Chinese Firemen who attended the inquest on Monday gave evidence to the effect that the deceased had been charged with a fault and had been tied to the mast on the night of the 21st, and finally had been thrown overboard by the Maitre d'équipage!
That he should have been so thrown overboard was most improbable, and I adjourned the inquiry until the 28th with the view of getting some witnesses from the French ship. This I mentioned publicly, and also that as I had no jurisdiction over the ship unless with the consent of the French Consul - I hoped that the Consul would for the satisfaction of the Jury send some witnesses to attend the adjourned inquiry.
Having received from you the depositions taken by the bench Consul, I thought from what was exhibited therein, it would be very satisfactory to all parties if two witnesses were sent to the adjourned inquest. I therefore called on the Vice Consul and explained the position, and although Mr. Sienkiewicz, at first demurred to send any witnesses, he finally permitted M. Boulonge to come here.
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