we imagine for a moment that the whole Empire is going to
follow their example, and that we shall thus be enabled to
rid ourselves of the accursed presence of the foreigner, we are
very much mistaken, and the attempt is foredoomed. My
advice therefore to your Excellency, is not to hesitate
in disobeying the Edict which commanded you to raise these
train-bands. I do not hesitate to give you this advice and to
assure you that you run no risks in following it. You should,
of course, act with great discretion, but the main thing is to
prevent the Throne's Decree becoming an excuse for the
banding together of disorderly characters. I write this
private letter under stress of much natural apprehension, and
you will therefore pray forgive the haste and confusion
of its contents, and I trust that you will favour me in due
course with your reply.

(Signed) JUNG LU.

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