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there be in jeopardy the local
At Amoy a particular section of the population is certainly dangerous, and the will and ability of the authorities to control it, doubtful.– Mr Pedder, though he does not think that an attack on foreigners is imminent, is of opinion that the respectable class of Chinese is becoming alarmed.
He has been at Amoy for twenty years, and knows the people well. Moreover, they may be fairly relied upon in his judgment.
I have thought it, therefore, my duty to give him the authority I mention, and I have told the Prince of King that, besides requesting the Naval Commander in Chief to send a Man of War from time to time into the port, I should ask Your Excellency to send a body of troops for the protection of British residents, the force so detached being instructed to co-operate with their Executive against the disorderly, if the local authorities wished it.
In writing to Your Excellency to comply with Mr Pedder's application, should he make it, I am fully sensible of the responsibility I am undertaking myself, and that which Your Excellency will undertake, but the case is exceptional.
At the same time, I think the contingency of Mr Pedder's requiring the assistance of a force extremely remote.