John Russell Young to the foreign office, September 2, 1884
Mr. Young to the foreign office.
September 2, 1884.
Your Imperial Highness and Your Excellencies: The American minister presents his compliments to his imperial highness the prince and their excellencies the ministers of the yamên, and begs to state that he has noticed an account in the foreign newspapers to the effect that in the fight which occurred between the Chinese and the French forces at Foochow the Chinese displayed bravery in fighting for their country, and conspicuous among those who distinguished themselves were five of the students who were educated in America and who were serving on board the Yung Wu. These students showed ability in firing their guns and fought to the very last, fearless of death, and they did not leave the vessel until she commenced to sink, when they jumped into the water and swam for their lives. One of the students, nephew of Mr. Yung Wing, late assistant minister of China to the United States, was killed.
The American minister desires to express to his imperial highness and ministers of the yamên his deep sense of regard for the bravery of these young men. It has been stated that it was to be feared that these students in undergoing a system of foreign studies would not prove of any great service to their country, but judging from these recent acts above recited it is manifestly evident that they have done great service to China, and that their education in the United States has not proved fruitless. They have fully shown themselves not only worthy of their country’s favor, but they have also shown themselves brave.
It cannot, therefore, be said that they are of no service to their country. It is the hope of the American minister that the Government will, in future, at the proper time, again favorably consider the question of sending another group of students to America, as events have confirmed the opinion he has expressed to your highness that the education they would receive would be of benefit to China.
In sending this note the American minister hopes that it will receive the favorable consideration of his imperial highness and their excellencies the ministers of the yamên.