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...by a side wind in a Court of Law, instead of vindicating himself - if he thought it necessary - in a more Official and convenient way.
The Governor feared the Harbour Master calculated on getting his side of the trade interests...many of those who were...of Ellicot Emigratives, in this matter rather than referred to the Imperial Act and the local Ordinances, but through an action...would be injurious to the Public...no real benefit to Captain Thomsitt himself. His Excellency was therefore disposed in the interests of the Public Service and of Captain Thomsitt himself not to give him the permission he applied for, but he would not make up his mind on the subject until he had the benefit of hearing what the legal advisers of Council would advise.
Deliberation ensued when the Attorney General and the Acting Colonial Secretary said they could not recommend the Governor to grant the Harbour Master permission to bring his action for libel; but the Officer...