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reports, above one thousand), of the most turbulent portion of our population, doubtless perceiving that a successful outbreak here would be hopeless, have left the Colony to join their friends on the mainland.
3.
On the 5th instant, I received from the Viceroy of Canton, through the Acting English Consul, an official letter urging me to put a stop to the exportation of arms and ammunition from Hongkong to the insurgent district. It should perhaps be mentioned that the proper title of this great Functionary, who is the almost absolute ruler of between 50 and 60 millions of the human race, is Viceroy of the Two Kwang, that is, of the two Provinces of which Canton is the Capital. But he is generally called by foreigners the Viceroy of Canton.
With the advice of the Executive Council, in accordance with local law, and in pursuance of several precedents under similar circumstances, I issued a proclamation prohibiting such exportation for six months, unless the proclamation should be sooner revoked.