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reporting this the Shipping Master informed me I must settle that matter with the Captain in England. It being in the same condition as when the Captain placed it in his charge.
I was informed by the Shipping Master on the afternoon of May 10th that I would be sent home by the P. & O. Steamship "Formosa" as a Destitute British Seaman.
I am now on passage in that ship.
I most humbly and respectfully beg to call your attention to the following facts. Before leaving Hong Kong, I was given my account of wages by the Shipping Master. This is signed by the Captain also marked in red ink "Examined and found correct" and signed by the Shipping Master. On this it distinctly states I was discharged from the "Scotia" on Febry. 25th.
This fact, whilst being against my wishes and without my consent, makes the charges against me illegal. The charge being for absence from the evening of the 25th to the 28th, also of disobedience of orders on those dates.
The charges brought against me I swear to be absolutely false. I was not cut off the ship without leave, with the exception of the evening of the 25th on which date I asked for leave, and I submit this under the circumstances could not be refused.
I submit that, even if I were guilty of the charges, punishment was in excess of what is laid down by the Merchant Shipping Act.
My allotment of £5 per month was stopped by the Captain from Febry 15th without my consent, thus leaving my wife and child totally unprovided for since that date.
It is my intention on arrival in England to take civil action against the Chief Officer and Captain for damages for wilful malicious prosecution, illegal imprisonment, breach of agreement, loss of tools &c.
I
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