The foreign office to John Russell Young, October 1, 1884

The foreign office to Mr. Young.

Your Excellency: On the 2d September we received a note from your excellency wherein you stated that you had read an account in the foreign newspapers to effect that five of the Chinese students (who were educated in America) serving on board of the Chinese vessel Yung Wu had displayed themselves in firing the guns of that vessel during the fight which ensued between the Chinese and French forces at Pagoda Anchorage; that they showed courage, and were not afraid to die for the cause they espoused; that one of the students was killed in the battle; and that it was manifestly apparent that these students were thoroughly patriotic, and that the education they acquired in the United States had not proved fruitless. And it was your hope that China would again, at stated periods, send boys abroad to be educated.

In answer, we would state that the object of sending students abroad to study is to prepare them for being of service to China, when called upon.

The prince and ministers feel very much grieved at the loss of one of the students who fought for his country at Foochow.

In regard to the educational mission to America, the question has been laid before the throne and is on record. As to whether or not students are to be sent abroad in future, it will be necessary to first have the sanction and permission of the Emperor, and then action can be taken in the premises.

Cards and compliments.