As it will always give me much much pleasure to meet Your Excellency's views, I should be glad to forward your letter to the Vice Admiral, Commanders in Chief, in order that, if he thinks fit, the Naval force at Hong Kong may be augmented.
8. In the meantime I shall be obliged if Your Excellency will furnish me with a List of such Chinese Ports and Customs Stations as you may consider should be now and then visited by a British Man of War - and I will keep Your Excellency's wishes in view whenever an opportunity may offer of carrying them out.
I have to
(Signed) F.H. Shortt, Commodore.
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Acting Colonial Secretary