Sir Francis does not regard despatch as reflecting injuriously upon your character, either justly or personally.
&
I. S.
RECEIVED
JUNE 3
See draft 5 for 157. 5 Sept
Anse ! 6 June 1868
7957
429 2385
1868
Sis
You
Billa Spiccola
Sestri Ponente
Italia
May 30th 1868
658
I have the honour to inform that I left Hongkong on leave of absence, on sick certificate, by the mail steamer of the 15th January last, and arrived at Marseilles on the 25th of February in a very weak state, in fact much worse than when I left China.
I was advised by the medical men whom I consulted, and especially by Dr. Stents of the Steamer Péra, not to attempt to proceed to England until May or June, I therefore came here where I have relatives residing.
By the enclosed certificate of Dr. Millenger of Geneva you will learn that I am still in a state which renders it imprudible for me to travel at present, and even should I gain strength rapidly
The Under Secretary of State
Colonial Office
Downing Street London