SHEPPARD, Consul to Benj. P. Avery , United States, December 14, 1874

Mr. Sheppard to Mr. Avery.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter from the Rev. John Maclntyre, testifying to the good effects produced upon the Chinese by reason of the official action which was taken at Che-foo last summer, and resulted in the trial and punishment of the ringleaders of the riotous attack upon an American missionary at Chimi.

I should not feel warranted in troubling you with this letter, but for the fact that it comes gratuitously from an intelligent, disinterested witness, and represents fairly what I believe to be the result of the joint trial of the Chimi rioters by the Taotai and myself at Che-foo, and of the proclamation which was issued and made public respecting the same.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,