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difficulty of interfering with judicial sentences, it is evident that had Compson not been found insane he would have had to receive a very heavy punishment - which would have kept him in servitude and at hard labor for a number of years.
I am desired also to say that in accordance with precedent application was made last year to the Secretary of State for authority to send Thompson home, there being no place of confinement as yet in the Colony for prisoners of this description.
Should His Grace The Duke of Newcastle comply with the application, Compson will be forwarded to England.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W.A. Alexander,
Acting Colonial Secretary
(True Copy)
W. Mercer,
Colonial Secretary