a brief confirmation and approval, but beg permission to offer explanation of the circumstances under which the pardon to each prisoner was granted.
The three first in the Descriptive List transmitted in Lieutenant Governor Fanshawe's Dispatch were Military Prisoners, who were regularly recommended by Sheriff, while their liberation received the sanction of Colonel Graham, Commanding the Forces.
The first, Neil, had been nearly 5 years in prison, and was released in a dying state. The Bishop of Victoria had made repeated applications on his behalf, and the Sheriff, in recommending him, reported as follows: "The health of this prisoner has suffered deplorably. I consider that nothing but his release from confinement can save his life."
I enclose also a Certificate from the Colonial Surgeon respecting this man, confirmatory of Sheriff's opinions. As to Cluson, it was officially stated by the Sheriff that his health had suffered grievously from his confinement...
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