Steamer "Ava," informing that he was desired to make such application by the Marshal of the Vice Admiralty Court.
My reply was to the effect: that as the Queen's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions only authorized the entertainment by Naval Officers of requisitions made by the Governor of a Colony, I was unable to accede to the application. And I expressed my opinion that the seizure of the "Ava" was a measure the propriety of which I entertained grave doubt.
I further suggested that reference should be made to the French Admiral.
(Signed) I. St. John Short,
Commodore.
(Time omitted)
Filed / Signed
J. ...