He now so fully fills, not being attainable, thin Inspectfully - recommend that the retirement requested be granted to this Officer in the manner in which it is urged.
The abilities and attainments of Mr. Mercer are so well known in this Colony that I hardly know how to attempt an eulogium on one who has obtained the respect and esteem of all who have been associated with him during his great length of Service in Hongkong, and I may at the same time be permitted to express doubt if in all for Majesty's possessions there be a more useful, more zealous, or more practical Officer, or one more worthy of the highest consideration than Mr. Mercer.
I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your most Obedient Humble Servant,