Prince Kung to S. Wells Williams , United States Chargé d’affaires ad interim, November 28, 1867

Prince Kung to Mr. Williams

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

I have had the honor to receive the dispatch of his Excellency Anson Burlingame, in which he states: “I have resigned my office of minister plenipotentiary from the United States to China on this the 21st day of November, 1867, and have transferred the affairs of the legation to S. Wells Williams, who will attend to the management of all things connected therewith.”

In acknowledging this dispatch, I need only say, in reply, that I am well aware that your excellency has resided several years in Peking, and that when you had charge of the legation before, all matters which arose were arranged between us in a friendly and satisfactory manner. Now that you have again taken charge of the legation, it is a matter of great satisfaction to myself and all the members of the foreign office that in discussing and arranging such affairs as may hereafter arise we shall have the advantage of being aided by one so familiar with them as you are.