Private
               
            
            
               1st July 1865
               
               My dear Sir,
                
            
            
               I have named six months in your official leave.  I do not think it
               desirable to say more in the absence of any knowledge that you desire
               it, and until I have heard from yourself what is the state of things you
               leave behind you.  It will be open to you to raise the question of a
               short extension, if you wish it, and there be no sufficient objection.