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the horrors to inform your Lordship that I offered the acting Appointment to Mr Whyte, who had formerly been Police Magistrate for several years.
W: Whyle however, unable to accept my offer without injuring his private Practice at the Bar to an inconvenient extent.
I therefore consulted my Executive Council as to the best means of filling the appointment, and they advised that I should appoint Mr James Russell Government Interpreter, as he has given great attention to the practice in the Magisterial Courts, and has already a fair Knowledge of the Chinese language—a qualification which, when practicable, should be insisted on in the holders of such appointments.
I have accordingly appointed Mr Russell provisionally, and pending your Lordship's pleasure, to be Acting Police Magistrate, vice Goodlake, from the 12th inst.
Mr Russell still holds temporarily the post of Private Secretary till I can contrive to supply his place, which will probably be soon, as I am expecting my Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant...
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