Wells Williams to His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, September 25, 1873

Mr. Williams to Prince Kung.

Sir: I was honored by the receipt of your Imperial Highnesses dispatch of yesterday, in which you inform me that three commissioners, Messrs. Chan Lan-pin, A. Macpherson, and A. Huber, have been appointed to go to Cuba, there to inquire into the treatment of Chinese laborers; and as they will on arrival be unacquainted with the people and places, the hope is expressed that I will move the United States Government to advise its consular officers in that island to afford them such assistance as will further their object.

During the twenty and more years since Chinese laborers began to be carried to Cuba from Kwangtung Province, the report of the hardships they have suffered there has never ceased, and no one knows their extent. It is, therefore, a source of great satisfaction to me to learn from this dispatch that a commission has been appointed to proceed there and inquire carefully into the truth of the reports. Such a course evinces a regard for the Chinese now there, and is an act suitable to the national character and will elevate the reputation of China.

I will not fail to inform the Government I have the honor to represent of these things, and to request that directions may be given to the American consuls in the island to give such assistance to the commission on its arrival as they may be able.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew the assurance of my respect.