So far from grudging him leave
I cannot give him a longer leave of absence, but that he is ill used in the matter is a simple absurdity for offer, such as it is, more than he is entitled to.
This will easily appear by reference to his service; and from the love which he afterwards, Your Lordships would have exactly expected to learn that he has actually only six and-a-half years' resident service to count, having arrived on the 22nd April 1861 and since then been absent on leave nearly 19 months of which, it is true, were nearly & one without salary. Still he has had 14 months on half Salary, and he is not entitled to a day's further leave at present, having already had more than his share. Nevertheless, he is now offered leave on half salary, and, if he does not accept the offer the refusal is his own concern.
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant
Drafi's Scary Mordanell and Caverner.