Gosset to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)
58 Gloster Crescent
Hyde Park
Jany 1 1863
Sir,
Having served under the Colonial Office (in Ceylon Vancouver Island and British Columbia) from Novr 1855 until Septr 1 1862 whenIManuscript image I obtained six months leave of absence on half salary—I venture to request the favor of such extension of this leave as the customs of the service may permit me to hope for.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Yr most obt Huble Sert
W. Driscoll Gosset
Major, Rl Engrs

T.F. Elliot Esq
Col. Office
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
Captain Gosset received from the Govr six months leave which will expire on the 28 of Feby. His Service in B. Columbia is 3 years & 10 months. He is therefore entitled to an extension of 6 or 7 Months.
VJ 2 Jan
I think that Mr Jadis hashasManuscript image overlooked one material rule. Article 102 says that leave of absence may be granted "after a period of 6 years continuous service." Previously to that period it may be granted, but only on special grounds and not therefore implying, as Mr Jadis's minute supposes, any fixed term to be claimable as a matter of course. I think that the utmost extention which could be granted to him is 4 months. I should tell him that unless an Officer has performed 6 years continuous service in the Colony, he is not by custom entitled to any definite term of leave but that as he was allowed to return to England on special grounds, the Secretary of State is willing to accord him an addition of 4 months to his original leave.
TFE 3 Jany
N 5
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Elliot to Gosset, 13 January 1863, granting an extension of four months to his original leave.
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 4, 16 January 1863, acknowledging the receipt of Gosset's request for an extension of his leave and transmitting a copy of Newcastle's response.