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boats in the act of piracy, being so busy in taking the trader and so enveloped in smoke as to let the gunboat get too close and the wind falling light.
This enabled the capture of the three largest with 58 of their crews, all of whom had jumped overboard. The 4th prize would have been captured but a strong breeze springing up enabled them to get away.
(All except three of whom had jumped overboard when attacked) came alongside afterwards in a boat that had picked them up, having been shot by the pirates whilst in the water.
I have since heard that the pirates killed the three that did not jump overboard. I placed boats and prisoners in the hands of the Mandarin at Hamon (who is of high rank, being an Admiral and wearing a light-red button) stipulating that they should have a fair trial and be subjected to no torture; I hope this may meet your approval.
As though not in English employ, I commanded the trader, though I do not know that it would have made any difference to the pirates of what nation they were. Their boats were three miles off the land and close to the same place where I drove ashore the crews that murdered the men of the Brig as mentioned in the letter of Proceedings of October 10th.
On the 25th instant, I visited Songsang and there heard that the Rebels still held Onsehair at the head of the Bay, though the Mandarins were reported to be outside with troops and preparing to assault. There were several ill-looking strong-junior junks in the Bay and I was informed by the fishermen...