Kung Kong, 24th December 1886
Having been appointed for the purpose by a Meeting of the Justices of the Peace of this Colony held this day at the Justice room according to a notice duly circulated amongst the Justices, we beg to draw your attention to the fact that a Circular issued from the Chief Magistrate's Office on the 23rd October last and addressed to the Justices of the Peace generally (vide Enclosure B) was sent to you for circulation amongst those Justices by you and returned officially to the Acting Chief Magistrate, thereby never reaching those for whom it was intended. We request that you will please state for the information of the Bench the persons to whom the Circular was sent in the course taken with the Circular and the reasons for the course adopted.
We are, Sir,
Your most obedient Servants,
(Signed) G. Syall, R. & Antrobus, & Gray
The Honorable
W. H. Mercer, Esq.
Colonial Secretary, H.K.
No. 33
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hong Kong
31st December 1886
Gentlemen,
In reply to yours of the 24th Instant, I beg to remind you that the Circular to which you refer was not arrested in the course of its circulation by me, as you appear to assert. It must be well known to you that the Circular was sent to me, and I have no doubt that the Justice in question will readily give you the reasons for the course adopted by him.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed) W. H. Mercer
Colonial Secretary
G. Syall Esq., R. C. Antrobus Esq., &c.