I feel it one to myself and my family to make.
The enclosed medical certificates will testify to my having suffered for many years from a nephritic disorder, from a serious attack within the last month which is the chief cause of my desire to change this climate as positively; but there is no resort within reasonable distance at which I could remain for sufficient time to repair the effects of years' residence in Asia, 47 years, and my pecuniary circumstances are not such as will enable me to absent myself at any great distance from the Colony.
Before therefore resigning my post worth £1800 a year, I am compelled to consider the means of providing for my wife and seven sons, under eighteen years of age, three of whom I am still educating and for not one of whom can I say that provision has been made.
I am naturally anxious to be certain of the terms, which it is in His Lordship's power to grant me.
I have two proposals to put forward, the adoption of either of which will cause a considerable annual saving.
The amalgamation of my office with that of the Treasurer has been suggested, prospectively, and is already under Your Excellency's favourable consideration.