Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 3d of June, No. 80, suggesting an instruction from this department to consular officers in China, to the effect that in all cases of conflict growing out of the alleged improper conduct of an officer subordinate to a consul, the consul general shall have power to suspend such officer, pending a reference to the minister at Peking, who, if he shall approve the act of the consuls general, shall remove such officers, subject to the approval of this government. In reply, I have to inform you that such an instruction will be issued without delay.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.