Prince Kung to S. Wells Williams , United States Chargé d’affaires ad interim, November 27, 1867

Prince Kung to Mr. Williams.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith sends a communication:

Having memorialized the throne, requesting that his Imperial Majesty would appoint officers with powers to go to all the western nations to attend to such matters as may arise between them and China, I was honored by receiving the following imperial rescript on the 26th instant:

“Let Chikang and Sun Kia-kuh be promoted to wear the button of the second grade of rank, and let a peacock’s plume be also conferred on the latter; let these two officers then be sent to all the treaty powers, qualified to attend to whatever matters may arise between China and those countries; and let them pay the greatest diligence to the duties of their office. This from the Emperor.”

I have accordingly respectfully made a copy of the above decree, and have now the honor to transmit it for your excellency’s information.