No. 238.

Rear-Admiral Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.

Sir * * * * * * *

I propose to send the Benicia in a few days to Che Foo, to convey the American missionaries from that place back to Teng-chow-foo, which they left in consequence of apprehensions of violence from the native population, having been brought away by an English gunboat.

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From an apparently dispassionate account of the state of suspense, uncertainty, and reasonable expectation of mob violence, in which they were for a time there, I cannot see that they did otherwise than prudently and wisely in coming away. They go back at the request, I believe, of our minister to Pekin, and at their own desire.

I shall give the commander of the Benicia carefully-considered instructions in regard to them, and as to his intercourse with the authorities. Having performed this duty, the Benicia will be ordered to proceed to Japan.

* * * * * *

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN RODGERS, Rear-Admiral, Commander-in-chief of Asiatic Fleet.