"They were unanimously of opinion that for me to return to the Post Office would be attended with serious risk of life, and they hoped that I would altogether abandon any such intention; that I had accomplished a great work, and they hoped that I would make up my mind to rest for the future; that with rest, and with such pleasant occupation as they had no doubt I could find, they had every reason to believe I should, to a considerable extent, regain my health and strength. He added that he had been informed by the others, confidentially, that certain changes had been made at the Post Office, which, in my opinion, would add to my difficulties if I returned; but that, under any circumstances, their opinion was against such return. The question of an extension of leave of absence having been raised, Dr. Watson, supported by the others, earnestly advised that the main question should now be finally decided, as they considered it very important, in the state of my health, that all doubt on the subject should be removed. They afterwards gave the following certificate:-- "'16, Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square, "'February 18th, 1864. "'We certify that the state of Sir Rowland Hill's health is such as to render it unsafe for him to resume his duties at the Post Office.'" In yielding to the necessity thus falling upon me, I had some comfort in knowing that I left behind me, in addition to several men of tried zeal and ability in their respective stations, a few on whose zeal, talent, and earnest support of my plans, I could implicitly rely; for though I feared that under existing circumstances their efforts would be comparatively unavailing, yet I trusted they would have strength to endure until the return of better times. Unfortunately while my trust in their firmness has been fully justified, my hope seems as far as ever from fulfilment. My whole family concurring in the necessity of the contemplated step, I called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer: my interview with him is thus recorded in my Journal:-- "Gladstone greatly regrets my determination to resign. Presses upon me an offer to arrange for another six months' absence, with a clear understanding that I do not return to the Post Office while Lord Stanley of Alderley is there. At his urgent request, promised to reconsider the question."