No. 175.
Mr. Seward
to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, July 10, 1880.
(Received August 27.)
No. 726.]
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 718, in which
were inclosed copies of a note and edict regarding Chung How, late Chinese
minister to Russia, I now have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a
note in reply which I am sending to Prince Kung.
Asking your approval of this action on my part,
I have, &c.,
[Page 290]
[Inclosure in No. 726.]
Mr. Seward to
Prince Kung.
Peking, July 10,
1880.
Informal.]
I have had the honor to receive the letter which your imperial highness
addressed to me on the 3d instant in regard to the case of Chung
How.
When I had the honor some time since to communicate to your imperial
highness certain views which I held touching the matter in question, I
spoke, as is my habit, with sincere and earnest feelings of friendship
for China, and I desire now to express to you my thanks for the very
considerate manner in which you received my words.
It is not likely that I should have again spoken upon this subject had
your imperial highness not again addressed me, for I recognize, as does
my government, your right to deal with your officers in your own way.
But since I have received a further letter from you, I think it not
inappropriate to state that my government has informed me that it
specially approved the language used in my earlier note. You will see
from this that the information of the suspension of the sentence of the
ex-embassador will be received with appreciation at Washington, and that
the clemency of the Emperor will be regarded as indicating his
disposition to promote peaceful relations with all countries, and to
deal considerately with a person who has served the state in
distinguished ways.
I seize this occasion, &c.
