Sir:

I have the honor to inform you that I have received a letter dated Tientsin, the 18th day of the 6th moon of the 4th year of Kwang shu (24th July 1880) from His Excellency, Li Hung-chang, Viceroy of Chih-li, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, stating that your honorable name is well known to him and he has always felt a great desire to see you, but he has had as yet no opportunity to gratify his wishes—. He has at present some matters of importance which he desires to discuss with you, and consequently he instruct me to call upon you personally and request that you would be good enough at your earliest convenience to pay him a visit at Tientsin where he will be most happy to meet you.
I hope this will receive your favorable consideration—I also yesterday handed in a letter addressed to you by His Excellency the Viceroy.-
While writing, I take this opportunity of wishing you the blessings of the season.
I have the honor to be sir your most obedient servant.

Ü Tsing, His Imperial Chinese Majesty’s Consul.