William H. Seward to Hamilton Fish, March 11, 1876

No. 36. Mr. Seward to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to hand to you herewith a circular-letter which I am addressing to our consuls in China in regard to that large and important class of cases presented to the consulates and legation by our fellow citizens who are missionaries in this empire, and have suffered grievances at the hands of the Chinese populace or officials, or both.

I hope that its purpose, scope, and temper will meet your approval.

You will observe that I ask for expressions of the views held by the missionaries. I do this because I have found them a sensible and practical body of men, and, as they must have considered the general subject, their opinions should prove specially valuable. I am in particular anxious to see whether they may not be disposed of their own motion to seek redress in the great majority of cases by direct appeals to the native magistrates. If we could establish this system instead of the present one, under which these troubles are brought first to the consuls, the whole aspect of the matter would be changed.

I have, &c.,