JAPAN STEAMERS,
W. THOMSON & CO.,
LEITH.
Gentlemen,
Hong Kong, 7th Feb. 1888
I write to you to express my great sympathy for you, after having heard the scandalous accusations made against your character, apparently by some malicious person or persons. Accusations that I feel sure no one in the China Trade who has had dealings with you can possibly believe.
During the number of years I have been at Hong Kong, I have discharged Chinese crews for you and have always given you the exact amount of money to be paid to them, and watched the payment closely. I fail to see how any irregularities could occur.
Further, I have had the same Chinese sailors with me for several years and never once heard a complaint from them. I trust that this matter will be cleared up to your satisfaction.
I echo the opinion of all the shipmasters calling at Hong Kong when I say that it would be a difficult matter to fill your place in the event of your being compelled to resign.
We shipmasters are often in a position where our time is very limited, and but for your courtesy, promptness, and ability in facilitating your work, the ships would have costly delays.
Yours truly,
A. Walls