Colonial Despatches

I have the Honor to forward herewith Copy of a Letter addressed to me by Mr Young the Colonial Secretary, applying for leave of absence for Twelve months to enable him to proceed to England upon Private affairs, and to obtain relaxation after continuous employment in the Public Service in these Colonies for a period of nearly Seven years.

2. I laid this application before The Executive Council and they concurred with me in deeming Mr Young to be entitled to this indulgence after his long and uninterrupted service; and I therefore granted Mr Young the required leave of absence, but, upon the condition, that it should not take effect until convenient after the arrival of my Successor. In respect to this point Mr Young stated to me his reasons for making the application at the present period, instead of deferring it until after my Successor had assumed the Administration of affairs. They appeared to me quite satisfactory and related exclusively to personal considerations connected with his family.

3. In forwarding this application I think it but just—Mr Young having been employed so much under my own eye—to bear my testimony to the unremitting nature of his labours in transacting with only an inexperienced and insufficient Staff the complicated business arising out of the organization of all the Departments in two Infant Colonies. He has hitherto had no leave of absence, and for some time past I feared that the failure in his health, which was apparent, would compel him to seek change and quiet.