I fulfilled this promise, but could not venture to change my determination. Before sending in my resignation, however, I thought it due to Mr. Gladstone to wait upon him, and state the reasons which compelled me to take this step, as also to warn him of the evils that must follow some of the changes then in progress at the Post Office. Mr. Gladstone, receiving me with much kindness and evincing great sympathy, expressed his readiness to do anything in his power that might enable me to remain; but, while sincerely thanking him for all his kindness past and present, I was obliged to say that measures of relief, even if practicable, were now too late. Thus ended my last official interview with that distinguished statesman.[231] My letter of resignation, which was addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, a copy being also sent to the Postmaster-General, was as follows:-- "Hampstead, 29th February, 1864. "MY LORDS,--Referring to my letter to your lordships of the 12th March last for explanation of the circumstances which rendered my position at the Post Office so difficult, especially in the impaired state of my health, I regret to say that the leave of absence subsequently accorded me having elapsed without any satisfactory result, I have no course left but to resign my appointment as Secretary to the Post Office into your lordships' hands, which I now accordingly beg leave to do. The necessity for this step will at once appear on reference to the enclosed medical certificate. "I will not, my lords, attempt to conceal the extreme regret with which I have come to the resolution to retire from a pursuit which has been the absorbing occupation of so many years of my life. I had once hoped to assist, for some considerable time to come, in the great work of perfecting our postal system. My disappointment, severe as your lordships will feel it must be, is nevertheless greatly mitigated by the consolation of knowing that all the expectations I ever held out to Parliament and the country have been surpassed by the results. Of these, I beg leave to enclose a brief and necessarily imperfect statement. "Sincerely thanking your lordships for the ready support you have so frequently afforded me in the performance of my arduous duties, "I have, &c., "ROWLAND HILL. "The Right Hon. "The Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury, &c." Of the brief and imperfect statement of results referred to above, the following is a copy. A few notes, however, are appended for the purpose of giving later results:-- "RESULTS OF POSTAL REFORM.