Anson Burlingame to William H. Seward, June 2, 1868
The Chinese Embassy to Mr. Seward
The undersigned, having been commissioned by his Majesty the Emperor of China, Anson Burlingame, of the first Chinese rank, envoy extraordinary and high minister plenipotentiary, and Chih Kang and Sun Chia Ku, of the second Chinese rank, associated high envoys and ministers respectively to the United States of America, have the honor to announce their arrival in those characters. A copy of their credentials is inclosed, and they will thank the Secretary of State to cause a time to be named for them to deliver the original to the President of the United States.
The undersigned avail themselves of this occasion to offer to the Secretary of State the assurance of their most high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
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The Prince of Kung makes a communication:
The yamun has already, as the records show, respectfully copied and forwarded to the United States and other ministers the imperial decrees by which his Majesty the Emperor has specially appointed Mr. Burlingame, and with him Chih-Ta-Chên and SunTa-Chên, members of the Foreign Office, his high ministers, to proceed to the treaty powers with authority to transact all business in which those countries and China have a common interest. In regard to this appointment of three ministers at the same time, the Prince of Kung begs to explain fully the reasons for this action on the part of the Chinese government, so as to anticipate any apprehensions the foreign representatives in Peking might have, that hereafter, when business has to be transacted with the several governments to which the three ministers are accredited, there is to be no distinct precedence and subordination between them. It is the usage, the prince is aware, among all the great western powers, when peaceful relations exist between them, to send diplomatic representatives, each to the other; and as relations of friendship and amity have now existed between the United States and China for some years, this country ought ere this to have sent to the United States an envoy with diplomatic function; but the taking of this step has been hitherto delayed because China has not been acquainted with the languages and customs of foreign nations. When, however, Mr. Burlingame, a minister who is just in his dealings and agreeable in intercourse, and who is thoroughly acquainted with the relations of China and foreign nations, and in whom the Chinese government on its part has always had full confidence, expressed his willingness to act in this matter for China, his Imperial Majesty, moved by a memorial on the subject, appointed him to be his high minister, to proceed to all the treaty powers, and Messrs. Brown and de Champs to be first and second secretaries respectively, to aid in performing the duties of the legation. His Majesty in this appointment charged Mr. Burlingame, assisted by his secretaries, with the exclusive control and responsibility of the business of the mission.
But if no Chinese high officers had been sent, this country would have remained as unacquainted as before with the duties of diplomatic representation. His Majesty was therefore further requested to appoint Chih-Ta-Chên and Sun-Ta-Chên high ministers to accompany Mr. Burlingame. This step not only shows the genuine feelings of friendship existing, but will also give these high officers an opportunity to acquire practice and experience in diplomatic duties.
As the Chinese government has on this occasion been enabled to avail itself of Mr. Burlingame’s weight and position, and of the assistance of the secretaries of legation Messrs. Brown and de Champs, both the business of this particular mission will be performed satisfactorily, and hereafter when envoys are to be sent by China to foreign powers the taking of such action will have been much facilitated, and a mode of procedure that can be followed will have been laid down.
On the arrival of the ministers in the United States and other countries, the government there will discuss and decide with Mr. Burlingame alone, all matters that may have to be dealt with; and when Mr. Burlingame has arrived at any decision, Chih-Ta-Chên and Sun-Ta-Chên will consult with him as to the dispatches on the subject to be sent to the yamun of foreign affairs in Peking. In this way the entire work of the mission, being fully provided for, will proceed smoothly and satisfactorily.
Mr. Burlingame, on his part, understands the languages and peculiarities of foreign nations, and Chih-Ta-Chên and Sun-Ta-Chên, on their part, are conversant with the language and affairs of China. The arrangements adopted in this mission are only temporary, and for the occasion. The measure is an initiatory one, and will not be permanently imitated in the future.
The prince (and members of the yamun) would request his excellency to communicate the contents of this dispatch to the high ministers who have charge of the government of his country, for their guidance in receiving and treating with the ministers representing his Majesty the Emperor of China.
A necessary communication, addressed by the Prince of Kung, and ministers of the yamun of foreign affairs, to the foreign ministers in Peking, and to the secretaries of state of those treaty powers not yet having diplomatic representatives in China.