To be
of the 19th instant I requested, be paid for the month I was detained in London, waiting directions from the Treasury, as to being relieved from the custody of the matrices
and I was not released
until I received your letter of the 30th November on the 12th December. I now most respectfully solicit the Right Honourable the Secretary of State to reconsider the subject
for the following reasons, viz: At the time of my appointment in accordance with the Hong Kong Mint Ordinance it was provided that the Dies were to be Struck at the Royal Mint London and in that case, on the abolition of the Office
the responsibility of the Master would have ceased on his arrival in England.
634
On 26th May 1865 (I quote the date from memory only), I received authority to strike the Dies in Hong Kong and in consequence was subsequently entrusted with the Matrices thereby placing an important responsibility upon me not contemplated in the original appointment and from which I could not be at once relieved on reaching England.
Under these circumstances I humbly submit that I remained in the performance of duty until the 12th December and am consequently entitled to receive pay for the period I was detained in London.
The year's pay being compensation for loss of appointment.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
Master of the late Mint
of Hong Kong.