470
11. As suggested that one of Her Majesty's Gun-boats should cruise occasionally round the Island for the suppression of Piracy, I would remark that Her Majesty's Ships are strictly ordered to remain in harbor as much as possible, during the months of August, September, and October during which Typhoons may be expected - and further, that with the very small force at my disposal I could with difficulty detach a vessel for this duty.
5. The Oposum Gun-boat, tender to the Princess Charlotte, is only in any way fit for river service and I am not prepared to authorize her being employed otherwise except in cases of great emergency.
6. Her Majesty's Gun-boat "Kingdove", which is undergoing repairs which will occupy nearly two weeks, is therefore the only available vessel :- And it is in my opinion undesirable to leave Hong Kong without any vessel in case of need; such as a ship being wrecked on the Coast;