Letter No I
1272/15
220
Copy Letter to Mr. Mercer, Colonial Secretary, Hong Kong.
Victirice, 31st January 1857.
Sir,
In consequence of what passed at an interview with which you favoured me on Wednesday last, I have the honour to submit the following Statement for the information of His Excellency John Bowring with respect to the impressions under which I applied to the Government for my present appointment, the actual circumstances in which I find myself placed, and the increased Salary which I believe to be actually necessary for my support in the due discharge of my public duties;
When a prospect of my coming to Hong Kong in the capacity which I now hold opened before me, I found it exceedingly difficult to obtain from any source correct and precise information as to the probable extent of my duties or the circumstances of the Colony: I was, however, induced to believe that the sum of £300 per annum would, with the opening in private practice which was the impression reasonably certain to present itself, be a fair remuneration for the amount of duty I might be required to perform on behalf of Government; From private sources I was also led to believe that the expenses of living and house rent were moderate, and altogether from my confidence in the liberality of Her Majesty's Government towards their servants, I dismissed all misgivings and, at very short notice, proceeded to my post: On arrival here, however, I found those expectations painfully disappointed, I discovered that I had been totally mistaken and misled as to the expenses of living, that private practice (under any circumstances a matter of uncertain ...)