I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that it is my intention to withdraw the Troops from this Colony by the end of October or November next.
I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that the detention of the Troops at Hongkong who are ultimately to proceed to India, has not in the present tranquil state of this country been the cause of the slightest inconvenience to the public service.
I have also to participate in the hope expressed by your Excellency that the late measures resorted to may prove final and conclusive, and that all remaining questions may be so arranged satisfactorily as to permit of the Troops who have been relieved, preceding at the time you mention to their final destination.
But should your Excellency find it more conducive to the interests of Her Majesty's Government to retain the Troops ultimately destined for India for a still longer period in China, I have to request that your Excellency will, so far as I am concerned, have no hesitation in retaining them, as there appears no probability of their services being urgently required in this Country.
(Signed) Hardinge.
Simla,
The 12th September 1847.
I cordially participate in the hope expressed by your Excellency that the late measures resorted to may prove final and conclusive, and that all remaining questions may be so arranged satisfactorily as to permit of the Troops who have been relieved, proceeding at the time you mention to their final destination.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary.