Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill.

No. 16.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 22, of November 16 last, inclosing the translation of a telegram to you from Chang Chih-tung, viceroy at Wuchang, in relation to the execution of the provincial treasurer of Chih-li, and other officials at Pao-ting Fu, together with a copy of your reply thereto.

The Department approves your reply to the viceroy informing him that you had communicated to your Government the substance of his telegram, and that the United States took no part whatever in the military expedition to Paoting Fu.

I am, etc.,

David J. Hill,
Acting Secretary.