that part of Mr Caldwell's affidavit in which he represents himself to have told the defendants that "it might "be otherwise if they had the authority "of the Chinese Government." _ What Mr. Caldwell meant by this loose and inconsequent statement I do not know, nor does it seem of any importance to the defendants themselves to enquire, as they in their affidavit make no assertion of encouragement from the Government, but on the contrary state that they were refused the aid of a Gunboat for which they applied, and were told by the Colonial Secretary that the matter was one with which the Hong Kong Government had no concern.
3
The transactions resulted in the illicit proceeding drawing attention to it and gave it that importance which called for the notice of the Government, upon which a prosecution was instituted. I enclose a narrative prepared by the Colonial Secretary of the part taken by him in this matter; and for myself I can only say that as soon as I heard of the Expedition, I at once ordered the parties concerned to be prosecuted. I am only now induced to take notice of this matter by observing your Grace reported as saying that you had not yet relieved...