Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress, Part I

Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame

No. 173.]

Department of State, Washington, October 8, 1866.

Sir: Mr. Williams’s despatch No. 35, of the 12th of June last, has been received.

It is not deemed advisable that the discussion with the Chinese authorities of the affair of the boat for which a United States flag was furnished by a Mr. White should be continued. This government should not in any way countenance the improper or unlawful use of that flag. If we connive at its abuse by Chinese for covering their property in their own country, and thereby evading obligations, we must expect to be regarded as derogating from our duty as a just and friendly power.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.