Hayoshi Gontenji to I have read foregoing translation of the returned report by M. Hayoshi Gontenji, and have compared it with the minutes kept by myself on the same occasion, and find it to be correct. We found all the Chinese passengers confined below deck. G. W. HILL, August 15, 1872

Translation from Japanese minutes of visit to ship, return, and report of Hayoshi Gontenji and Geo. Hill.

On the 14th day of the seventh month, at one and a half o’clock p.m., I went on board the Maria Luz, and calling from below a few of the Chinese into the cabin, questioned them. Coolie No. 1 stated: I am employed for eight years; have received no wages. Left Macao on the 22d day of fourth month. Signed contracts on board ship 19th of fourth month. Since went on board ship have never been on shore. If I work one month I will get wages from the captain. Was employed as cook on board ship, and have done some work on board; have worked since ship left on 22d fourth month. The men who are doing work on ship are about eighteen. I have been told by Chinamen that we ought to go to Peru. Have sufficient provisions, and no complaint.

Coolie No. 15 stated: We left on 24th of fourth month. Signed contract on 18th of fourth month. Received $8 on shore. I have spent $4 on shore and lost $4; am entitled to receive $4 per month. Was told I was to work on board, but have never done so. The hatches were closed to prevent me going on shore. The captain has prevented me from coming on deck. I only learned that the ship would leave Macao in a few days, but did not learn where she was bound to. Was told by the captain I was to work for eight years. Don’t know what sort of work, only told must work. When I signed the contract there were about 240 men together. Contract was read to me on shore by a foreigner in the Chinese language. Just now, I think, I am bound for Peru by the contract. Since I came to this port have not had sufficient food only twice a day. Iam not allowed to go on deck until I get to Peru. Signed contract on this ship; it had been read to me before. The captain treats me well, but the head men very badly.

Coolie No. 5 stated: Latterly we have had sufficient provisions, but for a few days not enough. Don’t know where I am to go. Received $8 and spent it. I am to work one year for the $8. The head men always prevented me from going on deck. One day I was tied to the mast and beaten by the Chinaman No. 8, a head man, with a ratan. Am not allowed on deck either in fine weather or foul. The head men are permitted on deck.

Coolie No. 8 stated, (showing a stick:) This is the stick I beat No. 5 with. I was ordered to do so by the captain. The contract was read to me by a Peking man. I came on board the ship four or five days before the ship left, in a small boat with four or five other Chinese. The contract was signed two days before the ship left. I was forced to sign by a foreigner. The contract was brought from on shore with me. No one threatened me with a pistol or other arms when the contract was signed.

After I had examined these coolies one by one in the cabin I went with Mr. Hill, and bringing Ching Ching, the interpreter, down into the hold where the Chinese were, I informed them through the interpreter that while they were in port they would have the protection of the Japanese government, but that if they made a difficulty and were guilty of any offence, they would certainly be punished.

I then passed through the hold. Certain of the coolies came to us saying, through the interpreter, that they had been kidnapped and praying for the assistance of the government. Some of their numbers I took as follows: 187, 182, 157, 175 (changed from 176.) No. 5, who seemed very ill, and 160, who appeared very sullen. While I was taking down these numbers the others gathered together around me with great cries, and in the most earnest manner begging for assistance. They so pressed upon us that I was obliged to tell them their case would be looked into further. I could hardly escape from their importunity. I left the ship about 5 o’clock p.m.

(Signed)