76
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Officer might find himself occasionally able to assist by attending the court, whilst it is equally probable the Governor could not always secure the services of Officer higher in rank than an Lieutenant. Still, whatever be the difficulty of constituting a court such as is required, the details are more likely to arrange themselves satisfactorily by leaving them a margin for adjustment according to the actual requirements of the time being, than by seeking to define and regulate them by inflexible rules. The latter, in the abstract might be good, however they may fail to meet the varying necessities of the future, but nevertheless if embedded, as proposed, in a new Ordinance, they would be placed beyond the reach of easy alteration.
P.S. I have to add that during a visit of Commodore Jones yesterday I learned from him that it was he who had originally raised objections to the Admiral's sitting in the Navy court.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient;
humble servant,
Richard Graves MacDonnell
Governor