Wânsiang to Wells Williams, February 24, 1874

Ministers of foreign office to Mr. Williams.

The members of the foreign office return their compliments.

Your excellency’s note, giving the report respecting an American missionary at Chi-mi in Shantung, has been received, in which you state that in December last several hundreds of reckless men were out against him, but being aware of it he escaped with his children, while his house was afterward surrounded and broken into, and his books and things utterly destroyed.

We have now to state that orders have been sent to the governor of Shantung to direct that a thorough investigation be made into this affair, with a view to its equitable adjudication and settlement; and when his report of the proceedings taken is received, we will have the honor of again addressing you and making known what has been done.

With the present reply we take the opportunity of wishing you every happiness.