he stated that he did so "in the interests of my country and civilization. ... I may be permitted to add that when the oldest nation in the world, containing one-third of the human race, seeks, for the first time, to come into relations with the West, and requests the youngest nation, through its representative, to act as the medium of such change, the mission is one not to be solicited or rejected." He further reported that before he accepted the appointment he consulted his diplomatic colleagues, who heartily approved of the action of the Chinese government, and pledged him their support in his new mission.
The emperor's edict issued in November, 1867, engrossed on yellow silk and bearing the great seal of the empire, was in the following terse terms: "The Envoy Anson Burlingame manages affairs in a friendly and peaceful manner, and is fully acquainted with the general relations between this and other countries; let him, therefore, now be sent to all the treaty powers as the high minister, empowered to attend to every question arising between China and those countries. This from the Emperor." Mr. Burlingame was created an official of the first or highest rank in the Chinese government, and with him were associated two Chinese officials of the Tsung-li Yamen of the second rank. The British secretary of legation and a French official in the Chinese service were made secretaries of the mission, and there was added a numerous suite of translators, clerks, and attendants.
The embassy, which was commissioned to visit the eleven Western nations with which China had treaties,
