Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

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.,

E. H. Conger.
[Page 243]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 159.]

Admiral Dewey to Mr. Conger.

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.

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.,

E. H. Conger.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 159.]

Mr. Conger to Mr. Dutton.

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.,

E. H. Conger.