Claude MacDonald

The other ministers believed that a general massacre had begun, and with their people, who had already taken refuge under their several flags, they fled precipitately to the British legation, which, having been the residence of a high prince, covered a large space of ground and was surrounded by strong walls, forming a citadel capable of defense.

It had accordingly been agreed upon as a place to make a stand in the last resort, and Sir Claude MacDonald not only generously welcomed his colleagues, but received all their people, whether civilian or missionary.

The missionaries were accompanied by their converts, Catholic and Protestant, to the number of nearly two thousand.

For the converts, an asylum was secured in the grounds of a Mongol prince on the opposite side of a canal from the British legation.