On the 19th the matter was placed by me before the Executive Council, who, considering a certain amount of impropriety admitted by Mr Mitchell, were desirous of receiving further information. The enclosed letter was accordingly written by the Colonial Secretary and the reply received next day.
It will be seen that five questions were put to Mr Mitchell — to the first the answer was satisfactory, and to the second likewise; while to the third it is to be so considered; but these first 3 points were of minor importance.
Mr Mitchell replies to the 4th question that there must have been misrepresentation of the Lookong's words by the interpreter; but to this I must remark that Dick was brought to Mr Wade the Chinese Secretary, and required to give the very expressions used by him to both Lookong and convict and by them to him in reply — Mr Wade assures me that the phrases could not be misconceived, and that Dick perfectly understood and rightly rendered the evidence taken.