48.
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and distinguished gallantry, in Camp and field. As a Civilian both Sir Henry Pottinger and Sir Dr. Davis have spoken in the highest terms of his zeal and efficiency. And I can but repeat the assurance which I have already had the honour to convey to your Lordship of my perfect concurrence with my predecessors in his title to their good opinion. He was for long not only the principal, but the sole executive officer in this Colony, which at the time of its first establishment was a mixed and indifferent population, composed of all eastern nations, and the order and security of the Colony was without doubt due to his acquaintance with Asiatics, his perfect knowledge of the Hindustani language, and the personal activity which has procured him honourable notice in his own profession. It is but just to add that had he followed the fortunes of his Regiment he would have been necessarily promoted some years ago, did Captain Elliot consider his presence at Hongkong necessary, that he refused to yield to his very natural request to be at the head of the Company in the operations against Canton.
"It is at the same time due to Major Caine to state that, although he has...