§ 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, March 12, 1866.
§ Sir,—I regret that it is not in my power to resume my duties to-day. My medical adviser, 15 Sir William Fergusson, prescribes absolute rest for some further time.—I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,
§ J. EVELYN DENISON, Speaker.
§ To Sir Denis Le Marchant, Bt.
§ 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.