under the circumstances, the last paragraph No. 7 had better be omitted.
It appears to me, with submission, that this paragraph No. 7 may be construed as expressing an opinion that, instead of the Ordinance, Martial Law ought to have been proclaimed, and also as containing something like a recommendation that in arguable circumstances resort had better be had to the Proclamation of Martial Law.
I do not think it desirable to express any such opinion or convey any such recommendation.
Exception also may be taken to the accuracy of the language of part of the paragraph, in the parts underscored. If any recommendation be given to Sir John Bowring I think it should be to augment the Civil force by every means in his power (swearing in overseas residents not being a Chinaman as a Special Constable) during the day to have the Military at hand to assist the Civil power if necessary, and if these precautions be sufficient for the protection of life and property, Martial law as a last resource might be proclaimed from sunset to sunrise in Hongkong.
I have, &c.,
(signed) Richard Bethell