292
Roy
It is notorious that the villages in Deep Bay are nests of pirates who, taking advantage of their proximity to this Colony and the apathy or connivance of their own local authorities, prey upon the native craft frequenting this harbor, and render life and property insecure throughout the entire vicinity.
It is impossible that such a state of things can be allowed to remain any longer unredressed, and Sir Hercules Robinson trusts the Vice Roy will take such prompt and effectual measures to remedy the evil complained of as will render a representation of the evil to be unnecessary.
The Governor of Hong Kong will be glad to co-operate with the Vice Roy, if he requires it, in overhauling all the craft in the Bay, and will send some Gun boats there for the purpose, if a proper Chinese officer be deputed to accompany the expedition. Any naval expedition however strong would be of little use unless there be a body of Chinese Soldiers ready to co-operate on land.
I have &c.,
MD Mercer
Colonial Secretary