There are circumstances -
I propose, however, by an immediate increase of the Police Force, and by certain other measures not yet resolved upon, but not sufficiently extensive to produce an increase of the existing uneasiness, to place the City of Victoria in the most secure state in my power.
Attack from without I do not anticipate, but incendiarism is certainly to be dreaded, and there are, without doubt, emissaries of the Canton Government ready to take advantage of any opportunity that may offer for the disturbance of the peace and the embarrassment of the Authorities of the Colony. I take advantage of a private steamer starting for Calcutta to send this despatch, hoping it may go forward by the intermediate mail from that place.
I also avail myself of this opportunity to call your attention to my despatches: 194 of 20th, and 197 of 24th Ultimo, in which I have shown the urgent necessity of reinforcing the Garrison of Hongkong.
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