C.O. 16557 Rece & COPY Rece 27 JUN 19 556 Colonial Secretary's Office. Hong-Kong, 27th May, 1399.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 20th, and 24th instant and translations of despatches from the Viceroy of Canton, and to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has undertaken under instructions from Her Majesty's Government, having received reports from His Excellency the Governor of Canton.
Prior to the Viceroy's request that the Colonial Secretary should telegraph to Her Majesty's Government, I am to repeat to Your Excellency that the undertaker, Mr. Jokes, tortured and attacked on the 18th, 16th, or 18th ultimo.
Subsequent events have shown to have been completely amiss.
His Excellency the Governor regrets that the inquiry has been delayed in the matter, and having submitted the question to Her Majesty's Government, His Excellency has given notice to Her Majesty's Consul, and awaits instructions from Canton.
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