Groves Mas Donnell I am directed by His Excellency to observe that, although he is gratified by receipt of the Viceroy's expression of regret he is nevertheless surprised that allusion is made by His Excellency or yourself to the compensation which should be given to the Fishermen from whom exactions were levied in British Waters.
As Sir Rutherford Alcock has likewise expressed himself in favor of compensation to the Fishermen which, in the opinion of the Governor, would be the best admission of wrong done and without which apology can be complete and satisfactory, His Excellency feels fully warranted in urging it upon you and is accordingly directed to request you to press for a payment of 100 Taels by the Viceroy's Government.
You will, doubtless, take care that His Excellency is made aware that this claim is not raised in any way on behalf of this Government; indeed its small amount must prove that; but simply to compensate those who have suffered injury and to show that the Viceroy has disapproved the outrage to which they were subjected, and has done all in his power to redress it.