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in October 1880, stated that this was more than one man could be expected to do. The Hospital is larger than it was then by 15 beds, and the medico-legal work has also largely increased (from 10 bodies examined in 1881 to 184 in 1885).
Since June 85, when Dr Etranques was appointed to the charge of the medico-legal duties, provision has had to be made for his work on several occasions, but the Government have always provided for it without any reference to me, and only now for the first time have I been called upon to do it.
The condition on which Lord Derby granted me an increase of pay, viz: "that I should take sole charge of the Civil Hospital even though the increase of accommodation should lead to a larger number of patients," I have fulfilled: the accommodation in the meantime having been increased from 83 to 98 beds, and the number of patients from 1100 in 1881 to 1510 in 1885.
It is extremely unfortunate, as well for the Government as for me, that my suggestion to Jordan to apply to the Military Staff was unsuccessful, and that efforts were made in no other direction to procure assistance, and have the Navy might very probably supplied an Officer. The return of Dr Ayres, however, is now due, will doubtless relieve the pressure.
I trust that this explanation will be found satisfactory, and that Mr March will accept my earnest assurance that my failure to meet His Excellency's wishes was mainly due to physical incapacity.
My letter of the 7th instant should, indeed, have been differently expressed, but it was hurriedly written.