The Intendant of the Ping An District in charge of the Ching-Nan Naval Guard and Prefect of San Hoa makes the following communication in reply to Captain Febiger.
　That he has just received information from the intendant of Hwang Hae district that your Honor has sent a communication to the Magistrate of Chang Leen together with a dispatch for our Emperor, from a copy of which I fully understand the purpose for which your honored vessel has come. The four men said (not to be dead) which are demanded are in fact not in existence, as however the dispatch has been forwarded, it remains with our Sovereign to adjust the matter and as the reply will require time it will be necessary to wait a few days. In case your honored vessel should be dissatisfied with the delay and desire again to ride up on the tide, I fear that both host and guest may be inconvenienced. The Military officers placed on guard at the borders have simply the orders of the King to guard the entrance from the sea and not daring to be guilty of neglecting their duty, could not but fire guns and cannons as a warning. Your honored vessel coming with intentions wholly peaceful, how could you but feel offended. Further going up the river, the sand banks are very numerous, so that a safe passage is exceedingly difficult, ten thousand to one you would run aground, and this is the point of my saying that both host and guest might be inconvenienced. I earnestly hope that your honored vessel will anchor in some place safe from the winds and waves to await a reply, and by that you will not contrarywise stir up any affair which will destroy our peaceful relations.

A necessary communication addressed to Capt. Febiger
Emperor Tung Chi, 7th Year, 4th mon., 4th day
April 26, 1868