139
and three wounded. And the whole of the parties inculpated appeared before me on the 29th day of
I proceeded in accordance with the
Some question arose in my mind as to the proper course to be pursued in reference to their immediate Consular Despatch. The Circular respecting Jurisdictions, dated 22nd June 1844, instructing H. M. Consuls in all provisions of Ordinance No. 7 of 1844 and No. 1 of 1867, to inquire into the charges, all the witnesses appearing before them, in the presence and hearing of the persons accused, and reduced to writing the depositions of the witnesses, which I now transmit.
The evidence adduced was of the most direct and conclusive character, and so fully substantiated the charges, that I could have no hesitation in sending the whole of the Prisoners for trial, on a charge of robbery and murder. The Master, William Cole, stands further charged with a violation of the Navigation Laws, upon the enclosed evidence, marked No. 3.
After the examination was concluded, it was usual to transmit the depositions to H. M. Plenipotentiary, that the probability of obtaining a conviction might be ascertained before the Prisoners were sent for trial. But in this instance Commander Sitman having detained the Ship for a breach of the Navigation Laws and Piracy, and determined to send that vessel to Hongkong for the decision of the Admiralty Court, it seemed to me most expedient to send the Prisoners without further delay by so eligible an opportunity, and thus relieve both Captain Sitman and myself of the very onerous charge of securing the safe custody of so large a number of men - English, Spanish, and Chinese, for which neither that Officer nor I had fitting accommodation at our disposal.