225
Association or any individual to attempt to prevent Mr Caldwell's knowledge of the language being availed of for such a purpose.
15. As a matter of fact, however, the statement in the newspaper had no foundation, and the Government had nothing whatever to do with Mr Caldwell beyond taking proceedings on information which his informer had supplied, as would have been done on equally probable information furnished through any other party. I have, however, already so fully placed before the H.M's Government the actual position of
Mr Caldwell that I need not repeat myself. Vide my letter there. It is sufficient to state that so far
Secy of State No 664, 6 March 1864; Governor to Secy of State No 693, 24
from Mr Caldwell being an Agent of this Government, the despatches referred to show
664 4555.
693 6879
12 to 20
that he has, if anything, been dealt with more severely than otherwise by the Executive Council.
6. Opinions of Members of Council and leading persons of this Community, in other words, of persons highly competent to judge, as well as the general feeling of Confidence in Mr Caldwell entertained by the native population, receive from me simply their due share of respect, but no more. If, however, the Social Science Association expects H.M's Government to be induced to countenance a renewed persecution of Mr Caldwell by Mr Anstey and others, I hope such expectations will be disappointed. There is a strong opinion here that Mr Caldwell has been hardly dealt with and overborne.