Frederick F. Low to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, October 24, 1872

Mr. Low to Prince Kung.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive from Your Imperial Highness a communication in which is embodied an imperial edict, as follows:

“We having with pious veneration succeeded to the vast dominion founded by our ancestors and enjoying in its fullness the glorious lot to which we have been destined, have chosen one virtuous and modest to be the mistress of our imperial home.

“Upon the 15th October, 1872, we, by patent, instated Alutê, daughter of Chung Chi, a shi-chiang, in the Han Lin College, as Empress.

“This from the Emperor.”

And that, in conformity with the decree quoted above, the marriage ceremony was duly performed on the 16th instant.

Your Imperial Highness further observes that it is proper and desirable that the information be communicated to all governments in friendly relations with that of His Imperial Majesty, hence this announcement is made to the minister of the United States.

In reply, permit me to express my thanks for the honor done me in sending this note, and I improve this occasion to tender my cordial congratulations upon the occurrence of this auspicious event, which confers additional honor upon and augments the happiness of their Imperial Majesties. It will also insure permanence to the present dynasty in legitimate succession, secure to the empire peace and tranquillity, and to the Emperor’s subjects prosperity.

This information will be communicated without loss of time to the Government of the United States, who will undoubtedly receive it with lively satisfaction.

Nor will I permit myself to doubt that my Government will improve the earliest convenient opportunity that may be presented to tender to His Imperial Majesty its felicitations in a manner befitting the importance of the event and the dignity of the two governments.

With renewed assurances of my high consideration, I have, &c.,