Hong Kong, May 24.1843.
1:54:
3 Inclosures.
W34
kr.43
1117 Hong Ko2353
Head Quarters. Hongkong.
1843
As I have been informed that an order in Council has recently been passed to hold with Criminal Jurisdiction in Hongkong, I have requested G : O : & G : to inform me whether you have the power of assembling a Court Martial or not, as there has been a very serious case of an unnatural crime committed by some men taken by H.M.S. Saltown, whom it will be necessary for me to try by General Court Martial in case such powers do not lie in G: O : & G:'s hands.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
Sir Henry Pottinger Bt.G.O.