The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-10-12
LETTER FROM MIyISyER WAPn

LETTER FROM MINISTER WARD. @
correspondent of the New York Times has
furnished that journal with extracts from letter
written by Mr.. Ward, the American Minister IN
China, to friend, detailing the recent events at
Pei-ho. He states that the reason given bv the
Chinese for placing the distractions at the en-
trance OF the river was, that they wished to keep
out the rebels, which he knew was untrue, as the
reoeis never approached by water. In regard to
his own action, Mr.. Ward says:
81 frankly told the Admiral (Hope\ that NV
position was very different from that of the Eng
"lish and French Ministers; that their treaties
were made at time when they were at war with
the Chinese and that if their provisions were yio-
!ated, they might consider themselves thrown back
into the war which had been terminated or sus-
pended by the treaty; that the American treaty,
con the contrary, had been made with nation
with whom we had never been at war, and that if
ANY OF Its provisions were violated, the proper
''remedy must be judged of by our Government,
ito which should refer the matter, but that had
"been instructed by the President of the United
Estates to go to Peking and that should 90 until
stopped by force which could not overcome
'that Commodore Tatnall and would the next
ebay cross the bank in the Toey. Wan and pro-
"ceed as far as we could, until we were fired
'fupon."
His account of the battle it is unnecessary to give
as that has already been sufficiently detailed but
what follows is important. He distinctly states
that the British Admiral sent request to Commo-
dore Tatna to tow up his boats, and on this point
he says:
Com. Tatnall consulted with me on the application
that had been made to him. 1t was question not
without difficulty. AS neutrals we had no right
to interfere to render the smallest aid to either
party But could ace be regarded strictly neatrals
We were in company with the other Powers not
by our own choice. had desired to avoid all COM
pllcaton with them, and to secure this end had
lett Hong Kong so Immediately after nv arrival
as to draw on myself the censure of one of the
Hong Kong journals. The Chinese had themselves
forced us into our present position, their Commits
sloners at Shanghai having insisted upon my wait
ing for the English and French Minister'S and CON-
ing with them. In consequence of this we had
been necessarily receiving from them acts of
tesy and kindness Now, should they be success
full, we should profit by their success. In opening
the road to Picking to their own Minister'S they
would also open it to In view of all these rea-
sons, could not hesitate to say to Commodore
Tatnall that while had no rightto fire g,n, IL,
their defence or to gire them man to aid an the at
tack ought render the required assistance
here the Admiral from has position, and that accord
fngyhis desire to tor up the boats received only
my assent, but nY unqualified appreciation and ,cas
indeed IN strict accordance aoith my ,cishes.
He then bears testimony to the gallant conduct
of Commodore Tatnall, and gives graphic account
of the fight. The concluding para graph of the let
ter is as follows:
AS soon as the first gun fired, felt that if the
English were unsuccessful, could have little hope
of further negotiation with the Chinese; vet as |
would do everything in my power for the fulflment
of my mission, determined to make the effort and
as soon as possible sent letter to the Governor
General of this province, who said to be some
where on the coast about ten miles from the forts
Yesterday despatched my brother, with the inter-
prefers, in search of the place and the man. They
left this anchorage in the Toeywan about II A. NJ
carrying my letter, in which informed the Gov
ernor-General that was here under the treaty.
and by the invitation of the Commissioners at
Shanghai; that was charged with an autograph
letter from the President of the United States to
HIS Majesty the Emperor, and asked him to pro-
vide me with means of conveyance to Picking.
The Toey-,oan returned at p. NJ, and nv broth
er tells me that after going northwest along the
coast, about ten miles from this anchorage, they
discovered an inlet near a village which was strong
ly fortified. The Ioey-tuan could not approach
nearer than four miles in consequence of the shall
lowness Of the water. Ny brother, Mr.. Martin the
interpreter, and Mr.. Merchant, midshipman, went
ashore in the boat of the Toey-ucan. At the ap-
proach of the boat the villagers began to fly. They
with two of the Chinese, who stated that the Gov
ernor-General had gone to the forts at the
mouth of the Pei-ho, and said they would deliver
the letter to him. These men said they had never
heard OF the United States of America, and warned
the party that they had better return to their boat
as large body of cavalry had been sent for who
were Tartar soldiers, and recognized no dstinc-
lions among foreign barbarians. While they were
conversng with the Chinese large body of caval-
ry, well mounted, actually appeared in sight, rap
idly advancing towards them, and, as they re-
turned to their boat, followed them to the waters
edge.
The LOUISIANA VIGILANCE Communicative Yigi.
lance Committees in Louisiana, have not been dis
banded as has been stated. The Opelousas Courier.
published in the parish of st. Landry, denies the
atrocities charged upon these organizations in the
following language:
Some of our exchanges come to US filled with ru-
mors of outrages committed by the Vigilance Com
mitteeS of this and neighborng parishes which we
think are too gross for the belief of even the most
credulous. They bear upon their very front the
impress of the mint whence they come. the haunts
of the villains who have been Justly expelled from
society of honorable men.
If half of the tales told to excite the sympathy
of those not cognizant of the real facts were true
our cotemp would have good cause for the
expression of that Indignation against the action of
the Vigilants which they now unjustly, but
lgnorantly, pouring out upon the heads of men
worthy of commentator rather than blame
Are not the names of the gentlemen at the head
of these organizations, with their honorable and
well-known records, both at hcme and abroad,
guarantee that all has been well DONE at least until
reliable proof is offered that their present action is
giving the lie to the whole tenor of their former
lives?
Gentlemen OF the press, reserve your judgments
till you know all the circumstances from reliable
sources, the necessity which compelled the honest
men OF some OF our parishes to do they have done
in driving from their midst band of thieves and
seoundrels, then blame them, If you can. Do not
give your censure unwittingly when it may not be
deserved.
At Bolton, Texas, it has also been found neces-
sary to establish Vigilance Committee