Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward
Sir: Perceiving in the English papers by the last mail, that numerous steamers now building in England were said to be for the Emperor of China, I felt it to be my duty at once to inquire of Prince Kung what truth there was in these statements.
He informed me that eight steamers, most of them very small, had been purchased; that these constituted what is called the Osburn Flotilla, and were all that had been, or would be, contracted for.
These, he said, all left England some time since, and were now expected in China.
He could not give me their names, but I will ascertain them, and acquaint you by the next mail.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.