Samuel P. Lord to Frederick F. Low, September 30, 1872

Mr. Lord to Mr. Low.

Sir: My last letter to you, dated the 21st instant, with its several in closures, gave you an account of the matters at Hangchow so far as known to me at that date. Since then several letters have come to hand from our friends there, and I have written one or two in reply. I now forward you copies of these, from which you will learn what has been done, and what is the present state of things there so far as is known to me at the present time.

I have only to express my regret that the Chinese officials there have done so little of what they promised to do, and that that little has been done in such bad faith. They are evidently personally hostile to foreigners, and are willing to do all they dare to incommode and embarrass them. They regard missionaries as living there by treaty-right; otherwise I am sure it would not be possible for the missionaries to live there. With their understanding of the treaties they are unquestionably treaty-breakers. It is not for me to say whether missionaries are to be protected away from the treaty-ports. But, if they are, it seems to me that the recent and present conduct of the officials at Hangchow should be made the subject of very serious consideration at Peking; while, if they are not to be protected, they should be so informed.

But whatever view may be taken of this matter, there can be no question but that the officials with whom we had intercourse in this matter were singularly wanting in that fairness which we showed them and which we had a right to expect from them.

I beg to inclose herewith copies of six letters received from friends in Hangchow and two copies of letters written to them in reply.

I have, &c.,