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377
them. They stated that at the present moment there were no
desperadoes assembling at Sha T'ou, Pu Ko and Huang Kang to stir
up sedition, nor had they heard any talk of an intention of
razing eight villages (or Eight Villages ?) to the ground. They
could not say whence this report originated, and were of opinion
that it was a mistaken rumour.
I have, since then, made repeated enquiries and find that there is really not the slightest foundation for these reports. I have, however, ordered the gentry and elders to be extra careful so as to prevent further complications from arising."
In advising you of the purport of the Magistrate's report, I have the honour to request that you will be so good as to inform the Governor of Hongkong.
(Seal of Viceroy.)