Wells Williams to Mr. Henderso, June 5, 1874

Mr. Williams to Mr. Henderso.

Sir: I have been credibly informed that two American citizens, Douglas Cassel and James R. Wasson, reported to me also as holding commissions in our navy and army, are actually engaged in an armed expedition sent by the Japanese government to punish certain acts of violence committed some time since by the aborigines living in the island of Formosa, upon the crew of a vessel under the Japanese flag; and that both of them have left Japan to aid in the purpose thus openly declared of landing in Formosa.

So far as I can ascertain the consent of the Chinese government has never been formally asked or obtained by the Japanese government to land anywhere in the island of Formosa for the purpose of punishing the aborigines, a region which is claimed by the Chinese as an integral portion of their dominions, and has been so acknowledged by all nations.

I have just heard that part at least of the expedition put in at Amoy for supplies, and after remaining awhile sailed for the southern end of Formosa, where an unopposed landing was effected. Some acts of violence were, it is said, committed by the Japanese upon the unoffending inhabitants or aborigines in that region, which, it is admitted, is not the part of the island where the alleged outrage on the shipwrecked crew was perpetrated.

However this may be, for my information is not precise, this enterprise of the Japanese within the territory of the Emperor of China is one which is not recognized by this Government, and therefore one which no citizen of the United States can lawfully aid, as it is in violation of the peace which now exists between this and his own government. Even if these two men are employed in the military service of the Japanese, that does not permit them to engage in what must now be regarded as an unlawful proceeding, even if it is not really a filibustering expedition.

This being the case, as far as I am now informed, I wish you, as soon as you can, to warn Mr. Cassel and Mr. Wasson that they are doing acts in violation of the peace existing between the United States and China, and require them to desist immediately, and retire from the expedition, under penalty of arrest and trial for those acts. They will not pretend that they have the consent of their own government, or any of its officers, to aid in hostilities with China, but it may be they have been told that the expedition is not really against China, because she does not exercise jurisdiction over the whole of Formosa, and these aborigines always have been quite independent of her control, and it is in their territory only that the Japanese intend to land. These ideas cannot now be alleged in excuse, if it be true that the Japanese government has itself countermanded the expedition for reasons best known to itself.

The appointment of Chin Pao-ching as imperial commissioner to go to Formosa to arrange this affair will, I hope, be a wise selection, and that he will adjust all difficulties; but you will give this warning to Mr. Cassel and Mr. Wasson, and to any other Americans who may be connected actively with the expedition, if they are within your jurisdiction.

I am, &c.,