PERIRA RODRIGUES , Superintendent of Chinese Emigration to To the Illustrious Señor Henrique de Castro , Secretary General, January 4, 1873

Most Illustrious Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith, to be presented to his excellency the governor, a table showing the movement of the colonists who emigrated through this superintendency during the year 1872, i. e., from January 2 to December 31.

As it is seen, there was last year an increase for Horuma of 908 colonists, and for Peru an increase of 3,429, being a total increase of 5,022.

The difference in the number of ships that received emigrants was six more than last year, five of them being steamers.

The increase in the number of colonists who left this port in that year is certainly due to the suitable measures taken by his excellency the governor at the commencement of his government, and which were of urgent necessity.

This office has made the greatest efforts in its power in order that his excellency’s orders should be, strictly carried out and the desired object obtained.

I am happy to repeat that no disaster is to be deplored last year, and that if all the ships have not arrived at their ports of destination as was hoped for, it has only been on account of the changes in the seasons which have lately done so much damage. Nevertheless, we know already of some having arrived in excellent condition, as may be seen by the reports of the respective consuls. The only circumstance which clouds this statement is the fact which occurred with the Peruvian bark Maria Luz, which, through stress of weather, arrived in Japan on the 9th of July, a case to which I referred in my note No. 350, of August 30, showing the little credit that ought to be given to the declarations which it was said the colonists were making before the Japanese court, as the names that they gave out there as their own did not exist in the books of any of our offices, which makes us suppose that even in this they swore falsely.

I beg also to report, in this place, that many of the emigrants who in that bark put into Japan have again emigrated through this superintendency in several ships, and they continue from time to time appearing in small numbers in order to re-embark again with the greatest satisfaction. I am also happy to be able to say that I am indebted to the good services, the honesty, and the prompt aid of the officers of this superintendency for being able to present now the inclosed table, which shows the favorable results obtained this year.

I hope that the labors of this office will be approved by his excellency the governor.

If his excellency thinks proper, I beg your honor to please have the table published, as is customary, in the Boletine of the province which your honor so ably conducts.

God preserve your honor.