collars in clearing the ground, and in building
the walls, when the absconding
of the
the contractor, who had received a considerable amount in advance
and the sickness of Capt. Meik, put a stop for a time to the
progress of the building. Afterwards Capt. Meik was from continued sickness compelled to leave China; and at his departure
he left authority with the Revd J. L. Shuck, a missionary Clergyman,
to dispose of the Lots, and it was eventually agreed upon by
me and Mr. William I. Kiddly, British merchant,
that we would purchase there, with their commenced.
for the sum of $191
he would cause them to be transferred to our names at the Hong Kong Land Office,
Accordingly application was made
to the Land Officer, and by him the matter was
referred to the head of the Govt., A. R. Johnston Esqr, whose appointment emanates from H.M.'s Plenipotentiary, and who, after investigating the circumstances, addressed
to the Revd Mr. Shuck an official letter, which I here transcribe for your perusal, and of which a certified copy
is also annexed:
twelve hundred & eighty dollars (about £184 sterling) provided for
the building of Government House
Hongkong, 18th Feby 1842.
1.
"As it appears by your statement,
that