assistance of the Acting Spanish Consul to procure the release of
a Chinese Coolie reported to be detained on board one
of the Emigrant Ships, flying the Spanish Flag at Whampoa.
My action in the matter was simply referring the relative of the Coolie to the Spanish Consulate.
There was no suggestion or suspicion of irregularity or impropriety.
I have to,
(Signed) Cecil C. Smith, Registrar General
Copy
Hong Kong, 12 January 1874
"My Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure to send you Copies of the two letters that the Spanish Consul in Canton has written me in reply to my letter of this instant.
I am,
(Signed) F. L. de Tejada
Cecil C. Smith, Esq., Registrar General