Sir:

I have heard your name for a long time, but I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing you. Mr.Ü,our Consul of Nagasaki, has written me about you. I respect you very much for being a clever and just man and having a good feeling toward China.
I may tell you that the friendly relation between China and the United States has been much strengthened since General Grant came to our country.
Now, I would ask you to come to Tientsin at once in order to let me have a personal meeting with you and talk over matters.

Your truly
Li Hung-chang (in Chinese word)

Shufeldt to secretary Navy (received Sept. 10th)
Ticonderoga homeward bound all well
Shufeldt