In consequence of further communication from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I wrote to him as follows:—
“Hampstead, March 4th, 1864.
“My dear Mr. Gladstone,—Mr. Moffatt has communicated to me your expressions of desire that I should, if possible, still continue my connection with the Post Office.
“Though much gratified with this further proof of friendly feeling towards myself, and deeply regretting that your earnest and repeated efforts to remove the obstacles to my continuance at the Post Office should have proved unavailing, I am reluctantly obliged—having regard to the opinions so emphatically expressed by my medical advisers, confirmed as they are by my own conviction—to abide by the decision already announced.
“If, however, the expectation entertained by my medical friends of improved health from rest should be realized, I need scarcely say that I shall be most happy to afford Government any advice or assistance it may be in my power to give; and I may remind you that my first official connection with the Post Office was as adviser to Sir Francis Baring, then Chancellor of the Exchequer.
* * * * * *
“I remain, &c.,
“Rowland Hill.”
A few days later I received the subjoined from the Postmaster-General:—
“General Post Office, March 7th, 1864.
“Dear Sir Rowland,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, informing me that you have resigned your situation as Secretary to the Post Office.