50
would afford that protection and confidence to the bottle
as well as
mant, which it is invariably customary
to extend to all such places, and most especially
requisite,
in
this first foundation.
It is neither
my
wish nor province to enter at
this moment into any discussion as to the healthiness or otherwise of the blanks. All I shall say
is that we complace of its climate and, that I
have heard many opinions, from persons quite fit to form them, in its favour as against it, but
I have heard at least as
many against it.
My Predecessors in measures,
which have been submitted for the approval of the Queen, have had the effect of bringing to one focus a large concourse
as well as of making the Best, the rendezvous of ships, to that Port, whatever may be thought of it. As Government regarding it as the ultimate
expedient and necessary, to continue the
arrangements I found in force, preceding quotation is for a little, I adverted in August last to
a
letter
to
Lord Palmerston G.C.B., and to it I added, I shall
hereafter report my opinions, as well as the selections I have made in the arrangements for the location of Troops &c; which has
been done?
Your
Obedient Servant,
will therefore understand, that I considered it to be my bounden duty to take upon myself the responsibility which I have done, respecting Hongkong, until I should receive Instructions from Home. Not that I have any personal predilection in its favour,
my
object has been to provide for the immediate tranquility, and good Government of
all
classes residing
in
the settlement. To this I will only add
that, in my unavoidable absence, I consider my Deputy, viz. Sir J. Davis, to be the proper Judge of the best way to attain that object,
and I shall be
therefore, if
General Burrell were desired to comply with
the requisitions
of
the proprietors
may
receive
any
from Mr. Johnston, who will
be responsible, both for their necessity
and
propriety.
I have already directed M. Sander, and shall
again repeat these directions, to hasten the completion