CAPP, On behalf of the American Citizens Resident at Tungchow , to Frederick F. Low, American, September 2, 1870

A.

Sir: Permit us to submit to your consideration the following: At Tungchow, in the province of Shautung, the reports that had been circulating for months of an intended attack upon the foreigners residing there and the natives attached to them, became so definite and apparently well-founded that we could no longer ignore them.

At a meeting of the foreign community, who are all American citizens, held August 29, it was decided that we should temporarily leave the place. We accordingly addressed a note (a copy of which, marked A, we inclose) to Mr. Holmes, the American consul at Chefoo. In the absence of an American gun-boat he made application to his excellency Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Kellett. K. C. B., her Britannic Majesty’s naval, commander-in-chief, who, with great kindness, sent the Barossa and the Grasshopper to our assistance, and secured our safe departure on Thursday, September 1st, instant.

We have written to Sir Henry Kellett the note a copy of which, marked B, we inclose, in acknowledgment of his kindness.

Before our departure, in interviews with the local officers, we could obtain no guarantee for the safety of our lives and property.

Within twenty-four hours, however, after our arrival at Chefoo, the Chi-hien (district magistrate) of Tungchow reported the fact of our leaving to the Tao-tai at Chefoo, who, in a communication to the American consul, deprecates our departure, and cordially invites our immediate return.

We beg leave to bring these statements to your notice, and would consider it a great favor if you will kindly give us your judgment as to the course of conduct proper for us to pursue under the circumstances.

We are, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants,