M. Gutaries
"55 Benavon" Hongkong 18/12/02
Dear Sir,
14.
139
It is with great regret I hear you are accused by the Authorities over you, of underhand work in your duties as Dept Shipping Master of this port.
For the last twenty-three years I have been Master of different steamers of the Ben Line, calling regularly here. I have discharged Chinese Crew twice a year in that time. I have always made a point of being present myself when discharging Men's Crews, & I can safely say I never saw you keeping back the wages, you always paid them the notes without being dissatisfied with his wages!
I have never seen any but have seen the lifter leaving your office wrangling amongst themselves when squaring up their gambling debts, contracted during the voyage; I am sure that in no other shipping office have I seen the business conducted so smoothly, & quickly, which is a great matter in steamers now in this port today.
As they are trusting you, you will hear no more of the accusations made against you in the next few days.
Yours sincerely,
Jami. Thomson