211.
427
25.
3
for which they marched out, as evidenced by their at once reporting the occurrence, with its attendant circumstances, to their officers. Their national and religious characteristics, and the fact that any lengthened imprisonment, or penal servitude at all in Hongkong, is a punishment that does not end with the term of sentence, but carries with it a sort of moral death in addition, inflicting upon them a disability again to enlist, and an almost absolute prohibition of return to their people or villages, owing to the necessary loss of caste consequent on the undergoing the punishment here, if at all. Having brought these matters to your notice as shortly as consistent with my duty, I would apply to Your Excellency to take them into your consideration, with a view to a merciful remission of the sentence passed.