Office of the Historian

Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.

No. 42.]
Legation of the United States,
Peking, August 6, 1894. (Received September 22.)

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of an official dispatch received by Mr. Komura, chargé d’affaires of Japan, from the Tsung-li-Yamên the day before his departure. I have translated it literally from the Chinese copy furnished me by Mr. Komura.

It is an interesting document, as it was intended by the Yamên and accepted by Mr. Komura as a formal declaration of war. This is the only formal declaration of war by China in modern times. It is unnecessary to call attention to its dignified and courteous tone.

I have, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.
[Inclosure in No. 42.]

The prince and ministers of the Tsung-li-Yamên make a communication.

We had long hoped to settle by negotiation, without a rupture of our friendship, the disagreements that existed between China and your country with reference to the affairs of Korea, On the 25th of July, however, at the seaport of Ya-shan in Korea, your forces made an attack upon our ships. Hostilities have therefore now begun, the treaties between our countries are henceforth void and this Yamên, to its great regret, will in future treat of no matters with you.

Mr. Komura,
Chargé d’affaires of Japan.

The 20th year of Kuang hsü, 6th moon, 29th day (July 31, 1894).