ENGLISH TEACHER IN CANTON DOCUMENT ARCHIVEGood group of English and Chinese letters and documents, most with English translations in manuscript, all related to the service of John A. Summers, an English teacher posted in Canton from 1892 to 1903. These include: an autograph letter, 2pp. 4to., a letter of recommendation to the Tsung-li Yamen (Chinese Department of Foreign Affairs) stating that Summers, successor to a Mr. Budd, has completed his year's probation, and should receive a permanent post, having studied medicine and been found to be of upright character and diligence; an A.L.S. from E.B. Drew, Commissioner of Customs, 1p. 4to., Canton, Sep. 25, 1893, to Summers, confirming that the latter has been accepted as a Teacher of English at the T'ung Wen Kwan, the Chinese government's school for Western languages, at Canton, accompanied by Summers' retained A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Canton, Sep. 25, 1893, accepting the position, as well as a fragment of red envelope with Chinese characters; an A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Canton, July 6, 1901, Summers' retained copy of a request sent to the staff of his superior, the Manchu general Shou Yin (here referred to as "the Tartar General"), informing him that Summers will be visiting Japan during the summer holidays, and requesting an extra ten days leave for travelling, accompanied by the official's response in Chinese, 1p. 8vo. on red paper, with the sender's name on a second sheet, with an English translation of the same, 1p. 8vo., Canton, July 10, 1901, granting Summers' request, as well as a fragment of red envelope with Chinese characters; an autograph letter in Chinese, 1p. long 8vo. on red paper, with the sender's name on a second sheet, accompanied by an English translation, 2pp. long 4to., Canton, Dec. 29, 1901, informing Summers that he is to receive a pay increase in recognition of his efforts at the school, accompanied by the original transmittal envelope with Chinese characters, and a transmittal envelope addressed to Summers and bearing the stamp of the Canton customs house; a printed document in Chinese, 3pp. 4to., accompanied by a manuscript English translation, 2pp. 4to., Canton, June 14, 1902, a memorial sent by the Tartar general, his viceroy, two lieutenants, and his "hoppo" (collector of customs) to the emperor, requesting that Summers be awarded the Order of the Third Division, Third Class, in part: "... As first subsequent to the establishment of the T'ung Wen Kwan in Canton ... there was only one department and one foreign teacher viz. to teach English ... Now, however, since more departments viz. Russian, Japanese, and French have been opened ... our duty is to select the most deserving teacher for the conferment of distinction. It appears that J. Summers the English teacher entered the school in the 16th year of Kwang Hsu; thus having up to the present time served for ten years; he ranks first in seniority and further he has been most assiduous in the performance of his duties. It does not, therefore, seem fitting that his services should be left unnoticed..." The imperial edict granting the order is also present, in full: "The request is hereby granted. Let it be as requested. Let the Wai Wu Pu [the foreign office, which superseded the Tsung-li Yamen] give it their assention. Respect this", as well as a transmittal envelope from the Canton Customs House, stamped "On His Majesty's Service"; and a printed document in Chinese, 1p. 21 1/2" x 10, with a pencil notation by Summers in the upper right corner, giving the date as July 1903, and identifying the document as a dispatch from the Tartar general to the foreign office, asking them to renew Summers' appointment. These documents, originating from the period of xenophobia and anti-Western sentiment best exemplified by the Boxer Rebellion of 1899-1901, nevertheless exemplify the good working relationship and mutual respect that existed between Chinese officials and the many Western residents of cities such as Canton who performed such vital services as teaching. Housed in a custom box of red paperboard, very good overall.
