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not only the principal but the only executive officer in this colony, which at the time of its first establishment was the resort of a most indifferent population, composed of all Eastern nations, and the order and security of the colony was without doubt due to his acquaintance with Asiatics, his perfect knowledge of the Hindustani language, and the personal activity which had procured him honourable notice in his own profession. It is but just to add, that had he followed the fortunes of his regiment, he would have been necessarily promoted some years ago; but so necessary did Captain Elliot consider his presence at Hong Kong, that he refused to yield to his very natural request to be at the head of his company in the operations against Canton.”
3.
It is at the same time due to Major Caine to state that, although he has been suffering for many years from a complaint of a most painful nature, and although his eyesight and hearing are affected in no slight degree, I have not found his ailments to interfere with the satisfactory discharge of his duty, nor has his desire to resign proceeded from any suggestion of mine."
True extract.
W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
16.
EXTRACT from despatch, "Military," No. 2, of 11th October, 1854, from Sir George Grey to Governor Sir John Bowring,
"I have received Mr. Caine's despatches, Nos. 21 and 31, of the 5th and 21st June, and No. 36 of the 5th July, with their inclosures, and I have to express my approval of the measures, as therein reported, which, in concert with the officers in command of the naval and military forces on the station, Mr. Caine had taken, for the protection of Hong Kong
The Duke of Newcastle is in communication with the Board of Ordnance respecting the proposed purchase, with a view to its permanent occupation as a military post, of the property described as 'Edger's Bungalow,' whereon a battery has been erected, and, in the meanwhile, the Lords Commissioners have been recommended to sanction, as a charge against the Imperial Treasury, the rent (600 dollars for six months), agreed to be paid for the temporary use of the premises in question."
True extract.
W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
No. 43, copy.
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17.
Downing Street, Oct. 1, 1858.
Sir,
I have to request that you will acquaint Lieutenant-Colonel Caine that I have received a letter addressed by him to Lord Stanley, dated 19th July last, soliciting a favourable consideration of his services.
You will inform Colonel Caine that I am aware of the value of the services rendered by him during the long and continuous period of his connection with the Government of Hong Kong, and that these will not fail to receive due weight in the event of any arrangement being adopted which would involve his removal from the office which he holds in that colony.
I have, &c. (Signed) E. B. LYTTON.
Governor Sir John Bowring, &c.
(Signed)
Copy.
Sir,
True copy. W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
18.
Horse Guards, May 18, 1857.
With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of your desire to realize the value of your commission, I am directed by the General Commanding-in-Chief to acquaint you that an instance having recently arisen, in which the Secretary of State for War allowed an officer, not in the receipt of his half-pay, to sell out of the service, His Royal Highness was induced to refer your case to Lord Panmure, who thereupon has consented to your being brought to full-pay to a clear vacancy, for the purpose of retiring from the service by the sale of a company, but his Lordship cannot sanction your receiving the price of a Majority, as you have never served as a Major.
In the event of your being disposed to accept these terms, you will be good enough to inform me, and His Royal Highness desires me to request that in that case you will forward to me monthly a military medical certificate as to the state of your health.
I have, &c. (Signed) C. YORKE
Brevet Lieut.-Col. Caine, Unattached.
JA
True copy W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
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