10395. Mr. W. _Patten_.] You have stated that yours is an agency trade?--It is so; and in the multitude of business, any one can understand that 20,000_l._ in 15 or 20 years, can only be a mere trifle in the business of any merchant, without laying claim to a large business; and in following that business, we have executed shipping orders. 10396. To what part of the coast of Africa has that business been chiefly conducted?--I believe, almost exclusively to the Gallinas. 10397. Have the goods that Mr. Martinez has ordered to be sent to the Gallinas, been all sent to the same individual?--No, to different individuals; sometimes to Pedro Blanco, who was for a certain time an agent of Pedro Martinez on the coast, and sometimes we have sent a bill of lading drawn in this way to order; we have sent it to Pedro Martinez as a voucher against his account. 10398. Do you know the nature of the trade of Pedro Martinez at the Gallinas?--I know from general report that Don Pedro Martinez himself is supposed to deal in slaves, and I believe it is so. 10399. Is he known at the Havannah as a dealer in slaves?--I do not know, but I believe so; I do not know why it should not be known at the Havannah, if it is known in other parts. 10400. _Chairman._] Is a ship which is hypothecated, liable to be foreclosed at any moment, at the discretion of the mortgagee?--It depends altogether upon the terms of the mortgage; if the mortgagee says, “You must give me the money when I ask for it,” of course he must sell the vessel if he has not got any thing else; he would always have to deduct whatever freight had been earned. When the security may be called upon to be effective, depends upon the nature of the transaction between the parties. 10401. Mr. _Forster_.] Your house had nothing to do with any letters that might be put on board the Augusta after she sailed from this country?--Nothing whatever. 10402. The Augusta was seized on the coast of Africa, on the charge of slave trading?--I believe that was the case. 10403. Did you not appeal against that condemnation?--Yes, there is an appeal by the owner. 10404. Before the Privy Council?--Yes. 10405. That appeal is not yet decided?--I believe not. 10406. Sir _T. D. Acland_.] You stated that your transactions with Africa for Martinez have amounted to about 20,000_l._ in 15 or 20 years. What has been the amount of your whole transactions with Blanco & Martinez of the Havannah during that period?--Perhaps 100,000_l._ or a larger sum. For instance, we have received more than 40 or 50 cargoes of sugar from the Havannah, consigned to us, and cigars; and we have received bills of lading of specie shipped at Mexico to be sold here, and bar gold, and things of that sort.