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discuss the matter with the Naval Commander-in-Chief, so that we
might have some regulations to take back with us. I insisted that
I might return to Canton that day, H. B.. the Governor said "a
telegram can be sent to the Viceroy from this place for permission
to keep you here a day longer. Seeing that the intention to keep
me there was so strong I replied "When I return to the ship I will
then decide whether I will go or remain here". I then took my
leave. When we reached the entrance ball I spoke to Mr. Tsoi, the
Interpreter, and said "I certainly cannot be there tomorrow".
"The matter was thus. I had taken with me Mr. Wu Pao-bo,
one of the teachers of the Naval School, as my Interpreter, and
Mr. Tsoi, the Interpreter of Government House, was also present
and they both heard everything I said in reply. The promise that
I would go to the interview was really not made by me, as can be
ascertained by reference to them. After my return to the ship I
wrote a letter to B. E. the Governor and told him of my departure.
This letter was sent through the Post Office, and I then took the
Hongkong steamer and came back to Qanton.
"The next day I heard that Colonel Lu, when he went to
the consultation, had explained why I had returned before him. One
of us went away and one of us remained, and also a letter was sent,
and really I did not venture to entertain the idea of being dis-
courteous in the slightest degree. The matter was a very serious one and, not having asked for instructions from the Viceroy on the most important points, it was not convenient that I should consent to be present at an interview for the purpose of minutely dis- oussing the regulations. For this I feel very sorry. Having received Y. E's. instructions to explain fully my reasons for the course I took, it is my duty to send you this explanation".
Having received the foregoing, I have the honour to
communicate
1