Dear Sir,
HONG KONG, 4th November 1907.
Perhaps you will recollect me when I tell you that I am the son of Mr William Boulton of Aberdeen, and for his sake, and old acquaintance sake, you may be kindly disposed to assist me with your good offices.
I am at present, and have been during the past nine years, an executive engineer in the service of the Hongkong Government.
I am engaged on the Praya Reclamation. This is a special Government work, and on its completion my engagement will naturally terminate. I think I am now fairly entitled to a permanent appointment in His Majesty's Colonial Service, but as there will probably be a plurality of applicants for any vacancy that may occur, and as such appointments are arbitrarily made, my claim may remain unsatisfied for an indefinite length of time.
May I ask you to take steps to bring my name to the favourable notice of the Colonial Office?
If this be done it will assist me in obtaining a permanent appointment, either here or in another Crown Colony.
For your information I beg leave to enclose a brief account of my professional career.
Hoping that this will find you well,
I remain,
Yours truly,
A. F. Boulton.
Lex. MacConnachie Esqre.
9.CS.24/12.