No. J.-(427.)
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, VICTORIA, HONGKONG, 11th June, 1856.
SIR,
Your letter No. 42 of yesterday reached me at 11.30 A.M. when the despatches to the Secretary of State were being made up, and one hour after the Schedule was closed and signed.
It is impossible, however, under any circumstances to forward to the Home Government communications sent in on the morning of the Mail's departure.
The Attorney General has reported that he is making a preliminary investigation into your case in his capacity of Grand Juror, and His Excellency the Governor, before whom your letter was laid immediately on its receipt, is doubtful as to his power to control the Attorney General in such capacity.
His Excellency is sorry to learn that a war of mutual attack and defence is being carried on between yourself and the Attorney General, which, whatever else may be its consequences, cannot but bring with it much scandal and opprobrium. Sir John Bowring earnestly desires that some means should be found of terminating these unhappy discussions, which interrupt the proper discharge of public duties and the calm administration of public justice.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
(Signed), W. T. MERCER,
Colonial Secretary,
W. H. MITCHELL, Esq.,
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary's Office
In 8069/56
Page 44
Page 45
我
44
No. J.-(427.)
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, VICTORIA, HONGKONG, 11th June, 1856. SIR, Your letter No. 42 of yesterday reached me at 11.30 A.M. when the despatches to the Secretary of State were being made up, and one hour after the Schedule was closed and signed.
It is impossible however under any circumstances to forward to the Home Government communications sent in on the morning of the Mail's departure.
The Attorney General has reported that he is making a preliminary investigation into your case in his capacity of Grand Juror, and His Excellency the Governor, before whom your letter was laid immediately on its receipt, is doubtful as to his power to control the Attorney General in such capacity.
His Excellency is sorry to learn that a war of mutual attack and defence is being carried on between yourself and the Attorney General, which, whatever else may be its consequences, cannot but bring with it much seandal and opprobrium. Sir John Bowring earnestly desires that some means should he found of terminating these unhappy dis- cussions, which interrupt the proper discharge of public duties and the calm administration of public justice.-I have the honor to be, &c.,
(Signed,), W. T. MERCER,
W. H. MITCHELL, Esq., ́
Colonial Secretary,
(True Copy)
Colonial Secveling
In 8069/56
110
45
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.