pursuits to sea, in order to furnish the means for finding out the good and bad... The said fishermen thus repair to the Magistrates to procure them. Why therefore the said clerk have should gone to these fishermen, in order to sell permits? We ought therefore to investigate whether or not there are some other reasons (for his doing so) and accordingly manage this matter. I the Great Minister have in the mean dispatched the deputy Woo to proceed to Hongkong on public business, and directed him, that after having inquired into the truth of the matter, he may draw up a report to settle the affair properly.
Whilst transmitting this previous Communication, I wish you the fullest measure of happiness. Addressing this important Document to His Excellency Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary, Governor of Hongkong, Commander in Chief of the Forces, and Superintendent of Trade Davis.
Taoukwang 24th Year, 10th Month, 16th day Received 24th November 1844, 29th.
(True Translation.) (Signed) Charles Gutzlaff, Chinese Secretary.
True (Signed) Frederick MA. Bruce
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823 Inclosure N. 2 in Despatch