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General Gascoigne in attributing this friendly attitude largely to the manner in which Major Prendergast carried out his duties during the occupation, and I shall be glad if you will bring his name under the notice of the Military Authorities.
The town of Sham-Chün lies half a mile north of the river, the north bank of which forms the boundary of the New Territory. It and Namtao are the ports of entry for the Tung-Kun district north of Sham-Chün Valley. Before our occupation, launches plied twice a week between Hong Kong and Sham-Chun. When we withdrew, there were two launches running daily, which shows the effect of security upon the expansion of trade.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant,
Henry A. Blake
GOVERNOR &c.
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