The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1883-08-11
CHINESE KINDNESS RECOGNIZED.
Gold Medals for the Admiral and Captain
of the Chinese Gunboat Chi-An.

1t not unfrequently happens III the case u
shipwreck on the coast of China or the neigh
boring islands that the of the unfortunate
vessels suffer harsh and inhuman treatment at
the hands of the semi-civiliZed natives. Should
the stranded vessel contain a valuable cargo, or
should the wreckers discover that she Is the
bearer of large quantities of treasure, as is often
the case, their piratcal proclivities are aroused
to the highest pitch. In such a crisis as this.
discretion is invariably deemed the better part
of valor, and it is always considered more judi
cious and preferable to flee from the scene of
the disaster, and leave the marauders 20 loot to
their hearts content rather than attempt, with
handful of men,, to set mp defense against
overwhelming numbers. Such was the rule Ina
former years, and even during the current year
similar instances have been noticed. But IL is
a pleasant duty to be able to record exception
10 this rule.
In the year 1881 the bark Annie S. Hall, of
Boston, was wrecked on the Chinese coast during
a typhoon. Captain Nelson and his sue
ceeded in getting on shore, where they were
fairly well treated bv the local mandarin and
population. They afterward succeeded in board
ing n Chinese gunboat that was by the scene of
the wreck. There they found the Chinese Ad-
miral Chong Kee kwong and Captain Lew
Buah, who extended to their distressed visitors
the greatest kindness. Afterwards Captain Mel
and his men taken to other places on
the Chinese coast, and We're finally landed at
Ningpo, where Admiral Chong Kee Kwong pre-
sented Captain Nelson's with few dollars
as parting g cumshaw.'
Upon Captain Nelson's return TO the United
States he personally exereed himself in urging
the Department of State to substantially recog-
nize the kindness shown by Admiral Chong Kee
kwong and Captain Lew Buah to himself, Off
GERS and crew of the bark Annie S. Hail. when
that vessel wrecked the Chinese coast,
which has been done in the following effective
manner. The letter explains itself:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON December 81, 1881
o. n. Denny, Esq, Consul-General of the
United States, Shanghai-Sir : Adverting to
your dispatch (No. 207) of the 2Sth of July last,
in relation to the wreck of the bark Annie S.
Hall, OF Boston. have to inform you that, by
direction of the President, Mr.. Holcombe,
Charge d'Affairs of the Government at eking,
was the 9th instant, instructed to tender
the thanks of the Government of the United
States to that of China, and especially To the
hospitable islanders who received and enter
tanned the crew of the wrecked vessel so
daily and kindly. Further, there have been
ordered two gold medals-one each for the Ad-
miral and Captain of the Chinese gunboat Chi
an which, when completed, will be transmitted
to the Legation at Peking for presentation to
these officers, together with the thanks of the
President, for their humane and generous con-
duct in rescuing and caring for the shipwrecked
Americans.
Captain Nelson, master of the wrecked vessel,
called recently at the Department to urge the
recognition of the services rendered himself and
shipmates of which you above advised, and
it might therefore be gratifying to him to know
of the action taken in the matter. AS the De-
partment is unaware of his whereabouts, it is
suggested that you, who may know his present
address, communicate your information to him.
= 1 am, Sir your obedent servant,
(Signed) J. C. BANCROFT DAYS.
Acting Secretary.
Captain Nelson is now in command of the
British barkentine Mount Lebanon, and on his
arrival in Hongkong in June last. he was pre-
sented with a copy of the above letter.