Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward

No. 28.]

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that the Chinese government has adopted a national flag. It is a dragon flag, to be triangular in shape, and ten feet broad for the largest vessels, or between seven and eight feet for smaller craft. The length is immaterial. The ground color is yellow, and a dragon is painted on it, the head pointing upwards. The reasons for adopting it are clearly set forth in the communication which I send from Prince Kung, marked A. Hitherto there have been individual and local flags, but until now no national flag. Surely the words “immovable civilization of China” have lost their significance. By this act the imperial government, casting down the last shred of its exclusiveness, confronts us with a symbol of its power, and demands a place among the nations. Permit me to suggest that it might be well to bring the communication of Prince Kung to the attention of our naval officers and captains of our commercial marine as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

ANSON BURLINGAME.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.

[Page 912]

A.

October 22, 1862.

(Tungchi, first year, instant 8th moon, 29th day.)

Prince Kung, principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication.

The foreign ships of all nations have the usage of hoisting flags, each to designate their own country, so that when seen they can be easily recognized, and known to be national vessels. If any ship alters its flag, the offender so doing is regarded as a criminal. The governmental vessels in China have also had their flags to distinguish them; but a new regulation has now been made, proposing a dragon flag, to be triangular in shape, and ten feet broad for the largest vessels, or between seven and eight feet for smaller craft; the length on the slanting or the lower sides is immaterial. The ground color is yellow, and a dragon is painted on it, the head pointing upwards. Made in this shape, it is thought that it can be instantly recognized.

His Majesty has been memorialized on the subject, and orders have been already transmitted to the naval officers in the provinces directing them to act accordingly.

It is on this account that I send this, despatch to your excellency, in the hope that you will inform the American naval officers and (the captains of) all other American vessels that hereafter, when they come across a yellow flag of this description they will recognize it as the flag of Chinese government vessels, and treat it as they treat the flags of all other powers, and offer it no impertinence.

If any person changes this flag or insults it he shall be punished as a criminal; and no matter what may have been the original cause of offence or the merits of the dispute, this crime of disrespect or misusing the flag should first be tried according to law, and afterwards the other counts of the indictment be taken up. I earnestly desire that your excellency will give very strict orders to whoever it may be necessary to instruct in reference to this matter.

His Excellency A. Burlingame, U. S. Minister Plenipotentiary, &c.