these seas.
They receive
their orders.
3
from the Commander
in Chief alone.
I am prevented, as Your Excellencies
have been already informed, by the positive
orders
of my Government, from interfering in this matter
in any way, unless instructed to that
effect. Any representation made
by the Court
of Portugal to that of Great Britain, and
even
if instructions admitted of my supporting the Government of Macao by demonstration or force against that of China, I could not
deprive this Colony of all protection for an indefinite period.
I should be concerned that Your
Excellencies were to suppose
me
indifferent to the safety of your city, but I must
think that the presence
as long as once
can
in no way endanger
A French and two American vessels
of war remain in Macao Roads.
Your
I take this opportunity of informing Excellencies that Her Britannic Majesty's
steamer "Medea" has gone
158
to Hae-nan in quest
of a fleet of Pirates said to be
under the command of the notorious
Leang
and should she fall in with them,
their dispersion cannot but tend to the
security of your position.
I have,
(Signed) S. G. Bonham.
(True Copy)
J. W. Hayes,
Colonial
Secretary.