Part cost of the Hongsong Convicts must be abandoned."" & I must also point out that in the Statement of Accounts, an enclosure in which forms Your Lordship's Despatch in reply, there are five items on the side of Receipts which require to be explained. Literally, it would seem as though the Colony had actually paid to the Government of India the sums stated, and thus acknowledged a debtor and creditor account current in regard to the Convicts.
Further reference, however, will show that the Government of India have simply credited the Colony with the estimated value of certain works which were performed by the Hong Kong Convicts.
In conclusion, I have to add that the only portion of the account rendered by the Government of India which this Government can admit, is that relating to the charge for a publication entitled "Calcutta Price Current and Market Report" amounting to £3.1.2.½. This publication is...
Page 375