Doc.
97. exclusion of the “Alabama.”
Action of the Chinese Government.
On the eighth of March, 1864,
Mr. Burlingame, American Minister to
China, notified the
Government of that country of the appearance of the pirate
Alabama in the
Chinese seas, and requested that she should be excluded from
Chinese ports.
Prince Kung replied as follows, declaring that he had given orders for her exclusion:
I had the honor to receive your
Excellency's despatch on the eighth instant, in which you inform me that the southern part of the
United States has risen in rebellion to the
Government; and that a steamer, called the
Alabama, is now cruising on the ocean, burning and destroying vessels and property of their citizens; you therefore request that a proclamation be issued forbidding her to enter the ports of
China, &c.
It appears from this, that by the rebellion of the southern portion of the
United States against their government, your country is placed very much in the same position that
China is, whose seditious subjects are now in revolt against her; and as it is highly desirable to prevent this rebel steamer from injuring or molesting American merchant ships, I have notified the various
Governors-General and Governors of the maritime provinces that if the steamer
Alabama, or any other ship, intending to injure American shipping, come into their jurisdiction, they are on no account to permit such vessel to come into any port.
They are required to issue a proclamation to this effect immediately, as a measure adapted to promote the general welfare.
I have informed the ministers of
Great Britain,
France and
Russia, of these proceedings, that they may notify their consuls at the several ports for their guidance.
I also enclose a copy of the despatch issued to the various Governors for your
Excellency's information.
To His
Excellency Anson Burlingame,
United States Minister,
China.
March sixteen, (Tungchi, third year, second moon, ninth day.)
