Carefully contemplating passive resistance has deprived. His Excellency of all power of bestowing upon their case any distinctive consideration to which he might otherwise have deemed it entitled; and he is deterred by such feeling from allowing the law to take its ordinary course.
However, reference home is about to be made and it is authorized to instruct the Collector to refrain from coercion; as the adoption of the usual measures could only result in unseemly collision between the Military officers and the Civil power of the Colony, and this, should it be supposed to proceed from the Major General's sanction, already solicited, of a passive resistance to what these officers will have been advised by the Attorney General's opinion to be the law of the Colony, might induce other inhabitants to pursue a similar course.
In conclusion, I am directed to add that it is only from the high respect and regard which he entertains towards the Major General that His Excellency has refrained from returning at once remonstrances couched in language considered objectionable.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. Caine,
Colonial Secretary.
(The Copy)
ML
Colonial Secretary.