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such infamous trade. The booper having also several times personally communicated to me what the feelings of the Authorities and also the British Minister were on the subject, I deemed myself justified in proceeding at once in H. M. Gun Boat under my command to Swatow.
I therefore towed the boat into harbor, where I delivered them over to the booper who is in communication with the Mandarins on the subject.
I beg to enclose a copy of Mr. Cooper's letter, and venture to hope that you will approve of my proceedings, and grant me permission to use my best endeavours to stop this abominable traffic within the limits of this Treaty Port.
I lay watching at Double Island, where I was watching the movements of one of the boats, the other having sailed some hours previous, having taken in her cargo.
At once, I weighed and steaming out, overtook her and found that she had twenty-five of the unfortunate creatures on board, all of whom at once exclaimed that they had been kidnapped and entreated me to take them back to Swatow with the Authorities.
Having heard that H.M.S. "Algerine" was searching for the rock which the "Corea" struck on, and being short of Engineers and stores, I remained at this Port instead of proceeding to Breacher's Point as I stated in my last letter.