Letter from Inspector in Charge of the Chinese Bureau James R. Dunn to Commissioner-General of Immigration Terence V. Powderly Regarding a Plot to Kill Him
7/31/1901
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In this letter, James R. Dunn wrote about the use of a poisonous nut in a plot to kill him.
Although a very small number of Chinese immigrants came to the United States prior to 1850, it wasn't until news of the gold strikes in California reached China that large numbers of Chinese men, eager to earn money, sailed for "Gum San," or the "gold mountain.” The early Chinese immigrants were begrudgingly accepted by Americans and were not the immediate targets of animosity or violence….the Chinese Exclusion Act, which, when passed in 1882, became the most devastating of all anti-Chinese legislation. It barred Chinese from entering the United States for 10 years, allowing only Chinese merchants, teachers, students, or travelers in, and only under strict regulations. It also required Chinese already residing in the United States to have a permit to reenter the country, and it granted all Chinese permanent alien status; this meant they could not become citizens. The Chinese Exclusion Act was extended two times, once in 1892 for an additional 10 years, and again in 1902 for an indefinite time period. It was finally repealed in 1943. Before the Chinese Exclusion Act the U.S. employed an open door policy for immigrants from all countries. However, once the Exclusion Act was passed, an attitude against foreigners began to develop. This chapter will explore some examples and evidence of attitudes and reactions to this shift in immigration mentality. This document is featured in "The Chinese Exclusion Act: Researching in the National Archives," available on iBooks.
Although a very small number of Chinese immigrants came to the United States prior to 1850, it wasn't until news of the gold strikes in California reached China that large numbers of Chinese men, eager to earn money, sailed for "Gum San," or the "gold mountain.” The early Chinese immigrants were begrudgingly accepted by Americans and were not the immediate targets of animosity or violence….the Chinese Exclusion Act, which, when passed in 1882, became the most devastating of all anti-Chinese legislation. It barred Chinese from entering the United States for 10 years, allowing only Chinese merchants, teachers, students, or travelers in, and only under strict regulations. It also required Chinese already residing in the United States to have a permit to reenter the country, and it granted all Chinese permanent alien status; this meant they could not become citizens. The Chinese Exclusion Act was extended two times, once in 1892 for an additional 10 years, and again in 1902 for an indefinite time period. It was finally repealed in 1943. Before the Chinese Exclusion Act the U.S. employed an open door policy for immigrants from all countries. However, once the Exclusion Act was passed, an attitude against foreigners began to develop. This chapter will explore some examples and evidence of attitudes and reactions to this shift in immigration mentality. This document is featured in "The Chinese Exclusion Act: Researching in the National Archives," available on iBooks.
Transcript
Hon. T.V. Powderly,Commissioner-General of Immigration, Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Respectfully referring to certain information furnished to Commissioner Worth, the gist of which has been made known to me, relating to an alleged scheme or plot to effect my removal by the use of a certain poisonous nut, I have the honor to report that I have been making some investigation upon this subject, and as yet find no reason to question the accuracy of the facts reported to the Department, with the exception of the name of the nut. I have discussed this matter frankly with the Consul-General, Mr. Ho Yow, who expresses no surprise, and is apparently aware of some of the suspicious circumstances. The name of the nut is given wrong in the report made to you, as I am informed that the words “Book Quah Nut” do not mean “Poison White Nut”. The Consul-General tells me that the nut referred to is named “Bar To”, and is the same which has been used to produce a lingering death, the reason for which cannot be easily detected. This has been used in the removal of some of the most prominent persons, officials and even princes, in China.
The Consul-General was at first inclined to issue a proclamation upon this subject, but I requested that nothing of that kind should be done, as I desired to prevent public knowledge of the matter, solely for the reason that I feel it my first duty to prevent any information of my possible danger coming to the 26 knowledge of my wife. Of course she is aware in a general way, of the many efforts made against my life and welfare, but I have kept her in ignorance of any specific risk or danger. I shall not of course object to the facts being made public when they can serve any good purpose. The Consul-General informs me that he has discussed the matter with members of the Six Companies and the leading Chinese merchants, and has warned them of the necessity, for their own good, of using every means to prevent the consummation of this scheme, although he declares that neither he nor they have any control over the regular highbinder societies, agains whom he, himself, has constant protection. Respectfully yours,
James R. Dunn
Inspector in Charge.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
National Archives Identifier: 19086663
Full Citation: Letter from Inspector in Charge of the Chinese Bureau James R. Dunn to Commissioner-General of Immigration Terence V. Powderly Regarding a Plot to Kill Him; 7/31/1901; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Record Group 85. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/letter-from-inspector-in-charge-of-the-chinese-bureau-james-r-dunn-to-commissionergeneral-of-immigration-terence-v-powderly-regarding-a-plot-to-kill-him, March 27, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
