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Viceroy had consented to countermand the order to dismiss the Sergeant - to record his commanding officer for demerit, and to express a willingness either by another boat or its money value.
I am directed to inform you there was no money value, and that the delay on the part of this Government in claiming restitution for the affair arose from the mistake of an ignorant naval officer and was not an intentional offence against international courtesy, it might be pardoned.
In reply, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that despatch ended with this expression of regret; His Excellency would have been satisfied. It's however observed that you have added to it the information that the boat has disappeared and was to be represented by a pecuniary equivalent. I cannot be received.
As regards the opium seized in the boat, it can be restored without further discussion as the quantity claimed by this Government is admitted in Mr. Gardner's note, and the only question therefore remaining is that contained in the last paragraph of your despatch, in which you state that you had intimated to the Viceroy your willingness to submit it for the Governor's approval.