Item 4 - Photocopy of ALS from W.E. Gladstone, 13 Carlton Terrace.

Gladstone thanks him for his appreciation of Gladstone's presence in the House of Commons. He is glad that Sir John continues to speak with confidence of the prospects for Hong Kong as a British colony. Mr Martin's 'harum-scarum' representations have made little impression on public opinion. The Bishop of Exeter had been shocked at the opium ordinance, but Gladstone had pointed out comparisons with the consumption of spirits at home and had satisfied him that British authority would respect the laws of China.