The Tsung-li Yamen had been advised of his intention, and appointed a farewell interview at the foreign office. During an exchange of compliments, a suggestion was made by Wensiang that in passing through Europe on his return to the United States, Mr. Burlingame might be of great service in Paris and London by friendly representations on behalf of China. He at once expressed his willingness to render China this service, whereupon Wensiang, apparently half in earnest and half in compliment, asked, "Why will you not represent us officially?" Mr. Burlingame reports that he "repulsed the suggestion playfully, and the conversation passed to other topics." Out of this came his actual appointment as ambassador of China to the Western powers.
Dr. Martin, who was present as interpreter at the farewell interview, says that Mr. Burlingame on his return to his legation called upon Robert Hart, a British subject at the head of the Chinese customs service and a confidential adviser of the Tsung-li Yamen, and told him of the suggestion which had been made to him. Hart, who owed much to Mr. Burlingame for his advancement in the Chinese service, undertook to make the suggestion a realization, and within a few days inquiry was made of Mr. Burlingame as to his willingness to accept such an appointment, and the imperial edict soon followed. In tendering his resignation to Secretary Seward before accepting this appointment,
Dip. Cor. 1862-1868, China; Williams's Letters, chap. x.; Martin's Cathay, pt. ii. chap. ii. As to Sen Ki-yu, U. S. Dip. Cor. 1867, pt. i. pp. 453, 513; Speers's China, 421; Williams's Letters, 417.
