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I have been separated from my four children, who are being educated in England under the charge of my relations to relieve my anxiety regarding some portion of the responsibility of separation from my family which has weighed heavily both upon my mind and health, while a long residence in a tropical climate renders lengthy absence from home almost a necessity.
The position of Crown Solicitor requires local knowledge of the laws and customs of Hongkong, and I know of no one in that Colony better fitted than Mr. Bowley to occupy the post; he has been admitted a solicitor of that Colony in favour of my partner.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient Servant,
[Name]
Crown Solicitor of Hongkong.
My solicitor, who has been articled in England, has been connected with me as assistant and partner for about seven years, and has been acting Crown Solicitor during my absence.
With reference to myself: I may add that I was Clerk to Chief Justice Sir John Smale in 1878 and that I then received the special thanks of the Hongkong Government for my services, and I trust that I shall not be considered unfit for my position when asking after a long residence in the trying climate of Hongkong to be allowed to resign the Crown Solicitorship.