the missionary community of shanghai prevailed upon him to return in february 1857 and he took dr lockhart's place at their hospital when lockhart returned to england at the end of that year. his eldest son took work with a merchant house, but the rest of the family returned with him to europe, reaching england in march 1859. his health not permitting his return to china, he then resided at clifton and cheltenham. he died at forest hill near london in 1873.