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I availed myself of the opportunity to impress upon those present that there was no reason why they should return to their villages and pursue their lawful occupations. The people would receive every protection but marauders would be punished without leniency.
The villagers in this neighbourhood are returning in large numbers to their villages and most of the males are at work as usual in the fields.
A quantity of arms has been surrendered by the various villages, which I will have removed to Tai Po later on.
J.H.STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary,
I inform you that some of the villagers from the New Territories have gone to Canton and are trying to get up a petition to the British Government. You will observe that the petitioners make no such request and you will of course remember that the proclamation of the Civil Administration, which Mr. Twemlow himself posted in all the chief villages, would also have been circulated had not the people preferred to distribute them.
(signed)
J.H.S.L.