RECEIVED C. U. 9647458 (REGO 3 JUN 36)
Victor Emanuel at Hong Kong. 20 Feby 1886.
I have received the enclosed Report from Captain Maclear, Commanding H.M.S. Sloop "Flying Fish", and I would request your Excellency to be good enough to call upon the Magistrate to explain why this charge was discharged owing to the charge being wrongly worded, the want of evidence; as, from Mr Mitchell-Innes' private note it would appear that it was from want of proof of money having passed, whereas under the Act 16-17 Victoria Chap 89, it is stated...
"Any person who shall without the previous consent of the Commanding Officer, bring on board or shall approach with the intent of bringing on board, any fermented liquor, or shall hover about any Ship, for the purpose of bringing or selling, spirituous or fermented liquor.
To His Excellency W. H Marsh, C.M.G.