6
566
4.
As I felt that I could not allow British territory to be thus invaded without protest, I wrote to the British Consul at Canton, Mr Alabaster, telling him what had occurred and requesting him to bring to the notice of the Chinese authorities, the perpetration of an act which seemed most unjustifiable and which called for explanations.
Mr Alabaster addressed the Viceroy accordingly, but not receiving a satisfactory reply, wrote a second letter drawing His Excellency's attention to the gravity of the case.
The Viceroy then wrote expressing his regret for what had taken place, stating that Chinese Cruisers had received instructions never to invade British waters with the object of searching for contraband goods.