On a calculation as to the past the duties of the Chief Justice in Hong Kong must be most onerous. The cases of capital convictions and executions in the Colony have within a given period been one such cases in all England. The legal business also is very heavy in amount and a clerk with a salary of £300 a year is assigned to assist the Chief Justice, whose duties are delicate and important. He must therefore be a gentleman having my entire confidence.
I have requested my son Mr William Smale to accompany me. I beg to nominate him to be my Secretary and Clerk and I trust that you will confirm the appointment.
His duties are to be in constant attendance on me, to write and communicate with the officers and solicitors of the Court and to act for me on all other proper occasions.
Mr William Smale, who is nearly twenty years of age, was educated at Merchant Taylors' School, which he left in July 1865, from the Head Form. He has since been under private tutors and was reading to go up to St John's, Cambridge. I have received the most satisfactory reports of his character and conduct from all his tutors, who are ready to give him testimonials.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,
John Smale
...
Check. I hardly know what is the proper comment. I put down £300 a year as the salary to be confirmed to the Secretary. I incline to think that the recommendation should reach the Secretary of State.
16 July.