With reference to your Letter of the 
17
                  ulto
               
               in which it is suggested that an arrangement should be entered into with
               the Owners of the "
Thames City" and "
Briseis," engaged for the conveyance
               of the Detachment under order for 
British Columbia, to send those vessels
               forward to the 
Fraser Riverin
 in the event of its being found desirable to
               do so, I am directed to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a Memorandum
               from the Comptroller of Transport Services stating the additional expense
               which will thereby be incurred.
               
Major General Peel would wish to be informed whether 
Sir E.B. Lytton
               is of opinion that the rates proposed, which the Lords Commissioners of
               the 
Admiralty state that they consider very high, should be accepted.
               
               
               
                  This is contained [illegible] in the L from the Adm
                     to the 
War Office.