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greatly obliged. At present however, the pirates are numerous, and though I have given frequent orders to the Military and civil authorities, to fall upon them with all severity and rigour, still it is to be feared, that one is seen and another hides himself. The seditious villains of the Frinct Seity have again assembled and created disturbance. Whilst however instituting investigations to trace them, they in order to avoid seizure scatter themselves, and it may be apprehended, that they have Hongkong to hide themselves there. They may indeed be arrested, and then perhaps, these perfidious villains will have no place where to put their foot and tranquillity may thus be ensured.
Whilst sending this answer for the consideration of You the Honorable Envoy, I hope you will order the soldiers under your command to seize them all with rigour. And if it be ascertained that they are native traitors and associates of the Triad Society, villains who have taken refuge at Hongkong and absconded there, they ought to be every one apprehended, and be sent to the local Mandarins of the said place (Cowlow?) that very severe measures may be taken against them. Thus you will display your public friendship.
Whilst sending this despatch with the highest happiness, and this Communication is respectfully addressed. To Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary His Excellency, John Francis Davis.
Broukwang 24th year 11th month 20 day
30th December 1844.
Rec. 3 Bentle
true translation. Agreed, Charles Gutzlaff
Chinese Secretary
hue copy!
Dedrick W. A. Boucy