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entitled to a four months' vacation as allowed to officers of this Colony by the Duke of Newcastle's Despatch No. 43 of 9th January 1854.
and it is for permission to avail myself of this that I now apply.
Since my return to Hong Kong on the 20th of September, 1861, I have only been absent on vacation about fifteen weeks, viz.—8 weeks in 1862, 4 weeks in 1864, and 5 weeks (illegible, possibly 'in 1865').
It is quite possible that the time of my absence, allowing as it does but a month in England will not be sufficient to meet my requirements, but at the expiry of this time I shall be entitled to regular leave on half salary and I hope that His Excellency will, in terms of the latter part of the 113th Clause of the Colonial Regulations, grant me permission to apply for it to The Secretary of State.
If His Excellency should be pleased to accede to this application I should wish to start by the French mail leaving about the 25th Instant.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. K. Pennie,
Acting Auditor.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary.