162.
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the throne for permission to sell whatever copper, lead and Gold there remained for sale, for ready money and give them permission to sell whatever they have, to pay the debt. As the suit which has been instituted by Messrs Handstein & Co. against them is still pending in Your Lordship's court, I therefore send Hai Jai, and Un Tak Aaw and whatever money they have in charge of Le You Ack and Sun King, Chief Clerks of the Board of Revenue, by steamer to your port. Our Commissioner, Lai, will bring them before your Lordship to answer the suit of Messrs Handstein & Co. and to pay the debt. I beg Your Lordship to give your earnest attention to settle the case and to let each of the parties have their deserts, and to let the Dong Wee steamer return to our Country for service. Whatever debts are due to the owners of the goods, they must be paid according to justice. This is really what I hope for. I beg your Lordship to excuse me for the presumption of writing this letter. The former Minister, resigned on account of ill health and I am now appointed in his place. In conclusion I beg to tender Compliments.
25.4.27. Sue Duc