William H. Seward to Francis Clare Ford, January 23, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Ford

My Dear Sir: Your note of the 20th instant, containing some allusions to the proceedings which were adopted by General Le Gendre, United States consul at Amoy, for the protection of seamen against the violence of the savage tribes in Formosa, has given much pleasure to this department. First, because it gives what appears to be a probable account of the success of the consul’s proceeding in that case; second, because it conveys an assurance of generous appreciation of the consul’s proceeding on the part of her Majesty’s government. Our latest official information was of the 4th of September, 1867. We are indebted to the telegram and to your note for the full information we have of facts subsequent to that date. I shall have occasion to recur to the subject after obtaining more conclusive information. I am, my dear sir, very faithfully yours,