Under these circumstances I have ordered the instant stoppage of the works in progress on the grounds in question.
It is with much regret that I make this report to Your Brexlency, as the Authority of the Governor of the Colony has been during the past half year so frequently set at naught by the military authorities, I am compelled at last to place this official remonstrance before you.
The ground was I am told that the ground being prepared for certain troops to be moved from this side of the Harbour, but I am not aware of any such intended movement.
I have etc. (signed) Hercules G. R. Robinson,
Governor and Commander in chief
(True copy)
Colonial Secretary.
(Copy)
Hongkong 11th March, 1861
211
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter No.: 134 of the 8th Instant.
I regret very much that there should be any appearance even of Your Excellency's Authority having been slighted at Kowloon, and I cannot but think that Mr. May has been labouring under a mistake, as I am informed by His Excellency that at the time of the formal cession to Your Excellency Lord Elgin, the ground in question, ~
His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson
Governor and Commander-in-chief