HOLMES, United States Vice-Consul to Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Kellett, K. C. B, August 31, 1870

F.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your dispatch in reply to mine of to-day, regarding the removal of the American missionaries from Tungchow, and for which I am under many obligations.

Since receiving your dispatch I have received other letters from the missionaries at Tungchow, and as they have all decided that it is dangerous to remain longer, and have decided to come away immediately, I deem it necessary, from their statements, that succor should be sent to enable them to get away; therefore, as the representative of a friendly power, and in the absence of American vessels, if it is not asking too much of your excellency, may I respectfully request that you will be kind enough to have a gunboat or other vessel sent to their relief, and on behalf of the American Government and the missionaries at Tungchow I shall consider it a very great favor.

I have, &c., &c.,