Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, China, March 13,
1899.
No. 159.]Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the
overleaf, my telegram of this date and to report that Lieut. R. M.
Dutton and the marines who have been guarding this legation during the
past winter proceeded to-day to Tientsin, whence they will, with the
guards there stationed, complying with orders from Admiral Dewey, sail
at once for Shanghai to join the Monocacy.
None of the guards have as yet left the other legations, but it is
expected that the most of them will leave soon.
The guards have served a good purpose here this winter. Both officers and
men have behaved admirably, and I beg you to express my grateful
acknowledgments to the honorable Secretary of the Navy for this courtesy
from his Department.
In continuation of my dispatch No. 135, of January 25,I inclose herewith
further correspondence between Admiral Dewey and this legation, together
with a letter handed Lieutenant Dutton on his departure.
I have, etc.,
[Page 243]
[Inclosure 1 in No.
159.]
Admiral Dewey to
Mr. Conger.
United States Naval Force on Asiatic
Station,
Flagship Olympia,
Manila, Philippine Islands, February 17, 1899.
Sir: Referring to your letter No. 83, of
the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that I have this day
telegraphed to Lieutenant Gibson, United States Navy, commanding the
marine guard at Tientsin, to withdraw both guards to the U. S. S.
Monocacy at Shanghai as soon as
transportation by sea is obtainable. I have directed Lieutenant
Gibson to inform you of these orders.
It has given me much pleasure to assist, with the forces under my
command, in the protection of your legation and of American lives
and interests in the vicinity of Peking, and I beg to thank you for
your courtesy and assistance in all matters connected with the
visits of the naval vessels and marine guards to China.
I have, etc.,
George Dewey,
Rear-Admiral, United States
Navy,
Commanding United States Naval Force on Asiatic
Station.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
159.]
Mr. Conger to
Admiral Dewey.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, China, March 11, 1899.
Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the
overleaf, my telegram of the 4th instant and yours of March 3, and
to say that the marine guard will leave here for Tientsin on Monday
morning, the 13th instant.
The presence of the several legation guards here this winter has
given all a feeling of security, and served generally a good
purpose. For ours I pray you again to accept my grateful
acknowledgments. I improve the opportunity to express my complete
satisfaction with their service and to bear willing testimony to
their soldierly bearing, their excellent conduct, and their faithful
performance of every duty.
Lieutenant Dutton’s discipline, control of, and care for his men are
above criticism, and it is a genuine pleasure for me to bear witness
to his uniform courtesy, high character, and excellent official
equipment.
I have not seen that portion of the guard at Tientsin, but I have
heard only words of praise for Lieutenant Gibson and his men, and I
beg to add mine in largest measure to the general testimony of
commendation.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 3 in No.
159.]
Mr. Conger to Mr.
Dutton.
Legation of the United States,
Pelting, China, March 11, 1899.
Sir: I can not permit you to leave this
legation with your marine guard without expressing my complete
satisfaction with the service
[Page 244]
rendered and most heartily commending both you
and your men for the incomparable manner in which it has been
performed.
The conduct of the men has uniformly been above criticism, and their
duties at all times admirably performed.
This all evidences remarkable discipline and most constant, careful,
and intelligent official supervision.
For all of which I desire to express my sincere appreciation, and to
offer to you, personally, my grateful acknowledgments.
I am, etc.,
