CO129-029 - Bonham - 1849 [4-7] — Page 71

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5. 66 were were who had been apprehended on suspicion of Piracy, and on his person found Passes, which intended to afford security to any one who might be possessed of one of them; and I therefore consider it my duty to suggest to your Lordship the necessity of a small Steamer being attached to the colony, for protection of our Coast, and the suppression of a system which operates so much to our prejudice.

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7- I am not sanguine that the presence of such a vessel would root out the Pirates with which the Coast of China abounds, and whom I believe the Chinese Government is unable to disperse; but I am satisfied that the knowledge of her being here, provided she was kept on the move, would materially drive them from the neighbourhood; and under existing circumstances, this is all that can be expected of the British Government, and in fact is all that we have the ability to perform.

Her Majesty's Ship Hyacinth has informed me that a small steamer of 4 horse power is attached to her, the engine having been sent out from England and the Boat itself built at Singapore. A craft of this description would be too small, but should your Lordship be pleased to consider my suggestion worthy of adoption, I would recommend that a Boat should be constructed on the spot, and an engine of 40 horse power be sent out from England. I would propose that the Boat be about 80 feet long, and so constructed as not to draw more than 4 feet water. It would be desirable for her to be fitted with sails, so that she would not have occasion to use steam except when in chase,