Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History
[Source: Adelaide Archdiocesan Archives copy]
Government House
Hobart Town
7th. February 1825
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd. inst., and much regret the continued misunderstanding between Mr Conolly and yourself, and which I had hoped might have been at rest from my personal explanation to you, with which you appeared quite satisfied.
With regard to the Announcement of your appointment in the Gazette, you are aware that I could not appoint you without superseding Mr Conolly, a Gentleman of whom I have had no complaint, until one originated with you.
Lord Bathurst's instructions do not extend to the notification of any appointment for you. The Under Secretary of State simply states that you had been strongly recommended by Dr. Poynter to Lord Bathurst and that your object in proceeding to Van Diemen's Land was to undertake the spiritual care of such of His Majesty's Roman Catholic Subjects as reside here. There is not one syllable respecting an appointment for you, and it appears to me probable that Dr Poynter was unacquainted with the previous existing appointment of Mr Conolly.
You have already received not only the assurance but also the experience of every possible protection from me and I really cannot think of suspending Mr Conolly.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
George Arthur