Legal papers regarding the case of Frederick Duddell of Macao v Charles Pryde of Whampoa, a U.S. citizen, at the British Vice Consulate, Whampoa, relating to a charge of embezzlement levelled by the plaintiff against Pryde:

1. A letter from Alexander Bird, British Vice Consul, Whampoa, to James Patfield Cook, Consular Agent for the United States of America, 6 March 1855.

2. Duddell's charge against Pryde, enclosed with no. 1. The text reads as follows:

Form No. 4.

PLAINT.

IN THE CASE IN WHICH Fredk. Duddell of Macao is Plaintiff, and Charles Pryde now of Whampoa is Defendant.

At Her Britannic Majesty's Vice Consulate at Whampoa, the 6th day of March, 1855.

The Plaintiff comes before me Alexander Bird, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul for Whampoa, and says as follows :- I gave Charles Pryde a citizen of America on the 15th or 16th of February last a free passage from Macao to Whampoa in a boat belonging to me. There was on board twenty two and a half piculs of potatoes worth ninety dollars, which the said Charles Pryde has disposed of without my authority and without accounting to me for the proceeds. I therefore charge him with felony.

Taken and sworn before me at the time and place first above written. Frederic. Duddell.

Alexander Bird
Her Britannic Majesty's Consul.

3. Pencil notes summarising witness statements in relation to the case, including statements from Frederick Duddell; the captain of Duddell's cutter; Theophilus Sampson, British Vice Consulate, Whampoa; Thomas Buckton, the purchaser of the potatoes; and one other.

4. A note recording the findings of the examination of the case:

Sir

Having held an examination in the Case of Duddell "vs" Pryde and not finding any evidence to sustain the charge of Felony have Discharged the Defendant.