Transferred indefinitely his Consular Agency to another. I therefore declined recognizing such transfer, but on further explanation received from Herr von Barlowitz, I thought the case an exceptional one, because Mr. Overbeek, being also Austrian Consular Agent at Ismail, the unexpected war between those countries renders his position as representative of both powers no longer tenable. Again, he seeks to transfer his Agency to one who, being already Consul of Prussia in China, is probably a highly suitable person to fill such a comparatively minor office.
I have therefore, under these peculiar circumstances, directed a notice to be inserted in the Gazette, stating that I have provisionally, and subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government, recognized the temporary transfer of the Prussian Consular Agency here to the charge of Herr von Barlowitz. And I trust the course which I have followed will meet your approval.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F. W. Mitchell,
(Acting) Governor.