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a destruction on the 1st instant by Typhoon of a quantity of manuscript papers which I had prepared for purpose, have compelled me to delay the transmission longer I had expected. I however accompany it with full explanations to the most important points connected with the present position of this colony affecting it during the period referred to and the incidents to in the enclosed Blue Book.
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It is impossible however that forward it without some observations on the transactions and incidents of last year as they have been specially remarkable in themselves, and will doubtless affect considerably the future of the colony. I would here premise that the circumstances of this colony are so entirely exceptional, and peculiar that it is difficult for the Executive to derive from the experience of other colonies, or the precedents established, the practice and traditions of Europe any adequate system for its Government and Legislation. Separated in some places by scarcely a mile of water from the mainland, and adjoining the Provinces, where the most unruly, and disorderly population of the Chinese Empire reside - addicted along the
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