752
or
of connivance with the perpetrators of it and the Receivers of the stolen goods, but having set himself up at this place at the head of the salt trade (whether authorizedly or otherwise, it is not here necessary to inquire) he virtually made himself responsible for the conduct of all vessels engaged in that trade that might enter this Port and his assertion that he has ascertained from other Boats, the name of the Junk on board of which Rothers and stolen property were secreted is, in the opinion of Government, not only unworthy of the smallest belief, but were it true, a distinct admission from his own mouth of his gross misconduct and negligence as well as utter unfitness for the situation and duties in which he has thought fit to instal himself for his private gain and advantage.
His Excellency, the Governor in Council is therefore pleased to direct that you summon the Salt Weighman Song Afei before you, that you explain to him distinctly in open Court through the medium of the Assistant Magistrate in the Chinese Department the light in which his conduct is viewed, that you levy a fine on him in the name of Her Majesty, The Queen of One Hundred Dollars ($100) and that you further take a Bond from him and his alleged Partners in the Salt Brokerage in such sum as you may consider proper - not being less than One Thousand Dollars - providing under undoubted security for his (and their) being answerable for the orderly and honest demeanor and proceedings of the crews of all Salt Junks and other vessels connected