Anson Burlingame to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung , Secretary-in-Chief for Foreign Affairs, August 29, 1862

Mr. Burlingame to Prince Kung

The undersigned (with titles) begs to inform your imperial highness that he appointed Mr. William Breck, an American, to act as consul for the United States at the port of Kiukiang, in January of the present year, and that he has entered upon the duties of his office at that place. In communicating this, the undersigned, as it behooves him, requests that orders may be transmitted to the proper local authorities of that port to receive the consul in a friendly manner, aid him in obtaining suitable dwellings or in leasing ground for building them, and exert themselves to promote amicable relations, so that everything may proceed to the common advantage of all parties.

The undersigned desires, likewise, to inform your imperial highness that, in May of last year, the acting commissioner of the United States, Commodore Stribling, appointed Mr. Charles D. Williams to act as American consul at the port of Hankow, and that he has also entered on the duties of his office; it is proper to request that the local authorities there may be instructed to receive him in that capacity, and extend to him all the facilities in fulfilling its duties that the treaty requires.