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on the Islands and Coasts adjacent
to Hongkong, where the piratical Junks congregate,
and I would also exercise a more vigilant surveillance on all Chinese Craft coming to or departing from the Colony. But our prominent requirement is Steamers of light draft, heavily armed, and fitted for the Service. I am sorry to say the excellent arrangements of Admiral Stirling, for periodical Convoys are again in abeyance.
...feebly and imperfectly carried out. There is a want of Ships of War adequate to and fitted for, the necessities of the Service - the Service. If there are provided I see no reason incurring the enormous expense of a special flotilla as suggested by Mr Bridges. The whole subject of Pirates, with a view to its better organization, is now under inquiry, and I doubt not the Commission will look into that question which concerns the water arrangements.
As regards the Trade of Hongkong - subject as it is to the interruptions and vicissitudes which interfere with commercial relations generally, and those of China in particular, its progress is satisfactory.
It may be doubted...