Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame.
Sir: Your despatch of December 24th, No. 6, has been received. It gives us an account of the capture and occupation of the city of Ningpo by rebels, and of the proceedings adopted on that occasion by the American consul there in concert with the British and French representatives.
No one here could draw any inference of the condition of things at Ningpo now, from even the fullest information of what it was so long ago. Revolutions are apt to effect sudden and even great changes in very short periods. In such a case you ought not to be trammelled with arbitrary instructions, especially in view of the peculiar character and habits of the Chinese people and government. In a different case the President would certainly instruct you to refrain most carefully from adopting any means which might disturb the confidence of the imperial government or give it any cause of solicitude, even though it might seem to be required for the safety of the property and interests of American citizens. But how can we know here what ability the imperial government may have, or even what disposition, to extend the protection to foreigners which it had stipulated? Nevertheless I think that it is your duty to act in the spirit which governs us in our intercourse with all friendly nations, and especially to lend no aid, encouragement, or countenance to sedition or rebellion against the imperial authority. This direction, however, must not be followed so far as to put in jeopardy the lives or property of American citizens in China. Great Britain and France are not only represented in China by diplomatic agents, but their agents are supported by land and naval forces, while, unfortunately, you are not. The interests of this country in China, so far as I understand them, are identical with those of the two other nations I have mentioned. There is no reason to doubt that the British and French ministers are acting in such a manner as will best promote the interests of all the western nations. You are therefore instructed to consult and co-operate with them, unless, in special cases, there shall be very satisfactory reasons for separating from them, and in every aspect of affairs you will keep me well advised. Our domestic affairs are improving very rapidly, and I trust we shall soon be able to send a war steamer to your support.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.,