AN STEAM SHIP COMPANY LIMITED
AND
CHINA MUTUAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY LIMITED.
Dear Mr Guterres.
S.S.
Port
Date 27th July 1906.
I am deeply sorry to learn of your trouble, & the furious accusations, that have been brought against you.
During the six years I have been discharging Crews before you, I never have seen anything at all of this nature, & personally don't see how it possibly could take place, when I used to pay off, in your office, during the old regime of Mutual. I always personally brought the exact amount required, with sufficient change to carry through the work, & as this was always in full view, I fail to see how deductions could be made, unless by slight of hand. At present, taking place as it does on board ship, it is an impossibility for such a thing to occur.
Regarding being in league with boarding masters, etc. I have heard the frequent rows taking place outside, between these gentry & the man paid off, & can testify to seeing you on more than one occasion, turning them out when they came in to appeal to you.
I sincerely trust this testimony may be of some value to you & that we may long have your valuable assistance to us, in our work with Chinese & others.
I remain
Yours Faithfully.
De Campbell
"Master.