Following effect received some time ago instructions "from His Excellency the French Governor" to "proceed to Hongkong with a despatch for Mr Macpherson, the British Consul," which I was to present and wait until "Yang Pak Mo, Kam and other criminals, 13 in all, were handed over to me for conveyance to Canton, to be there tried and punished." In obedience thereto, I proceeded to Hongkong where, on arrival, I presented the despatch at the office of the Colonial Secretary, by whom I was told to await a reply. This I duly reported at the time. Subsequently, I went repeatedly to the Colonial Secretary's Office to crave further tidings. At first, I was told to wait until His Excellency the Governor had decided upon instructions we should take; afterwards, they told me to remain until a reply was received from Mr Macpherson, the British Consul.
I would respectfully state that since the 13th December, the date when I arrived in Hongkong and presented the despatch, more than a month has now elapsed during which time I have been waiting in Hongkong without receiving charge of the criminals for conveyance back to Canton. As the matter is one which involves the rendition of criminals and their conveyance to Canton for trial, it is apprehended that delay of this sort may be attended with serious consequences.
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