Stössel. 'Gentlemen, I have called you all here to give me your opinion frankly with regard to the actual state of the Fortress and the steps which should be taken in future. When the meeting is over I will read you this paper' (in his hand was a letter).[41] 'Let us commence with the juniors. Captain Golovan, what is your opinion on this question?'
Golovan. 'We must certainly hold out to the very last.'
Dmitrevsky. 'The food is very bad. We have little ammunition now left. I do not see that we can expect anything by continuing the defence.'
Nekrashevitch-Poklad. 'We have no ammunition. Scurvy is on the increase, and the hospitals are full. We have few men to garrison the Fortress works. Under such circumstances, there is little use in carrying on with the defence.'
Petrusha. 'We have held out till now, and we can hold out longer; and then—God's will be done.'
Savitsky and Griaznoff. 'It is very difficult to hold out longer. Everything is going badly.'
Semenoff. 'We must hold out at all costs. My troops are in excellent fettle and the best of spirits.'
Mekhmandaroff. 'We must continue the defence.'
Stössel. 'You must surely know, Colonel, that, having got possession of Erh-lung-shan Fort, the enemy command the neighbouring batteries and works, and can from there shell us. Can you guarantee that the enemy won't mount guns there?'