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XVI.
Extracts from Parliamentary Blue Book, entitled “ Popers -Hongkong-ordered by the House of Commons to be printed, 21st March, 1860."
1.From SIR J. BowRING to LORD STANLEY, No. 73, of 4th June, 1858. (p. 7)
"the embarrassing position in which I was placed by Mr. Mercer's departure." "*
[* departure in the ordinary course of leave of absence.] 2.-From SIR J. BownING to Sin E. B. LYTTON, No. 88, of 21st July, 1858. (p. 38.)
Mr. Mercer's prolonged absence* causes me much perplexity."
[* absence in England with the sunction of the Secretary of State.]
3. From Mr. Attorney General Ansray's letter to SIR E. B. LYTTON, 21st January, 1859. (p. 264.) "It is true that Mr. Mercer, the Colonial Secretary, a man of honour and courage, has returned to his post." 4.From Mr. Attorney General ANSTEY to SIR E. B. LYTTON, 16th August, 1858. (p. 391) "Mr. Mercer---that highly accurate and able Officer.”
XVII.
Extract from SIR H. ROBINSON's Despatch, No. 70, of
19th May, 1860, to the DURE OF NEWCASTLE.
"It would, I consider, be a great pity if, while still so young, his ability and experience were lost to the Queen's service.
"After the strong testimony borne in Mr. Mercer's favour by my four predecessors, I feel that any recom- mendation from me would be quite superfluous, neverthe-
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less, it is very gratifying to me to have this opportunity of acknowledging the cordial co-operation and assistance I have invariably received from him since my assumption of this Government, and of expressing my opinion that his long, faithful, and efficient services in this trying climate entitle him to your Grace's most favourable cousideration."
XVIII.
From the Hon. SIR F. BRUCE, Minister at Pekin, and formerly Colonial Secretary of Hongkong-to myself, dated, Pekin, 5th December, 1860.
"Your case has always appeared to me one of peculiar hardship. Because a man has done well, to keep him in a climate like that of Hongkong without promotion aud advance of pay, which would alone make it worth the risk, is a great hardship."
XIX.
SIR H. ROBINSON to the DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, No. 15, of 30th January, 1861.
"I have the honour to forward and to recommend to your Grace's favourable consideration the accompanying letter from Mr. Mercer, applying for the Government of the Straits Settlements.
"I have already in a former Despatch expressed my opinion as to Mr. Mercer's personal fitness and strong claims for promotion in the public service. My four pre- decessors in this Government have borne similar testimony in his favour. It is therefore unnecessary for me to say more in reference to the present application than that the experience Mr. Mercer has had here in the formation of a new Colony and his acquaintance with the Chinese and Malay character render him peculiarly fitted for the ap- pointment he secks.