Frederick F. Low to B. C. Northrop , Secretary of the Board of Education, New Raven, Conn, January 15, 1873

No. 55. Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.

Sir: When the ministers of the foreign office came to make their New Year’s call upon me, inquiries were made about the young students now in the United States. In reply, I said that I had seen in one of our newspapers recently a published correspondence concerning them, and had also received a dispatch from the Department upon the subject, and that if it was desired I would send a copy of the one and the substance of the other to them.

The inclosures herewith contain a copy and translation of my note inclosing the paper, and the prince’s reply.

The prince’s note is exceptional in style, and its tone is unusually cordial. Instead of inclosing the minister’s cards with his, (which is invariably done in notes emanating from the yamên.) this came with the prince’s card alone.

The reason for this is apparent. He desired to impress upon me that he takes a special personal interest in this matter. It was also intended to convey the thanks of himself and the government in a more pointed and emphatic manner than would have been the case had the note been in the usual form.

The kind reception which these youths have met with and the interest manifested in their welfare is very gratifying to the promoters of the scheme for sending them abroad. If the reports from them continue favorable it is not unlikely that the others will be sent faster than was originally contemplated, and also that the total number may be increased.

As Mr. Northrop is included in the prince’s note of thanks, it seems proper that he should be furnished with a copy of it. A cover to Mr. Northrop’s address is inclosed herewith. It contains a copy of the note referred to; and, if there be no objection, I would thank you to forward it to its destination.

I have, &c.,