THE FOURTH ATTACK ON PORT ARTHUR
THE MOVEMENTS OF THE COMBINED FLEET
After the third assault on Port Arthur, .Admiral Togo on February 27, arrived at the Southwest coast of Korea. The following day he wired a request to Ithperial Headquarters that in accordance with previous plans he desired ships for the blockade. Admiral Dewa with the first division was dispatched to Kaiyo Island, and on February 29 was able to report the conditions at that place. The same day orders were received froth Ito, chief of staff, to wit: To be conducted under the direction of the third division. (The third division was not incorporated into the combined fleet until March 4.) Previously the third division, under command of Admiral Kataoka was operating to the southward of Vladivostok where the ships of the enemy were and he also guarded the Straits of Korea. In addition, this division watched over the army transports in the neighboring seas. Admiral Togo ordered the seventh division, on March 1, to proceed to the southwest coast of Korea. He directed Admiral Kataoka with the third division to continue in duties of the other. division. Admiral Kamimura was ordered to reconnoiter in the vicinity of Vladivostok. Admiral. Kosoya with the seventh division was ordered to guard the Daidoko (river) and to cover the landing of the army. At this time the ships in Port Arthur were Tsarevitch, Pallada and Retvisan and others, mostly repair ships. Vice Admiral Mahkaroff was in command of the naval forces and this fact served to renew the spirit of the Russian fleet. ( Mahkaroff assumed this office March 8.) Admiral Togo decided to attack Port Arthur and left with the first, third and fourth divisions. The same day he dispatched orders to Admiral Uriu, relating to the fourth attack. On account of unfavorable weather the operations were not opened until the 7th. At 7 a. m. the seventh division (Heien and Atago absent) proceeded to Daidoko, and at 9 a. m. the third division (Kasagi and Yoshino absent, and the Tokiwa added), the first division and first destroyer flotilla left the harbor and anchored the following morning at 8 a. m. off the northwest coast of Korea. Admiral Uriu with the fourth division had already arrived at this place. All the divisions to take part in the attack had gathered. At 4.40 a. in. on the 9th, the third division got under way. Following this division the first and fourth divisions and the first and third destroyer flotillas, taking up a prearranged formation, proceeded to Port Arthur, at which place they arrived at 6 p. in. Commander-in-Chief Togo wished to destroy the enemy's scouts at once. He made signal which read," We 'pray for your success," and ordered the destroyer flotillas to take the lead. The first, third and fourth divisions changed course to the southward. The Tatsuda and Chihaya, after escorting the destroyers, separated from them and joined the main fleet.
THE ATTACK OF THE DESTROYERS FLOTILLA
THE CHALLENGE OF THE FIRST DESTROYER FLOTILLA
The first flotilla (Shirakumo, Asashio, Kasumi and Akatsuki) in order to deliver an attack on the enemy's scouts, at 11.20 p. m., March 9, proceeded to Rotetsuzan and separated at a point about one sea mile from the shore. They waited for the enemy to appear in the east or west. The following morning at about 2 a. m., on account of the moon rising, speed was decreased. At 4.20 a. m., sighting the western portion of the promontory on the starboard beam, cruised to the eastward, but received a signal from the Kasumi,-the commander fearing discovery by the enemy, decided to hide under the shadows of Rotetsuzan ; turning to port cruised to the westward. At 4.35 a. in., the Shirakumo and Asashio had finished the turning movement, but the movement was half completed by the Kasumi. The Akatsuki, throwing over her wheel at the time she was describing a circular course, was struck in the stern by the Shirakumo. Hearing sounds of firing the commander knew that the enemy were corning to attack. The Japanese ships were now in the moonlight. The ships of the enemy were hidden by the shadow of the mountain. The enemy's torpedo-boats, one after another, decreased the distance between the rear boats of the Japanese and themselves. The 'commander of the Japanese ;boats, considering his formation and the disadvantage of being in the moonlight, decided to take a better position. Increasing his speed he cruised to the westward. The sound of
{graphic}
firing became greater. The Shirakumo was unable to follow her companion ships and changed .her course. The third ship, the Asashio, at 4.37 a. in., discovered what appeared to be three of the enemy's torpedo-bbat destroyer's. One ' of these ships at once opened fire at a distance of about 200 meters off the starboard quarter. At once the battle was opened. The enemy, continuing the fire, going astern of the Asashio, appearing to port fought fiercely. During this time the Japanese fire was very effective.
Eight shots of the enemy taking effect killed: one seaman and wounded three. The enemy seemed to ha-ire destroyed a boiler as suddenly white smoke burst forth from the ship's bow. The Asashio, seeing this, quickly changed course to port. Narrowly escaping a collision she fired two shots from her forward gun; one shot striking the enemy exploding, fire and black smoke arose. Then discharging her starboard gun, separated from the enemy and ceased firing. The third ship, the Kasumi, at first during her turning movement received a fire from a ship of the enemy which was Secreted under Rotetsuzan. The position being undesirable on account of the moonlight, the Kasumi, drew away from the enemy. Two boats which were about 200 or 300 meters on the port quarter, proved to be ships of the enemy. An engagement was opened with these boats. A short time passed when one of the enemy's boats, taking fire, escaped in the direction of Rotetsuzan. This ship was the Russian destroyer Silny. Another ship which was discovered astern proven to be one of the enemy's boats and fire was opened upon her. At this time steam was noticed escaping from the Akatsuki, and she signaled for assistance. Fearing a collision would take place if they went astern-of the enemy’s ships, course was quickly changed to port and a running fight was kept up with the enemy's destroyers. One shell hitting, reduced the cruising power of the ship that was struck. In this attack the Japanese boats were struck many limes. One seaman was killed, an engineer officer and two seat&n were wounded. The Akatsuki at the time she was following the'ourse of the leading boats, in changing course to the westward received fire from Rotetsuzan. The leading boats replied to this fire. When the turn was completed three of the enemy's destroyers were discovered drifting along the shore under Rotetsuzan. Fire was opened upon these, and one shell took effect. Running to the starboard of the Japanese ships, one torpedo was discharged. The Akatsuki was forced to change course to starboard in order, to avoid a collision. The enemy at a distance of 400 meters passed astern and came out on the Port side. The Akatsuki had her boilers damaged. Two of the enemy's ships, taking advantage of this attacked her, damaging her engine and decreasing her speed. By a rocket signal her companion ships went to the rescue. At this time, from ahead three of the enemy's ships appeared, and opened fire, but fortutiately.no damage was done. At 20 minutes past 5 o'clock the Japanese boats were able to join the main fleet. During this engagement four men:mere killed and two injured.- Now as the various ships of the first torpedo flotilla had 'already joined, the return route was taken, and at 8 o’clock on the morning of the cloth, joining with the first division, battle conditions were reported. The dead and wounded were removed to the battleships, and being convoyed by the Tatsuda, the flotilla proceeded to the northwest coast of Korea.
THE RUSSIAN REPORT
During the night of the 25th and 26th of February (9th of March), eight ships of the first and second flotilla left the harbor for the purpose Of reconnaissance. The first and second flotilla, when they discovered the signals which were being made by the Japanese boats, closed in on them for the purpose of attacking. Although but a short time elapsed, the range being very close, great damage was done. The enemy's killed and wounded amounted to 20 it is claimed, but this is not authentic. At any rate one of our shells exploded in the engine-room of one Of the enemy's destroyers: Our losses were few. At daylight each one of the destroyers returned to the harbor.
THE ATTACK oF THE THIRD DESTROYER FLOTILLA
The third destroyer flotilla (the Usugumo, Shinonome, Sazanami and Akebano) drawing near to the entrance Of Port Arthur with the intention of attacking the enemy's ships if they discovered them, drifted around the outside of the harbor Unmolested. At 4 minutes past midnight of die loth, they proceeded to the mouth of the harbor, but being unable to discern any of the enemy's ships course was changed to starboard. During this, time the enemy’s searchlights often turned in the direction of the Japanese, boats hut they were not discovered. A short time afterwards, coming within the rays of the searchlights the batteries opened fire with large and 'small caliber guns, 'The flotilla, in order to join the main fleet, at 7 o'clock proceeded to the south Of Rotetsuzan. In the east and south they discovered two Of the enemy's torpedo-boat destroyers hurriedly cruising towards the harbor. These boats were pursued to the west of the promontory of Rotetsuzan, but being fired upon by the shore batteries, could not carry out an attack. They took a course which would bring them ahead of the enemy's boats, but the enemy conjecturing this, quickly changed course to the southeast and headed in the direction of Rotetsuzan. The third flotilla, forming in a single line ahead, pressed on them more closely. As the enemy seemed about to escape to the starboard side of the Japanese ships, a line abreast was formed, and on a parallel course engagement was opened. Two of the enemy's boats were greatly damaged. At 5 minutes past 8 the engagement was stopped, each boat reporting their casualties. The Akebono took the wounded and transferred them to the Tokiwa. The Sazanami took over the captives. Five sailors, under the command of two officers, in a small boat, put off to rescue some of the crew of the sinking boats of the enemy. The enemy seeing this, lowered their battle-flags and surrendered. An officer, going aboard the enemy's destroyer, hoisting the Japanese battle-flag, took over the ship. The lower deck was awash; the upper deck was smeared with blood. Two sailors who were found to be alive at 5 minutes past 9 were rescued. At this time the Novik and the Bay an proceeded to the scene of the disaster. The shore batteries opened fire. Orders were received from Admiral Dewa that the work of rescue would be stopped. At 10 o'clock in the morning at a point seven sea miles east southeast of Rotetsuzan lighthouse, the Russian destroyer at last sunk. During this engagement the Usugumo had no casualties. The Shinonome had two men wounded. The Sazanami, being struck by seven or eight shots, one sailor was killed and one wounded. The Akebono, on account of her position between the enemy's lines, received many shells, bringing about a number of wounded.
THE RUSSIAN REPORT
On the 26th day of February (the loth day of March) the first flotilla, together with two boats of the second flotilla engaged in reconnaissance. On the following morning the ships of the enemy opened, up a severe gun-fire, and a half hour passing our ships returned to the harbor. At this time Admiral Mahkaroff ordered the Novik to the rescue. One shot striking one of our boats in the engine-room, she became disabled. At daybreak the Japanese flotilla, drawing near, opened a murderous fire on this boat. One shot killed the commander and created great disaster to the crew. At this time the Novik coming quickly to the rescue, drove off the {graphic}
Japanese flotillas. A little later four of the enemy's cruisers appeared and opened fire on the Novik, which ship was forced to retreat to safety.
THE ATTACK OF THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS
INDIRECT FIRE
March 10, the first, third and fourth divisions proceeded in the direction of Rotetsuzan Promontory. Commander-in-Chief Togo, ordered the third division to reconnoiter the harbor entrance and he ordered the fifth and fourth divisions to drift to the southward of Rotetsuzan. Falling in with the first torpedo-boat flotilla he received report of the battle. He gave directions for the Hatsuse, the Shikishima and the Yashima to open an indirect fire. He ordered the fourth division to proceed in the direction of Dalny Bay. The Chitose was ordered to reconnoiter Pigeon Bay. The Hatsuse, Shikishima and Yashima at once left for the south of Rotetsuzan to take up the attack. At 8 minutes past 10 o'clock in the morning, the Hatsuse opened engagement. The other ships followed suit. Shells were dropped over Rotetsuzan into the inner harbor. The attack was kept up for some time until the batteries on Gold Hill opened fire. At 30 minutes past noon fire was stopped and the ships cruised to the southward of Rotetsuzan. The first section, the Mikasa, Asahi and the Fuji, took their place and at 52 minutes past noon the Mikasa opened fire, followed by the Asahi and the Fuji. At 46 minutes past i o'clock, after fiting the allotted Humber of shells, joined with the other section of the first division and cruised to the southward of Round Island.
THE ATTACK ON SANZAN ISLAND
The fourth division (the 7'akachlho, Niitaka, Naniwa and Tsushima) received orders to destroy the signal stations of the enemy on Sanzan Island, and at 40 minutes past 8 o'clock on the morning of the loth, separating from the other divisions, proceeded to Dalny Bay. On the way they received a message from Commander-in-Chief Togo to proceed to Rotetsuzan at full speed and attack the enemy's destroyers. At once heading in that direction, at 9.30 they arrived outside of Port Arthur. Admiral Uriu went to aid the Sazanami, but finding there was no necessity again proceeded to Dalny Bay at 22 minutes past to o'clock. In the afternoon arrived in the vicinity of Sanzan Island. Reconnoitering the interior of the island at the rear of the lighthouse they found a great many dwellings. The various ships opened fire on all the buildings. On account of the high seas a landing force could not be sent ashore. At 15 minutes past 2 o'clock they proceeded in the direction of Round Island.
THE FIFTH ATTACK ON PORT ARTHUR
THE MOVEMENTS OF THE DIVISIONS IN VARIOUS PLACES
Commander-in-Chief Togo, after the fourth attack on Port Arthur, on March II, proceeded to the northwest coast of Korea. The enemy's ships, after the departure of Togo's fleet, left the harbor and: it was 'reported that there was a possibility of their escaping to Vladivostok. Warnings of this move were sent to Admiral Kataoka of the third division which was in the Straits of Korea and to Admiral Kamimura of the second division Which was operating against the enemy around Vladivostok. Admiral Dewa with the first division was ordered to reconnoiter the enemy. On the morning of the 15th Admiral.Dewa with the third division proceeded to Port Arthur. (The Chitose;,Takasao and Tokiwa.) At 8.40 on the thth, at the harbor entrance, in the smoke and mist, recognized a ship of the Pobleda type and the Retvisan; Bayaii and Novik. In the inside of the harbor he was able to assure himself of the 'fact that the enemy's main fleet was there. These facts were wire&to the commander-in-chief. At 10 a. m., again drawing near the harbor on account of the smoke and mist settling down, reconnaissance was impossible SO he returned. Commander-in-Chief Togo knew now that the enemy's main fleet was in Port Arthur. (Commander-in-Chief Mahkaroff, for the purpose of maneuvers, with over 36 Ships left on the 11th and on that evening returned to Port Arthur, according to rumors.) After the return of the second division; the Kasai and Yoshino, from Port Arthur, the fifth attack was decided upon. On the 20th Admiral Kaniimura of the second division and the subordinate commanders repaired to the Mikasa and received orders relating to the new movement. That night at 5 p. m. the first, second and third divisions, and the fourth and fifth destroyer flotillas left the harbor and during the night anchored. The following day the third division followed by the others, got under way and proceeded to Port Arthur. At 6.40 p. m. when they arrived at the designated place, the destroyers separating, reconnoitered the enemy.
MOVEMENTS OF THE VARIOUS UNITS
THE RECONNAISSANCE OF THE DESTROYERS
The fourth (the Hayadori, Murasame, Asagiri and Harusame) and the fifth (Kagero, Murakumo, Yugiri and Shiranubi) destroyer flotillas, under orders to reconnoiter the enemy, on the afternoon of March 21 separated from the main fleet and cruised away on a prearranged course. The fourth flotilla forming into two sections at 10.50 proceeded to the harbor entrance. The enemy's searchlights lighted the right and left of the entrance. The moon sinking later the destroyers went out of range of the searchlight's rays. This flotilla, at 30 minutes past midnight of the 22d, when at a point about two thousand and some hundred yards from the harbor entrance was fired upon by the enemy's scout ships as well as from the land batteries. The Hayadori, heading for one of the scouts, discharged a torpedo and headed seaward. The Harusame was also fired upon numerous times. At 30 minutes past 1, the boats gathering, proceeded to the south of Rotetsuzan. Commander Nagai wished to attack the signal stations on the north side of Pigeon Bay but at 6.20, when he approached the entrance to the bay, he received a message from the Harusame which read: "The fifth flotilla is engaged with the enemy's destroyers." With full speed he proceeded to the entrance but could 'see no ships of the enemy; the fifth flotilla only was visible cruising to the southward. At 9 o'clock he proceeded to the southward of Rotetsuzan and joined the first division. The fifth flotilla at 10.30 p. m., on the night of the 21st proceeded to the eastward in hopes of picking up the enemy. During the night proceeded to the harbor entrance. At 5 a. m. on the 22d, arrived at a point about one and one-half sea miles southeast of the entrance. At this time the enemy extinguished the searchlights on Gold Hill and neighboring points. The flotilla advanced to an attacking point, taking advantage of the darkness. Suddenly the flotilla was fired upon by several of the enemy's destroyers and at the same time the searchlights were trained upon them. Hereupon the flotilla losing the opportunity retreated to the open and proceeded to Dalny Bay, searching for the enemy's destroyers. At 9 o'clock joined the first division.
THE INDIRECT FIRE OF THE FIRST DIVISION
Commander-in-Chief Togo, after giving orders to the destroyer flotillas, on the afternoon of March 21, directed the second division to take up duties assigned them. He, with the first and third divisions, proceeded to Port Arthur. He was joined by the fourth and fifth destroyer flotillas at 8.30 a. m. the 22d, after they had completed their reconnaissance. He ordered the third division to proceed to a point outside the entrance. At 9.15 a. in. the Fuji and Yashima were ordered to leave the line and conduct an indirect fire. The other ships cruising off Rotetsuian watched for the enemy. The Fuji and Ywhima at 9.30 a. m., finishing battle preparations, advanced to their firing positions. At a point just above the lighthouse on Rotetsuzan, what appeared as large mortars were discovered and numbers of the enemy's troops appeared and disappeared. The Fuji at 10.29 began the attack. The Yashima taking position north of the Fuji opened fire at 10.45. Both ships firing the authorized number of shells put to sea and joined the first division. The enemy returned the fire with great severity and as many as 24 shots were dropped. The enemy from previous attacks had planned to plot the position of the ships, in order to return the fire. It was reported that the shots of the ships caused considerable damage in the town.
At the time the Fuji and Yashinta were engaged in the indirect fire attack, the other ships of the first division were watching for the enemy. The third division with the same object in view proceeded to a point outside the harbor entrance. At this time the Barn alone was Outside the harbor. Later the Novik; Askold and Diana following, proceeded to seaward. Black smoke, arising from within the harbor seemed to indicate, that the other ships were about to leave. Admiral Togo observing these conditions wired the second division to join at full speed. The Tatiuda was ordered to proceed to the mouth of the harbor and observe the enemy. At 10.42 a. m. the Petropavlovsk appeared, then the Poltava and leaving the harbor joined with the other ships. Making single line ahead moved to Manjuzan. Three gunboats and a number of destroyers were with the line. The battleship Retviian which was inside the harbor replied to the fire of the Fuji and Yashima. At 15 minutes past noon the Sevastopol left. The Pobieda and Peresviet also left. Next the battleship Tsarevitch, Retvisan and the cruiser Pallada, the remainder of the fleet, left. The officers of the Japanese fleet were desirous of engaging in battle at once. The enemy showed an inclination to Stay under the cover of the shore batteries. When the indirect fire had ceased, Admiral Togo at 1.40 p. m. gathered his ships. Previous to this the enemy's fleet returned. The first and second divisions on the 23d arrived at the northwest coast of Korea. They were joined by the third division and the destroyer flotillas. The ships for the second blockade were already at anchor there. The first and third destroyer flotillas and the ninth and twentieth torpedo flotilla and one transport arrived and joined the main fleet.
THE SIXTH ATTACK ON PORT ARTHUR AND THE SECOND BLOCKADE
PREPARATIONS FOR THE BLOCKADE
The combined fleet attempted a blockade previously, but knew that the result was of no value by the way the enemy's ships left and returned to the harbor. Admiral Togo again planned to blockade the harbor. On the 27th when he arrived southwest of Korea he wired to the Imperial Headquarters that he be given ships for the blockade. The Chiyo Maru, Fukui Maru, Yahiko Maru and the Yoneyama Maru were put in preparation at the Naval Station at Kure. On March 18, orders were issued by Admiral Togo to collect the crews for the blockading ships. All below the commissioned rank Who had taken part in the previous blockade were not to be considered, as their lives had once been jeopardized. Commissioned officers who had taken part in the previous blockade were permitted to volunteer. Of the volunteers, numbering over a thousand from the various ships of the first and second divisions, about 56 were chosen. The preparations of the second blockade were now complete.
THE SHIPS' MOVEMENTS
Admiral Togo arrived off the northwest coast of Korea on the morning of March 23. The fifth attack at this time had been finished. Admiral Kamimura and the other commanders gathered on the Mikasa to discuss plans for the second blockade. The result of the discussion brought about the following orders relating to the sixth attack and the second blockade: The combined fleet will again carry out a blockade on Port Arthur. The first and second divisions, the first, second and third destroyer flotillas and the ninth torpedo flotilla acting as convoy to the blockading ships will leave on the morning of the 24th. The Karigane will convoy the Chiyo Maru. The Tsubame the Fukui Maru. The Kasasagi the Yahiko Maru. The Manazuru the Yoneyama Maru. That evening the second destroyer flotilla will, with increased speed, if they discover the enemy's scouts, attack them. Arriving at a point south of Rotetsuzan at 3 a. m. the 25th will search for the enemy in that vicinity. The first and third destroyer flotillas, arriving in front of the harbor entrance, at the time of the blockade, if discovered by the enemy, will at once turn on their searchlights and open fire to confuse the enemy. This flotilla after the blockade will aid in picking up the survivors. Two boats of the ninth torpedo flotilla will proceed the blockading fleet forward of and in the left wing, and will engage any of the enemy seen. The other boats will protect the left wing, and upon arriving at the harbor entrance will stand by to pick up survivors. The third division, by a detour, will arrive outside on the morning of the 25th and pick up survivors, as well as ascertain the effects of the blockade. The first division at Encounter Rock will look after any movement of the enemy's main fleet. The second division, the fourth and fifth destroyer flotillas will await orders off the northwest coast of Korea. The movement of the combined fleet was opened at 6 a. m. on March 24. The third division got under way, but at the time the first division was prepared to depart the mist 'settling down made navigation impossible. In addition a strong northwest wind caused heavy seas. Admiral Togo ordered the third division to return. On the 25th, the weather becoming clearer and the wind decreasing, the blockading ships with the Tatsuda and ninth torpedo flotilla left in the afternoon. On the morning; of the 26th the other units got under way. The third division leading followed by the first division and the first second and third destroyer flotillas followed the blockading ships. When they arrived at the previously arranged position the first and third divisions, separating from the blockading fleet, manned the sides and shouted three banzais.
THE ADVANCE OF THE BLOCKADING SHIPS
At 6.30 p. m. on March 26, after separating with the first and third divisions, the blockading fleet convoyed by the destroyer flotillas advanced. At 2 a. m. on the 26th arrived to the south ward of Rotetsuzan. The Chiyo Maru, Fukui Maru, the Yahiko Maru and Yoneyama Maru in the order named proceeded to the entrance. At this time, the fog and waning moonlight favored the ships. Increasing the speed, the ships fearlessly made for the entrance. At 3.30 a. m. the Chiyo Maru was first discovered by the enemy. Fire was opened by the scout ships and land batteries. Searchlights were turned on from three directions, blinding the crew. The commander of each ship standing on the bridge of their ships encouraged their crews. The objective of the Chiyo Maru was the lighthouse on Gold Hill. Being bothered and unable to fulfill her objective, at last drawing near to the seashore under Gold Hill, dropping anchor in the channel at the entrance, with the ship's, head pointing to the shore, she was blown up. The second, ship, the Fukui Maru, seeing the explosion on the Chiyo Maru, went to port of her, and at the time she was about to anchor was struck by a torpedo of the enemy, which tore her bottom. At the same time as this the explosion internally happened.
Filling rapidly she sunk on the 'port hand of the Chiyo Maru. The third ship, the Yahiko Maru, was blown up on the port side of the Fukui Maru. The fourth ship, the Yoneyama Maru, drew near the harbor entrance, was blockaded by a destroyer of the enemy passing ahead. Going astern and to the starboard of the Chiyo Maru, passed between that ship and the Fukui Maru, and dropped anchor, but the momentum was so great the anchor refused to hold. Releasing the other anchor, was about to' detonate the charge when she was torpedoed. Turning the ship's head to the west she was sunk across the channel. The crews all taking to the small boats were subjected to a severe fire from the enemy, especially from the land batteries which poured an incessant fire on the survivors with rifle and machine gun-fire. The commander of the Fukui Maru, Lt. Commander Hirose, with his crew took to the boats. One man named Sugino was found missing. He had been detailed to ignite the powder to detonate the charge for explosion. Lt. Commander Hirose again returning to the ship loudly called his name and searched about. Being unable to find any trace of the man he was forced to return as the ship was sinking. When he again entered the Small boat he was struck by a shell which completely blew him to fragments. Only a shred of flesh was found.
THE RUSSIAN REPORT
After the first Japanese blockade, we, in order to hinder a further attempt, caused two steamers to be sunk. In the daytime, in order to permit the destroyers to enter and have the harbor, there was an opening made between the defence booms, located between the above mentioned steamers. At night-time these avenues were closed. When the entire fleet left, the booms were removed by the harbor department. In addition, booms were stretched ,between two gunboats and the shore. Also at night strict watch was kept by small steamers and junks. On March 13 (March 26) Commander-in-Chief Mahkaroff with the fleet left the harbor for the purpose of maneuvers, and returned the same day. During this day the Peresviet and the Sevastopol collided and although the damage was not great, the propellers of the Sevastopol were damaged, which necessitated her going into dock. The commander of the Sevastopol was relieved by Admiral Mahkaroff. During that night four ships of the enemy planning a blockade of the harbor entrance were discovered about 3 a. m. at a distance of two sea miles. A severe tire was opened by the shore batteries. Two destroyers engaged in the duty of reconnaissance attacked these. The Silny first discharged a torpedo which exploded under one of the blockaders. Proceeding to another ship torpedoed her. Another ship at the time she dropped anchor was blown up and sunk across the channel in the western portion of the harbor. One ship was sunk under Gold Hill. The Silny after finishing the torpedo attack saw lights on the horizon. Proceeding in this direction it proved to be a destroyer of the enemy. Engaged her but as 'other' destroyers appeared, retreated. During her escape she received a shot in her boiler-room and ran aground. The crew of the blockading ships under a severe fire were picked up by their ships which were standing by.
RESCUE or THE SURVIVORS
The first (Shirakunw, Kasumi, Asashio and Akatsuki), second (Ikazuchi, Akcbono, Oboro and Inazuma) and the third (Sazanami and Skinonome) destroyer flotillas, and the ninth torpedo flotilla (Manazuru and Kasasagi added) convoying the blockading fleet arrived off Port Arthur. From this point the ninth torpedo flotilla conducted the blockading ships. When the blockading fleet entered the harbor entrance the Hato, Karigane, the Manazuru and the Kasasagi stopped at a point south of the harbor entrance and prepared to pick up the survivors, then the commander of the flotilla proceeded with the blockading fleet with the Aotaka and the Tsubame. Arriving at a point about one sea mile from the entrance, separated from the blockading ships and waited to pick up survivors. About 4 a. in., the 27th, one of the enemy's destroyers, making signals with lamps, came toward the Aotaka. At this time the Aotaka's head was headed about west and the Tsubame was about 200 meters astern heading northwest. The enemy, when he was about 200 meters from the Aotaka opened fire and then passing between the tWo mentioned ships escaped.to the southward. The Aotaka porting her helm attacked this boat. The Tsubame also attacked. Pursuing her kept up a running fight. Steam poured forth from her smokestack hatch and she seemed to lose her freedom of movement. Continuing the attack she was at last run ashore near Gold Hill. This ship was said to be the Vility and that her boilers were destroyed. Her casualties were 17,. including her commander. The Tsubame, picking up the crews of the Chiyo Mani and Yahiko Maru, proceeded to sea.. The Aotaka alone searched for survivors.
The second, torpedo-boat flotilla on the 26th separating from the main fleet in the darkness proceeded, acting as advance guard of the blockading ships, but were unable to discover, the enemy. The following morning at 30 minutes past I o'clock appearing to the south of Rotetsuzan, searched for the enemy. The first and third flotillas, advancing, covered the fleet. About 3 o'clock on the morning of the 27th arrived outside the entrance of Port Arthur. The first flotilla were to the southward and the third flotilla took position to the south of the harbor entrance. A short time, passing, hearing gun-fire in the direction of the harbor entrance knew that the blockade had begun. As arranged beforehand, the first flotilla threatened the enemy. At 30 minutes past 6 the Kasumi of the first flotilla discovered a boat of the Fukui Mont and picked it up and in order to provide for the 'treatment of the wounded she separated from the other boats and proceeded to the first division. The other three boats, the S'hirakumo, Asashio, and Akatsuki, in order to find out the result of the blockade, proceeded to the harbor entrance. Although being subjected to the severe fire of the enemy,. there was no loss. Each ship after taking part in the rescue of the sailors of the blockading ships until 9 o'clock in the morning, joined the first division.
THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FLEET
The first and third divisions after covering the route of the blockading fleet separated. The third division at 30 minutes past 6 in the morning of March 27, sighted Rotetsuzan, and increasing speed proceeded to a point off the entrance of Port Arthur. At this time the enemy's ships, the Novik and Bayan, and also the land batteries, fired on the rescuers. The Karigane and Kasasagi of the ninth torpedo flotilla came close aboard and reported that there were a number of wounded among the blockading fleet. Admiral Dewa directed the Asama to leave the line and go to their assistance. At this time, the Askold which was cruising to the east and the Novik which was cruising to the west both bombarded the Japanese ships, projectiles falling short. From 5 minutes past 8 the enemy's ships one after another appeared outside the harbor. The Petropavlovsk leading, the Poltava., Pobieda, Askold, Bayan, Diana and Novik following, forming in single line ahead, cruised to the southwest. Previous to this the first division cruised in the direction of Port Arthur. On the way met with the rescuing ships. Commander-in-Chief Togo ordered the first division to drift about and pick up the members of the blockading fleet. He also ordered the ninth torpedo flotilla and the Kasuga Maru to proceed to the northwest coast of Korea. When he saw the Petropavlovsk leave the harbor he became convinced that the second blockade was a failure. He, joining with the third division on the 28th, arrived at the northwest coast of Korea.