2
Mea[should be "Meant"] a Freign [should be "Foreign"] ship elsewhere than at the office of the Harbour Master, who share [should be "charges"] for every sea [should be "seaman"] shipped a Fee of one dollar.
Believing that the omission was due to an inadvertence, and that all that is neces[should be "necessary"] is to call your attention to the matter.
I have, &c.
(St.) Frederick Stewart
Acting Colonial Secretary.
Page 177
United States Consulate,
Hong Kong June 6th, 1872.
United States Consul,
To the Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
I am in receipt of your No. 755 in relation to the Barque "E. Dickerman" having shipped seamen without payment of fees. The "E. Dickerman" cleared at this Consulate on the 4th day of June, having produced a clearance from the Harbor Master's office. I had no reason to suppose that she had violated any Colonial Ordinance or was in arrears to the Government.
The matter, however, ... [illegible text, indicating missing word]
To F. Stewart, Esq.,
Colonial Secretary, &c.
Page 177