My dear W. Hickson,
Febr. 11-1857-
206
In writing to you as my friend I cannot help expressing my regret at your early departure which deprives the Colony of your services and myself of your society, but when I see you lingering in town day after day up to a late hour in the Evening—kept all the time at hard work and returning exhausted in body and mind, I must fully concur in the general opinion of the Colony that it is impossible for you to carry on the arduous and conflicting duties heaped upon you, which are far beyond the powers of any person to perform. Besides, from what I know of the expenses of living in this Colony, where everything is so exorbitantly dear, I consider your salary totally inadequate to your support, however economical you may be as a Government official.
As your medical adviser, I must view your retirement with satisfaction, for during the six weeks while under my treatment, I have seen you suffer much from the effects of Climate, and these sufferings would be so much increased as to render your continuance here impossible for the performance of any duty, and your return at any future time equally so.
I do not hesitate therefore to recommend your departure by the earliest opportunity that offers itself, and wishing you a favourable voyage, I remain,
Yours faithfully,
Richard J. C. G. (? - unclear, possibly "Jack")
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