Madden found that Maclean had unfairly imprisoned 91 local people, some for as long as four years, on dubious grounds and without even the formality of a trial; and he also reported that Maclean illegally claimed that he had the authority to inflict capital punishment. Madden's enquiries, and subsequent parliamentary select committee, also concluded that Maclean lacked formal powers to act effectively against the trade, and the Colonial Office stepped in.
Madden discovered that Maclean had unjustly imprisoned 91 local residents, some for up to four years, on flimsy grounds without a trial; and he also reported that Maclean falsely claimed he had the authority to impose capital punishment. Madden's inquiries, along with a subsequent parliamentary select committee, concluded that Maclean lacked formal powers to effectively address the trade, prompting the Colonial Office to intervene.