Joseph Bailey to I. Gardiner Austin, Colonial Secretary, September 12, 1871

Mr. Bailey to Mr. Davis.

Sir: Referring to my dispatches Nos. 33 and 35, I have the honor to inclose an official communication from the colonial secretary of this colony, with accompanying documents, concerning the shipment of coolies hence to the United States by Mr. George E. Payne. A large proportion of the coolies referred to in the registrar genera’s letter had undoubtedly been inveigled, and some kidnapped, by the coolie broker Lai-On, who is, as I learn, a notorious Macao dealer in human flesh. Fortunately, the coolies all escaped from the vessel, (the Pacific mail-steamer “China,”) and are now at liberty.

As I have frequently stated before, I repeat now, that the entire traffic is top-full of fraud, corruption, and the most brutal inhumanity.

I have, &c.,