Hong Kong 21st January 1907. 449.
Dear Mr Gueterra,
On arrival here two days ago, I was much surprised to learn that certain charges had been laid against you, relative to the manner in which you paid over the wages of Chinese Seamen at time of discharge.
I can only say that I have engaged and discharged crews at Hong Kong for more than twenty years, and on no occasion have I ever seen any questionable action on our part.
My custom was to bring the exact sum of money, including notes of low value required to pay off the crew and each member of the crew received his full amount due, in my presence.
It has been remarked by seafarers far and near who have ever had any dealings in Hong Kong, how expeditiously your work was done, and I assure you of my sympathy at this time.
In days to come, I hope still to see you at the Mercantile Marine Office, where I have known you so long.
I remain
Yours sincerely
(Signed) Richard Webster