Camil, who had given to the investigation the most marked and meritorious attention, and whose judgment & mildness could not but feel might be brought to bear on my mind, decided that the extreme penalty of the Law was not to be awarded, I did not think it becoming that my mild interference with the otherwise unanimous vote of the Committee, to the commutation of the sentence to Transportation for life remained on the record.
I found, however, on communication with more than one individual, that Examination of Lee Men's case was shared by others, whose judgment was entitled to great respect, and being, I may say, haunted with the apprehension that, for want of proper precaution, great injustice might be done, and an innocent person visited with the penalties of guilt, I consulted one of the most experienced Cleristion Missionaries present, and one best acquainted with the native language, and the circumstances of the case, who assisted me in making some further inquiries (the expense of which I personally undertook), the result of which I have now the honor to forward in a Letter from Dr. Legge, a copy of which, with its enclosure, is herewith sent.