Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Most Pressing
Topographical Office, War Dept
4 New Street, Spring Gardens
24th Sepr 1858
Sir,
I have the honour to submit it is extremely desirable before the two vessels the "Thames City" and the "Briseis" chartered for Victoria in Vancouver's Island leave this country, that an additional contract be entered into with their owners by the Admiralty by which it would be at the option of the Government to send both vessels forward from Victoria to the Frazer River, proceeding as far up that River to land the men and Stores as may be deemed necessary by me.
Provision should also be made empowering me if I found it necessary, to detain the Vessels at the final place of anchorage in the river for a period not exceeding 35 days (15 days beyond the usual latitude before charging for demurrage) at some fixed rate now to be agreed upon.
To discharge the men and stores at Victoria and to re-engage other vessels to carry them on wouldbeManuscript image be exceedingly expensive and create great delay.
I have the honour to be Sir
Yr most obedient humble Servant
R.C. Moody
Col. R.E.

Herman Merivale Esq
Under Secretary of State
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
This wd seem a reasonable precaution; shall we send it at once to the War Office with a recommendation that it be taken.
ABd 24 Sep
I think so?
HM S 24
Send.
EBL Sep 24
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Colonial Office to War Office, Immediate, 17 September 1858, forwarding copy of the letter and recommending compliance with Moody's request.