I always found that Grutterman was ready to give the benefit of his advice and opinion, but he never offered it unasked, and never attempted to interfere with or usurp the Executive authority.
No doubt Mr. Adams was at first more mixed up in matters than it is now thought proper for the Crown Law Officer of the Colony. Mr. Adams revived at the same time the appointment, and we were sent out together to institute an inquiry into alleged abuses and misconduct in Civil Administration, and to endeavour to restore peace and order to a society convulsed by official and Executive actions.
It was desirable as a general rule that this inquiry should be unavoidable from the peculiar circumstances and social dissensions when I was appointed.
But Mr. Adams, upon his arrival in the Colony, was by the Duke of Newcastle's instructions placed on the Bench of the Supreme Court as Acting Chief Justice, and had chosen to screen himself behind his strictly constitutional position.