Crown Agents to Mr P. Crisp
Sir,
Downing Street, London,
3rd September 1900
Hong Kong
185
In reply to your letter of 30th August, I return the agreement which we sent you on the 29th August. The advance offered to you roughly represents half a month's salary $1800 a year taking the dollar at 2/- which is about the present current rate but the payment is as stated on our form an advance on account of salary and it does not represent exactly a month or any other period. If you desire an advance of £10 or some such sum we are prepared to make it on your application for it.
The principle on which your salary will work out is correctly put in your letter, but you will understand that payments in the Colony are made in dollars only and that you will have to repay there in dollars the equivalent of the advance made to you.
I am &c.,
Sd) W. H. Mercer