The following reply has been sent by Mr. Low, U. S. Minister at Peking, to the farewell letter addressed to him by the American Missionaries at the Capital, published by us lately.
GexrLeMeN,—I have received your letter of the 17th instant, in which you express in highly complimentary terms your appreciation and approval of my course as the representative of the United States in China, You refer specially to the adjustment of some difficulties i nection with the Missionary intere the peaceful and proper settlement of the Audience Question, as among the more important questions with which it has been my fortune to deal.
In reply, I have to say that, as the representative of the United States, it has been my constant aim and endeavor to secure to all our citizens, irrespective of their calling or profession, every right which an honest construction of the treaties, and the well settled principles of public law would warrant; at the same time doing what I could to promote a better understanding between the Chinese Government and those of the West. To what extent my efforts have been successful T leave for others to judge.
Your letter, coming as it does from those whose residence is in and near the capital, whose opportunities have been and are good for gaining a fairly accurate knowledge Of the bearing of the various questions which: have come up for discussion, and who are therefore able to estimate properly the loss or gain to foreign interests by what I have been able to do, either individually or acting jointly with my colleagues, is tome very gratifying, That the recent public recognition by the Emperor of China of the equality of Western nations will have the effect to improve relations, 1 cannot for a moment doubt. Whether the results will be all that we hope for or even expect, time alone can determine.
In leaving this city, I shall carry with me the remembrance of your unvarying courtesy and kindness, and this recollection will add to my interest in your future welfare and happiness, and the cause to which your lives are dedicated.
I reciprocate most cordially your express sions of personal regard and esteem.
Tam, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, Frepenic F. Low.
Tuly 22nd, 1873.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.