importance for a period of eight months, and his performing those charges after such a lapse of time, throw a suspicious character over the whole of his conduct, and clearly show that he was influenced by other feelings than those of zeal for the public service.
Seeing the whole of these transactions as a lawyer, if the charges preferred had been proved, I would have given it as my opinion that Mr. Tarrant was equally guilty, as the worst of the extortioners, merely on account of his knowledge and concealment of the facts. Supposing that he believed them himself, he would have done right had he communicated these idle rumours, conversations and insinuations to the authorities immediately after he heard them.
72
(Signed) Chas Melley Campbell,
Actg. Ally. Govt,
Victoria, Hongkong,
12th July, 1847.
True Copy.
Gent
Colonial Secretary