I annex the reply, which as soon as it is translated into Chinese, I mean to forward to the Memorialists; your Lordship will observe that, as on the first occasion, I endeavor to carefully go through the arguments of the Memorialists to explain what has been obscure to them and to correct the various mistakes into which they still fall as to those parts of the recent Legislation. This mode of procedure may be tedious and troublesome, but it gains the confidence of the Chinese Residents and bears good fruit.
The recent Ordinances not being yet allowed, I have been precluded from officially publishing them completely in Chinese, because, if afterwards disallowed or withdrawn for Amendment, the impression thereby produced on the native mind would probably be injurious in various ways.
I have the honor to be, your Lordship's Most Obedient Servant
Richard Graves MacDonnell Governor