# 13
Although he is known to be an energetic man, he may perhaps find the task of preserving order very difficult and, believing him to be sincere in wishing to do so, I thought that it would be a friendly act at this conjuncture to endeavour to disperse the members of a secret society which is known to be hostile to his Government, and which is at the same time composed of individuals who might give great trouble to the Authorities of the Colony.
He puts it "there are times when the powers of the law are exhausted."
I annexe for Your Lordship's information some copies of the Report of the Trial at Canton referred to in this despatch.
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant,
Administering the Government,
Enclosure 2: copies separately
5.