Colonial Despatches

The return of my wife to the tropical climate of Ceylon, being prohibited by medical advisers, the question of resigning my present appointment of Surveyor General in that Colony, or of seeking office in a more temperate latitude, has forced itself painfully upon my attention.

Reluctant to adopt the former alternation, my thoughts have therefore been directed towards New Columbia, and the intended extension of Government to that settlement.

Learning this day, that the office of Commissioner of Land & Works, (for which I should have formally applied, had I not depended on a semi-official representation made in my favor), has been provided for; but, that the post of Treasurer General has not yet been filled up: I venture respectfully, to beg the favor of a transfertransfer to this post; trusting that in the services, which my acquaintance with the larger questions affecting the resources of a Colony, enabled me to render in Ceylon, in my professional knowledge, and in my experience of Colonial Legislature, gained by participation in the debates on almost every important question brought before the Legislative Council during my residence in Ceylon. Evidence may be found of my fitness for the appointment I solicit, and of my probable utility to a Governor, whosewhose labors will be unusually severe, from the extraordinary expansion which may be expected & will have to be provided for in this New Colony.

Anticipating enquiry, as to the effect on Ceylon, but without in any manner presuming thereby to suggest a successor in my stead, I beg leave to submit that neither need the interests of Ceylon suffer, nor will the Governor of Ceylon be displeased, by your need acceeding to my request; as, the opportunity would then be afforded you of making (should no better arrangement present itself) an appointmentappointment at once popular in the Colony, and in consonance with Sir Henry Ward's expressed opinions—Captn. Jim, for whom, as the records of your office will show, Sir Henry Ward used his best advocacy without success, being available and still desirous of re-occupying the post in which he acted with so much satisfaction to the public for a year prior to my arrival in Ceylon.

Of the salary to be attached to the office of Treasurer General in New Columbia, as of the intended position of the officer, I am ignorant. I would merely express a hopea hope that in both respects, the responsibility & importance of the office may be considered, and that such arrangements may be adopted, as would give the holder, that status, wanting which, the best efforts of an individual are too often rendered nugatory. It would be my desire to be efficient in all points, which is my apology for the last remarks.

I may fitly conclude by mentioning, that the appointment of Surveyor General of CeylonCeylon, which would be at your disposal in the event of your kindly sanctioning the proposed transfer, carries with it a Salary of 1200£ a year with horse & travilling allowances.