Mutiny the Address, the Looking Zeal indicating
that I had always "borne a good face" before all people whenever they might be placed - the pure water intimating that I had in all occasions administered justice with perfect integrity and purity and with "clean hands." The Cup was presented to me because the Junks were the most noble and beneficial
to China, supplying the people with food in plenty, and with shelter and protection in mature age - and,
all the trees
and the people delighted
had ever
thus to intimate that I was the protector
of the good, and their supporter and defender
on all occasions.
I have ventured to trouble His Grace with these details, because
the receipt of such a gift, be the value small or great, is contrary to a general principle, and I most respectfully ask for the expression of His Grace's opinion as to whether under the peculiar circumstances it would be right for me to retain the Cup, and, if not, in what way I should dispose
of it so as to avoid giving offence to the whole Chinese community, merchants and others, all of whom were
my
well-wishers
and
had
placed their
respect and confidence in me. I beg to offer my
best apologies
for occupying so much of His Grace's time, but I was anxious to avoid falling into a mistake with regard to
such a unusual matter.
I have the honour to be,
Your Lordship's Obedient Servant,
W. H. Adams,
Chief Justice.
To Frederic Rogers, Under Secretary.