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18 - 1869 [Unerlined]
[OFFICIAL STAMP] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE [D37] 8th . Feb. 1870
P. M. Somerset [Underlined] Reporting cases of Kidnapping of Natives in [Torres Straits] [Underlined] Somerset 30th. November 1869.
Sir, I have the honor to forward here with a copy of a letter I have addressed to John Mac Donniell Esq. Investigation Agent relative to the Kidnapping of natives from the islands in Torres Straits. I feel sure the Government will not tolerate a state of thingsso pregnant with danger to vessels touching at these islands, and and although with-out instructions how to act in such cases, I would, had I suitable boat, assume the responsibility of interfering. With that end in view, having repaired and refitted the cutter "Alerto" alluded to in my letter No. 23.69 of this date, I left Somerset on the 14th inst. intending to proceed to "Hanf Way Island", a distance of about 90 miles; but on the morning of 16th the wind and sea incresaing and the cutter
The Hon'ble The Colonial Secretary
[Margin] Put notice in gazette that offenders will be procecuted [Illegible] [Illegible] the gazette which will contain also this despatch to the Col. Secies. of the various colonies requesting [Contesting] action.
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leaking badly, with a S. E. gale in prospective, having only made about 40 miles to windward since noon o the 14th., I reluctanty put back ot Somerset, the crew being worn out with incessent baiing.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedt. Servt. Hentry. W. Chester P. M.
Copy - 19 - 1869 [Underlined]
Somerset 30th Nov. 1869. Sir, It having come to my knowledge that natives have been taken away from Darnley Island, in the N. E. channel, Torres Straits, upon more than one occasion, and kept against their will by Masters f vessels engaged in the "Beche de mer" fishery, I have the honor to request you will be good enough to instruct me to stop proceedings so likely to provoke outrages upon innocent vessels visiting that island. The Master of the Schooner "Georgina Godfrey" took away two men and a boy quite recently and they are now detained at "Half-Way ialand". I am also informed, on good authority that 2 women were taken from Darnley island by the
John Mac Donnel Esq. Investigation Agent.
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[Right Margin] * Both these vessels are owned in Sydney
Schooner * "Bluebell" , some months ago, who have not since been returned. In the long interval between the visits of a "Ellan of War" to the Straits, it is highly desirable there should be some sort of supervision over vessels engaged in the "Beche de Mer" trade employing members of South Sea Islanders. The "Virago" is daily expected, when doubtless Capt. Bingham will deal with the cases I have * mentioned, but I should be glad of your advice as to how to proceed in future.
I have the honor to be Sir Your Most obedt. Servt. Henry. W. Chester P. M.