in china, take a deep and direct interest, and I therefore in the name of the British government, call on your Excellency, "immediately to apprehend the Perpetrators of this Diabolical act, in order that they be dealt with in such manner, as to proclaim to the Chinese as well as to Foreign Nations, that your Authorities, equally with those of Western States, detest and will inevitably bring to condign Punishment the Perpetrators of such frightful atrocities.
During the present interval of suspense and until the particulars connected with this heartrending Tragedy are known, I have caused a Frigate and Steam Sloop to proceed to and remain in Macao roads.
Accept the assurances
(signed) P. G. Bonham
(True Copy,)
Colonial Secretary
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