"Grenada.
6th March 1834
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith, a letter from the Lieuten't Governor of this Island, transmitting a Petition from a free Black man named “Pierre” recently tried and convicted by the Supreme Court, for Obeah.
2. The Sentence of the Court (14 Years to the Hulks at Woolwich, and then 14 Years to New South Wales) having appeared to me of unusual severity, I called for Copies of the Indictments, and of the Judges Notes and Report herewith enclosed.
3. I found it impossible to respite the execution of the Sentence, with reference to the tranquillity of the Negroes of those Estates, over which Pierre exercised such dangerous influence, and Attorney of one of these Estates having represented, if Pierre was restored to liberty he felt certain many of his Slaves would abscond and destroy themselves through dread of the supernatural powers he had long pretended to and practised; and it is not my intention therefore to interfere with his sentence of Banishment.
4. The Judges Report will also fully shew you the grounds on which he founded the severest Sentence he could, short of death
5. On the other hand, if the Sentence bears any objection, I shall desire the benefit of your Instructions for my furtive guidance, on similar occasions.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
your most obedient,
& most humble Servant
[sgd Lionel Smith]"