Certainly we have not sufficient vessels of war to attempt such an operation and, even were the Governor General of India to send down as many vessels as we have at our disposal, the force would be altogether inadequate for such extensive operations.

These islands are counted by hundreds and, on the approach of ships of war, the people would desert their villages by the seashore and take to the interior--where it would, in most cases, be impossible to follow them--and all the damage we could inflict would be to burn their villages, which could be rebuilt after the ships had sailed away.

To exterminate piracy would be the work, not of months, but of many years.

However, I shall consult my council, and will draft a reply to the despatch, tomorrow.
"You have had a pleasant voyage down, I hope ?" "Very much so," Harry replied.

"We have had fine weather, and light breezes." The conversation was continued for a few minutes, and then the little party returned to their boats.
"There is not much doubt what the reply will be," Fairclough said.
"No; and on the whole, I don't see that the Governor is to be blamed; though of course, he has not given us the principal reason, which is his objection to our flag being seen flying beside the Dutch among the islands.