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Correspondence (private letter)
Cotton, Sam to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer October 1858, CO 60:2, no. 10227, 640.

Abstract
Correspondence (private letter). Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Cotton recommends J. W. Keating for an appointment in British Columbia.
The minutes answer that a note will be made of this application but regrets that there are no opportunities in British Columbia.
Enclosed is Keating to Cotton requesting assistance in transmitting his request to Lytton; Simpson to Keating advising that he can be of no assistance in helping secure a lucrative appointment in British Columbia; and the Colonial Office acknowledging receipt of his letter and advising that there is little chance of an appointment for Keating.
Cotton to Lytton
No 7 Sothbury
London
October 1858
Sir,
It is with much diffidence and indeed reluctance that I venture to trouble you on a matter connected with the high office which you hold under Her Majesty, but I have received a letter from a Gentleman settled in Canada who has done so much good in his District (Canada West) where he has been settled for years, when his assistance was required, requesting me to have his application laid before you, one who seems from his statement which I have the honour to enclose so well qualified from various circumstances for the duties of such an Office as he is seeking, that I venture to be the medium of submitting that Statement to your consideration.
I feel sensibly how utterly destitute I am of any claim upon your attention, in this or any other matter if only on the ground of the difference of position, and of my being an entire Stranger. It may however happen that Mr Keating's Qualifications may be considered by you to be such as to make him appear a party well suited to the Office which he is so anxious to obtain.
From having been near 50 years a Solicitor in this locality I am generally well known in a large circle and I can giveManuscript image you the most satisfactory references as to the integrity of any Statement from myself. To that extent, but expressly premising that I do not use his name in any manner or degree, as party to this application, and indeed that I have no authority whatever so to do, I feel that I may safely venture to add that I am well known to the Rector of Knebworth with whom I have been intimately acquainted for many years and that I have been for a very long time and now an the Solicitor for him and for his Family but in so doing I must repeat that I merely mention his name as a Gentleman to whom I am well known and who I am sure would not be offended by my so doing for that limited object.
I take the liberty to enclose a copy of Mr Keating's Letter and of one addressed to him by Sir George Simpson the Originals being in my possession and
have the honour to be Sir
with much respect
Your very obedt Servt
Saml Cotton

To the Right Hon:
Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton Bart M.P.
Colonial Office Downing Street
Minutes by CO staff
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Private Secretary
Ansr that a note shall be made of Mr Keatings wish for employment, but express Sir E. Lytton's regret that he does not see any opportunity of availing himself of this Gentleman's services in B. Columbia.
ABd 14 Oct.
TFE 14/10
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Annex draft.
C Oct 14
Have noted.
WFH 18.10.58
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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J.W. Keating to Cotton, 3 August 1858, requesting assistance in transmitting his request to Lytton.
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G. Simpson to Keating, 29 July 1858, advising that he can be of no assistance in helping secure a "lucrative appointment" in British Columbia.
Other documents included in the file
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Colonial Office to Cotton, 28 October 1858, acknowledging receipt of letter and advising that there is little chance of an appointment for Mr. Keating.