1
Reports received that a number of deserters were secreted on board the American Whaler "Canton Packet", which hove weighed anchor and left the harbour. Mr. Keenan, the American Consul, applied to, and with the greatest readiness signed a search warrant, although the vessel was outside the limits, 9 miles from the shore.
Mr. May, the Superintendent of Police, despatched, with this Warrant, Mr. Inspector Foreman, a very skilful officer, and a sufficient Police Force, who succeeded, after much trouble, in apprehending Nine Men belonging to Her Majesty's 59th Regiment.
These have since been tried by Court Martial, and Sentenced to various degrees of punishment. Lieut: Colonel Graham has reported his obligations to the Police Officers; and to the American Consul, and I have caused his acknowledgment of the Services rendered to be duly conveyed to each.
At the same time I have requested Mr. Hermon to take every opportunity of pointing out to the Seamen and others, his countrymen, that for this offence they are, if found within our jurisdiction, liable to heavy penalties under Ordinance No. 2 of 1852, and as Mr. Keenan has professed his anxiety