22.
23
279
Pirates.
On returning on board with Mr. Dennison, Mr Pidwall (Master's Assistant of this your Boat) informed me he had killed a Chinese recidentally with a Rifle, leaving fired at a distance of about 80 yards, at a Sampan, which others were trying to board the abandoned Junk. On board one of these Junks I found two Bills of Sale for a Gun $90 worth of Salt, as also carriage and other articles belonging to the Lorcha, but the vessels themselves were nearly destroyed by the Pirates before they left them, the masts being taken out of one and the rigging cut out of the others. I burnt two of these Junks and should have done so with the third had not the Lorcha's owners interceded for her, promising to remunerate the crew should she reach Hongkong, which she has done safely. Having destroyed all the Piratical Junks in Mirs Bay, I returned to this Harbor where the Gunboat was re-moored this evening.
I have, &c.
(Signed) Charles F. Walker, Lieut. Commanding "Algerine" Gun Boat
(T.O.)