# fir Hercules Robinson
The Duke of Newcastle.
Hongkong, 27 April 1864
Received
I Inclosure.
N.55.
Fr Rice's resignation.
of 27th February, respecting
Replying to Desp. N.29
In 5876
204
## Memorandum
His Grace the Secretary of State in despatch N.29 of 27th February last observes that as he has not been informed of the nature
of
the charges brought against Mr Rice, he cannot express an
opinion
on the propriety of my allowing that Officer's resignation, but that those charges
as
to
affect
if
were serious and such as to affect Mr Rice's character it seems
doubtful whether the resignation should have been accepted.
I take the charges from
Minutes
of
the
Executive Council, 12th Dec 1863