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being reported a Gun Boat, when is available, is sent out in pursuit of the Offenders. But so much time is lost that the particular pirates sought for are rarely overtaken. There is as much as possible known when and where they will be looked for, and their plans are arranged accordingly. And the sufferers, finding how seldom their losses are recovered, become apathetic, as pointed out by Captain Nolloth - in many cases of piracy that occur in this neighbourhood, no information whatever reaches the Government.
4. The course which, in my opinion, should be followed has already been indicated in my letter of 21st May 1863, before referred to. One Gun Boat, or perhaps even two, should be kept perpetually cruising, either under sail or steam, in the immediate vicinity of Stoughong. The Pirates would then never know at what moment they might be surprised, and I have no doubt that, by such a measure, the neighbouring waters within a certain radius might eventually be rendered comparatively secure. Captain Nolloth concurs entirely in this view.