CO129-054 - Sir Bowring - 1856 [1-2] — Page 186

Enclosure 2 in my despatch 1:137 of the same date, and gives at length the proposal for the conduct of his duties during his absence.

... discharge the Surveyor General's duties.

This proposal was in effect that Captain Cooper, R.E., who has been nearly a year assisting Mr Cleverly, should be Acting Surveyor General on the usual conditions as to Salary.

With the concurrence of the Executive Council, I have assented to Mr Cleverly's application and proposal, the state of his health and the length of his continuous service in Hong Kong demand and justify his departure, while I have every confidence that Captain Cowper will efficiently discharge the duties.

I enclose the usual Certificate for leave, with the Medical Certificates attached, which have already been transmitted with Mr Cleverly's letter of 18th September last.

I have to add that as it is absolutely necessary that further provision should be made for the discharge of the duties of Surveyor General's office, I have it in contemplation to apply to the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding for the services of another Engineer Officer, and to apportion to him the pay of 8/- a day now received...