Mr. Burlingame to Mr. Seward
Sir: As a sequel to the flotilla affair, I have now to inform you of the dismissal of Mr. Lay from the service of the Chinese government. It occurred in this way: After the departure of Captain Osborn the Chinese came to me and said that they had lost confidence in Mr. Lay; that he had not only required that the flotilla should be placed in his hands, but that he should have entire control of the customs revenue; that he had been impertinent to them; that he had demanded to be put on a level with the chief officers of the government; that he had requested that large sums of money should be given him, so that at Peking he might maintain more than imperial state; that he had requested a foo to live in, against the customs of the empire, as none but members of the royal family are permitted to reside in these. These and more complaints were made against him. They requested me to advise them, under the circumstances, what to do. I told them, as Mr. Lay was not a countryman of mine, that it was a delicate subject for me to interfere in, but that I thought it was a matter exclusively their own. They intimated that they intended to dismiss him in any event. I finally agreed to consult with my colleagues and let them know the result. I did so, and found them unanimously of the opinion that it was the right and duty of the Chinese government to decide for itself the question, and that such decision should be no ground of complaint against it. I communicated this view to the Chinese, at which they expressed great satisfaction. At another interview at the United States legation Sir Frederick Bruce, the British minister, heard, as I had done before, their complaints against Mr. Lay, and of their determination to dismiss him. Our efforts were then directed in such a way as to do them and Mr. Lay the least injury. They doubled his [Page 349] already enormous salary for a few months, gave him a breakfast and a large pecuniary present (6,000 taels) at. parting. After what had happened, we felt it to be our duty to urge upon them the expediency of not permitting the inspector of customs, or any other foreign employé whose business was on the coast, to reside at Peking in a quasi diplomatic capacity. In this view they most heartily concurred, and immediately appointed Robert Hart, esq., in the place of Mr. Lay, with instructions to reside at Shanghai. Mr. Hart had deservedly their confidence. For two years past he has acted in the place of Mr. Lay, and by his tact and ability had. won the regards of every one. Our countrymen were particularly well pleased with him. I therefore felt no hesitation in commending him warmly to their favor.
Prince Kung and suite came in person to thank me for the service I had rendered them by such practical suggestions as, from my cordial relations with all parties, I had been able to make.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.