I.
Tur following is the Public Address of the Hong Kong community. As far as is ascertained, it is signed by the whole body of Europeans and other foreigners resident at the time in Hong Kong, including all the Government Officers (not absent on leave or duty), with one or two trifling exceptions.
Mr. Mercer, on the point of departure, received various letters expressing regret that the document had not been sufficiently circulated to reach the writers. In explana. tion of this, it should be stated that Mr. Mercer was ordered to leave Hong Kong somewhat suddenly by his Medical Advisers.
To the Honorable W. T. MERCER, M.E.C., M.L.C., &c. &c. and Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong.
SIR,-Your approaching departure from Hong Kong affords your fellow-colonists a fitting opportunity to give expression to the cordial sentiments of esteem and regard which they, and those who have preceded them here, have always entertained for you; but we beg you to believe that no simple desire of conveying to you a mere assurance of friendly feeling, or good wishes, now prompts us to address you; we do so because we think that your worth and actions as a public servant, claim from us some public acknowledgment of their value.
We are sorry that you are about to leave us; we regret that the state of your health necessitates your depriving us of the presence of a genial and kindly friend. But, as
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