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inhabitants of the West River district by exterminating
them. I pointed out that however effectual it might be
such an operation would result in loss of revenue, and
suggested that the patrolling of the river, and compelling
the towns where pirated goods or cattle were permitted to
land, and those known to be the home of the pirates to
pay the amount of the loss involved under threat of
destroying their good houses by shell fire would be less
costly and more efficacious.
His Excellency asked me if prisoners taken on
account of piracy would be handed over to the Chinese
Government. I said yes, on condition that a guarantee
be given that no torture should be applied, and that a
British official should have the right to satisfy himself
that it was not. He agreed to this, saying that torture
was not in accordance with Chinese Law, and he himself was
always disposed to be lenient.
I have, &C.,
(Signed) Henry A. Blake.
Governor, &c.
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