in 25 Wrapper 905
RECENES
JAX 5 1844
an event which has overwhelmed all classes not
only of Her Majesty's Subjects but all other foreigners, as well as the Natives of this part of China, with inexpressible and lasting
Sorrow.
Anno
nouncing
I enclose a copy of an Official notice of Mr Morrison's decease, and I am assured that Her Majesty's Government will unfeignedly lament the untimely death of a faithful, devoted, and invaluable Servant whose loss it is impossible to replace.
I have the honour to be,
My
Lord,
Your Most Obedient,
Humble Servants,
Sir HENRY POTTINGER announces with feelings of the deepest and most unfeigned sorrow, the demise this morning a few minutes after seven o'clock of the Honorable J. R. MORRISON Esq., Member of Council, Chinese Secretary &c. and Officiating Colonial Secretary of the Government of Hongkong. Mr. Morrison was so well known and so truly beloved, esteemed, and respected by all who had the happiness of his acquaintance and friendship, that to attempt to pass any panegyric on his private character would be a mere waste of words, and Sir Henry Pottinger feels that his own sincere grief on this mournful event is only a type of that universal sentiment in which the memory and worth of Mr. Morrison will for ever be embalmed.
In a public point of view Sir Henry Pottinger considers the death of Mr. Morrison to be an irreparable national calamity, and he doubts not but as such it will be received and viewed by his Sovereign and country.
Macao, August 29th, 1843.