3.
178
gone to Nagasaki and will return here during the month, when this matter can be settled. It has always been the practice since I have had charge of this Consulate for Masters to go first to the Harbour Master and get the permit for shipment. I had no reason to suppose it had not been done in this case. If, however, the Ordinance you quote is to be enforced, that "No seaman shall be shipped either for an English or Foreign ship elsewhere than at the office of the Harbour Master" then no more seamen can be shipped in this Colony for American ships, for I certainly shall not go to the Harbor Master's office to discharge my official duties. "No such thing is required of British Consul in the ports of the United States.
I have, &c.
134) &c.
M. Loncus.