956
Taotai Yamen,
Amoy.
13th May 1899.
527
We take the liberty of addressing Your Excellency on a matter that lies near our hearts.
We are ambitious to improve the defences of Amoy and purpose building one or two forts on the island of Kulangsu: to do this we must have expert advice as to designs and mounting.
Knowing well your country is noted for experts in this line and has been China's truest and greatest friend we venture to appeal to you for assistance.
We venture to hope that Your Excellency will send up one of your many able officials to examine the locality in which these forts are to be built and to draw up plans.
The expenses in connection with your official's visit here we would gladly pay and we would also arrange with our foreign friends here to lodge him.
To His Excellency
Sir Henry Blake, G.C.M.G.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.