E hereby Certify,
1st, That the above leave was granted to commence on the Fifteenth Day of April, 1860, and end on the ... Day of April, 1867, on the ground of ill health, and that the Medical Certificate was produced, of which a copy is annexed.
2d, That The Month Fred! Henry Alex. Forth, Esqre has served the Crown for Three years, one month, and 8 days in this Colony.–
3d, That in the course of that Service he has been absent on leave on several occasions, at the dates and for the terms specified below, viz:
In the year 1859. One month.
4th, That provision has been made for the due execution of The North Branch Surveyor Alexander Forth, Esqre Office during his absence by the appointment of J.C. Power, Esqre, Chief Clerk in the Surveyor General's Establishment.
Victoria, Hongkong. 29th February, 1860
The several certificates which the Medical attendants testify to the Honorable Mr Forth has received
Since his arrival last April I have been in almost constant attendance on him for the same complaint accompanied by congestion of the Liver - During my temporary absence in July Dr. Kane attended him for an Attack of fever- which left him in such a weak state, that I recommended his immediate departure to recruit; advice which he did not follow.
I have no hesitation in saying that he ought not to remain in the Colony another summer without a protracted return to Europe - Neglect of this recommendation may entail fatal consequences.
(Signed) H. McDougall, M.D., Colonial Surgeon
To His Excellency The Governor,
NOTE, Officers who may be under the necessity of applying to the Secretary of State for an extension of their leave of absence, are requested to annex this document to their applications; and in order to meet this contingency, it will be furnished to them in duplicate.
(copy)