the local Auth? the means of obtaining information of proceedings of the Pirates.
2
The Senior Officer at Hong Kong has usually under his orders for the general service of the port of the Canton River, 3 or 4 gun Boats, more of which are generally available for expeditions against, or searches for, piratical Vessels. Under ordinary circumstances it may be practicable to maintain a force at Hong Kong, with the Chief object in view of the suppression of piracy, & I have directed the Senior Officer to make the best use of the force placed, from time to time, at his disposal for this purpose.
I believe, however, that little progress will ever be made in the suppression of piracy in the waters of Hong Kong, until a more active supervision is exercised, by the Colonial authority, over the movements of the numerous nation Craft infesting the anchorage, some of which have been known to follow merchant Vessels out of the harbor, to attack & plunder them when at a convenient distance.