HOTEL NANKAŤ,
in China.
The hostilities waged against us, — and not against us alone but all Nations having intercourse with the adjacent regions, are, as Your Excellency is aware, of that barbarous and treacherous character which can only be met by every precaution which the most solicitous prudence can suggest.
I shall not fail to communicate to Her Majesty's Government my grateful appreciation of the spontaneous expression so cordially tendered by Your Excellency.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) John Bowring.
True Copy
Colonial Secretary