Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Williams’s despatch of the 3d of April last, No. 27, relative to the Coolie trade, and to the reception of consular officers from China.
After an attentive consideration of these subjects, I have to say, with regard to the first, that while we have prohibited the Coolie trade, our act does not define who or what are Coolies; it, however, expressly excepts from its inhibition and penalties the free and voluntary emigration of any Chinese subject, or any vessel carrying such persons as passengers, provided that a permit or certificate be signed by the United States consul, setting forth the fact of his voluntary emigration, which document should not be given until the consul shall be satisfied by proper evidence of the truth of the facts therein contained. The regulations prescribed by the Chinese, French, and English governments are well calculated to test the fact that such emigration is free and voluntary. The Chinese government has a right to prescribe such regulations, and you will, therefore, cause instructions to be given to our consular officers in China requiring them to ascertain that these regulations have been complied with, before they grant permits or certificates to American shipmasters to embark emigrants.
With regard to the reception of Chinese consuls by this government, I find no statute assuming to confer or to regulate the power of receiving and recognizing the consular officers of foreign states, nor do I perceive any legal obstacle to the reception and recognition of consuls from China by the United States government.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Bulingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.