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hand should be sent back, as the murderer had been brought to justice, they would have of course to surrender the three Chinese, this being arrived with his charge at Macao, but (finding that) in their replies to the numerous letters addressed to them by the Assistant District Magistrate, they confined themselves to the reception of the head.
but reasonable. The officer remarks and hands, and made no remarks upon the question of surrendering the three Chinese then in Macao, which does not appear consistent with reason, as he had no power to take upon himself so grave a responsibility, his mission was at an end, and he returned to the city.
In earlier communications addressed to the (representatives of the) different Powers, were written to convey to them the intelligence of the capture of the assassin, and the recovery of the head and hand; no allusion was therein made to the surrender of the Chinese soldiers. I enclose copies of my replies to the Portuguese Governor, and the Commissioner of the United States; by a perusal of which you will be informed of all the particulars.
Your Excellency will be informed that the Commissioners of the United States having been both (moved by) your feelings of neighbourly interest (in the affairs of the Portuguese), to write these despatches putting questions to me.
You will of course be able to acquaint these Powers that they should deliver up the three Chinese in their hands, with a view to the termination of this case, and the consolidation of (international) good feeling.
As soon as I shall have received your Excellency's reply, and that