GIACOMO PSAILA , Adjutant to R. Bonello, February 23, 1872

[Copy.]

Sir: In compliance with your directions I have the honor to report that on the 17th instant, immediately on the arrival of the steamer Trabulus Garb from Tripoli, it having been stated to me that several black women and two boys were on board of her, and that a passage for Constantinople was being procured for them, I proceeded on board to verify whether they were slaves, and I found that nine females of different ages and two boys, some of whom spoke the Arabic and some the Turkish language, were on board. Although the former fully understood the Maltese, yet, the cause of my visit to them being of paramount importance, I considered myself bound in duty to employ a person who could speak both their languages in order to convey to them with greater facility and precision the good intentions of the British Government in regard to slavery, and, consequently, through the interpretation of one Francesco Sultana, I requested them to inform me whether they were slaves, and, in the affirmative, if they were willing to gain their freedom and remain in the island in an asylum which government would provide until an occupation could be provided for them. In answer to these proposals they one and all declared that they were free, and had been a long time in the service of their respective masters, and would not leave them, they having been always, and under every circumstance, well treated by them.

The adjutant of marine police, previous to my arrival on board, had already paid them a visit for the same object.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,