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one reason in particular being that
Mr Anstey
has asserted "that it
was your Excellency yourself
who told him that it was in consequence of
having become intoxicated
you were obliged to leave the table?
I need hardly observe that from what passed between your Excellency and myself on Tuesday last I believe the assertion of Mr Anstey to be utterly false.
I have heard a good deal more with which however I shall
not at present trouble your Excellency but which I shall most assuredly bring to light should
the matter have to be referred to Rome.
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There is not I believe
a single Gentleman who dined at your Excellency's table on the 13th Instant who is not fully prepared to come
forward and vouch facts on that occasion
Should Mr Anstey, contrary to
my expectation for the reason some assigned, consent to make an apology, I beg to nominate the honourable Mr F—— as my referee for the settlement
of its terms.
J. R. Sir John Bowring.
Yours faithfully (Signed) Henry Anstey.
('True Copy')
Colonial Secretary.
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