I regret to say that I have not yet sufficiently recovered my health after the long and severe illness from which I have been suffering, to enable me to return to the Colony with safety.
I enclose a Medical Certificate from Sir Ranald Martin to that effect.
I informed His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong some time since that I should be obliged to make this application to your Grace, and I may add that my further absence from the Colony is not likely to be prejudicial to the Public Service, as the Duties of my Office are carried on by the Judge of the Court of Summary Jurisdiction who is a gentleman of considerable experience and has twice filled the Post of Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
I have the honor to be Your Grace's obedient Servant
Julian Pauncefote, Attorney General of Hong Kong