SPEECH AT THE BANQUET BY THE CITY OF BOSTON TO THE CHINESE EMBASSY,
AUGUST 21, 1868.
The year 1868 was memorable for the Chinese Embassy, with
Hon. Anson Burlingame at its head, which, arriving first at
Washington by the way of San Francisco, negotiated a treaty
with the United States, and then visited Europe. The abundant
hospitality with which it was received throughout the United
States was marked at Boston by a distinguished reception and
entertainment on the part of the municipal authorities. August
20th, the Embassy was received by Hon. Nathaniel B. Shurtleff,
Mayor, and escorted in public procession through the principal
streets, and with the customary diplomatic salutes, to the
Parker House, where they were lodged as the guests of the city.
The next day at noon they were publicly received at Faneuil
Hall, which was decorated for the occasion. In the evening
they were entertained at a banquet at the St. James Hotel,
where were present about two hundred and twenty-five gentlemen,
including the City Government.