175
for Navona after partly fitting out in this Harbor
2.
The statements which formed Enclosures to this Despatch are by sworn testimony fully corroborated by locals in this Colony. As, however, the documents already in the Colonial Office contain the same information which I have gathered here, I do not think it necessary at present to transmit it to Your Lordships.
3.
I have, however, to report in reply to the enquiries which the Despatch contains that although the Navona was purchased by a German Firm, Messrs. Paul Ehlers & Co., she was prior to her leaving this Harbor sold to Mr. Abella, a Spanish subject, and she wore the Spanish Colours on 14 April 1873.
4.
Nevertheless, it is quite certain that Messrs. Paul Ehlers & Co. did not give up entirely their interest in the Vessel, inasmuch as one of the partners of that influential Firm, Mr. C.R. Menzel, sailed in her as Supercargo, and played a very prominent part, according to the information at hand, in what went on during the voyage.
5.
Of this I am unable to give Your Lordships more...