§ The House being met, the Clerk, at the Table, informed the House of the unavoidable absence of Mr. Speaker, and read the following Letter, which he had this day received:—
§ Speaker's House, April 10, 1866.
§ Sir,—am directed by my Medical Advisers to abstain from attending the House this day and 968 to-morrow. They think this important for my speedy recovery.
§ I trust the House will permit me to obey their directions.
§ Two days of rest will enable me, I make sure, to enter on my duties with efficiency on Thursday next.—I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,
§ J. EVELYN DENISON.
§ To Sir Denis Le Marchant, Bart.
§ Whereupon Mr. Dodson, the Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table as Deputy Speaker; and after prayers, counted the House, and Forty Members being present, took the Chair, pursuant to the Standing Order of the 20th day of July 1855.