COPY
SUB
ENCLOSURE.
Hon. N. G. Mitchell-Innes.
Dear Sir,
Hong-Kong Observatory.
29th January, 1906.
41
I think both Mr. May and you will find that the statements you looked into to-day concern Mr. Plummer solely in his capacity of my locum-tenens and do not preclude his being useful as an assistant astronomer. I made them only because I was ordered to do so by the Government and it is a loss to me that he was allowed to act for me in spite of them. I had to hurry back with my wife via Marseilles in November last, although I had private affairs to arrange this winter in Dayton, Ohio, if I could possibly have asked for an extension of leave, and I have now sent my wife across to America at great additional expense. I wish you would explain these circumstances to the Governor and ask His Excellency to allow you to pay my salary this month as usual, as there is no charge against me and I have worked hard for the Government since my return.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) W. Doberck.