Hong Kong, January 24th, 1857
Sir,
In explanation of my report on the "Circe" case, that I incidentally discovered that there was a case of Variola on board, I have now the honour to state that the way in which this happened was as follows: a person, personally unknown to me, (I think Portuguese) who gave me no name, called in the evening of the 28th March requesting a ticket of admission to the Civil Hospital; thinking that it was for the Honourable W. T. Mercer, Colonial Secretary,
I was then in Kowloon Road) and continued daily until her departure on the 3rd April - I met the Surgeon on each occasion and he accompanied me in my visits - I have applied to the Commander of the "Circe" (who referred me to the Spanish Consul) for my attendance fee of three dollars per diem; the latter told me he had no funds for such purpose at his disposal; I attended the Ship seven days, being equal to twenty-one dollars, but have not received any portion of it:
(Signed) Jus. Orr Henderson, M.D.
Health Officer
To the Colonial Secretary
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