Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/114

106 The conduct of the captors after the capture, in peddling the cargo in violation of the revenue laws of the Province, and the appropriation of a portion of the proceeds by some of them to their own use, and all the developments which have been made as to the motives and character of Braine, are calculated to throw so much suspicion and discredit around the whole transaction, that I should deem it unwise, even were the law supposed to be in our favor, without weightier reasons than now exist, to compromise the Confederacy by assuming its responsibility.

I cannot close this communication without bringing to the attention and notice of the Government the generous sympathy and liberal contribution in every matter in which the interests of the company were supposed to be involved, of some prominent gentlemen in this city, and especially of Dr. Almon, Mr. Keith, Mr. Weir and Mr. Ritchie. They have given money, time and influence without reserve, as if our cause had been that of their own country. I feel that I shall not transcend the spirit of my instructions in tendering Mr. Ritchie, of this city, and Mr. Gray, of Saint Johns, on behalf of the Confederacy, some compensation for professional services which were rendered most faithfully and laboriously and with no other object than to advance our cause. I feel that the gentlemen whose names I have given are entitled to some special acknowledgment from our Government of their handsome conduct, and I am certain it would be most highly appreciated by them, and would exercise a happy influence in this community.

It was so late before I could procure all the documents upon which to rest my action, that I am unable to embrace in this letter several, matters I desire to bring to your attention.

1em

P. S.—It may not be improper to add that the conclusions which I have reached are in accordance with the judgment of our most discreet and intelligent friends in this place.