Daw + 714
I attach a sketch of the Flag hoisted in front of the larger villages we passed, with a translation of the characters on it. The flags in front of the smaller villages are plain white with no characters on them.
I regret to say that Mr Watson F.4.7.0. was attacked yesterday by a buffalo and severely hurt, but he is still able to discharge his duties and is all the better this morning for a good night's rest.
In the country through which we passed yesterday we marched about 16 miles from Ping Shan to Pan Sing - 70 or 80 men and women carrying on their farming operations as usual and all the inhabitants - men, women, and children - have returned to their villages through which we passed and to Sheung Shui, where we are now staying, and to Ling, which we visited last night.
I met Mr Madeley at Ping Shan and he is coming on with me to-day to To Hang, there we intend to stay to-night. To-morrow we will return to Tai Po, unless anything unforeseen occurs to stop us. There are rumours here that resistance may be offered in the neighbourhood of New Ling Inlet, which we will reach to-morrow.
I am giving Mr Madeley all the information I already have and can gather regarding the murder.
I examined in company with Mr Madeley and Mr Cormack yesterday evening a site for a Police Station near the Village at Pu Ti Au; one of the leading villagers accompanied us and stated that there would be no real objection to the site we think best, which is admirably situated on a hill, commanding a view of the valley in which we now are and the valley which runs right up to the Shum Chun River.
As regards Police Station, I think they should be put in hand at once as any delay may only lead to further trouble.
*Translation reproduced
+"Submissive and loyal people.
J. Stewart Lockhart