CO129-112 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1866 [3-4] — Page 370

2.

ajan

At the same time I have to draw

attention to the fact that histrerto it has been the Practies for the Spanish Genner Gennal of the Philippine Islands to despatch a Vessel of War to Bringsting to bring the Spanish Mails for Europe and await the arrival of the next trail from hope for the penpose of conveying

back the Manila mail.

3.

Although the Vefsels.

used for this

purpose have also been used to cany

cargo,

*

I.

it has neveriteless been held that tides of life

Vessels

they can arly be regarded of War. I have

as

consequently felt it

my duty to apprise the Governor of the Philippine Islands that unles he

employe

sonce aher class of Resels for

Air Fierenly Posing nose, asthap

366

conveyance of the Mails I niit be obliged

to refurve coals to these Steamers more than

arce in three months and will in no case

be able to allow of their remaining more than 24 hours in the harbor a space of time wholly insufficient for their revat busings

I shall not interfere with the Vessel

11.

sent for the next mail as she will arrive in

ignorance of my instevielioms, but exteruice is

is

my intention here as at Halifax to put strictly in force all instructions in reference to Belligerent huisers.

I have the hover to be,

Siv

I for most obedunt servant,

Juctiond Raves MacConnell

Governer.