95
"I stated before you, (as you visited the Gaol with me on the occasion in question,) that a premature exposure of the Sheriff's misconduct, will thus be averted.
Care should however be taken that the ends of justice may not be defeated. The witnesses may be tampered with or perhaps spirited away, for want of timely precaution.
I have &c.,
(Signed) Chisholm Anstey.
2
True Copy!
Colonial Secretary
Copy No. 399.
Sir,
36
879359/187265
Colonial Secretary's Office, Victoria, Hong Kong, 31st May 1856.
Your letter of yesterday has been laid by me before His Excellency The Governor and I am directed to reply that Mr. Mitchell's conduct in the Six Prisoners case seems open to the charge of illegality, and Mr. Mitchell has been so informed.
It does not however appear that the degree of criminality attaching to Mr. Mitchell's proceedings is likely to be supported by the evidence, or rather the evidence likely to be obtained in support of it, would justify His Excellency directing a prosecution.
The Honorable,
The Attorney General.