General and Administrator to Richard Lyons, 1st Viscount Lyons, January 14, 1864

Telegram from General Doyle to Lord Lyons, dated

The examination of witnesses for the crown against Drs. Almen and Smith, and Mr. Keith, accused of having assisted Wade to escape, occupied from twelve until half past seven, on the 11th instant, and the facts were brought out too clearly for misapprehension. The substance of Lieutenant Reyne’s report, which is in your possession, was proved in every particular.

First. The civilians on the Queen’s wharf, which is a very large one, were not in all forty, (40,) and all of respectable position.

Secondly. Not a shadow of evidence of concert or premeditation to obstruct arrest of Wade.

Thirdly. Only the three gentlemen above named at all implicated; the latter two in the slightest degree possible, and after a struggle between Dr. Almen and the constable had commenced.

Fourthly. No arrest made. The obstruction: Dr. Almen calling a boat proceeding in the stream, and interfering with constable’s pistol when presented against the boat. All three above named bound over to stand their trial at the first sitting of the supreme court, I waiting until recognizances were completed (which they were not until yesterday) to telegraph to you.