the Colonial Government. My object in this was to remove, or at least loosen, the continued complaints made of cases of robbery or piracy in the neighbourhood of the Colony, and for which there has hitherto been no convenient means of suppression.
The Viceroy fully appreciated the position, but said, as matter further, but perhaps His Excellency would take it into consideration, and see how far some arrangement might be made compatible with the views I had expressed.
Accordingly, I received a Despatch, I think in the afternoon, a copy translation of which I enclose. I knew, and it is to be the fact, that the sham Gunboats were actively employed on the coast, and one could not be spared to lie constantly in the harbour, although she might visit the Colony occasionally and at no time be very far off. I said I would not at present urge the matter further; from it you will see that the Viceroy offers two schemes; the one, the cruising of the gunboats in the neighbourhood of Anlong, the other, a guard boat with two officers to lie there ready for action when required.
Before returning any answer, on