I daresay from the anxiety of friends or later on from the effects of half pay would be my conclusion and half pay would be the same.
The papers from Hongkong made out an idle supposition of my ... in the 30th ... of June, and I therefore leave the date to be fixed upon to be most convenient to the Secretary of State.
In retiring from the office which I hold I need hardly say that it is with great reluctance, and only on the ground of my health, for my relations with the Governor, this ... and the Members of the Civil ... are of the most cordial kind, and if I can be at any time of use to the Colony in which I have served so long it will afford me much satisfaction.
May I take this opportunity of tendering to Lord Kimberley, to Government, and the Colonial Authorities generally my grateful thanks for the kind consideration extended to me during the whole period of my service?
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, J. Russell