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Dear Mr Guterres,
5. S. "Mingchow"
Hong Kong 4th January 1907.
I am very sorry about the spiteful conspiracy that has been got up to try and ruin your good character, and if my testimony can help you in any way I shall be most willingly give it. Since I have been in command I have paid off my crews upwards of forty times in your presence, and I can vouch that there were no irregularities. You paid the men in full, if you had not done so I would have heard of it after we sailed, as I have had men with me for years without leaving. "Squeezing the men is undoubtedly done by the Chinese themselves, I have often heard you order them out of the Shipping office to settle their disputes outside.
I have visited a number of Ports in my seafaring career and can honestly say, that a more obliging Shipping Master and man more up to his work, or could get through it quicker than you can, I have not met, and we Shipmasters will feel your loss very much should you be obliged to resign through this conspiracy.
I remain
Yours very truly
(Signed) P. I. Allen