be shown, I shall not hesitate to call upon the loyalty of the Inhabitants for such a purpose. Tout at present I wish to avoid all action of extraordinary nature, and prefer to trust to the silent increase of our Police.
It must be remembered that we are now in the middle of the trying and exhaustive Hongkong Summer, when any exertion not urgently called for will only have the effect of wearing out and dissatisfying the European element which we shall have to rely on in case of a real emergency. Our Garrison in Victoria is far below its strength, 580 bayonets being all that are shown available
by the last report from the Town Major. I shall therefore feel it my duty to oppose any proposition for its further reduction.
I have mentioned in my "Secret" despatch above referred to that I had communicated with Admiral Hope on the subject of your Secret Despatch of May. What measures the Admiral (who, I regret to report, is severely wounded) may take, I know not, as I have not yet heard from him in reply, but at present we have the "Cambrian" frigate, and four gunboats in the Harbour.
I can only add that my untiring endeavours will be directed to preserve the present sense of security.