WINGATE, United States Consul to Russell Young, March 2, 1883

Mr. Wingate to Mr. Young.

Sir: In reply to the inquiry contained in your dispatch of the 23d January, 1883, No. 13, I have the honor to report that a war Vessel, the Kai Chi, was launched at the Foochow arsenal on the 11th January last, and is now in process of completion, although it is not expected to be ready for sea for some six months.

I am not able to give you the details of its size and armament, but eight Krupp guns intended for it are reported to be now on their way, one from Germany.

This vessel was designed by, and built under the superintendence of the Chinese who were educated in France and returned to Foochow some three years, or less, ago.

Aside from some portions of the machinery and the iron plates, the whole work has been done at the arsenal.

I understand that four similar vessels are to be built, hut that the laying of the keels is delayed owing to the fact that the imperial commissioner left immediately after the launching of the Kai Chi, and a new commissioner has not been appointed.

I have, &c.,