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that the Gangway ladder had been lowered and that he had ordered two of my men on board; I then boarded myself, and was present at a long conversation between the French Vice-Consul, the Captain of the "Ava", an Officer from the French Man-of-War "Alma", and the Marshal. The Naval Officer was on three times told the Captain to sail the "Ava" away; but on the Marshal pointing out that the "Ava" was seized, and that he had been compelled to call in the assistance of the Police to assist his authority - the Naval Officer left.
I was then decided by the Captain that he would blow off steam, and leave the vessel in the Marshal's charge.
I have to,
(signed)
W. M. Deane,
Explain Superintendent
(True Copy)
Mat. Colonial Secretary.