Hong Kong 22nd December 1906.
Dear Sir,
I am deeply sorry to learn of your trouble, and the various accusations that have been brought against you.
During the six years, I have been discharging crews before you, I have never seen anything at all of this nature and personally don't see how it could possibly take place, when I used to pay off in your Office, during the old regime of the China Mutual, I have always personally brought the exact amount required with sufficient change to carry through the work and as this was always in full view, and the balance nil, when the work was finished, unless by slight error and I fail to see how deductions could be made. 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-house keepers &c., I have heard the frequent rows taking place outside, between these people and the man paid off, and 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 and that we Masters may long have your valuable assistance to aid us with our work with Chinese Crews.
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) D. P. Campbell
True copy