carrying out the first & last of these objects. I have now the honor to state that I see no obvious reason to object to the course which has been adopted by you.
With regard to the former, it would undoubtedly have been more satisfactory if they had been furnished with a plan & estimate of the additional Commissariat buildings, before they were requested to give their sanction thereto; but they rely on your discretion not to allow any expenditure that is not absolutely required for the public service.
In respect of the second, I have only to remark that an expensive establishment consisting of four officers besides subordinate persons, has been formed for the purpose of surveying the island of Hong Kong. I trust that this work will be completed without unnecessary delay, & you will, of course, discontinue the employment of the additional officers, as soon as the progress of the Survey shall enable you to report all your proceedings upon the subject.
On the subject of the disposal of the Lands after it shall have been surveyed, it is unnecessary that I should add anything to the instructions which you have already received from the Earl of Aberdeen. But I enclose, herewith, for your assistance, a Copy of a despatch...