British Consulate,
346
Ümoy 2nd January 1864
Sir,
For some months past the Chinese authorities here have been continually representing to me the increased number and daring of piratical vessels in this neighbourhood and urging me to move H.M. Naval Authorities to take measures to free the neighbouring coast of these pests which have on several occasions followed native craft and captured them even within the Islands forming the bounds of the outer harbor of this Port. At first I paid little regard