Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: I have received your despatch of April 10th, No. 134, together with accompanying documents, namely, certain memorials to the Chinese government and its replies on the subject of enlarged institutions for scientific education. The proceedings described in these papers are exceedingly interesting, and manifest a strong tendency on the part of the imperial government toward assimilation to the institutions and customs of the western nations.
Trusting that you will lend your best exertions to favor this tendency,
I am your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.