54
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guarded by not less than three men-of-war, one being a steamer and the other two brigs; these, judiciously placed, could readily and conveniently send to the shore, in a case of exigency, each fifty armed seamen. In the absence of a war steamer, a small merchant steamer might be hired by Government, armed and placed under the orders of the Senior Naval Officer, for the purpose of constantly visiting the bays of the colony and adjoining harbours, and be discharged on the return of a war steamer to this anchorage as a fixed arrangement. There are many means within the colony for meeting difficulties, as well as for surmounting them, and I feel assured that if these means be well digested, and promptly carried out, that in all probability, the evildoers will feel compelled to pause before daring to measure their strength with the colony.
I have the honour, &c. (Signed) W. CAINE, Lieut.-Governor.
The Honble. W. T. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary.
P.S. The Committee of Safety, as well as the barricades, might be deferred for the present, if his Excellency considers their formation likely to create undue alarm.
The foregoing was submitted to his Excellency the Governor and to the Executive Council, and doubtless the proceedings of that Council with the measures adopted in consequence, are recorded in the Colonial Office.
EXTRACT from China Mail, No. 619, December 25, 1856.
"Meanwhile a feeling of insecurity has been gradually gaining ground both amongst the Chinese and foreigners, increased by a report now prevalent that the outlaws have joined the Government forces upon the promise of pardon and reward, and will endeavour to fire the town.
We are glad to learn that the Government has determined to embody the citizens into an armed constabulary, so that with a strong guard of the 59th Regiment picketed to the westward of the town, and a heavy man-of-war at anchor in the harbour (which it is to be hoped his Excellency Admiral Seymour will see fit to order), little danger need be apprehended, except from incendiarism, and against that, the best safeguard will be an efficient fire brigade, now in course of organization in connection with the special constabulary, and
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to which the Executive Council has promised every assistance."
In December, 1857, I was permitted by Major-General Sir Charles Straubenzie, K.C.B., commanding Her Majesty's Military Forces in China, to accompany him at the assault and capture of Canton as one of his suite, and in the General's despatch he was pleased thus to express himself to Lord Panmure, then Secretary for War:
"I take this opportunity of thanking the officers who did me the favour to accompany me on the 28th and 29th ultimo; foremost of whom I must name that old, distinguished, and still energetic officer, the Lieutenant-Governor of Hong Kong, Lieutenant-Colonel Caine, whose martial spirit could not be restrained when the scene of war was so near to his Government."
From the Hong Kong Register, September 25, 1859.
"ADDRESS from the Chinese Inhabitants to the late Lieutenant-Governor.
"On Saturday, the 23rd instant, a Deputation of the principal Chinese merchants, waited upon the Honourable Colonel Caine, at the Club House, for the purpose of bidding him farewell. An address was presented to the Colonel, We give below a translation elegantly written on satin. Truly the Chinese have as neat, elegant, poetic way of expressing themselves as any nation under the sun. This act of courtesy must have been extremely pleasing to Colonel Caine.
The respectful Petition of the Chinese Merchants of Hong-Kong to the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Caine, Lieutenant-Governor of Hong-Kong.
Your petitioners calling to mind and reverencing the twenty years during which your Honour's protecting power has been extended to them, hear with reverence that you are now about to retire from office. Whilst your petitioners have for so long a time benefited by your protection, merchandize and riches from all parts have flowed like water, and awed by your stern dignity, the lawless and evil-disposed have shrunk away.
You granted land and a temple was erected, thus enabling your petitioners to rely upon the lasting assistance of the gods; you controlled the devious watercourse, and