- 2 -
3.
After the most anxious thought I decided
that this was a case in which the clemency of the
Crown ought to be exercised and I therefore commuted
the sentence of death to one of imprisonment for
life. In arriving at the decision I was influenced
mainly by the following considerations:-
The fact that four members of the Council
were in favour of clemency.
A plea for commutation submitted by the
foreman and two members of the jury that bad
unanimously found the prisoner guilty.
The very serious injury done to the prisoner
by the murdered man, creating a state of mind in
the former which rendered him very susceptible
to the influence of unscrupulous conspirators.
Copies of the Chief Justice's report and of
other documents connected with the case have already
been forwarded to you under cover of the despatch
under reference.
4.
5.
Having acted in opposition to the advice
given by the majority of my Executive Council I now report the facts for your information as required by
paragraph XII of the Royal Instructions.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
Live
Governor, &c.
12