Henderson to Commander Kautz, June 4, 1874

Mr. Henderson to Commander Kautz.

Sir: I have the honor to state that I have received an official dispatch from the Chinese authorities of this province, informing me that the island of Formosa is a part of the Chinese Empire, and that the Japanese armed forces now at Liang Kian have entered that island in violation of law and their treaties.

They request me to prevent citizens of the United States from having anything to do with the affair, and say that they have demanded that the Japanese evacuate the island at once. I suppose there is no doubt but there are some Americans engaged in this business, and if so it is probably in opposition to the laws of the United States and our treaty obligations with China; and as United States consul charged with the execution of those laws and obligations over there, I respectfully request your co-operation and assistance in compelling them to desist.

If this suggestion accords with your sense of duty, we can hereafter determine wha mode of procedure we will adopt.

I am, &c.,