brought the prisoners within British jurisdiction I could not permit their being given over to any Foreign Authority, and therefore that I should report the case to Her Majesty's Government if the men were not all brought back at once. He was fortunate enough to get them all returned to him within a few days and they were safely landed as freemen.
Trying them here the same day, and as there was not a particle of evidence to convict them Justice punishes no further steps were taken against them.
I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient Servant, Rikard Graves MacDonnell Governor.
MINUTE PAPER.
Sir P. Bowring 480
I do not think, that the Duke of Newcastle labored under any misconception when he approved of Sir J. Bowring's mode of dealing with Pirates when captured - That despatch merely laid down what the line of duty for the force of Hong Kong ought to be.