An informer, who since their conviction has been himself tried for feloniously extorting money by threatening to accuse other parties of piracy, found guilty, and sentenced to three years' imprisonment with hard labour; and that had the jury been aware of these facts with regard to "Too Ape", they would have acquitted the prisoners. All the foregoing circumstances having been duly deliberated on in Council, I judged it proper to extend Her Majesty's gracious pardon to the petitioners.
Ind. Is the case of Chan Asun, who petitioned the Chief Magistrate on the occasion of his visiting the jail. This is one of a nature precisely similar to that of the three referred to in the 1st paragraph of this Despatch; the petitioner was tried at Sessions and convicted on the sole evidence of the said "To Apo", as is clearly exhibited by the letter of the Acting Chief Justice, embodied in the Minutes of Council, the only difference being that Chan Asun was too poor to be able to employ an attorney, whence the delay in bringing it to my notice. The Council was unanimous in opinion that Chan Asun was equally a fit object for mercy with the others whose names have been already enumerated, and I consequently extended to him, also, Her Majesty's most gracious pardon. I hope that these necessary acts of lenity will meet with the approval of Your Lordship.
I have the honor to be,
With the highest respect,
Your Lordship's
Most Obedient,
Humble Servant,