Mr. Denby to Mr. Sherman.

No. 2739.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Department’s dispatch No. 1399, of February 20 last, relating to the extension of the rules relating to collisions at sea to Chinese junks.

[Page 88]

By reference to my dispatch No. 2733, of the 10th instant, it will be seen that the inspector-general of Imperial maritime customs has reported to the Tsung-li Yamên that “it can not be said for certain that junks and fishing boats will carry out the international rules,” but “if later on, the rules can be applied to these craft due information will be given to the Yamên.”

I have, etc.,

Charles Denby.