[Prince Kung to Mr. Holcombe.], June 27, 1878

[Prince Kung to Mr. Holcombe.]

I have had the honor to receive your note stating that you were in receipt of a communcation from the United States minister in the Sandwich Islands, in which he states that he is informed by the attorney-general of the islands, of the arrest of two Chinese named Wang, by the viceroy of Canton, upon a charge of abducting Chinese to be used in those islands as slaves or coolies; that in the past five years the firm of which the persons named Wang are members have sent about 500 Chinese passengers to the Hawaiian Islands, all of whom paid their passages, and that all were and are free; you beg leave to call my attention to these statements, and you request that I will take such action in the premises as may be best calculated to promote the ends of justice.

In reply I beg leave to inform you that a copy of your note has been sent to the viceroy of Canton, with instructions to examine into the matter. When his report shall have been received, I shall have pleasure in addressing you again in the matter.

Cards and compliments.