Colonial Secretary's Office, Victoria, Hong Kong,
No. 828. (Copy)
2nd November 1856.
In acknowledging your letter of yesterday, I am directed to inform you that you are altogether in error in supposing that Mr. Anstey has been permitted to peruse the Despatch of the Secretary of State; he has been made acquainted with its contents. He was told what the Secretary of State expected him to do, and in the opinion of His Excellency the Governor this he has done.
As regards the indirect expression of regret to which you offer allusion, I am to remind you that you never yourself made a direct explanation to Mr. Anstey, and that it is that which has been followed throughout this unfortunate affair, since it assumed an official, public character.
The Honorable
The Chief Justice,