Mr. Hay to Mr. Wu.
Washington , November 11, 1901 .
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 8th instant, announcing the death, on the 7th instant, of His Excellency Li Hung-chang, Earl of Suh-yih of the First Rank, Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, Grand Secretary of State, Viceroy of Chihli, and Plenipotentiary of China, etc.
In reply I beg to assure you that the Government and the people of the United States sympathize with China in the loss of her great statesman, who gave so many proofs of his esteem and friendship for the United States.
The United States minister to China, who had already reported the death of Earl Li, has been instructed to offer appropriate condolences.
Accept, etc.,