18
result was that a great number of large and small guns, muskets, pistols, swords, and spears were thus secured, but It is, of course, have since been given back to the owners. difficult to say whether any attack on Hong Kong was seriously designed; but it is well to know that if it had been attempted, the preparations were such that it must almost certainly have failed. It is said that but for the early return of the troops from Canton, the efficiency of the acting Governor's plans might have been put to the test; in which case a committee of safety was to have been appointed, the inhabitants enrolled and told off in divisions; the women and children, with the treasure, placed in the 18th Barracks, guarded by the troops off duty (about 200 men), with guns, howitzers, and ammunition; guns from the Ordnance and men from the merchant shipping would have been placed on board the "Minden" and "Alligator," and both vessels removed from their present anchorage, and moored, the one off the naval stores, and the other at Kellett's Island.
"Sir,
(A true extract.)
Assistant Adjutant-General's Office,
Victoria, Hong Kong, May 3, 1847.
I have the honour to acquaint you that the Major-General Commanding has had much pleasure in forwarding your military report, of the 9th ultimo, to his Grace the Commander-in-Chief, and that in so doing he did not fail to express his acknowledgments of the services rendered by you, whilst in temporary command of this garrison during the recent operations at Canton.'
I have the honour, &c. (Signed) JOHN BRUCE, Captain,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hon. Major Caine, Colonial Secretary, Victoria.
EXTRACT of Despatch 41 of April 19, 1847, from Governor Sir John Davis to the Earl Grey.
"The Major-General's report will put your Lordship in possession of the military details of our short expedition of seven days, and I have only to add that the able dispositions of Major Caine, who was Acting Governor and Commandant in my absence, ensured the safety and tranquillity of the colony."
True copies.
19
COPY of a PETITION from the Chinese Inhabitants of Hong Kong, to the Governor, Sir John Davis, Bart.-July, 1845.
"A respectful petition from all the shopkeepers and inhabitants of the colony of Hong Kong, who supplicate that a good ruler may be retained by the Government, and beg that this favour be granted.
The benevolent government of his Honour Major Caine has existed since the opening of this port, and widely extended to the mercantile classes, so that they enjoyed their property. He has shown favours and inspired awe, and the robbers have found him like a thunderbolt, while his soothing influence and conciliatory conduct have brought back the days of "lang" and "Zu" (“Zu," or of "Zuon" and "Thuu" the two great patriarchs of the Chinese nation). He looked upon the people in no other light than his children. civil and military capacity he has, by his transforming influences, brought on a regeneration. We now hear that his Honour Major Caine will very soon be honourably promoted, and we shall then have none to whom to look up for assistance. We, your subjects, therefore now appear before you, with the utmost sincerity and truthfulness, to make known the previous favours enjoyed, humbly hoping that the high authorities may condescend to regard our foolish wishes, and permit him to retain his control, that we may for ever praise his lenient rule. We thus, creeping in our blindness, represent this, leaving it to you to determine whether our request is proper. With this petition we repair before his Excellency Governor Davis, beseeching the favour that it may be granted.
Yaheze year, 6th month, or July, 1845.”
True translation. (Signed) CHAS. GUTZLAFF,
Chinese Secretary.
From all the Wards of Hong Kong and Chinese Inhabitants, bearing 115 Seals of Shops and Firms.
2nd PETITION.
Hong Kong, July 1845. "The duly prepared petition of the shopkeepers and other inhabitants of the wards of "Shengwan," "Chingwan," and "Hea Wan" (three Eastern Districts)---
Beseeching for a continuation of virtuous administration of the laws, and that the office of chief magistrate be occupied as heretofore, which they pray may be graciously granted.
Whereas your petitioners, since the establishment of this settlement, have gratefully enjoyed the extensive diffusion of
Page 49
18
result was that a great number of large and small guns, muskets, pistola, swords, and spears were thus secured, but It is, of course, have since been given back to the owners. difficult to say whether any attack on Hong Kong was seriously designed; but it is well to know that if it had. been attempted, the preparations were such that it must almost certainly have failed. It is said that but for the early return of the troops from Canton, the efficiency of the acting Governor's plans might have been put to the test; in which case a committee of safety was to have been appointed, the inhabitants enrolled and told off in divisions; the women and children, with the treasure, placed in the 18th Barracks, guarded by the troops off duty (abont 200 men), with guns, howitzers, and ammunition; guis from the Ordnance and men from the merchant shipping would have been placed on board the Minden" and "Alligator," and both vessels re- moved from their present anchorage, and moored, the one off the naval stores, and the other at Kellett's Island."
"Sir,
(A true extract.)
Assistant Adjutaut-General's Office,
Victoria, Hong Kong, May 3, 1847.
I have the honour to acquaint you that the Major-General Commanding has had much pleasure in forwarding your mili- tary report, of the 9th ultimo, to his Grace the Commander- in-Chief, and that in so doing he did not fail to express his acknowledgments of the services rendered by you, whilst in temporary command of this garrison during the recent opera- tions at Canton.'
I have the honour, &c. (Signed) JOHN BRUCE, Captain,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Hon. Major Caine, Colonial Secretary, Victoria.
EXTRACT of Despatch 41 of April 19, 1847, from Governor Sir John Davis to the Earl Grey.
"The Major-General's report will put your Lordship in possession of the military details of our short expedition of seven days, and I have only to add that the able dispositions of Major Caine, who was Acting Governor and Commandant in my absence, ensured the safety and tranquillity of the colony."
True copies.
19
COPY of a PETITION from the Chinese Inhabitants of Hong Koug, to the Governor, Sir John Davis, Bart.-July, 1845.
"A respectful petition from all the shopkeepers and iuha- tants of the colony of Hong Kong, who supplicate that a good ruler may be retained by the Government, and beg that this favour be granted.
In his
The benevolent government of his Honour Major Caine has existed since the opening of this port, and widely ex- tended to the mercantile classes, so that they enjoyed their property. He has shown favours and inspired awe, and the robbers have found him like a thunderbolt, while his soothing influence and conciliatory conduct have brought back the days of "lang" and "Zu" (“Zu," or of " Zuon" and "Thuu" the two great patriarchs of the Chinese nation). He looked upon the people in no other light than his children. civil and military capacity he has, by his transforming in- fluences, brought on a regeneration. We now hear that his Honour Major Caine will very soon be honourably promoted, and we shall then have none to whom to look up for assist- ance. We, your subjects, therefore now appear before you, with the utmost sincerity and truthfulness, to make known the previous favours enjoyed, humbly hoping that the high authorities may condescend to regard our foolish wishes, and permit him to retain his control, that we may for ever praise bis lenient rule. We thus, creeping in our blindness, repre- sent this, leaving it to you to determine whether our request is proper. With this petition we repair before his Excellency Governor Davis, beseeching the favour that it may be granted.
Yaheze year, 6th month, or July, 1845.”
True translation. (Signed) CHAS. GUTZTAFF,
Chinese Secretary.
From all the Wards of Hong Kong and Chinese Inhabitants, bearing 115 Seals of Shops and Firms.
2nd PETITION.
Hong Kong, July 1845. "The duly prepared petition of the shopkeepers and other inhabitants of the wards of "Shengwan,"" Chingwan," and "Hea Wan" (three Eastern Districts)---
Beseeching for a continuation of virtuous administration of the laws, and that the office of chief magistrate be occupied as heretofore, which they pray may be graciously granted.
Whereas your petitioners, since the establishment of this settlement, have gratefully enjoyed the entensive diffusion of
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