Government sent any officer to bug Hammer in Stonng Hong; it was through the Agency of the British agent official there, who informed us of the price and we paid it accordingly. When we have occasion to buy any other things, we either paid for them the money or deducted the price from goods we sold.
There has never been a case in which debts have been left unpaid to a merchant for so long a time. This is an unbecoming affair which was caused by these persons who secretly carried on trade for their own interest, and concealed the facts from the Government who therefore know nothing about it.
Orders have been issued by the Judge to arrest the said Mr. Jack Han-Lai Fai and Hg Wang for trial which has not been concluded. It is a serious forgery case. And our Government will not overlook their guilt, nor allow them to enrich themselves at the expense of our national honour.
In the present voyage Government steamer has nothing to do with their private affairs. If Messrs. Laudation & Co. demand repayment from the claimant, we humbly beg your Excellency to assist us in the arrangement of the affair.