On the 12th inst. I have received with much regret the intelligence communicated in your despatch. This "Bowring Praya" has been a subject of much controversy from the first and Sir John Bowring left it at last for his successor to settle.
I am unable to understand the Governor's statement that he has £20,000 laid by for four months' expenses, when he told us that he had £31,000 in the Oriental Bank.
There would, however, seem nothing for us to do at present regarding this despatch.
Mr. Merivale states that Sir J. Bowring seems, from all accounts, private and official, to be seriously ill and it would be a great hindrance on the part of the Secretary of State to keep him longer from his duties. Is there any reason why he should not be relieved at once? Mr. Robertson will shortly be at his post, and Sir J. Bowring will not be missed from the Sons of Supporters in Hong Kong, especially as Col. Caine is there as his substitute.
I have seen Mr. Blackwood on the subject. None of us have settled anything to help the Colony before.
I hope the arrival of Mr. Bruce - who took his departure from Hong Kong before this despatch - will not have left Bowring, if he should be relieved by Mr. Bruce with the sanction of your Medical Advisers.
Your recovery depends on...
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Mr. Merivale.
F. C. Lytton
For Mail on Monday. Continued.
Sir,
The...
GR688/61