Wells Williams to the ministers of the foreign office, February 6, 1874

Mr. Williams to the ministers of the foreign office.

Sirs: I have heard it reported that Mr. Corbett, an American missionary, who had been desired by the Christians of Chi-mi, in Shantung, to come and preach to them, and had lived there quietly for some months without any difficulty arising, teaching the converts at their request the doctrines of the Scriptures, suddenly became the object of the suspicions of the people. In December, hearing that several hundred reckless men were out against him, and being aware of it, he escaped with his children and got away; but the riotous people then surrounded and burst into his house, destroying his books and things utterly. Mr. Corbett happily reached Chefoo without suffering any violence himself.

As this case is one which, if not thoroughly investigated, will, it is to be feared, grow into something very serious, I make it known to your excellencies, with the hope that orders may be sent to the proper authorities in Shantung to fully inquire into and learn the causes of this disturbance in that region, with the grounds of the popular suspicion, so that the affair may be equitably judged and settled. This is highly important.

I avail myself of this occasion to wish your excellencies the highest happiness.