My dear Sir,
Copy sent to Jackson.
Letter from Dr. Bridges to D. L. H., 4th M.
Colonial Secretary.
2040
201
Jan 7, 18th 1857.
Holywood Road.
I am most willing to be of any use to you in my power otherwise; from what I have myself observed and from conversations held with others, I am of opinion that the several functions at present imposed upon you are beyond the capacity of any one man, even when supported by a good staff of Clerks to carry out, and the more so, when that man is a stranger to the Colony as you are.
You have to pay for your Office and a house from your income, and the more so, you will be further burdened. The sums which a Clerk at $40 per month subtract £104 per annum, and when the hot weather comes, you will be obliged to keep two horses which will take away another £30. Private practice is out of the question as your official duties must occupy your time; the price of everything in the Colony is such that I do not consider that your position could have the necessaries of life for less than £400 per annum.
With the hot weather will also come a more limited capacity for attending to business. I have therefore no hesitation in stating that every day you remain in the Colony is more likely to add to your difficulties than to free you from them; you have, you state, a family dependent upon you at home, while out here you will certainly be of no use to them in a pecuniary view; at home, they will at any rate be spared the anxieties of separation and you yourself will not have the perils of a Hongkong climate before you.
I have therefore no hesitation in saying you should not remain here any longer. Send in your resignation, giving your reasons in full, and the feeling is so strong among the Community that I know you can secure a free passage home. I am convinced that procrastination in taking this step can be attended with no good, and your position with regard to Mr. Anstey seems to be far from a pleasant one.
Write and come to me whenever you may find it necessary.
Believe me, yours sincerely,
W. J. Bridges