§
The House being met, the Clerk, at the Table, informed the House of the continued illness and unavoidable absence of Mr. Speaker, and read the following Letter, which he had this day received:—
Speaker's House, March 23, 1866.
Sir,—I beg you will express to the House my thanks for the indulgence that has been shown me. It has been a great vexation and annoyance to me, to have been kept so long, by an unfortunate accident, from the service of the House.
I have benefitted very much by the complete rest, and I trust that at the end of the Recess I shall be able at once to resume my duties.—I have the honour to be, Sir, pour obedient Servant,
J. EVELYN DENISON.
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.