893.00/7746
The British Chargé (Chilton) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honour to inform you of the receipt by His Majesty’s Government of a report from the British Commander-in-Chief, China, of which the following is an extract:
“While Steamship Kiangwo with wounded from Wanhsien was approaching Hankow she was heavily fired at between Wuchang and Hanyang and after being turned back twice retired above Hanyang and anchored. Thereupon United States ship Stewart which had just escorted a convoy past the same place, where they also had been fired on, went alongside Kiangwo and took off the wounded and British passengers and brought them to Hankow. The wounded were efficiently transported to destroyer and treated with great courtesy. This prompt action in relieving them from the anxiety of being again fired on was most considerate and much appreciated.”
I have been instructed to inform you of the extreme gratification with which His Majesty’s Government learnt of the above, and I have much pleasure in conveying to you, and through your kind intermediary, to the interested authorities of the United States Government, an expression of the cordial thanks of His Majesty’s Government for the prompt and considerate action of the Officer Commanding the United States Ship Stewart.
I have [etc.]