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I did. I had not the remotest idea of imputing the lightest neglect or blame of any sort, and it appears to me perfectly extraordinary that Your Excellency, or any other person, could, for a moment have so understood it.
I have to regret the tone in which Your Excellency has replied to that communication. I have no complaint to make against Your Excellency and therefore I have nothing to write home about and I regret the hostile manner and tone.
I have had time enough to answer anything the Government may require of me from this or any report Your Excellency may have sent home concerning me, when I am called upon by them to do so.
(True Copy)
I have …
(Signed) Saltoun.
Major General Commanding Land Forces in China
My Lord,
Macao 30th August 1843.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's letter No 302 of the 7th.
I am thankful to Your Lordship for the wish expressed in the commencement of that letter to remove the erroneous impression which you think I had imbibed, but I am compelled to say that I consider your letter as affording no explanation whatever of that which led to my addressing Your Lordship on the 5th.
Major General,
The Lord Saltoun R. & G. S. K.