Mr. Seward to Mr. Williams
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 12th of May last, No. 32, relating to the right of foreigners, by treaty, to carry their steamers through the interior waters of China. In reply, I have to inform you that your interpretation of the treaties and public law adversely to the pretension to such right is approved. If, however, it should in the opinion of Mr. Burlingame be just to the Chinese, and in harmony with the interests of the United States, no objection is offered to the proposed plan of Consul General Seward for obtaining as a matter of privilege, under suitable regulations, authority for vessels of the class mentioned in the correspondence to resume their operations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
S. Wells Williams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.