32
23.
307
employ troops to prevent escape inland at the same time that Gunboats, accompanied by a native General Officer, make their appearance in the bay, you are to take in temporary charge of the "Woodcock" (Your proper vessel the "Tamo" being under repairs) and with the "Grasshopper" Lieutenant Commander Walker under your orders proceed to Deep bay.
There is reason to believe that agricultural often harassed some of the inhabitants of the Villages - who themselves, are deterred by the privates, by fear of whom they are prevented from bringing produce to Hong Kong. They would gladly give information regarding the chief offenders if they could do so in security; and a hope is entertained that some of the native Authorities - who, it is said, are set at defiance by these privates - especially those of the partly walled Village "Sileony" will be able to render good assistance by pointing out and assisting in Capturing, the latter.
A few days ago Lieutenant Walker Seized Six Native carpenters in the act of disguising and altering for piratical device a stolen boat, but they were released at Hong Kong from want of sufficient proof of their guilty Knowledge: aided by you if necessary, will endeavour to find these Carpenters and to ascertain their character and the particulars under which they were employed on this work.