SMITH, Registrar General to Mr. Austin, August 14, 1871

Mr. Smith to Mr. Austin.

Sir: On Friday last, the 11th instant, some members of the board of direction brought me the inclosed Chinese letter, (translation annexed,) which purported to come from some one who was, against his will, on board the outgoing American mail-steamer bound for San Francisco. Having sent for the Chinese broker, I gathered from him the information given in his statement, annexed, and finding that the intending emigrants had all come on shore, it did not seem necessary to take any immediate action in the matter. However, as I learned that the coolies, as alleged, were to have signed the contracts when on board, after the steamer had left the harbor, I think it right to bring the subject to the notice of his excellency the lieutenant governor, as, if true, there was an attempt at infringing the emigration laws.

A copy of the contract, which I obtained from the Chinese broker, is inclosed.

I have, &c.,