The Secretary of State to Minister Rockhill.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, No. 393, of the 8th ultimo, transmitting a report, prepared by Mr. Williams, Chinese secretary of the legation, on the production and taxation of opium in China.

You will say to Mr. Williams that the department appreciates his excellent report, and that it has been read with interest.

I am, etc.,

E. Root.