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Depositions taken in the case, to the recommendation of the Jury, and to the representations made on behalf of the prisoners, signed by officers, and a respectable body of Merchants, shipping-masters and masters in this Port.
Under all the circumstances, the Council have come unanimously to the conclusion that, though the sentence in itself is by no means excessive when the serious and uncalled for nature of the crime is considered, the ends of Justice will be satisfied by the remission of that part of the punishment which inflicts imprisonment.
You are therefore authorized to release from Custody Messrs Manton, Bridges, and Thomas, intimating to the first that his Excellency The Acting Governor, by the advice of the Executive Council, has not thought fit to interfere with the fine imposed upon him.
I have …
(Signed) W. F. Mercer, Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary.