"that in anchoring in February I considered the ship without the Territorial jurisdiction of the Colony of Hongkong, as it has always been my wish and intention to comply strictly with Her Majesty's Neutrality Proclamation of March 26th 1852, that in any case occurring I might be untrammeled in my movements, and that on my part, if any, any infringement has been caused by a want of proper knowledge of the true boundaries of that Colony."
He also refers to his previous visits to the neighbouring waters of this Fork, the absence of official visits from the Harbour Authorities confirming him in the opinion that his vessel was not within British jurisdiction, except in September last when he steamed into the Harbour for the purpose of landing Mr Morrison, Her Majesty's Consul at Nagasaki, and the mail from Japan with special despatches from Admiral Kuper; at which time he received the Proclamation. He also refers to the visit of the Harbour Master on board instant, and to his change of position into neighbouring waters, consequent on learning the boundaries of British jurisdiction.
I have also furnished to