No. 5.
Washington , September 23, 1878.
To the consul of the United States at ——:
Sir: The Secretary of the Navy has informed the Department, under date of the 7th ultimo, that great facilities are offered on the coast of China for shipping coolies on board of vessels disposed to engage in the coolie trade contrary to law, and he suggests that instructions should be given to scrutinize very closely all American vessels arriving at your post with coolies on board.
It is desired, therefore, that you should exercise extreme vigilance in this respect upon all American vessels which shall arrive within your consular jurisdiction, and report to the Department the particular facts of any infraction of the laws on that subject which may come under your observation, as soon thereafter as possible.
I am, sir, you obedient servant,