DE LANO, United States Consul to Chester Holcombe, October 5, 1878

Mr. De Lano to Mr. Holcombe.

Sir: Recurring to the Wu Shih Shan riot, I have to inform you that since the date of my last to you on the subject there have been no further acts of violence committed by the Chinese, though they have been prolific in threats against foreigners, and foreign property in the city. From the 30th of August to September 19, five men-of-war arrived here (four English and one American) and this evidently had the effect to move the authorities to the exercise of special energy and efforts to prevent further outrage or destruction of property.

About the date of the arrival of the United States ship Alert in port, to wit, the 18th September, placards were posted threatening the destruction of the remainder of the English Church Mission property on Wu Shih Shan, and the expulsion of all foreigners from the city. There was every reason to believe that these incendiary placards emanated from the literati, Hing, who led the incendiary mob on the 30th August and who has been repeatedly pointed out to the authorities; and it has been well known that this man has all along been with his ruffian followers quartered in a temple adjoining the mission premises, yet no move has been made toward his arrest.

Yesterday, the 4th, being the Chun Yang festival, was fixed upon for another demonstration against foreigners. Many thousands of people repaired to the hill to fly kites and to worship, and it was feared that trouble would arise, but many officials were on the spot or stationed near the mission premises with a large body of soldiers, and the day passed without any hostile demonstration being made. I have every reason to believe that the riotous propensities of Hing and his followers will now be held in check until a settlement of the burning of the college building has been effected.

The United States ship Alert will likely leave here in the course of a week.

I have, &c.,