(Copy)
Obviously no delay should be permitted, nor any intervention which can be avoided, be avoided.
His Excellency therefore naturally wishes for information as to the course of proceeding followed or proposed to be followed in a matter of such serious import to the prestige and interests of this Colony.
I have ...
(Signed) J. Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy) Sandra Audi Colonial Secretary.
Encl. 5 in Mr. Robertson's despatch. D11 For 1818
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British Consulate, Canton, 25 September, 188...
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 441 of this date, and can well understand that my silence regarding the further apology from the Vice Roy in the matter of the levy of Salt duty within the jurisdiction of the Colony of Hong Kong required by Sir Rutherford Alcock is a matter of surprise to His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell; but I think I can ...
The Honble. J. Gardiner Austin Esqr, Colonial Secretary,