Your instructions in granting that temporary indulgence—His Excellency fully intended, in so far as was compatible with regard to the collection of postage, that such Establishment should, as heretofore, be employed for the benefit of the public, in, at least, the delivery of newspapers and letters "On Service", as well as in keeping up the former communication with Check Choo and Saiwan. As such, however, does not appear to be the case, and consequently the seven messengers entertained for that purpose are not properly employed, His Excellency is pleased to direct the immediate discharge of the whole number, with the exception of two men who are to be retained for the purpose of immediately delivering such letters as come addressed to His Excellency, No:189, the Governor, the Honorable Major General D'Aquilar, and the Honorable Major Caine, and to the other Officers connected with the Civil Government of this Colony.
(Signed) Richard Hoornam
The Honorable Major Caine,
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Victoria, Hongkong, May 4th, 1844.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No:112 of yesterday's date, and in returning the Enclosures to be kept in your Office, to inform you that Government have nothing whatever to communicate to you on the affairs of the day.