Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

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PORTUGUESE POSSESSIONS. 259
oflScers engaged in tlie suppression of the
slave-trade, but on tbe part o£ those who did
not fully understand what orders
and instructions
the naval officers had been directed by in
this service, and who were led into error by a
mistaken conception of what the term " domestic
slaves" implied.
The Secretary of the Government of Bombay,
writing on the 13th April, 1869, to the Political
Resident at Zanzibar, after referring to a capture
made by H.M.S. " Star" which had what he is
pleased to call " six domestic slaves on board,"
but which was proved at the time of the capture
to be engaged also in legitimate trade, says,
" I am desired by the Government in Council
to inform you that a Zanzibar vessel proved at
the time of capture to be engaged in
legitimate
trade, and laden with a considerable cargo, but
having on board six domestic slaves employed
as sailors, and not slaves for traffic, is
not, under
the treaty with the Sultan of Muscat (Zanzibar),
liable to capture and condemnation."
On the first impression after reading this one
might be inclined to say, " Well ! we knew that