William H. Seward to J. Stahel, February 23, 1878

Mr. Seward to Mr. Stahel.

Sir: The inclosed rules for the care of the harbor at your port, having been proposed to the foreign representatives by the foreign office, have received my approval. I have to request, therefore, that you will give to the harbor-master cordial support in carrying them into effect.

As the rules will be notified by the inspector-general of customs, there does not seem to be occasion for you to publish them.

The question of the conservation of the river and the improvement of the bar is likely, as I hope, to be taken up at an early moment. It is one in which, from my long experience at Shanghai, I feel especial interest, and which I shall not willingly let drop.

You may communicate a copy of this note to the chairman of the chamber of commerce, requesting him, however, to consider that it is not open for publication.

I am, &c.,