Lord Stanley will perceive by the inclosed Copy of a Report from the Law Officers of the Crown that they are of opinion that the trial has been regularly conducted, but recommend that the punishment of death which has been awarded to the Defendant, should be commuted for one of transportation.
Before however Lord Aberdeen instructs the Chief Superintendent to that effect, His Lordship would be glad to know whether it would be consistent with Lord Stanley's views that the criminal should be transported to any, and in that case to which, of Her Majesty's Colonies; and Lord Aberdeen will therefore confine his answer to Sir H. Pottinger's Despatch to that effect, intimating that the prisoner's life will at all events be spared, but that the condition on which it is extended mercy will be made known to the Chief Superintendent by a future opportunity.
Lord Stanley will not fail to remark in the inclosed Papers that an opinion appears to be entertained in Hongkong that all capital sentences must be confirmed in England before they can be carried into execution.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
Aberdeen