I am further directed by His Excellency to observe that the rest of capture by piratical vessels has been now so diminished that he is much surprised at the weight which the Viceroy has attached to representations based on such grounds.
I have be (signed) J. Gardiner Austin Colonial Secretary.
D. B. Robertson
H. B. M's Consul Canton.
British Consulate
Canton,
16th September 1868.
Since forwarding my Despatch, No. 77, of the 12th instant the suspension of the Hong Kong Ordinance of the 22nd of May with reference to the disarmament of piats in the Colonial waters has appeared in the Government Gazette. Copy of which I have the honor to