“‘My dear Sir,—I have laid your letter of the 18th of June before Lord Aberdeen and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who have given it their attentive consideration.
“‘The change of your official position which is urged in it depends upon matters not altogether in the control of the Government; and, although I am enabled to say that upon a fitting opportunity arising it is probable that an offer would be made by the Government to use Colonel Maberly’s services in another department, I have no knowledge whatever of Colonel Maberly’s wishes or intentions in regard to his own position, nor do I feel it necessary at present to inquire into them.
“‘I trust that you will not be disappointed if I am unable to give any further or more positive reply to your request.
“‘I return the copy of the ‘confidential correspondence’ which I received from you, and which has since been seen by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“‘I am, my dear Sir,
“‘Yours very faithfully,
“‘Canning.
“‘Rowland Hill, Esq.,
“‘&c., &c., &c.’”
I was much disappointed; for with every allowance for official caution, the letter promised but little, and seemed to imply that, even if a fit opportunity should occur, there was no intention of requiring Colonel Maberly to give up his present appointment. If any one regards my distrust as unwarrantable, I think he will find excuse in considering the numberless disappointments I had already sustained.
“August 16th.—Placed the subjoined letter in the hands of the Postmaster-General. Explained verbally the danger to my health, and even life, of continuing the present arrangements, described my sufferings from a tendency of blood to the head, . . . and suggested his seeing Hodgson[101] on the subject. I told him that my object was to satisfy him of the real difficulties of the case, and that in saying I could not go on as at present, I did not mean that I would not. I think the communication will have its effect.”