his health, and but for the cool weather months which supervened, such a course would at that time have been imperatively necessary.
The numerous cases of relapse which have come under my notice, bear me out in stating with decision, my opinion, that, it is barely possible one, who has suffered from this disease to regain his health without change to a cold climate and had this been adopted in several instances, which I could enumerate, I feel satisfied valuable lives would have been spared. remaining in hot climate where malaria prevails, with the constitution thus weakened and impaired, on the slightest exposure, fever or dysentery are the inevitable results; attack succeeds attack, until the energies of both mind and body are exhausted, and death frequently terminates this miserable state of Existence.
I regret to learn, that Mr. Gordon, again suffered from a severe attack of fever, and entertaining as I do, the views above stated, if leave of absence be consistent with his official duties and can be obtained, I should strongly urge him to apply for it, without delay, and remove to a colder climate, until his health is completely restored. These statements I make on soul and Conscience.
I certify
(Signed) Peter Young
Surgeon to the Forces,
Macao, 2nd June, 1864.
A true Copy
Frederick W. A. Porucha
Colonial Secretary.
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