which I have had the honor to refer to,
beg most humbly to submit
that service is not to be computed by months and years; that I consider myself justified, without presumption, in appealing to the testimony of Governors Davis, Bonham, and Caine, all now in England, whether my services have not, in real value to Government, equalled, if not outstripped those of most other Officers of my standing thrice the term of years during twice the period of my service; having outweighed the services of myself by day, and never spared myself by night, but ever sought opportunities, and found them, to render myself useful, without reference to the duties of the especial Office which I had, at the time, the honor to fill;
further vouched for by the testimonials enclosed, Official and nonofficial.
Being dependent on my Official pay for subsistance, and Providence having struck me down, in the 42nd year of my age, with a disease beyond the pale of medical aid, acquired in actual service; rendering my tenure of life from day to day uncertain, and death within a few years at farthest, inevitable doom, even in this temperate climate, I am compelled, solely against my inclinations, to apply for the means to live during the period. I may be permitted to exist; the resignation of Office would, otherwise, involve the loss of my only support.
Should the humble prayer of this petition be rejected, I have no alternative but to return to my duties.
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