Sub-Enclosure.
Messrs. Adamson Bell & Co. to Harbour Master of Hongkong.
Commander R. Murray Rumsey,
Harbour Master,
&c.
&c.
&c.
Hongkong, 16th May, 1890.
R. N.,
Sir,
211
In reply to your enquiry of this date as to whether any complaint was made to us by any member of the crew of the British Barque "Sumatra" as to the habitual drunkenness of the Master John Rea, we have to inform you no complaint of any kind was made to us against Captain Rea by the Mate or any other member of the "Sumatra's" crew. Your letter is the first suggestion of a complaint that we have heard of and we shall forward a copy of it to the owners of the "Sumatra", of whom Captain Rea is an old and trusted servant.
We have &c.
per Adamson Bell & Co.
(Signed) E. Whealler.
Agents, Ship "Sumatra".