"those objects are injuriously affected by the present excessive prevalence of piracy throughout the whole line of coast from Flannan to Shanghai; but more especially about 100 miles round Hongkong. The piracy in question is carried on under two very different forms; there are large fleets which wage a kind of war along the coasts, attacking vessels of every class & nation; & there is petty piracy, where any large boat preys upon smaller & less well armed ones than itself. Both of these forms are very injurious to trade but the second (although such may not appear to be the case) affects far more than the first, the general entry of our goods all along the sea board of China; & keeps away from the harbours of
Hongkong hundreds of native craft, which, had they safety ensured to them cundo & redeundo would gladly seek a free port, & carry away with them our shirtings long cloths to an immense amount. Even as it is a comparatively large trade of this kind is gradually springing up in HongKong & it is
a matter of surprise to the residents there that such should be the case, & justly so, when it is remembered that no native vessel is safe from being attacked one mile from the entrance to the harbour of Victoria; that there are every day in the year alongside the town wharves heavily armed native craft fitted up with stinkpot baskets & every kind of offensive weapon; & that it is from shops in the