Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: Your despatch of September 16 (No. 25) has just now been received, having been recovered from the wreck of the Colombo, which was charged with its conveyance.
The note of Doctor Williams, which accompanies it, presents, certainly, a very strong argument for a reorganization and enlargement of the legation and the consular establishment of the United States in China. Congress has now arrived at the last day but three of its session. It would be impossible, under any circumstances, to procure, at such a time, a consideration of the reforms [Page 926] which you propose. It is not probable, however, that the subject could have obtained a favorable hearing if it had been presented at any stage of the present session. The war for the Union, which went forward so successfully at the beginning of the year, encountered reverses in July and August and September, which seemed, for a time, to confound the public mind, and plunge it into a state of morbid apprehension. It has been the occupation of eight months to restore the prestige of the national arms, and revive confidence at home and respect abroad. The expenditures required are, of course, immense, and the measures proper for applying them have been various and difficult. Congress had only ninety days to make, mature, and adopt them, amid the perplexities incident to such a crisis.
It has, therefore, been absolutely necessary to withdraw attention from all interests that were not vital, or at least urgent. Prudence and patriotism have combined in recommending this course.
The important subject you have presented so fully and so clearly will be reserved for consideration at the next session of Congress, which, we confidently expect, will assemble under better auspices than that which is now closing.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, &c., &c.