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This being sworn in on Monday, 12th March 1866 was and is a matter of notoriety in the Colony, and should this most respectful protest be disregarded I key to much the fullest enquiry and to refer to high offices in different Services, as well as others, then in this Country — "there present, and now in there present, and his m... I shall furnish a list of them, if desired, and have no doubt that their Evidence can be easily procured.
I should hope, though, however that the very style of Governor Macdonnell's Despatch would on its receipt have been sufficient to condemn itself, but the Secretary of State's view of it is unknown to me, I am at a loss to say what confidence, if any, is attached to it, and I am allowed to make a stand on record and my character, both against an attack on public and personal, so uncalled for and so unfounded.
I repeat that it is only at this time it comes within my power to refer to this matter as a regard for the public Service (such as Gentlemen are apt to entertain) having barred Remonstrance during my continuance in the Colony, and the absence of documents having similarly operated till now.
That the Despatch may be construed injuriously to me I am (under correction) forced to infer; and this for various reasons: Among others, that after a longer term of office (and in the calmest and most critical places) than any other Hongkong official — after having had during a period of twenty years perhaps the chief share in promoting the welfare of a remarkable Colony — and after having had my Services not only acknowledged warmly and honorably both by my official Superiors and the unanimous Voice of the general public but also recognized officially by the Home Government, I see myself placed and compared in a position of disparagement with a number of Government Officers of other Services and Departments in China on whom honors and decorations in Her Majesty's name have been bestowed. This is a grievance which I feel particularly keenly owing to the peculiarity of position (in its communion with other Services) in which the Colonial Government of Hongkong has always been placed.
The immediate complaint, however, is against the intemperate Charge brought against me in Governor MacDonnell's Despatch, and I think it due to the Department under which I have so long served to seek in the first instance some remedy or reparation through the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I have the honor to be, with much truth and regard, your obedient Servant
W. T. MERCER
Colonial Secretary, and
Acting Governor of Hongkong.