HUTCHINSON, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs to To J. Whittall, His Majesty’s, April 30, 1867

Mr. Hutchinson to Mr. Whittall.

Sir: Mr. C. de Varigny, the minister of foreign relations, being absent on the Island of Hawaii, I think it right to inform you by the earliest opportunity that the British ship Eastfield arrived at this port from Manila, on the 23d instant, with a large number of Chinese coolies on board, bound to labor on these islands under contract to the late firm of Walker, Allen & Co., merchants of this city. These coolies were originally shipped from Hong Kong, on the Dutch bark Antonio Petrpnella, which was forced to put into Manila in distress, and was there, I believe, condemned. It is unnecessary for me, sir, to tell you that the importation of these men into this kingdom is illegal without the consent of his Majesty’s government, and in defiance of the ordinances published in the official columns of the Hawaiian Gazette, copies of which were, I believe, republished by you in the Hong Kong newspapers.

His Majesty’s government have permitted these men to be landed, oh the score of humanity, under stringent regulations. I have to request you on the part of this government that you will interpose and desire the authorities at Hong Kong not to permit any vessel to clear with bonded laborers on board, for any of the ports of this kingdom, without your formal permission.

I have the honor, &c., &c.