Documents of the Boxer RebellionDocuments of the Boxer Rebellion
OFFICER OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCE ON ASIATIC STATION
Flagship Brooklyn, off Taku, China, August 24, 1900.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose copies of correspondence in regard to a quantity of bullion taken from the ruins of the Chinese city of Tientsin by the First Regiment United States Marines. Inclosures "X" relate to what took place before the matter had been referred to the Department as to the immediate disposition of the bullion; "Y," the transaction of sale; "Z," the carrying out of the contract and mailing of the drafts to the Department.
Very respectfully,
GEORGE C. REMEY,
Rear-Admiral, U.S.N., Commander in Chief.
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES
FORCES,
Tientsin, China, July 20, 1900.
SIR: I have already treasure to the
value of about $300,000 in gold and about twice or three times
as much more to bring into town.
We have not yet found the gold vaults of the
treasury, but are on the track of them. They may or may not contain
treasure.
There is a large quantity of silver there
yet which will have to be taken out with picks, as the burning
building has fused it into a solid mass.
I respectfully beg that a lighter may be sent
to me for transporting the bullion now at my barracks to the flagship
and that the commandant at Taku may be instructed to keep a lighter
(and a tug as motive power) at this city until all the treasure
has been collected.
The senior medical officers of both Army and
Navy say that in about three days most of the wounded, to about
the number of 60, can be sent down the river. The commanding officer
and chief surgeon of the Ninth Regiment wish to put their wounded
on the hospital ship Relief, hourly expected here. I respectfully
ask for proper transportation for the wounded down the river.
It is a long and fatiguing journey, and they should have protection
from the sun.
Very respectfully,
R. L. MEADE,
Colonel, U.S.M.C., Commanding U.S. Forces in Tientsin, China.
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF,
United States Naval Forces on Asiatic Station.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Tientsin, China, July 21, 1900.
SIR: I have appointed a board consisting
of Maj. And Asst. Paymaster George Richards, Capt. M. J. Shaw,
and C. H. Christopher Moller, an American and the agent in Tientsin
of J. P. Morgan & Co., bankers, to count the bullion and when
the opportunity arises, to send it to Shanghai, receiving in place
of this great bulk, proper bank certificates to cover its full
value.
I did write to you asking for a lighter to
convey it to the flagship, but the present plan is the better
one if it meets with your approval and will rid us of a cumbersome
mass of bullion. Mr. Moller can procure the necessary bank certificates,
and unless they are entirely sound and the Government is thoroughly
secured I will not accept them.
Very respectfully,
ROBT. L. MEADE,
Colonel, U.S.M.C., Commanding United States Forces in Tientsin.
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF,
United States Naval Forces on Asiatic Station.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT UNITED STATES MARINES,
Tientsin, China, July 26, 1900.
SIR: As a matter of precaution and
in order to remove all danger of demoralization to my command
I have removed all bullion which was in the marine barracks in
this city to the Hongkong and Shanghai inclosure, which is a safe
place.
Of course I am guarding it, but I have used
my discretion in the matter, having in mind your conversation
with me upon the subject when you were in Tientsin on the 23d
instant, wherein you expressed a desire to have it sent to a bank.
The removal will be competed to-day, and I have waited until now
before reporting it because I wished to report the completed act.
In case the marines should be compelled to
move forward and it was still in barracks, we would have to desert
the bullion or leave a guard for it, thus weakening the effective
force.
Very respectfully,
ROBT. L. MEADE,
Colonel, U.S.M.C.
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF,
United States Naval Forces on Asiatic Station, off Taku, China.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES IN TIENTSIN, CHINA,
July 20, 1900.
GENTLEMEN: You are hereby appointed
a board to count the bullion and estimate the value of the treasure
in our possession and which may later be brought in. The board
shall deliver the bullion to our Hongkong and Shanghai Bank designated
by Mr. C. H. C. Moller, and proper receipts securely covering
the United States Government shall be obtained from said bank.
The board shall meet at 9 a.m., the 21st instant.
Full reports of the entire transaction shall
be made to me.
Very respectfully,
ROBT. L. MEADE,
Colonel, U.S.M.C., Commanding United States Forces in Tientsin.
Maj. GEORGE RICHARDS, Assistant
Paymaster, U.S.M.C.
Capt. M. J. SHAW, Acting Commissary and Quartermaster,
U.S.M.C.
C. H. CHRISTOPHER MOLLER, Citizen of United States, residing
in Tientsin.
FIRST REGIMENT UNITED
STATES MARINES,
British Concession, Tientsin, China, July 27, 1900.
SIR: In compliance with your order
dated the 20th instant, appointing the undersigned members of
a board to count the bullion and to estimate the value of the
treasure in charge of the First Regiment of Marines, we have the
honor to report that we found the bullion badly damaged and depreciated
in value by fire, fully 70 per cent in "sycee" shoes
of short and varying weight and the remainder fused with brick,
mortar, and other extraneous and deleterious matter requiring
ultimate refining and casting. The condition of the same is such
that the weight of the bullion forms no accurate guide in determining
its commercial value.
We have counted 16,716 shoes of "sycee"
of varying condition and weight, a greater part of which is in
bad condition and will require refining. We estimate the value
of this to be $334,320, United States money. The remaining slag
and refuse sweeping we have weighed and they approximate to 2,889
shoes of "sycee," which, allowing for cost of refining
and probable inaccuracies, we estimate the value to be $42,000,
United States money. The total value of the treasure we believe
to be about $376,300, United States currency.
The board ascertained in the premises that
the vaults of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank could not accommodate
the treasure, which was duly reported and the board's instructions
in this particular were verbally revoked. Subsequently the treasure
was removed from its location at the time of this count to the
premises of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, under the supervision
of the officers of the First Regiment of Marines, and there placed
under guard.
We ascertained that the bank would not give
receipts for the treasure while there stored, owing to its condition
and its packing. This fact was duly reported to the then commanding
officer of the First Regiment. It is therefor impossible for proper
receipts, securely covering the United States, to be obtained
by the board from said bank, as instructed, other than the inclosed
communication.
Very respectfully,
GEORGE RICHARDS,
Major and Assistant Paymaster, U.S.M.C.
MELVILLE J. SHAW, Captain, U.S.M.C.
C. H. C. MOLLER.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER,
First Regiment United States Marines.
HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING
CORPORATIONS,
Tientsin, July 27, 1900.
SIR: With reference to Colonel Meade's
letter to me of the 24th instant, and my reply to same, I understand
that there is now stored on the bank's premises, on behalf and
at the risk of the United States Government and under a guard
from the United States forces now in Tientsin, sycee and slag
bullion, estimated by your commission to be of the value of about
$376,000 gold.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
A. HEWAL, Agent.
Rear Admiral GEORGE C. REMEY, U.S.N.,
Commander in Chief U.S. Naval Forces on Asiatic Station.
TIENTSIN, July 27, 1900.
SIR: We have the honor to inform you
that, subject to your approval, we arranged with Colonel Meade,
on the 21st instant, to purchase the silver slag and bullion in
custody of his regiment.
Colonel Meade informs us that he had the honor
of addressing you verbally of the written contract made by us
to him.
The bullion is now in the safe custody of
the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation at this place, and
is held by them to your order. Its value in its present shape
is $376,300 gold.
We have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servants,
MOLLER AND CAMPBELL.
Rear Admiral REMEY,
Commanding United States Forces, Asiatic Station, Taku.
P.S. -- The bank will vouch for us.
M. & C., Bullion
Brokers.
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER
IN CHIEF
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES ON ASIATIC STATION,
Flagship Brooklyn off Taku, China, July 30, 1900.
SIR: The Secretary of the Navy having
authorized the sale of the bullion taken by the marines from the
ruins of the supposed mint at Tientsin, you will immediately arrange
for its disposition.
Maj. George Richards and Capts. M. J. Shaw
and W. B. Lemly, U.S.M.C., are hereby appointed a board to conduct
the sale at the best terms obtainable, satisfy themselves of the
soundness of the securities offered, and certify to the whole
transaction; all to be done under the supervision and subject
to the approval of the commanding officer of the First Regiment
United States Marines.
The draft in exchange for the bullion is to
be made payable to the order of the Secretary of the Navy and
will be promptly delivered into the custody of the paymaster of
the fleet.
Very respectfully,
GEO. C. REMEY,
Rear-Admiral, U.S.N., Commander in Chief.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER,
First Regiment United States Marines, Tientsin, China.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT, UNITED STATES MARINES,
Tientsin, China, August 1, 1900.
SIR: I transmit herewith the report
of the board ordered to dispose of the silver from the salt commissioner's
yamen, together with a contract which speaks for itself. The action
of the board is approved by me, and I would suggest that an officer
be sent to Shanghai with the bills of lading and insurance certificates,
or that the American consul there be authorized to deliver the
bills of lading, etc., when the notes, properly secured, are delivered
to him.
As the transportation is limited, I have to
suggest that the commander in chief will telegraph his approval
or disapproval of the contract and action of the board. The next
steamer sails for Shanghai on Sunday. I shall direct that the
bullion be loaded into lighters and kept under a strong guard,
ready to be moved down the river as soon as his approval is received.
I believe it wise to get the bullion away as soon as possible.
Very respectfully,
LITTLETON W. T. WALLER,
Major, U.S.M.C., Commanding.
THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF,
United States Naval Forces on Asiatic Station.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT, UNITED STATES MARINES,
Tientsin, China, July 31, 1900.
GENTLEMEN: By direction of the commander
in chief you are hereby appointed a board to conduct the sale
of the bullion obtained from the ruins of the yamen of the salt
commissioner, Tientsin, at the best terms obtainable. You will
satisfy yourself of the soundness of the securities offered and
certify to the whole transaction, subject to my supervision and
approval.
The draft in exchange of the bullion is to
be made payable to the order of the Secretary of the Navy.
I transmit for your guidance a copy of an
agreement between the then commanding officer, Colonel Meade,
and Mr. Kenneth R. Campbell, representative of M. P. Morgan &
Co., of New York. If in your judgment, and after due inquiry,
you find the price to be just, Mr. Campbell should have the right
to purchase.
Very respectfully,
LITTLETON W. T. WALLER,
Major, U.S.M.C.,Commanding.
Maj. GEORGE RICHARDS.
Capt. M. J. SHAW.
Capt. W. B. LEMLY.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT, UNITED STATES MARINES
Tientsin, China, August 1, 1900.
SIR: In obedience to your order dated
July 31, 1900, appointing us a board to conduct the sale of the
bullion obtained from the yamen of the salt commissioner, Tientsin,
at the best terms obtainable, we have conducted the sale aforesaid
and respectfully report as follows:
In accordance with the copy of an agreement
between Colonel Meade and Mr. Kenneth R. Campbell, a copy of which
is herewith inclosed marked (A), we have made a contract between
the United States of America, represented by this board, as a
party of the first part, and Mr. Kenneth R. Campbell, is heirs,
executors, or assignees as parties of the second part, which completely
covers the sale of said bullion. A copy of said contract is herewith
inclosed marked (B).
The board states further that before the execution of the aforementioned
contract, we made due inquiry and in our judgment the price agreed
upon by Col. Robert L. Meade, U.S.M.C., in his inclosed agreement
we find to be just; considering the condition of the bullion as
determined by the board appointed for this purpose, and the present
condition of the market which is uncertain and fluctuating on
account of the political situation here prevailing.
Very respectfully,
GEORGE RICHARDS,
Major and Assistant Paymaster, U.S.M.C.
MELVILLE J. SHAW,
Captain, U.S.M.C.
W. B. Lemly,
Captain, U.S.M.C.
MAJOR L. W. T. WALLER, U.S.M.C.
Commanding First Regiment, United States Marines, Tientsin,
China.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT,
UNITED STATES MARINES,
Tientsin, China, July 21,1900.
MR. KENNETH R. CAMPBELL, Present.
SIR: In the event of the captured
treasure from Tientsin, city, now under guard of my regiment,
being sold by order of the United States Government, I agree to
accept your offer at the rate of $20 gold per shoe of sycee, including
the silver fused with foreign matter which is to be taken at a
valuation to be determined by a fair appraisement by the commissioners
appointed to count it.
Payment to be made by drafts on J. P. Morgan
& Co., New York, at sixty, ninety and one hundred twenty days
sight.
Delivery to be given at Taku in lighter.
This agreement to be subject to the approval
of my commander in chief, to whom I have communicated the matter.
ROBT. L. MEADE,
Colonel, U.S.M.C., Commanding United States Force in Tientsin.
Confirmed:
KENNETH R. CAMPBELL.
Witness to both signatures,
C. H. MOLLER,
Member of the counting board.
TAKU, August 3, 1900.
COMMANDING OFFICER,
First Regiment Marines, Tientsin:
Contract for sale of bullion is approved. Paymaster Bryan ordered to Monocacy to-day to go with the bullion to Shanghai. You must arrange for lighter and guard from Tientsin to steamer at Taku without delay.
REMEY.
Certified correct:
B. B. BELKNAP,
Lieutenant, U.S.N., Aid to Commander in Chief.
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER IN
CHIEF,
UNITED STATES FORCE ON ASIATIC STATION,
Flagship Brooklyn, off Taku, China, August 3, 1900.
SIR: Referring to your letter of the 1st instant in regard to the contract for the sale of the silver bullion taken in Tientsin, and confirming my telegram of this date to you, I hereby inform you of my approval of the terms of the contract signed by Maj. George Richards, U.S.M.C., Capt. M. J. Shaw, and Capt. W. B. Lemly, U.S.M.C., with Kenneth R. Campbell, at Tientsin, China, dated August 1, 1900.
Very respectfully,
GEO. C. REMEY,
Rear Admiral, U.S.N., Commander in Chief.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER.
First Regiment, United States Marines, Tientsin, China.
U.S. FLAGSHIP BROOKLYN,
Off Taku, China, August 22, 1900.
SIR: Complying with your order No.
1973 S. dated August 3, 1900, I have the honor to report:
I reported on board the U.S.S. Monocacy
August 3.
On the afternoon of the 5th I received the
bullion in a lighter alongside the steamer Knivesburg.
I at once made formal delivery to Mr. Campbell, who directed the
stowage aboard in my presence. After the stowage was complete
and the hatches sealed, I received the bills of lading and the
insurance certificate.
The custom-house of this port being at Tientsin,
it was necessary for Mr. Campbell to visit that city for important
papers. This caused a delay of one day.
We cleared the bar at noon, August 7.
A delay of two days was caused by stoppage
at the ports of Chefoo and Tsintau.
I arrived at Shanghai August 13, and reported
to the senior officer present.
On the 14th I visited the Knivesburg with
the representative of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
Upon the filing of a bond by Mr. Campbell for 200,000 taels, they
gave me the drafts required by the terms of the contract. These
drafts were drawn by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
upon their agent at New York, and payable to the order of the
Secretary of the Navy.
I transmitted the firsts of the drafts, under
the direction of the senior officer present, by registered mail,
with a letter of transmittal (copy inclosed), and with copies
of my orders and contract.
The seconds of the drafts, with a letter of
transmittal (copy inclosed), were put in an envelope. The envelope
was sealed and addressed, and placed in the hands of Passed Assistant
Paymaster Dyer, to be registered and sent by the next succeeding
mail.
On the afternoon of August 16, I took passage
on the steamer Yunping for Taku, arriving at the flagship
on the morning of the 21st.
Very respectfully,
SAM. BRYAN,
Passed Assistant Paymaster, U.S.N.
Rear Admiral GEO. C. REMEY,
Commander in Chief, United States Naval Force on Asiatic Station.
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCE ON ASIATIC STATION,
Flagship Brooklyn, off Taku, China, August 3, 1900.
SIR: In addition to your duties on
board the flagship Brooklyn, proceed to-day to Tongku,
China, and report to the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Monocacy
for temporary duty in connection with a quantity of bullion to
be shipped to Shanghai and there turned over to the representative
of the firm of J. P. Morgan & Co., New York, in accordance
with the terms of the inclosed contract.
You are hereby authorized to receive the drafts
in exchange for the bullion, and as soon as received the drafts
will be forwarded by you, under the direction of the senior officer
present, to the Secretary of the Navy, with a fully explanatory
letter of transmittal.
Upon the completion of this duty return and
assume your regular duties on board the Brooklyn. Transportation
from Shanghai will be furnished you by the senior officer present
at that place. You will report to me your proceedings in complying
with these orders.
Very respectfully,
GEO. C. REMEY,
Rear-Admiral, U.S.N., Commander in Chief.
Passed Assistant Paymaster SAMUEL
BRYAN, U.S.N.
U.S. Flagship Brooklyn, off Taku, China.
Known by all these presents:
That it is mutually agreed between the United
States of America, represented by a board composed of Major and
Asst. Paymaster George Richards, U.S.M.C., Capt. M. J. Shaw, U.S.M.C.,
and Capt. and Asst. Quarter master W. B. Lemly, U.S.M.C., duly
appointed by the commanding officer First Regiment, United States
Marines, party of the first part, and Kenneth R. Campbell, his
heir, executors or assignees, party of the second part, as follows:
The aforesaid party of the first part agrees
to deliver to the aforesaid parties of the second part, at Taku,
China, in a lighter, a quantity of silver bullion at present stored
under guard at the premises of the Hnngkong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation of Tientsin, China, and amounting in all to 16,716
shoes of sycee, or thereabouts, in bags, and 13,000 pounds (avoirdupois),
or thereabouts, of silver fused in lumps, containing a large percentage
of foreign material.
The aforesaid parties of the second part agree,
upon the fulfillment of the conditions of the party of the first
part, as aforesaid, to deliver to the party of the first part
at Taku, China, bills of lading and insurance policies, covering
the shipment of the aforesaid silver from the port of Taku, China,
to that of Shanghai, China, the party of the first part thereby
retaining the custody of said silver during such shipment and
until its arrival at the said port of Shanghai.
The aforesaid parties of the second part agree
to deliver to the aforesaid party of the first part through its
representatives appointed for this purpose, at Shanghai, China,
upon the arrival of the shipment as aforesaid, three drafts, all
indorsed by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation at Shanghai,
as security, or by some equally acceptable security for the party
of the first part, drawn upon the firm or corporation of J. P.
Morgan & Co., of New York, N. Y., or some corporation equally
acceptable to the party of the first part, to the order of the
Secretary of the Navy, good and sufficient in amounts in United
States gold, as follows: One draft for $100,000, payable at sixty
days' sight; one draft for $100,000, payable at ninety days' sight;
one draft for $176,300, payable at one hundred and twenty days'
sight.
The aforesaid party of the first part agrees,
upon receipt of the aforesaid properly secured drafts, to deliver
the bills of lading and insurance policies to the aforesaid parties
of the second part, and said bullion to the final custody of the
aforesaid parties of the second part.
Such agreement of the aforesaid party of the
first part to be in full effect and binding only upon approval
of these presents by Rear-Admiral George C. Remey, U.S.N., commander
in chief United States naval forces on the Asiatic station.
Done in duplicate at Tientsin, China, this
1st day of August, in the year of our Lord 1900.
GEORGE RICHARDS,
Major and Assistant Paymaster, U.S.M.C.
MELVILLE J. SHAW,
Captain, U.S.M.C.
W. B. LEMLY,
Captain, Assistant Quartermaster, U.S.M.C.
Witnesses for the United States Government:
G. F. LUNG.
WM. GLASGOW POWELL
R. H. DUNLAP.
GEO. D. COSTIGAN.
J. H. A. DAY.
WIRT McCREARY.
Approved:
GEO. C. REMEY,
Rear-Admiral, U.S.N., Commander in Chief
U.S. Naval Force on Asiatic Station.
KENNETH R. CAMPBELL.
Witnesses:
OLIVER D. NORTON.
C. H. C. MOLLER.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY,
BUREAU OF NAVIGATION,
September 21, 1900.
Respectfully forwarded to the Department.
A. S. CROWNINSHIELD.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1900.
Respectfully referred to the Brigadier-General, Commandant, United States Marine Corps, for his information and return.
LONG, Secretary.
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