JOHN RODGERS, Rear-Admiral , Commander-in-chief of Asiatic Fleet to the Secretary of the Navy, October 8, 1870

Rear-Admiral Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.

Sir * * * * * * *

I propose to send the Benicia in a few days to Che Foo, to convey the American missionaries from that place back to Teng-chow-foo, which they left in consequence of apprehensions of violence from the native population, having been brought away by an English gunboat.

From an apparently dispassionate account of the state of suspense, uncertainty, and reasonable expectation of mob violence, in which they were for a time there, I cannot see that they did otherwise than prudently and wisely in coming away. They go back at the request, I believe, of our minister to Pekin, and at their own desire.

I shall give the commander of the Benicia carefully-considered instructions in regard to them, and as to his intercourse with the authorities. Having performed this duty, the Benicia will be ordered to proceed to Japan.

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I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,