In 1853, when an ailing Willson was advised to take a voyage to Europe, among the many addresses presented to him none touched him more than one signed by a large number of well-known residents who did not belong to his church. He returned to Hobart early in 1855, but he began to feel his years and in 1859 applied for a coadjutor. In February 1865 Willson left for Europe.
In 1853, when Willson was ill, he was advised to travel to Europe. Among the many addresses given to him, none had as much impact on him as one signed by numerous prominent residents who were not part of his church. He returned to Hobart in early 1855 but felt old and applied for a coadjutor in 1859. In February 1865, Willson departed for Europe.