Governor of Hong Kong
In 1844, Davis became British plenipotentiary and chief superintendent of British trade in China, and governor and commander-in-chief of the colony of Hong Kong, until 1848.
On 8 May 1844, he was appointed to be the governor of Hong Kong.
On 16 July 1844, his home was robbed.
During his tenure, Davis was very much hated amongst Hong Kong residents and British merchants during his administration because of the establishment of various taxes, which increased the burden of all citizens, and his abrasive treatment of his subordinates.
On a much lighter note, weekend racing began during his tenure, which gradually evolved as a Hong Kong institution.
Also, during his tenure, Davis organized the first Hong Kong Census, and it indicated that at that time, there were 23,988 people living in Hong Kong.
On 21 March 1848, his row with the local British merchants increased, and Davis resigned his commission and left Hong Kong.
Read more about this topic: John Francis Davis
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