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to all their demands and Counter demands, Exgether with the distance which we are from each other and which renders all communcation back and forward, have combined to unavoidably postpone the settlement.
The Treaty is drawn up in my formsendings. English and Chinese and will this day be sent to the High Imperial Commissioners. After they have finally agreed to it, it is to be signed by these High Officers and then dispatched to Pekin for the Emperor's assent, which it is calculated will be received back here in about twelve or fourteen days from the date of its despatch.
I have stated to the Council that we cannot at the earliest reckon on a final reply in less than three months.
The High Commissioners appear to be very glad to persuade me to not insist on the Provisions of the Treaty, requesting me to wait, by keeping back our Ships and Troops, but I have distinctly informed them, that that cannot be done and it is almost needless for me to say that in the event of the Emperor declining to confirm the acts of his Commissioners, it will then become incumbent upon us to take more energetic measures.
Gentlemen,
Governor & Plenipotentiary,
Hongkong, 2nd Sept. 1841.
Seccable Sororit,
St.) Henry Pottinger