10
"// 391
of your decision, we have requested the Captain of the said vessel to proceed to Whampoa today in tow of a steamer though entailing great
risk, and extra expender-
As you
you enter upon
comment of motives, we
beg
to justify our request for four weeks grace by the crippled. state of the vessel and though Mr Duncan's work upon her: repairing her bottom and rudder in dock, could be accomplished, the work of Messrs Mac-Ewen, Frickel te!
i. e rigging her and supplying
sails could not be effected.
The must thus leave without-
to
our
being fitted with masts and sails, the necessaries for safe navigation, without which she is completely helpless at sea.
We therefore, according -duty as agents, hereby beg most respectfully to protest on behalf of the owners and insurers (in England), and all concerned against the Government of the British Colony of Hongtong and to hold them responsible for all' consequences that
may arise from the vessel's complying with the Government's act of