Mr. Seward to Mr. Williams
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 21st of May No. 33.
In connection with that paper you have transmitted to me a copy of the correspondence which has passed between yourself and Mr. Knight, United States consul at Niuchwang.
I learn from this correspondence that the port of Niuchwang is infested with a band of mounted robbers, whose depredations, defiant of imperial authority, are neither prevented nor suppressed by law. It appears that Mr. Knight was [Page 555] lately violently assaulted by some of the brigands, and that he escaped only with great peril. It also appears that although the Chinese government seems disposed to act in good faith, the system of its police in the region referred to is so defective as to leave the lives not only of the Chinese, but also of those who are strangers, in that place exposed.
It appears, also, that before your letter was written, Admiral Bell sent a war steamer, the Wachusett, Captain Townsend, to that port, with a view to quiet the causes of apprehension, and that his report has not yet been received.
In this emergency Mr. Knight has applied to you for a small supply of large and small fire-arms to be deposited in the consulate, and used, if necessary, for his defence.
You have referred that request to this department. I am of opinion, first, that you ought to address a spirited protest upon the subject to the imperial government, and ask for its prompt attention to the duty of suppressing the robberies complained of. Second, that you confer fully upon the subject with the commanders of the United States naval forces, and call their attention to the necessity of visiting as frequently as possible the port of Niuchwang, and enforcing by proper demonstration the attention of the Chinese local authorities to the grievances of which Mr. Knight complains. Third, if in your judgment the dangers described have not already ceased, you will procure and furnish, or will direct the consul, Mr. Knight, to procure such small supply of muskets and pistols as shall be thought adequate to the protection of the consulate.
You will take an inventory of the arms thus furnished, and will hold the consul at Niuchwang responsible for their safe-keeping, and return to the legation when the necessity for their use shall have passed by. They will then be sold by your direction or retained in the legation, as you shall think expedient. You will send a copy of the invoice before mentioned to this department, and will charge the cost of the weapons, and their transmission, to the incidental expenses of the legation.
The letter which you addressed to Mr. Davenport upon this subject (a copy of which is annexed to your despatch) is approved.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
S. Wells Williams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.