CO129-094 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1863 [11-10] — Page 162

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reply

to Mr Mitchell's remonstrance

leaves one to infer

that he justifies his act

and will give

only an Explanation to his Directors

It will be seen that the agent

of his duty from various quarters

that it is reasonable he should receive

every Support:

and I submit that it does not become

the agent of a Company subsidized by

the Government to throw obstacles in the

way of ...

I was informed some time back of the illegal practices of the officers of the Company's vessels, but declined to take any steps to

check them, and I concur with Mr. Mitchell

that the notice of the 3rd instant looks like

an apology (and a very unnecessary one)

from Mr Sutherland to the community

for doing his duty and

enforcing the Contract

The Post Master General encounters

so many difficulties in the performance

of his duty as a Public officer.

The practice complained of is

now apparently stopped, but only after reference to the Directors of the Company,

who I feel sure

will not approve the

manner in which Mr Sutherland has

issued his notice to the public.

I have the honor to be,

Aby Lord Dufferin,

Your Grace's

Most Obedient Servant,