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of State (as it was my duty to do) and I informed you was my purpose) record of our interview, because I wished to show that it was by no fault of mine that the government at home was to be troubled more than once viz. that the whole matter might be properly and prudently left in the condition in which I had placed it by the honourable and gentlemanly correspondence. I have nothing whatever to complain of on your part - but as I had given a confidential despatch to the Secretary of State I read it to the Admiral and obtained his cordial approbation of its contents, it is only fair to inform you that the despatch reported the opinion I believe you to have given to the Naval Commander-in-Chief.
I am,
[Signed] John Bowring
True Copy)
Colonial Secretary