Colonial Despatches

In consequence of Governor Austin's despatch I have felt it to be my imperative, though very painful duty to suspend, with a view to cancel, the appointment of Captain Holmes.

I use the word "suspend" because you have intimated to me that it is his intention to make another appeal to me, and though I do not wish to encourage him to incur any expense or trouble in making an appeal which is not very likely to succeed, yet I leave it to himself to decide whether it is worth his while to do so.

Under any circumstances I feel it my duty to state to you that the facts admitted in your letter ought not to have been withheld from the Secretary of State by a Governor recommending a candidate for an appointment to an Office the Colony which he was leaving: You must upon reflection feel how serious this omission was in it's bearing upon the Colony, and in it's tendency to affect the whole Colonial Service. The Secretary of State cannot distribute patronage properly unless he can rely with complete confidence upon the recommendations which he receives from those who hold the high and responsible Office of Governor.