On my arrival I was seized with ague. During the voyage, and on my removal from the Climate - I had three severe attacks of Ague. Again I had two similar attacks which prevented me personally presenting at the Colonial Office the Government Despatch granting me leave of absence, but I forwarded a medical certificate from Dr. Richardson who then attended me, on Official form, to the above effect. Subsequently to leaving the District in which that Gentleman resided, (Tunbridge Wells,) I have lived in the neighbourhood of London, and find after a period of several months, since my return from Hong Kong, that I have experienced little relief from the change of Climate.
I am continually liable to contract slight attacks of ague, and have had five severe attacks with the fever following. I have been confined to the house, and to my bed for days, much to my annoyance. Dr Lock of Clapham attended me on two of these occasions & I take leave to enclose his Certificate as to the state of my constitution corroborating the view entertained by the Doctor at Hong Kong.
I have further to observe that for some months I have been under the care of Sir P. Martin. Sir P. Martin - he has frequently seen me, and that too under most favourable circumstances, that is, when I have been able to call upon him at his residence. The severity of his treatment is sufficient evidence of his opinion of the malarious influences under which I suffer, and his knowledge of my case is such, that I feel confident he will corroborate the opinion of the other medical gentlemen, adverting to the fact stated in the Medical certificate from Dr. Fraser & Murray at Hong Kong.
My unfitness to perform work which I formerly easily accomplished, I trust I may be allowed to give my own testimony. Constant exposure to the sun, together with great Physical Exertion, such as my duties obliged me to encounter from sunrise until 7 or 8 A.M. and then from the intermediate 4 P.M. to Sunset - the intermediate hours being occupied in mental as well as Physical Exertion, left me utterly prostrate at the end of many days during the last 3 or 4 years, but for truly a few hours.