SEWARD, United States Consul-General to Benj. P. Avery, June 17, 1875

Mr. Seward to Mr. Avery.

Sir: I have the honor to hand to you herewith a copy of a dispatch I have received from Mr. Colby reporting a serious disturbance which occurred at Chin Kiang on the 14th instant.

I have had an opportunity to learn the contents of the dispatch addressed by the British consular agent at Chin-kiang to the consul here in regard to the same matter. It is more detailed, and puts the matter in quite as bad a light as does Mr. Colby’s.

Under the circumstances I have consulted with the British consul, Mr. Medhurst, and, at a later moment, with Mr. Wade, the British minister, and it has been arranged that Mr. Medhurst and I shall proceed at once to Chin Kiang. The British sloop-of-war Thalia will also be dispatched for that port as soon as possible, and Captain Bridgman of the American gunboat Palos will follow a little later.

My object will be to advise with Mr. Colby with a view to concert such measures between him and the Chinese officials as will prevent a recurrence of the annoyance to which he has been subjected, and which may at any time end seriously.

It may be possible to procure the punishment of some of the ringleaders in this particular case of annoyance, two of whom are, I believe, the men who were lodged at the British consulate, and for whose rescue the attack on the consulate was made.

I shall also give such support to my British colleague in the graver matter which he has in hand as may appear appropriate.

This movement may be in one sense unnecessary. But regarded in another light, it appears to me very desirable. The Chinese are not, as a rule, troublesome at the ports. The native population at the ports has, however, a large rabble element which is cowardly enough as a rule, but, when excited, it is cruel in the extreme. The best way to keep this element in subjection is to show the ability and readiness to act sternly and rapidly in any given case of trouble.

The advent of Mr. Medhurst and myself, supported by two ships-of-war, and followed by appropriate measures for the punishment of the offenders, and for the future security of our people, will have a good effect at the port for years to come.

I ask your approval of my proposed course, as above reported, and trust to be able to inform you in a few days of the satisfactory settlement of the whole affair. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,