I therefore (as Mr. Prior the Clerk of the Magistracy was incidentally absent) directed another Officer to send the Vouchers to the Firms named and have them properly receipted. Upon the return of the Messenger that of Messrs Frickel & Co was duly signed by the Firm. (See Voucher enclosed A), but that of Messrs Lammert Atkinson & Co was returned with a Memo attached, claiming receipt of the money (See Voucher B and Memo C).
I made enquiries regarding the signature on Voucher B and ascertained from the Chinese Interpreter of the Magistracy, being his own name, and specifying the amount of the Voucher. I called upon him to explain this and he stated that he had so signed it at the request of Mr Prior. I then sent for Mr Prior and had both officers placed under Police observation.
I made enquiry about the other Vouchers of this Department and found that the several amounts had been paid. Believing that the matter connected with Messrs Lammert Atkinson & Co's Voucher was without any delinquency, I wished to delay...