I have to request that you will be so good as to report to me, with as little delay as possible, the measures which you have taken, or which are considered necessary to effect this object, you will be disposed, without waiting for the legal enactment of penalties, to secure as far as lies in your power the observance of the spirit of Her Majesty's Regulations by any Federal Vessel of War that for the future visit this neighbourhood.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. F. Mercer, Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 2nd March, 1864.
No. 253.
Sir,
It has been brought officially to His Excellency The Governor's notice that on or about the 10th of ultimo the Federal War Steamer Wyoming, lying off Green Island received Stores from this port, and I am directed to Enquire what her position was, how long she remained, and what course you adopted with respect to her on the occasion.
(Signed) W. F. Mercer, Colonial Secretary.
The Harbor Master