This Act however stipulates that the Bond shall be entered into for £1,000 and I have accordingly to request that you will inform me why the lesser amount only was collected.
I have (Signed) W. H. Rennie Auditor General
(True Copy) (Signed) W. H. Rennie, Auditor General
(Copy)
174 Hong Kong 31 Jan
In reply to your Despatch of the 26th instant requiring explanation of my conduct with regard to the amount forfeited under the Fairlights Bond I beg to say that the note of the Treasurer asking me to pay the $1000 led me into the error as I had not the Bond and papers to refer to they having been returned to your Office some time previously.
The Honourable W. S. Mercer, Esquire Colonial Secretary.