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5. On September 2nd, I proceeded in "LOTH" to the Sam
Chau district, being joined by "CICALA" and "MOORHEN" on the
LOORHEN" had investigated the details of this report
way.
on the spot before my arrival.
6. Before leaving Canton on September 2nd 1 procured
leaflet in Canton to the following effect:-
A peaceful British ship has been seized and an innocent
British Officer killed by pirates from the village.
"THEREFORE WE BURN THE VILLAGE"
7. On September 3rd 1 obtained permission to deal with
the village of Shek Ki as well as Tai Ping Hu which had been our objective, and the three ships, "MOTH", "CICALA" and
"MOORHEN" anchored off Shek Ki at noon. An officer was sent
ashore with some of the leaflets and with orders to warn
inhabitants to get out of the village immediately as I
proposed to shell it in half an hour's time.
8.
Shelling was the only way of dealing with Shek Ki as the village is about a quarter of a mile inland and is
surrounded by wooded hills and I did not consider it safe to
send a landing party to it.
g.
At 12.20 two important looking men came down to the beach and waved to the ship. I sent in to them and got them on board in order (though them) to make certain that the village should be fully evacuated. They were the head man and his brother who talked some English. They assured me that there were no pirates at Shek Ki, but that all the pirates came from across the river, pointing to Tai Ping Hu. They admitted, however, that the "KO CHOW" pirates had landed the loot and passengers at Shek ki.
10./
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