CO129-042 - Sir Bonham - 1853 [1-6] — Page 243

understood that.

for wages

the sum

we

should receive monthly

of $5. five dollars, and

that $5, five dollars would be

for outfit for the voyage,

be given.

the residue

to each

of

which should be sent home to support

our wives and children. But when on board,

ive

- finally discovered that the true contents

were that

of the agreement were

entitled to

we are not

until our arrival.

any wages until

in the vessel at the Colony: thus, there

а

discrepancy

wad

I in the words, and the whole

was a scheme to deceive and to entice.

How

Car

heaven's principles be thus

preserved ? The headman

gave

us $2,

two dollars, which we received with our hands. It appears that the vessel has not

sailed, but is still in this harbour, and,

being

are

detained here

one)

day

or more, we

left perfectly destitute of food, Some of those who were in the habit of smoking Opium died on account of having nothing,

3

240

to eat ; besides, being the hot weather, the desire

ses, so that the sufferer

of sonsking.

incred

will not allow

Fa

evil is

himself either water or rice.

very difficult to cure .

We

carnestly, besuch you (the great Captain) to

act

прого

"compassionatety towards us, for there will be a reward for such kindness. The vessel will soon sail, but, before she leaves, let there be some

medicines for curing

W good

opium smokers, in order to obtain prosperity,

and we will thus be greatly, bedewed with favor. We have the honor to forward this to the great Captain, who will, we bag, bester favor and grant the above request.

Frue Franslation

(Signed)

C. Carvalho.

1.)

) Tong Akii.

May 10th, 1883.

Interpreters.

(True Copy),

Colonial Secretary.