| Content Description | Has received Wilde's letter [Pl C 52/168/1-2], in which was enclosed a note to Wilde from the Lord Justice Clerk [not present]; mentions that the situation to which he has now been moved has removed him from any responsibility in the administration of criminal justice and he is no longer entitled to advise the king on the interposition of royal mercy; advises him however that a sentence must start at the usual time (despite any applications in favour of the convict) unless royal mercy intercedes.
Agrees with the Lord Justice Clerk that where no answer has been given to an application by the Crown, it is equivalent to a refusal; adds that in his own experience, if there is no real case for the interposition of royal mercy, the application is simply ignored and law is allowed to take its course; emphasises, however, that this is no way denigrates a person's right to petition; repeats that Wilde's letter should have been addressed to Lord Pelham and not to him; emphasises the respect he has for Wilde's application and for his motive in applying. |