Hongkong Hotel, Bolton St., Dublin, Europe
16th April 1860.
I beg most respectfully to state that on the 28th day of February last, I had the honor to forward a letter with enclosures to the address of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, Downing Street, relative to the state of my health and the possibility of my retiring from the Service.
Although I have reason to believe that this letter reached its destination, I have, as yet, received no acknowledgement of the receipt of it. My leave of absence expires on the 21st of June next, which, barring an extension of leave, would involve the necessity of my departure from Southampton by the Mail Steamboat.
Under the circumstances of my particular case, I have the honor to request information as to whether I may consider myself at liberty to await the decision of Her Majesty's Government on the application above alluded to, or whether it is incumbent upon me to apply formally for an extension of my leave.
(signed) The Inglis,
Harbour Master, Hongkong.
Herman Merivale, Esq.
Under Secretary of State,
Downing Street, London
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