Salary after the expiration of the leave originally granted to me, for I attribute in a great degree my long and dangerous illness to the very arduous labors of my office consequent upon the preparation and progress through the Legislative Council
the numerous and important measures introduced by His Excellency Sir Richard MacDonnell immediately after his accession to the Government. Upwards of fourteen Ordinances were passed, some of them of a novel and experimental character, and I had the good fortune to gain the approbation of His Excellency with respect to the part which I took in these successful labors. I trust, therefore, that His Grace, having regard to the very serious pecuniary sacrifice which my forced return to England with my family has already entailed upon me, will be pleased to consider the question of my half salary, especially as the receipt for my prolonged absence from the Colony has arisen from a cause entirely beyond my control, and which I venture to hope appeals to the favorable consideration of the Government.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient Servant,
Julian Pauncefote,
Attorney General of Hongkong