William H. Seward to Wells Williams, August 19, 1874
Mr. Seward to Mr. Williams.
No. 388.]
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 387, I have now the honor to report that General Le Gendre arrived at Shanghai on the 16th instant, and was at once released from arrest upon an order given by me.
The consul-general for Japan at this port has written to me two letters, asking for a copy of his order of release. I inclose copies of his letters, and of my responses, and as well a copy of my order.
I presume that the anxiety to possess this document is induced because it indicates that my instructions from you do not require a prosecution of General Le Gendre, while Mr. Henderson appears to have stated that his arrest was in pursuance of your instructions. Mr. Henderson may very well have supposed that my first telegram to him was based on late advices from you, especially on the advice expected in response to his report of the service of the warning to leave the Formosa expedition upon Messrs. Cassel and Wasson.
I inclose herewith a copy of a protest made by General Le Gendre before the consular court at Amoy.
I may revert to this matter at a later date.
I am, &c.,