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This Government is not a ...
Mware ... Hawaiian Consul at this Port, to that, even admitting the "Levant's" right, which is more than doubted, to fly the Hawaiian flag, it is in your office that her papers would be properly deposited.
And again you state that the "Levant", before dropping down to Yeung-Island, had complied with Port Regulations as far as you lord the means of judging. As the Harbour Master is fully furnished with these means, it is presumed that the Blue Peter was hoisted as required by Section ... of the Harbour Ordinance but it is to be regretted that you did not ascertain the circumstances under which the "Levant" was leaving, and make known the same to the Emigration Officer or Myself.
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143
Now the matter stands a flagrant breach of the Chinese Passengers Act how been to all appearance, deliberately committed or planned in this harbour, and no notice has been taken of it by the proper authorities.
However, the vessel is now seized, and will be brought into the Vice-Admiralty Court for adjudication. It is only necessary for your attention to the point I have first above mentioned, and request to know if a Register was at any time produced to you by the Master of the "Levant".
True Copy
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. J. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary.