Hong Kong, 22nd August 1856.
Dear Sir,
I did not say that your Excellency had refused to attend on Subpoena? but that you had refused your consent to its being issued.
In the face of that refusal I must of course out of respect to your Excellency withhold the writ.
I omitted to mark my letter Private because...
made through the Colonial Secretary.
Yours &c.,
(Signed) John Bowring.
True Copy.
Colonial Secretary.
In 9932/50
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