to lie in wait at the Shoal for cases of shipwreck.
The moment a foreign vessel strikes, they rush on board,
and commence regardless of all remonstrance or re-
sistance, to strip her of everything they can lay their
hands upon.
It is highly necessary that measures be
taken to put a stop to this lawless state of affairs.
Ere long, undoubtedly a lighthouse will be constructed
at this spot, which will enable vessels to avoid the
danger of the Shoals, but an undertaking of this des-
cription will be a work of time, and in the meanwhile
steps should be taken for affording efficient protec-
tion to vessels in distress, as is the duty of every
civilized and humane Government. The undersigned would
point out to Your Excellency that an island exists in
the midst of the shoal which is about 3 miles in length
and where although the island itself is not inhabited
vessels may be anchored and used as a place of resi-
dence. He therefore begs that Your Excellency will
take into consideration the propriety of stationing one
or two war Junks at this locality, where their presence
will both serve as a check on the desperadoes who live
by the plunder of foreign vessels, and will also enable
Your Excellency to afford timely assistance to vessels
in distress.