(Copy.) M. 192.
Sir,
Government Office, Victoria,
Hongkong, 24 March 1886.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt on Saturday last of Your Excellency's letter, informing me of the seizure and detention of the "Ship 'Levant'", in compliance with requisition for assistance from the Naval Authorities.
In furtherance of your desire that the Naval force in charge be relieved without unnecessary delay, I have consulted the Honourable the Attorney General, who advises that the Naval Officer making the seizure apply to Mr. Jowhill, Queen's Proctor, under the instructions of His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir James Stirling,