COP X.
Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
R.M.S. "Empress of China".
L
341
Hongkong, 22nd March, 1899.
Commander Hastings,
Postmaster General, Hongkong.
Dear Sir,
Hitherto it has been the custom in this Port to deliver our Mails to a Chinaman and his receipt has been our only discharge for correct delivery.
Considering the great importance of the mails and the trouble we should have should a bag be lost after leaving the ship, I have instructed my second Officer (who has charge of the mails) to in future accompany them to the Post Office and there get a receipt from some responsible person.
He did so this time and had no difficulty in getting such a receipt but I consider it advisable to inform you of my intention so that you can give any instructions you may deem fit.
In sending off this Officer I in no way take...