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291 rank), sent specially to Hong Kong to press me on the subject. A Chinese gunboat has also arrived here to carry off the prisoners when surrendered. It is understood here that if Your Lordship's decision should not arrive after a reasonable interval for telegraphic reply, there will be an application for a writ of Habeas Corpus; and that the Supreme Court may possibly again order the liberation of the prisoners. The Chinese, like all Orientals, find great difficulty in understanding our complete separation of Executive and Judicial authority, and that there is a power in Hong Kong which can release persons whom the Governor, by direction of the Secretary of State, has caused to be imprisoned.
10. I have informed the Viceroy of Canton (through the English Consul) on one hand, and the Roman Catholic Bishop on the other hand, that this was...