known to the local authorities on the opposite coast. I once pressed upon him the importance of coöperative measures, and offered, if he would supply guides, to send vessels to destroy some of these people said to be established on the Island of Chang chew, regular strongholds. He replies by a personal compliment to the reports of our success, defends the population of Chang chow against the charge of lawless pursuits, on the ground of their being wealthy and respectable, and ridicules the idea of the forts affording cover to pirates; insinuating, in reply to my remark that I had been unwilling to attack people living on Chinese territory, that the Government is bound to afford protection only to its own subjects.
For the real state of the seas within a day's sail of the colony, I beg to refer Your Lordship to Commander Lockyer's report.
The Steamer "Phlegethon" has been considered by Captain Troubridge the vessel best calculated, from her small draught of water and peculiar equipment, to perform efficiently the service on which he proposes to send her. Of this he must be allowed to be the best judge. It therefore remained for me, upon the receipt of his application, to decide whether she could be spared from her post at Canton. The most perfect tranquillity has prevailed for some months past, both in and about the city, and I see nothing in the present aspect of things at that place to prevent my acceding to Captain Troubridge's request, with which I have accordingly complied.
I have, &c.
(Signed) S. G. Bonham
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary