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but I refrained from forwarding it in view of the difficulties which would have attended the granting of my application.
Having got through the summer, I have been endeavouring, with Deling's kind assistance, to reap the benefit of the quiet bracing night at the Peak, and so repair the wear and tear of the last twelve months' continuous duty. This endeavour has been frustrated by the unfortunate illness of Dr. Marques, and, while heartily sympathizing with him in his misfortune, and grateful for his kindness to myself, my debilitated condition effectually prevented my taking any share in the extra work to be provided for.
I still manage to get through my duties at the Civil Hospital, but at times I feel the strain severely, and the eligibility of seeking entire relief from work, and obtaining a complete rest forces itself upon me.
Had I attempted Dr. Marques' work, I must have neglected my own, and frequent complaints from the patients in the Civil Hospital would have been as harassing to Executive Council as disagreeable to myself.
From Dr. Marques' symptoms on the 5th and 16th, there was a strong probability of his having an abscess of the liver, and requiring leeches for a lengthened period, and this knowledge makes me unwilling to undertake his duties. The medico-legal work is a heavy responsibility; the administration, and sometimes the question of life and death, depending on its proper performance. It is true that in years gone by, I performed all the medico-legal work, in addition to my own, but Dr. Breen and Dr. Thompson, the heads of the Naval and Military Medical Department, who were asked to report on this subject...