Had any Consular applications been made to it? Not so far as I was aware.
H. Mr. Minister declaring any warrant issued by it was open but I blamed the local authorities for allowing vessels to go there collecting duties as it was owing to such dereliction of duty that the present embarrassment recurred.
As regards the capabilities of Tainan as a place of trade I imagine they were very indifferent & that the Steamer of Messrs Adam Scott's (with cargo) did all there is to be done. I would however respectfully call his attention to a despatch I sent to Sir F. Bruce on the subject of Tainan & Porto Novo's capabilities but to which I received no reply.
It may throw some light on the matter.
In Sir R. Alcock's despatch of March 12, 1866.
Respectfully,
(s.d.) D. B. Robertson
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The Acting Governor of Fukien to the Intendant of Circuit of Ting-Chang-Tsin and Tainan, Jany. 24/64.
Mr. Intendant,
On the 17th July I received the following report from the Prefect of Kiang-Chew (Tainan).
On the 19th December an application had been presented by an Honorary graduate Lin Bok-haw of Being Shaw, for permission to work a mine alleged to be a branch in the Tary mountains in the Chang-hwa district of Tainan, which