Wells Williams to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, November 28, 1867

Mr. Williams to Prince Kung.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Imperial Highness’s dispatch of the 22d instant, containing a copy of his Majesty’s rescript, appointing the Hon. Anson Burlingame to be minister plenipotentiary on the part of China to represent her at all the treaty powers, and conferring on him authority to manage every affair that may arise between them; and adding, that this appointment has been made because of his thorough acquaintance with the whole policy of China, and his peaceful, amicable management of his official relations and duties.

I have read your Highness’s dispatch with the greatest satisfaction, noting, in the first place, the commendatory terms in which you speak of Mr. Burlingame’s conduct during the time that he was the representative from the United States, and then that his Imperial Majesty has seen proper to appoint him as his own envoy to the treaty powers, with full authority to manage whatever business may arise between China and those governments. This has been done in order that he may promote the best interests of China, and in every way bring about a good understanding in all those countries; and I shall have great satisfaction in making it known to the President.

Since the ratification of the foreign treaties, his Majesty’s government has not before appointed an envoy to reside in the treaty states; but having now of its own free will entered upon this step, it will be evident to all those nations that China is likewise fully aware that she, too, forms one of the universal family of mankind.

I have only to express the earnest hope that the future relations between her and other countries may gradually become more and more intimate and friendly, and that nothing may arise to impede or injure them.

I have the honor to be, sir, your Imperial Highness’s obedient servant,