Whittall to the Hawaiian, January 8, 1867

Mr. Whittall to Mr. de Varigny.

Sir: I have to inform you that three vessels bearing the Hawaiian flag have recently made their appearance in these waters; the Mameluke, the Polores Ugarte, and C. Carom, holding provisional registers granted by the King’s consul at Lima, Mr. J. R. Eldredge.

These vessels have put into this port with the intention of proceeding hence to Macao, and there taking on board Chinese emigrants or “coolies” for Callao. It is possible that the stigma and disgrace attaching to this traffic, as conducted at Macao, have not become known to you at Honolulu, but the abuses, the evils, and the misery and crime which the system involves have earned for it the reprobation of all right thinking men. I have determined to preserve the Hawaiian nation from the scandal attaching to such prostitution of its flag, and I have intimated to all parties interested that should these vessels take on board China coolies at Macao, I shall not permit them to quit China waters, until they shall have presented themselves in Hong Kong and complied with the provisions of the British colonial emigration act, in the efficacy of which I place confidence, &c., &c.