I have declined to pay it.
Mr Napier assures me that the claim is unfounded, but it was impossible to allow Mr Napier to be detained, as he is in such a state as to render it necessary for him to be carried on board the mail Packet; two of his friends have become bail to the nation, on the understanding that if eventually they be compelled to pay this amount, he will refund it in England out of the half pay to which he will be entitled during his absence.
Under these circumstances, I have consented to move Your Lordship that instructions may be issued to the Colonial Agent, Mr Crawfurd, not Mr Napier, to pay any part of the Salary that may become due to him while in England, until this matter be finally adjusted; and this is the more necessary, as it is possible that the Government may be saddled with this expense.
I beg to add that I have no reason at present to attach any blame to Mr Napier, for it seems to me that the Plaintiffs in this case have wilfully allowed the claim to remain unadjusted until a period when they were thoroughly satisfied it would be totally ...
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