Falk to Lytton
London
32 Leadenhall Street E.C.
28 October 1858 To the Right Honorable Sir Edd George Bulwer Lytton M.P. Knebworth Stevenage—Herts

Sir,
In submitting the annexed to you and asking for your patronage, I do so upon public grounds, the Company has been formed by steady active men of Business in this City, who wanting no money assistance think it would be of the last importance for the permanent success of the undertaking to have the sanction of a statesman of your enlightened views and who from his official position must be well acquainted with the subject.
I happen to know a good deal of this distant region from a time when Californian Gold was not thought of and I feel satisfied that now when the Fraser River Gold discoveries are bringing population to develop the resources of the country, its progress will be even more rapid than that of California and it will be a sweet reflection for the Statesman who has given a helping hand to the infant Colony to see it in perhaps 10 years hence already one of the brightest gems of the British Crown. If you wish for any further information I shall be most happy to afford it. I have at this moment a ship of my own loading here for Vancouvers Island with general Cargo and in which I propose taking from Columbia a Cargo of Deals and Spars to China, this will show you just how soon a Trade is opened.
All what my Friends and myself ask is to have the patronage of yourself in either private or official capacity for an undertaking, which deserves well and ought to have the support of every well wisher of the Colony.
Wishing the favor of a reply at your convenience.
I have the honor to subscribe myself Sir
Your very humble and obedient Servant
Robert Falk
Minutes by CO staff
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For Merivale.
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Ack. rect—express satisfaction at the announcement in this Letter that the writer has himself commenced commercial operations with B. Columbia & VanCouver Island, but state that H.M. Govt is unable to offer him any assistance in the prosecution of his enterprize.
ABd 2 Novr
TFE 3 Nov
Annex dt.
C N 3
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Printed prospectus, Victoria and British Columbia Company, Limited, proposing to assist in the development of trade and commerce in Vancouver Island and the Fraser River region of British Columbia.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft, Carnarvon to Falk, 12 November 1858, expressing satisfaction at his commercial activity in the colonies but declining to offer any government assistance.