Ir. China, the confession of the culprit is alone admitted as sufficient evidence in criminal proceedings, and depositions taken down forcibly, or repeated questionings on account of doubt are not received (on account of doubt of the evidence).
In this case the whole six real criminals and accomplices have been discovered - Some are dead and others were apprehended, and the mode of their trial. The Noble Council have already been acquainted by my Despatches; so much argument is therefore unnecessary.
In the managing of this affair, I have only to conform to the Laws of the Empire. Guilt is punished on real proofs. The Noble Council should therefore weigh the facts seriously with a calm mind.
This is all. I have to reply by this Despatch.
17th day, 29th Year, Tankwang, December, 1849.
30th moon, year,
96
Translated by: (Signed) Soad Rodriques Gonsalves
Free Copy
(Signed) A. J. de Miranda
True Translation
(Signed) L. d'Almada e Castro
Colonial Secretary