: the Colonial Chaplain, his duties also at different times devolved upon me; and a residence of 5 years and thus spent upwards in this Colony has made me acquainted with the residents here. I have personally hope that my influence in His Lordship's decision will not be unfavourable to my requests. My present application suggested itself from the kind expressions of several of the residents who have at different times recommended the subject to my consideration.
The Bishop of Victoria, my acquaintance with whom commenced in 1845 during his last visit to China, is now absent; but in a conversation I had with him previous to his departure he expressed himself favourably regarding my case, though he was unwilling for several reasons to interfere in the matter. I have now no opportunity of submitting any other testimonials than those I left in the hands of the Bishop of London on my first appointment to this Colony. However, I have a letter from Major General Staveley at present Commanding Her Majesty's Forces in China and also from Lieutenant Colonel Harvey Trower Commanding Her Majesty's 59th Regiment. And I feel I can appeal with confidence to Major General D'Aguilar (to whom I am writing) the only other General Officer who has been in command since I arrived in the Colony.
I have therefore refrained from writing out of delicacy to my friend, Mr Stanton, but now all doubt as to his return seems to be removed; and the long interval, which must elapse before any application from this distant Colony can reach England will, I trust, be deemed a sufficient excuse for my applying for...
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