We cannot but express surprise at Rose Gentlemen putting forth a Paper in which we are deeply concerned, without our Knowledge; and we believe without the Knowledge of the other Public Agents on whose behalf we signed this letter. And we have to acquaint Your Excellency, for the information of Her Majesty's Government, that we entirely disown the said Statement, in the framing of which we were never consulted, and to which we are not parties.
We have &c.
(Signed) Benj... (illegible) for himself and R. M. Whichelo. Rickard Woosnam, for himself and G. A. Malcolm.
(True Copy)
Michael Woosnam
(Copy)
N405
Gentlemen,
...
R340
Government House, Victoria, (Hongkong) October 17th, 1843.
Referring to my letter to Your address N. 187 of the 6th of November, 1841, with which I sent you a Copy of my Despatch N. 40 to the Earl of Aberdeen, I have to acquaint you, that Her Majesty's Government (apparently under some misconception as to your duties occasioned by the term "Prize Agent" instead of "Public Agent" having been applied to Your appointment in some of the Official documents of which Copies were forwarded) Lieut. Colonel Malcolm, C. B. Nichard Woosnam, B. Chimmo, R.M. Whichelo, Captain Balfour Explain. Ware.
Late Public Agents. Esquires.