31
agree
station officer, does not with that rendered by Mar-Awan-chich, the former being 152 packets and the latter 77 1⁄2 balls, I think it would be unadvisable to enter into this question, As, I presume, the evidence on either side is not very trustworthy, And the less, if any, would be no more than what the owners deserve for using the Colony as a basis for their smuggling operations. Indeed, if it was confiscated, it might be a lesson to them.
I may add that the Viceroy states the evidence is very conclusive that Mao-Awan-chich was first seen and shared in Chinese waters, and escaped into these waters of the Colony, and it was under these circumstances that the capture was made. The Governor was of opinion that both boat and opium were liable to confiscation, but I met this with the contention that the alleged capture rendered all question of previous right or wrong inadmissible, but I had no objection to submit for Excellency The Governor's consideration.