Admiralty, 31 July 1857.
6395. In the long interval (at Geelong) for Tutuila, Navigators Islands.
JULY 24, 1851.
£20 the 1st August 1850.
I have received a letter of appointment by Lord Stanley, Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 27th Jan. 1845, to the office of Clerk of Works and Civil Engineer at Hong Kong, with directions to proceed to the Colony with all possible delay.
On receipt of the appointment, I relinquished my practice, entered into various arrangements preparatory for the voyage, and at the same time sought additional instructions at the Colonial Office. On the 1st February following, to my great regret, a letter informed me of the withdrawal of the appointment on account of the same having been previously conferred on another gentleman.
I was given to understand that the terms of the next appointment would be sufficiently liberal to make up for my losses. I was also directed to inquire from time to time as to the Offices. I did so on several occasions, but, lest it should be troublesome, I ceased to apply, except to Engineer-in-Chief Dawson, K.C. I obtained employment as Clerk of Works in the execution of a Mansion and also of Stations and other works on Railways.
I had no occasion to be urgent in my application until the beginning of last year, when I left England in the hope of obtaining a better position in the Colonies, and requested friends to apply to your Lordship, as recommended by Captain Dawson, with permission to refer to him for another appointment.
I have heard nothing, but not of any answer.
I therefore humbly beg your Lordship's directions that I may be now employed by the Government. Some kind of employment in the South Seas will be most acceptable, as I shall be residing with my family at Tutuila, Navigators Islands, until I hear again from England.
I have the honor to be, My Lord, "Your Lordship's most obedient servant,
Lt. A. M. Hastings.
The Right Honorable Earl Grey,
Secretary of State for the Colonies.