Gov 21-17 March 27
10820
Although
Mere
97
10478 Stony Ford
Hongkong, 16th March 1860
I have the honor to inform you, that on the 10th Instant
His Excellency the Governor directed that Duplicate Despatches should be sent.
Original to Governor for transmission to Secretary of State.
I was not thought proper to direct the receipt of either document to be acknowledged.
In this uncertainty as to His Excellency's intentions, I venture to request that Duplicate copies of the same letters which, by way of precaution, I have sent directly through Post Office, may not be forgotten.
It is submitted for your consideration that the Colonial Secretary signified his intention to send all Documents in the case, which is what the Regulations require.
But as are in his opinion only such as are connected with Bowring's Report.
It should not be forgotten that, if it had not been for the like precaution taken by my immediate predecessor, Lord Stanley, your despatch would not have reached me.
The letter was intercepted from Sir C. Lytton, M.P.
Even at this moment, I am anxiously awaiting your despatch, which was probably dispatched from England.
Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies.