James Burrill Angell to Messrs. Murray and Hunter, August 15, 1881

Mr. Angell to Messrs. Murray and Hunter.

Gentlemen: Your letter of August 6 reached me last evening. I was glad to hear that no new disturbances had occurred.

I shall report the names of the two prominent instigators of the troubles to the Tsung-li Yamên.

The ground on which you are pressing your request for a position on the west part of the main street is reasonable, and I should not readily abandon it.

As to the case of Lui Yü Ting, I answered you as I did, because I supposed they would not admit that they were punishing him for his religious belief, much less formally charge him with Christian faith as an offense. If they do admit that, or if it can be shown clearly that such is the fact, then you have the right as his friends to ask that he have the protection guaranteed by the treaty. While I have no expectation that they will concede that they are punishing him because of his Christianity, I will quote for you the twenty-ninth article of the treaty of Tientsin, 1858, that you may use it if they should make any such concession or if you can prove the fact. Article XXIX (quoted.)

I inclose you also a copy of the same in China.

I thank you for your too kind appreciation of the little I have been able to do for you. If it is my duty to aid you, it is still more a pleasure.

I am, &c.,