“Members of our people comprised in the Boxer organization are scattered in all parts of the region around the metropolis and Tientsin, and it is right they should have superintendents over them. We appoint, therefore, Prince Chuang and Assistant Grand Secretary Kung Yi to be in general command, and also order Ying Nien brigade-general of the left wing, and Tsai Lan, temporarily acting as a brigade commander of the right wing, to act in coöperation with them.
“We command Wen Yui, adjutant-general of the Manchu army, to be a brigadier-general.
“All members of the Boxer society are exerting their utmost energies for the imperial family, so we must not be behind them in harboring hatred and revenge for our enemies. It is our confident hope and desire that the wishes of each and all may be successfully consummated, and to this end it is important that every energy be put forth, nothing lacking. Respect this.”
“June 27.—Edict: An edict appeared yesterday directing, as a stimulus to exertion, discriminating rewards to be given to the various army corps that have distinguished themselves [by looting?] in the metropolitan district. Now that the left wing of the army, under command of Sung Ching, have in sectional divisions marched to the capital, let 100,000 taels be equally divided among the men, and let the men be fully instructed that they are to keep good order in the capital.”
An edict was also issued commanding the viceroy of Chihli to retake if possible the Taku forts, and to prevent the foreign troops (the allied armies) from creeping northward. Also another ordering the distribution of 100,000 taels each to the Boxers and troops throughout the Metropolitan district.
“June 28.—Edict: A censor of the central city memorializes the throne requesting the distribution of government rice. He observes that the patriotic Boxers had recently been slaying and burning the converts, and that the markets are greatly disturbed, so that not only the lower classes have lost their means of livelihood, but some of the middle classes are also suffering want. Rather than allow the ranks of the criminal classes to be swollen, let a distribution of food be made by imperial bounty.
“Referring to various precedents, he asks imperial authority for the issue of rice, and that 2,000 taels silver be allowed for expenses.
“He states that on the night of the 16th of June there was a fire in the neighborhood of the Chien Men, accompanied by pillage, and much alarm created. Officials took to flight and shops closed. On the 21st of June an inn in the native city was robbed, and nine persons were caught and beheaded on the spot. On the 25th (Sunday), villains pretending to be soldiers surrounded an official’s residence in Second street near the inspectorate-general of customs [probably Marquis Tseng’s] and entirely stripped it, shooting wantonly three servants.
MARQUIS TSENG’S DAUGHTER AND HER HUSBAND