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the numerical strength of the crew, and they are invariably well known to the boat population in the harbours they usually frequent.
3.
From a police standpoint the presence of a fleet of these vessels in the Colonial waters is by no means desirable. The construction and expensive equipment, which prevents them from successfully competing in legitimate trade, peculiarly fits them for piracy as well as smuggling (when increased competition, or other causes, renders their ordinary business less profitable than usual) - a class of men trained up in the violation of their own laws can hardly be expected to show much respect to those of other Countries.
I have to,
(signed) H.L. Creagh,
Acting Captain Superintendent of Police
(True Copy)
Forwarding the letter - Martine, Colonial Secretary