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As to the alleged judicial torture of prisoners whose extradition is claimed by the Chinese Government, I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that I got some weeks ago, Sir Thomas Wade's acknowledgement of the receipt of my despatch of the 12th of April, but have not yet received His Excellency's opinion on the serious statements made by the Consul respecting the value of the guarantee given to me in such cases by the Governor General of Kwangtung and Kwansi.
2. The thirteen prisoners are still detained by my orders in the Hong Kong Gaol.
3. The relations between the Hong Kong Government and the Governor General of the neighbouring provinces are on such a good footing that, I understand, His Excellency has said he has full confidence that I have not interfered unduly with the course of justice respecting the thirteen prisoners he claims, and that he does not object to my taking whatever time I think proper to consider the question of their rendition.
I enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of my correspondence with the British Consul on the subject. Sir Thomas Wade tells me that he received