Hale Houston , Hang-chow to Rev. M. H. Houston, October 28, 1873

Mr. Lord to Rev. M. H. Houston.

Dear Sir: Your communication, dated the 8th instant, accompanying your “Estimate of indemnity to be paid the Southern Presbyterian Mission in Hang-chow in the event of its present property on the hill being given up in exchange for another location, on the plain, in the city,” reached me on my arrival in this city four days later.

I took the earliest opportunity to examine said estimate, and to lay the result before the commissioners appointed by the lieutenant-governor to arrange these matters with me. The request that I made of them was that they should select and secure to you a lot of land on the plain as large as the aggregate of those you now occupy on the hill, and situated so as to suit your convenience; and, in addition, to pay you for the expenses and trouble likely to be incurred in making the exchange desired a money indemnity, amounting to $11,000. This claim was not objected to as unfair; but a good deal of time and labor have been required in selecting and securing the ground, and in completing the arrangements. But I have at last the pleasure of informing you that the matters are all adjusted.

I hand you herewith a title, under the seal of the district magistrate, for the ground in question. And the money, I am authorized to say, will be paid at such times as will, I suppose, suit your convenience, viz: $5,000 on the 10th day of the present Chinese month; $4,000 on the 20th day of the first month of the next Chinese year; and $2,000 when you vacate the premises you now occupy, which it is expected you will do as soon as your new buildings can be erected.

Of the $11,000 to be paid to you, $10,450 are intended to cover the claims of your mission; $200 I have deemed it fair to add for personal losses and inconvenience; and $350 is a small commission charged for my services.

I have arranged to have a proclamation issued by the lieutenant-governor, showing that the exchange you have made has not been forced, but voluntary, and as the result of friendly negotiation.

I trust the matter as thus arranged will meet your approbation, and that the result will be to place you and your fellow-missionaries in this city in safer and more friendly relations with the ruling classes of the Chinese.

I am, &c., &c.,