightened out the Japanese line, as previously determined. The Russian Army moved southward, crossed the Hun-ho, and began the advance; the Russian left moving as far as Ping- taitsz', their line extending in a northwesterly direction, the right being refused. Prior to this, however, on September 17th, a 108 Missing Page FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. 109 column of Japanese troops posted at Pingtaitsz' was attacked by a Russian force coming from the direction of Fushun (or Wu- shun), consisting of about five battalions of infantry, eight squadrons of cavalry, with eight guns, and another force from the Mukden highway of two battalions of infantry, a body of cavalry with six guns. Severe Fighting at Pingtaitsz. — A severe engagement ensued, lasting from noon to 3 p. m. The Russian force from the Mukden highway came within a very short distance of the Japanese defense line, but commenced to retire at 4 p. m., shelled by the Japanese artillery for about half an hour, which inflicted serious damage on the enemy. While the greater portion of the Russian troops gradually re- treated, a body of the enemy offered a stubborn resistance until about 7 p. M., when it was finally repulsed. On September 20th skirmishes occurred at Taling and at Sanlungfu, but the Rus- sians were repulsed and driven to the north. For several days the situation remained apparently unchanged. Russian Movements on October 4th. — On October 4th a small body of Russian cavalry appeared in the vicinity of Aiyangpienmen, but was repulsed. A Russian force, consisting of one battalion of infantry, eleve;i or twelve squadrons of cavalry, with five or six guns, made its appearance in the direction of Shangliuhotsz', but soon afterwards retired, leaving two or three squadrons on a line of observation extending westward from Mangkiafan. It is re- ported that the infantry of the advance guard wore Chinese clothes. A small force of the enemy attacked our patrol stationed at Pingtaitsz', but was repulsed; the enemy retreated, leaving on the field his killed, in addition to arms and accoutrements. This force belonged to the Thir4 Regiment of sharpshooters, and were all in .Chinese clothes, no FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. Four squadrons of Russian cavalry have been stationed at Shuangshutsuitsz ' on the Fushun road since yesterday, and were still there on the 8th instant. The enemy's scouting parties, who had been moving in the neighborhood of Lungwangniiao, retreated towards the north, leaving behind an infantry patrol. A small detachment of Russian cavalry advanced from Yenkashosi towards Siaotai, while another force with three guns opened fire from the vicinity of Tatai upon our detachment at North Yentai. The Russian force stationed at Changtan on the right bank of the Hun-ho appears to have retired to the north, leaving be- hind a portion of his force. No Russians are to be seen in the vicinity of Tantaisz. Kuropatkin's Proclamation. — An interesting feature in connection with the southward offensive movement of the Rus- sian Army is the proclamation which Kuropatkin addressed to his troops at Mukden, prior to the movement, quoted as follows: "Since the enenly attacked Port Arthpr without declaring war, the hostilities have now continued for seven months. "Our soldiers have performed brave acts, deserving the traditions of their country. Still not only the enemy is not vanquished, but he is indulging himself with the hope of de- cisively defeating us. Our army in Manchuria has had until now no numerical strength sufficient to defeat the enemy. In order to adequately reinforce our active army so as to perform with fuU measure of success the duties imposed upon it, much time was needed to overcome all the difficulties lying in the way. It was on this account that after having repeatedly repulsed the enemy at Tashihkiao, Lianchenshan ('') and Liaoyang, we were not able to follow up our victories, but we had to retreat imder difficult circumstances. "While being attacked by Kuroki you succeeded in re- treating over rugged passes with gims and wagons which you werecompelled to drag with your own hands and yet without FROM 'THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. Ill abandoning any of them. You left on the battle-field no pris- oners nor wounded, neither did you suffer any train to be dam- aged. With much regret I had to order a retreat, but I took this step, having been firmly convinced that a complete and decisive victory would be impossible just then. "The Tsar has sent us at the proper time a great force; and one hundred thousand men, together with ten thousand horses, and one million pounds of freight, have been brought over to Manchuria from European Russia and Siberia during the last seven months, over-coming every difficulty in transporting such an enormous force over 10,000 versts. In order, however, to fully carry out the inflexible will of the Tsar, more forces will be dispatched if these regiments are not sufficient. "It is now high time to impose our will upon the enemy. The Manchurian Army is strong enough to force its way for an advance. It should always be kept in mind, however, that mere numerical strength is not to be relied upon in order to de- feat the strong and brave enemy ; but every one of you from the highest to the lowest must have a firm resolution to do your duty. You must offer any sacrifice whenever asked for, with the consciousness of the importance of victory for Russia. Especially it must be remembered how requisite a victory would be for relieving our comrades at Port Arthur, who have held the fort entrusted to them for seven long months. You must think hourly about the honor and rights of Russia, which the Tsar has confided to you to uphold. It is my constant belief that the defense of the honor of Russia and the fame of her army are entrusted to you. The Tsar with his whole nation is offering prayers for our sake. Encouraged and strength- ened by these prayers to pursue new acts of bravery, we are bound to perform our duties to the last with unfaltering deter- mination, neither fearing dangers nor sparing lives." Battle of the Sha-ho. — Events now followed thick and fast; and the following resume of the daily operations of the 112 FROM TBE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. hostile armies is copied verbatim from the. official Japanese re- ports, promulgated by the Japanese Imperial headquarters: "The situation October 9th in front of the Right army was as follows: "This morning the enemy crossed to the left bank of the Taitsz-ho, at Weiningying and advanced toward Kiaoteu, finally cutting the communications between the latter place and Pen- chihu. His troops consisted of about a brigade of infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and two guns. The enemy also increased his force in the districts on the right bank of the Taitsz-ho to a brigade of infantry, 1,500 cavalry, and eight guns. A com- positr- bTigndo of the enemy was in the direction of Taling. anct a regiment both at Mienhuapo and Pakiats'?'. These forces were all advancing south apparently, followed by others. "At 2 p. M. about two regim.ents 9f Russian infantry en- tered Shangliuhotsz' and a regiment of cavalry, Hialiuhotsz'. Another Russian force, a division strong, which Wid also arrived at Shaotakow, had already reached the front of our position. "Up to the morning of the 9th instant the Russian troops in front of the Central army numbered about a division, and were stationed on the line connectiug Chienhuanghuatien, Pankiaopao, and Liutungkeu. In the afternoon a column of his troops headed south from the latter place along the railway line, its ad- vanced bodies having already reached Nanwulikai. Russian in- fantry, at least three battalions strong, are also pouring ahead from Liutungkeu; others apparently following. The line of the enemy's troops advancing along the railway route extended over a distance of about five miles, and even their rear was in- visible. About a regiment of infantry was also noticed on the heights east of Pankiaopao. "The enemy's movements in front of the Left army are not active, and his main strength appears to be in the neighborhood of Liutungkeu and Sunkiatai. "Since the 7th instant the Right army has been sustaining the Russian attack in the direction of Hsienchang, and ha^ also FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 113 despatched a column of troops to reinforce the garrison at Kiaoteu. The Penchihu detachment was likewise reinforced ; and the fight is going on, but particulars are not yet to hand. "The Central and Left armies are fighting with the enemy in their front. Under these circumstances we intend to assuage the offensive from to-morrow morning and attack the enemy's main force, in order to prevent him from concentrating his troops in the south of the Hun-ho. Severe. Fighting Near Penchihu. — 'The Right army has effected a junction with the Penchihu detachment. The latter fought against a superior force of Russians for about twelve hours from the morning of the 9th instant. The fight was the fiercest towards Penchihu; the detachment, however, was able to maintain its positions. The Russian force, a little stronger than a brigade, was at Weiningying. A large Russian column arrived at Taling late last night, and about one brigade was at Turn en tsz 'ling..' Last night the enemy attacked our positions and a hand-to-hand fight ensued at several places. The rein- forcements dispatched from the Right army reached Huoliensai at about 4 p. m. yesterday. A detachment from this force reached Penchihu at about 9 p. m. and another detachment oc- cupied Tumentsz'ling. The enemy is camped at close quarters at Pienshankeu and Tayupao. Colonel Hirata was wounded. "On October 10th the situation was as follows : " In front of the Right Army a considerably strong body of the enemy was in occupation of the heights east of Sankiatsz', and a big column of infantry deployed in the valley of Yeh- hokeu. About one regiment of Russian infantry was con- structing defensive works in the neighborhood of Shaotakeu. Another force with artillery advanced towards Shangliuhotsz ' and Hialiuhotsz' about 2:30 p. m. "The height east of Penchihu was assaulted and carried by the enemy, and subsequently the height east of the road and situated between Penchihu and Hualienkeu was also carried by the enemy, who successfully effected a night attack. Our Pen- 114 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. chihu detachment, however, maintained its principal positions throughout the night, and this morning, under cover of a dense fog, recovered the height east of Penchihu. The height between Pen chihu and Hualienkeu was also re-taken at 11 a. m. "The right column of the Right army is fighting along the whole line with the enemy's infantry and artillery in its fore- front. At about 11 A. M. the Russian troops charged the heights east of Hualienkeu, and a severe bayonet fight ensued, the enemy being finally repulsed. "The enemy left a great number of his killed on the field, and retreated to the base of the heights. " According to a report received this evening, it appears the Russian force near Penchihu was greatly reinforced. But our troops are fighting splendidly. "The right column of the Central army occupied the heights east of Yumentsz' this morning. On reaching the heights east of Hwangti the left column "attacked the enemy at Wulitaitsz', but was unable to complete the occupation of the position by sunset. "Having occupied the neighborhood of Kukiatsz', the right column of the Left army effected a junction \\ith the left column of the Central army, and then together assaulted the mixed force of the enemy on the heights of Wulitaitsz' and in the neighbor- hood of Erhtaitsz', thereby occupying a line extending from Shuangtaitsz' to Erhtaitsz'. The central column of the Left army having reached a line near Tsientaitsz' and Kangkiatai, attacked the enemy at Tatungshanpao, which he had occupied the previous day, the position being finally carried by us. "The left column attacked the enemy at Silaoshantun and continued its advance, proceeding as far as Hokiatun. "Our garrison at l\Isienchang delivered a night attack on the enemy in its front at 3 a. m., and succeeded in driving him to the northeast. "On October 11th, in front of the Right Army, about five batteries of Russian artillery began to furiously bombard the FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 115 various positions in front of the Penchihii detachment from about 10 A. M. Presently the enemy assumed the offensive with a regiment from his right wing and five battalions from his central column, and fierce fighting is now going on. An artillery duel is proceeding in the districts between Taling and Penchihu. The same is also the case in the Tumentsz'ling district. "A force despatched by the Penchihu detachment to the left bank of the Taitsz-ho has already returned to the right bank after driving off the enemy. The Russians have placed a number of guns in position in the neighborhood of Taiyupao on the upper reaches of the Taitsz-ho. "It appears that the enemy posted to the east of the main road between Tumentsz'ling and Penchihu is at least two di- visions strong, with about eighty guns. The enemy's main strength opposed to the Right army is posted on the line from Sankiatsz' to Pakiatsz', and its strength is not less than four di- visions. The right column of the Right army and the right wing of the left column continued furiously fighting till sunset. "The left wing of the left column, cooperating with the right wing of the Central army, tried to dislodge the enemy from the vicinity of Sankiatsz', but up till sunset it had not attained its object. The engagement, however, is progressing favorably. The commander of the Right army is going to continue his en- deavors during the night to beat the enemy in his front. "The right column of the Central army has been inoccupa- tion of the heights to the north of Yumentsz' since yesterday morning. The right wing of this column, in cooperation with the left wing of the left column of the Right army, advanced this morning in the direction of Kukaitsz'. The left wing of the Central army's right column has advanced to the attack of the enemy in the direction of Penniutsz' and the district east of Sankuaishihshan. The enemy opposing the left column of the Central army offered a stubborn resistance on the line extending from Pankiatun to Shihliho and Liutangkeu. In consequence the CentraParmy was not able to effect the pre-arranged advance 116 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. before sunset. The enemy opposing the left column was slightly less than a division. "The advance movement of the Left army to-day made com- paratively rapid progress. The arm}^ continued the attack on the enemy defending the line of Pankiaopao and Liutangkeu. The right column has already occupied Yangkiawan, and is proceed- ing towards Liusankiatsz'. The left column advanced to the line extending from the neighborhood of Tayuchungpao to Lita- jantun via Tsingchuitsz'. Its main force was stationed in the vicinity of Tsingchuitsz' and Sakiatientsz', and menaced the enemy's right flank and rear. In the event of the T^eft army being unable to reach its object before sunset^ the commander will carry out a night attack, and continue the advance to- morrow. The enemy opposing the Left army was not less than two divisions. A General Attack. — "On October ]2th the situation in the direction of Mukden was as follows : "The central column of the Right army occupied Laokoling and the heights north of Pakiatsz', and subsequently took pos- session of Maerhshan. The left column of the Right army occu- pied the heights north of Shaotakeu. The Central anny began operations from midnight the previous day, and early this morn- ing proceeded from Sankiatsz' to the line of heights northwest of Sankuaishihshan. This army is probably at present pursuing the enemy. Since last night the Left anny has been incessantly attacking the enemy in the neighborhood of Shihliho, Lungwang- miao, and Wulikai, but has not yet achieved any conclusive success. This army is reinforcing its left wing and endeavoring to envelop the enemy's right flank and rear. "The fight is still proceeding in the direction of Penchihu. Such being the condition, the situation is judged to be favorably developing for the attainment-of our original object. Spoils of War. — "The Central army captured two field guns and eight ammunition wagons in the fight last night. FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 117 Major-General Marui and Lieutenant-Colonel Kuno were wound- ed and Colonel Yasumura was killed. Further Victories. — "In the direction of Penchihu the enemy's attack was repulsed everywhere, and the junction be- tween our detachments at Penchihu and Kiaoteu has been firmly established. "The pursuit of the enemy by the main force of the Right army and by the Central army has made great progress. "Our armies have already reached the line of Maershan and Mangkiafen, where a detachment of Russian forces with guns has already been enveloped and thrown into great confusion. The rest of the enemy's forces seem to have been routed north- wards. In order to cut off the retreat of the Russian troops at Penchihu the Right army dispatched a detachment to Shih- kiaotsz', which must have been reached by 3 p. m. More Spoils Captured. — "The Central army this morning captured eight field guns and ammunition wagons. According to a prisoner of war, Kuropatkin, with- some three divisions of troops, had been in rear of the enemy opposing the main force of the Right army. The central column rf the Left army, after over coming the enemy's strong resistance, occupied the neighbor- hood of Langtsz'kai at about 1 ;30 p. m., capturing eight guns. The enemy was completely routed and fled northwards. The pursuing troops at once advanced to liusankiatsz' via Siao- tungtai. The right column overcame the stubborn resistance offered by the enemy entrenched north of Endowniuloo (?) and routed him,. The column is pui'suing him towards- the soutli of Limgwangmiao and Wulikai. The left column t\hs fiercely bombarding North Ycmai at 12 :30 p. m. Thirty-six Guns Capturkd.— "Since forwarding the la.;t report the Right army has lieen continuing its hot pmsuit of the enemy towards the north. The detachment which had pro- ceeded towardr> Shihkiaotsz', in order to cut off the retreat of the enemy's force at Penchihu, is still operating with that object. il8 FROM THE YALU TO PORT ARTHUR. "The Central amiy is still continuing ite attack and advance ana intends to occnpy the line of Tungshankow, Hukia, and Kukiatsz'. The enemy in this direction is obsen'ed to be re- tiring north, tlic retreat being continued till eA'ening. Tt is re- ported that a large cohinm of the enemy's force at Huangwatien has proceeded southeast and begun to construct defensive works at Chienhuangwatien, but particulars are not yet to hand. "The number of guns captured by the central cokunn of the Left army, last reported as eight, should be corrected to six- teen. While continuing its pursuit of the enemy, the right wing of the same colun.n subsequently captured four guns. The en- emy twice delivered fierce counter-attacks on that column, but each time was repulsed with heavy losses inflicted by the ar- tillery and infantry of the column. The right column of the Left army, while pursuing the enemy in the west of Shihliho, captured five guns and ammunition wagons belonging to the enemy. In all, the Left army captured twenty-five guns and five ammunition wagons. The Left arnty removed its entire reserve and a body of artillery to the neighborhood of Kushuts/'. A portion of these troops dislodged the enemy from Pankiatien, and is now cooperating with the right wing of the left column in advancing to the attack. "The mimber of field guns and ammunition wagons cap- tured by the Central army, last reported as eight, should be cor- rected to eleven. In addition, the aimy took 150 Russian prisoners. A General Advance.— "The operations on October 13th were as follows : "The enemy in the direction of Penchihu, having been re- peatedly repulsed, showed signs of retreating from about 5 p. m. yesterday. Our army in this direction assumed the offensive from early this morning, but further particulars are not yet to hand. Prior to this a large body of Japanese cavalry, com- manded by H. I. H. Prince Kan-in, outflanked the enemy from his left and put his reserves to flight. This action did much to FROM THE YALV TO PORT ARTHUR. 119 impio\e the situation. The troopers were to advance to the rear of the enemy. "The right cohimn of the Right army is attacl