37
It appears from your letter that the Viceroy practically admits, though certainly without frankness or the least expression of regret, that a gross outrage had been committed
Cruizer on the 29th October, viz. in pursuing, and capturing under fire in Hong Kong waters a vessel, landing an armed party in English territory and finally carrying away from the beach this captured vessel and her contents to a Chinese Customs Station.
After 2 months delay the Viceroy has reluctantly made these admissions, and now doubts his ability to return to this Government the captured Junk, and claims moreover as confiscated property the contents of the vessel thus illegally and unwarrantably seized.
While His Excellency notes with satisfaction that you promptly informed the Viceroy that the confiscation of the opium cannot be entertained and the boat must be surrendered immediately, The Governor regrets that he cannot agree with you in merely characterizing such an attack as the one under consideration to be properly described as a disrespect to the "dignity of the Hongkong Government"
In my despatch of the 22nd September...