I am compelled to refuse your request as a courtesy, moving to circumstances which bear upon them and there particularized.
Mr. Mitchell denies emphatically that their refusal was uttered by him in any insulting language, and on this point, and also as to his alleged "irritative and insulting manner", he refers to Baptistin Wyndham, a brother of the Magistrate, who bears him out in saying that his words and conduct were governed by perfect temper and self-possession.
There are features, in your letter to which His Excellency directs me to make no specific allusion, lest further correspondence should grow upon this unpleasant subject, the material principle of which is already under reference to the Supreme Governments of our respective countries.
His Excellency desires me to mention that Commodore Armstrong also addressed him on this matter, and, after furnishing the principles by which his action is regulated, he intimated a wish to close the correspondence.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. J. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary.
True Copy
Colonial Secretary.
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