Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward
No. 19.]
Legation of the United States,
Peking,
December 26, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your despatch No. 151, in which you direct me to convey to
Prince Kung and the members of the Foreign Office the satisfaction of
the President at the very just, liberal, and friendly sentiments
expressed by them to Mr. Burlingame, and for their courtesy to him at
his departure.
I took an early opportunity to make a close translation of your letter
for the Prince, and now subjoin his reply. I have no reason to doubt the
expression of his desire to perpetuate amicable relations with the
United States, for I believe the Chinese government is trying to pursue
a peaceful policy in all its foreign relations. It has experienced the
evils of foreign war, and has every reason to avoid their recurrence;
and the pacification of the provinces is now progressing so favorably
that general peace and prosperity bid fair to be restored throughout the
country. The influence of the party represented in the foreign office
appears to be increasing; and that bureau will probably ere long possess
a separate existence among the departments of the government.
In a recent despatch I mentioned the appointment of the distinguished
geographer, Seu Ki-yu, to a place in it. This has given much
satisfaction to all the foreign ministers, though his age and
infirmities will prevent his taking an active part in the duties of the
post. A few days after his being gazetted I waived the usual formality
and called on him first, in order to express my gratification at his
appointment. His first question was, “Are you a countryman of
Washington?” He inquired after Dr. Abeel, though twenty years had
elapsed since he saw him in Amoy, and referred to his kindness and
patience; in explaining and marking maps for him and translating
geographical information, in a manner that showed a vigorous memory, as
well as the sense of the obligations he was under for the assistance. He
had not seen a foreigner since 1851, and made many inquiries respecting
the United States and other countries.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
S. WELLS WILLIAMS, Chargé d’
Affaires.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of States Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Prince Kung to Mr. Williams
December 21,
1865, (Tungchi, 4th
year, 11th moon, 4th day.)
Prince Kung, Chief Secretary of State for foreign affairs, herewith
makes a reply:
I have the honor to acknowledge your excellency’s despatch of the
13th instant, in which yon inform me that you have been honored
‘with the commands of your government to make known to me that Mr.
Burlingame, on his return to the United States, at an audience with
the President, had mentioned to him that when he left Peking the
high Chinese officers came to the legation to bid him farewell; and
that during his entire residence there they had treated him with
great consideration, of which he retained a pleasing remembrance,
&c., &c.
The perusal of your communication has given great satisfaction to me
and all the members of the foreign office, for we are well aware
that when Mr. Burlingame resided in Peking he conducted all affairs
that arose in such an amicable spirit that they were all
satisfactorily arranged; and since you have succeeded to his duties
there has been exhibited the most sincere desire to promote good
relations and maintain peace in every question that has arisen. To
learn, therefore, that Mr. Burlingame has not altogether forgotten
us after his return to his own distant country, affords us the most
lively pleasure; while to receive, in addition, the full assurance
that the friendly relations now subsisting between the United States
and
[Page 489]
China are increasing
and developing, and bid fair to be permanent, is to us a cause of
still greater gratification.
We limit ourselves to the request that you will convey to the United
States government the expression of our sincere appreciation of the
remark that the full maintenance of the treaty, in all its
provisions, by both nations, will afford evidence that their
friendly relations are constantly strengthening, and at the same
time communicate our thanks to Mr. Burlingame for his remembrance of
us. It is for this purpose that we now reply.
His Excellency S. Wells Williams, United States Chargé d’Affaires.
