I beg to submit the Medical Certificates, and Diagnosis of my disease and state of body (Nos. 1, 2, and 3 enclosed) which I have received from the Colonial Surgeon at Hongkong and from Doctor Birkett of City of London Hospital for diseases of the Chest at Russel Square, the latter, I believe, considered by the Faculty to be one of the most eminent Authorities and able writers, on "Bright's disease of the Kidneys" (Morbus Brightii) under which I suffer, and who has had my Case before him ever since my return from China in August last year. Before leaving Hongkong, with only six days' notice, and in hourly danger of death, Doctor Murray intimated to me, that I might consider my disease incurable and beyond the power of Medicine to subdue. Doctor Birkett - I am sorry to say - has endorsed that Opinion, as clearly expressed in his Certificate (No. 3 enclosed).
I entered the Government Service in Hongkong on the 18th March 1844, and served until the 1st June 1849, being "Five years, two months and sixteen days". I rejoined on the 4th May 1857 and served until the 22nd June 1859, when I left for Europe on my present sick leave, being a further term of "Two years, one month and eighteen days".