to the date of my Despatch N. 11, of the 31st of July, which was forwarded by Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm; and I can only trust, that those measures will be considered to be the best I could have adopted, under the existing circumstances.
On the 21st of August I issued a Proclamation, of which I forward a Copy appointing Messrs Johnston, and Morrison, and Major Caine to be Members of the Legislative and Executive Councils of Hongkong, by virtue of powers vested in me by Her Majesty's Instructions and Letters Patent. My despatches N= 17, of the 1st of September, and No 20, of the 9th of October, will have apprized Your Lordship of the untimely and lamented death of Mr Morrison, on the 29th of August, and of the departure to England of Mr Johnston, as well as of my having informed Your Lordship, in despatch N.11, that I intended to nominate Mr Morrison to officiate as Colonial Secretary during Colonel Malcolm's absence.
The enclosed Copy of a Notification, of the 21st of August, will show that I carried that intention into effect. It likewise will be seen from it, that I have nominated Mr. Burgass to be Legal Adviser to the Government of Hongkong and Clerk of the Council. This Gentleman has been practising for some years at the Bar of the Supreme Court of Judicature.