Isaac F. Shepard to G. F. Seward, April 10, 1880

Mr. Shepard to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Referring to your No. 85, on the subject of educating natives in foreign sciences, I have to report that I cannot learn of anything done in my district of any moment. At sundry times some foreigners wanting employment have opened small schools in Hankow, intending to teach people of any age to read English. The results have been inconsiderable, as the enterprise has in all cases been abandoned as soon as more lucrative pursuits have been available. Besides this, I know of no efforts made in the direction of your inquiry except some work of Dr. A. C. Burns, of the American Episcopal Mission at Wuchong, who, before he left, gave some instruction to a few converts in the theory and practice of medicine. In his view, his results were encouraging, but not fully developed.

I am informed also that Dr. Manley, now located here in charge of the London Mission Hospital, is preparing a system of instruction and intends soon to put it in operation, for the systematic training of native pupils in the principles and science of physiology, with surgical and medical training, in a course of some years’ duration, in connection with his important hospital work.

Beyond these I know of nothing done in the line of your investigation.

I am, &c.,