I have said something from which the idea of a contract can have been construed, Chinese very soon get bewildered by passing questions but your Excellency has the word of #.
8. The Governor General of "Batavia" is for the contrary.
and therefore submit that the suspicion of these men being under any contract must be given up at once.
As no further explanation about the alleged verbal contract has been given I can only take the liberty to ask your Excellency whether under the circumstances described above, including Emigrant can be allowed to embark for the place of their destination, and in case your Excellency should wish any further examination, I beg to request that the necessary orders be given to the Harbor Master to do so. Commons whom I will be prepared to repeat in his presence the prospects which I have held out to these men before.
The steamer which is to convey these Emigrants will be subject to demurrage tomorrow, and I will therefore consider it a great favor if your Excellency will give me a speedy answer, so that the question can be decided.