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I have already in a former despatch expressed my opinion as to Mr Mercer's personal fitness and strong claims for promotion in the Public Service.
My letter was addressed to Sir H. Robinson to The Duke of Northumberland, No. 70 of 19th May 1860.
My predecessors in this Government have borne similar testimony in his favour.
It is therefore unnecessary for me to say more in reference to the present application than that the experience Mr Mercer has had here in the new Colony, in the formation of and his acquaintance with the Chinese and Malay character render him peculiarly fitted for the appointment he seeks.
I may also mention, as showing that Mr Mercer possesses the qualifications of tact and temper and sound judgment essential for such a post, that he has lived in Hongkong