not be traad
fraud. The American lead, which could
I for the reasons stated in Consul Aracgregor's letter, might have been precured at Hongkong or Singapore, as well as at Canton . The billets of wood are:
longer
than those supplied to ships in China,
and more like the wood procured from the Chinese at Singapore.
While the delivery from Canton occupied only a few days, under circumstances of unremitting vigilance and custody, the - subsequently retained on the
Freasure was.
Indian station for about six months, between four different : vessels of Iber Majesty's Navy. It lay for a considerable time at Singapore,
and was thus about nine months and a ff before it reached England in the Serpent.
As it appears to me that the inquiry has been exhausted in this quarter,
35
I have directed Deputy Commissary
General Miller to forward the false box and
its contents back to England, in order that the investigation may
may be pursued there, with
reference to the period during which the Treasure remained on board Her Majesty's ships.
I have the honor to be,
With the highest respect,
Sir
Your Most Obedient,
Humble Servant,
I