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It the Governor learnt that Mr Moorsom proposed to resign on certain conditions. Such a proposal could not under any circumstances be entertained. His Excellency wished W. Moorsom to consult his friends as to the advisability of resigning, but it must be clearly understood that no resignation would be accepted except in the usual way - wholly unconditionally.
It was necessary, however, that Mr Moorsom should know that the Governor would not move in the matter without consulting Executive Council, and that the Council would be invited to consider the propriety of accepting the resignation if it were duly forwarded.
His Excellency further stated that if Mr Moorsom did send in his resignation, and that it was accepted, he would be prepared to recommend him to the Secretary of State for employment in another Colony, where the special knowledge which he possessed as a Railway Engineer would be of more use than could possibly be the case in Hongkong. His Excellency would do this the more readily as all he knew of his personal character was favourable.