15
"Let this be forwarded at the rate of 400 le a-day for the private information of every officer whom it may concern.
"Respect this!"
Having received the letter (of the Council) forwarded in respectful obedience to the will of His Majesty, I am confidentially informing my subordinates thereof, and communicating the same to my equals in rank. It is further my duty to communicate to you a copy reverentially made (of the Decree), in respectful obedience to which you will be so good as to act.
Heen-fung, 6th year, 11th moon, 28th day. (December 24, 1856.)
No. 12.
Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 2.)
Hong Kong, February 9, 1857.
My Lord,
HAVING convinced myself that the Imperial rescript, of which a translation was conveyed in my despatch dated 5th instant, has the greatest claims to be considered authentic, I forwarded copy thereof to the Legations of France and the United States; and I have now the honour to send, for your Lordship's information, copy of my communication and of the answers I have received from the United States' Commissioner and the French Charge d'Affaires, both dated Macao, 7th instant.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING.
Inclosure 1 in No. 12.
Sir J. Bowring to Dr. Parker and the Count de Courcy.
Hong Kong, February 4, 1857.
Sir,
I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of an Imperial Decree, which has been forwarded to me from the north, of the authenticity of which, I am assured, there is little or no reason to doubt.
I need scarcely call your Excellency's attention to the representations of the Imperial Commissioner as to the opinion of the citizens of your nation, nor to the extraordinary statements as to the results of the hostile action of Her Majesty's forces.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING.
Inclosure 2 in No. 12.
Dr. Parker to Sir J. Bowring.
Legation of the United States, Macao,
February 7, 1857.
Sir,
I HAVE the honour to be in receipt of your Excellency's esteemed favour of the 4th instant, transmitting me copy of an Imperial Decree your Excellency had received from the north.
I have perused the document with care, and am entirely satisfied of the authenticity of the Decree and of the high official position of the officer who embodies it in his communication.
I particularly notice the representation of the Imperial Commissioner, as to the opinion of Americans.. French, and other Western nations, and his Excellency's statements as to the results of the hostile action of Her Majesty's forces, and do not hesitate to pronounce both alike inaccurate. I trust the day is not remote when His Imperial Majesty will arrive at the same conclusion. I regard it as most fortunate that information so important should have come into your Excellency's possession, and am much obliged by being made acquainted with the same.
