Grant to Lytton
Panama Central America
15th Oct 1858
My dear Sir
I trust you will forgive the liberty I take in writing to you on a matter which concerns me individually, and on a point which is much opposed to my feelings, but, as it is a case of necessity I do not hesitate to representtoManuscript image to you that the sum of £100 given me towards my wife's travelling expenses I now find to be most inadequate. I had no idea of the delays & expenses of travelling on this side of the world, and I trust that if in your power, you will kindly reconsider the matter and authorizeManuscript image the payment of an additional £50, more particularly as it was stipulated that 3 officers wives should receive assistance, and only one is actually going out.
The expenses of an outfit to so peculiarly placed and distant a Colony as British Columbia, were necessarilylargeManuscript image large and I confess to you that my want of private means, alone, now prompts me to trouble you, at the same trusting you will excuse me, I beg to subscribe myself
Yours very truly
J. Grant
Cap. RE

Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
You will see from the annexed draft that £100 was allowed to each of the Officers to defray the expense of conveying their families to B. Columbia. If the Sum is to be increased in the case of Capt Grant the sanction of the Treasury must be obtained—and we must I presume be prepared for a similar application from Col. Moody?
VJ 22 N
Certainly any increase to Capt Grant will involve a similar increase to the two other officers. The expenses attendantManuscript image on the establishment of the Colony will be found to be very heavy: at the same time by the annexed letter it was evidently intended that the charge of sending out three wives sd not fall upon the officers: & it was supposed that a £100 wd cover all travelling expenses.
It is a matter on wh Sir E. Lytton can alone decide.
C Nov 23
Apply to Treasury for 50£ more with copy of letter.
EBL Novr 26
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Elliot to C.E. Trevelyan, Treasury, 3 December 1858, recommending the grant be approved.
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Lytton to Douglas, No. 57, 17 December 1858.