they eventually fetched it, I hold that the price, whatever it might be, belonged to Her Majesty, and that it was business to see to it's being recovered for
the crown.
I will then have an opportunity, if they desire it, of becoming the Proprietors. It case they do so it will be for your Lordship to consider whether an abatement in the price they may pay shall be made Equal to the sum they have already paid,
Should I receive authority by Major Malcolme to dispose of land on thirkland, I intend that the lots in question shall be put up with others for sale by Public Auction, and Messrs Webster and Kindley offered opportunity, if they desire it, of becoming the Proprietors.
should they not become the Proprietors, Whether they ought to be repaid that sum from the amount the ground may fetch.
(Signed) Henry Pottinger
4th Plenipotentiary
Copy
Gentlemen,
Honglong
APR. 15 1840
202
Government
Hong Kong, January # 1843.
I am directed by Sir Henry Pottinger to intimate to you, that the transfer of certain locations to you by Captain Meek (on his behalf) in the vicinity of the Cantonments Hill Barracks will not be recognized by Her Majesty's Govt, as Captain Meek obtained permission to build on that ground on terms in which he totally failed.
Under these circumstances, the ground in question clearly reverted to the crown. and H. E. Sir Henry Pottinger thinks it right to intimate to you that if you build on it - you will do so at your own risk as it will be held, in common with all other public ground, on the receipt of the expected instructions from England
Messrs Webster
Kinsley and
Shuck.
(Signed) Richard Woosmon Acting Secretary