became patiently to wait the pleasure of Her Majesty's Government - in the confident hope that my services would meet with due consideration, I have for some time felt that a protracted residence in the Colony would be fatal to me, and I have communicated this opinion (which is that of my medical advisers) to my friends at Home. The voyage to the Philippines from which I have lately returned has somewhat restored my health - but I am fully alive to the warnings of decaying strength and advancing age.
In reference to my claim for pension, to which I may be allowed to say my ten years' Service will entitle me, I propose hereafter to hand in a memorandum stating my various engagements under Her Majesty's Government which date back to the year 1828, some of which and onerous ones have been wholly gratuitous.
I have the honour to be, With the highest respect, Sir, Your Most Obedient Humble Servant, John Bowring
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