Pilcher to Frederick F. Low, April 2, 1873

American missionaries to Mr. Low.

Hon. F. F. Low, Esq.:

Dear Sir: Having learned that your excellency is about to leave the capital, we, the undersigned members of the Methodist Episcopal mission in North China, deem it a fitting opportunity to give expression to the following sentiments:

• First. The deep obligations we are under to your excellency for the prompt, able, and successful vindication of our right to hold chapel premises, lawfully purchased by us, in the southern city of Peking, and that, too, in the face of determined hostility to us on the part of certain influential mandarins.
• Second. Our deliberate conviction that the policy which has characterized your excellency’s administration, not only in this particular instance, but in connection with every missionary question so far as known to us that has come before your excellency for action, has been marked by a sound judgment, and by the energy and moderation which are wisely designed to promote a harmonious settlement of the somewhat precarious relations now existing between foreigners and natives in China.

We subscribe ourselves your excellency’s most obedient servants,