Gunboat to convoy them. I told him the notion of a gunboat was out of question, and that I had already warned Baker and Ahoy that Government could not recognise their proceedings.
Mr. Caldwell had no authority to hold out the slightest encouragement to the persons planning the expedition, and I am not aware that any officer of this Government did give such encouragement.
In fact I do not think that any statement to this effect will be found in the joint Affidavit of the defendants, Fawr Ahoy and Bathew.
I should add that till I heard of the return of the Expedition, I was not aware that it had started.
Colonial Secretary
Colonial Secretary's office, Victoria, Hongkong,
25th August, 1860.