Office of the Historian

Mr. Conger to Mr. Day.

Legation of the United States,
Peking, China, September 5, 1898.
No. 35.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 34, of the 1st instant, I have the honor to inform you that I have to-day received a reply from the Tsung-li Yamên, a translation of which is herewith inclosed, in which I am informed that orders have been sent to the governor of Hunan, directing him to instruct the local officials to make a prompt and satisfactory settlement of the case and to offer Mr. Chapin and his associates every protection, to escort them back to Hong-kiang, and give them every assistance in the purchase of property.

Mr. Chapin has been advised to call upon the local officials for the necessary escort, protection, and aid in securing a place for missionary work and to make an early report to this legation.

The Department will be informed of the final settlement of this case.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Tsung li Yamên to Mr. Conger.

Peking, September 2, 1898.

Your Excellency: On the 27th of August last the prince and ministers had the honor to receive your excellency’s note, wherein you state that you have received, through the United States consul-general at Shanghai, a detailed report of an attack upon an American missionary, Mr. E. D. Chapin, and his English associate, Mr. B. H. Alexander, by a mob, which resulted in the loss of their clothes, books, and the burning of their boat, etc. You further state that the details of the affair are very carefully given in the report, together with a frank account of a prompt and satisfactory settlement between the local officials and Mr. Chapin.

Upon perusing the above report the Yamên was greatly grieved, and immediately sent orders to the governor of Hunan ordering him to instruct the local officials to make a hasty and satisfactory settlement of the case, and to afford Mr. Chapin and his associate every protection, to escort them back to Hong-kiang, and give them every assistance in purchasing property.

As soon as a reply is received from the local officials your excellency will be further notified. As in duty bound, we send this communication for your information.

A necessary communication sent to the minister of the United States.