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13th Ultimo was discovered and detained near Aberdeen in the waters of this Colony. She was heavily armed, had 16 men on board and no room for cargo, but had a quantity of provisions and water more than sufficient for her crew and was evidently fitted out for kidnapping purposes.
The Master was fined for anchoring in colonial waters without reporting himself, and was compelled to find security to answer any further charge brought against him during the ensuing twelve months. I can only regret that it was not possible to inflict a more adequate punishment.
5. The name of the vessel was "Hong Anga", whilst the number of the clearance carried by the vessel was 235, her tonnage was stated in the clearance to be 1300 piculs. She had probably been obliged to anchor where she did owing to the calms and adverse currents then prevailing.
6. May information however leaves no doubt that she and many other similar vessels were fitted out at Macao, or on account of parties residing there, and that these vessels prowl about the coasts and villages near the shore, seizing practically by force the native population, and carrying them subsequently to Macao where they are lodged in Barracions. Many believe that when there they undergo such treatment that they are only too happy to...