at toughong had been already conveyed via Macao, to the pirates. The interpreter will be able to state on what grounds it is alleged that the information broadcast from the Police office.
In addition to Lieutenant Walker's report, I may state that Conlan is an island off Macao, that the water which separates it from the mainland, or other islands, affords easy ingress and egress by two passages to large boats, the escape of which from pursuit, either seaward or to the shore, is further facilitated by lying shoals with which they are well acquainted.
Altogether, the situation forms an exceedingly suitable base for piratical operations, with reference to the degree of security from molestation afloat, to the ease of escape to the mainland as on the present occasion, and to the readiness with which provisions and supplies of all kinds can be thence procured without incurring risk on the water if blockaded. The Imperial Government has no control over the place; indeed in all probability, the Canton authorities are unaware of its existence, and I have every reason to believe that no one resides in it.
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