Parsons to Lytton
9 Novr 1858
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that on my arrival at Esquimalt I learned from the Ships of War in Port that instructions had been received from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty dated in 1856 directing the payments of Ship's Crews on the Pacific Station to be made at the fixed rate of 4s/- per American Gold Dollar irrespective of the rate of Exchange.
Not being aware of any Regulations on the subject having been made for the payment of Troops, I propose being guided by the Admiralty instructions to their Paymasters,andManuscript image and as the present rate of Exchange here is 4s/2d per dollar, the loss on the payment of the men shall be shown in my accounts.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
R.M. Parsons,
Captn R.E.
P.S. I beg to add that Colonel Hawkins R.E. the Boundary Commissioner adopts the same system as that proposed, in the payment of the Royal Engineers under his Command. R.M.P.


The Right Honble The Colonial Secretary of State &c &c &c
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Copy to T-y.
I suppose Capn Parsons has done right.
I do not know why he does not write to the Governor. Wd it not be well to desire the Governor, at the outset, to address a CirculartoManuscript image to all the functionaries serving under him, pointing out the proper mode of communicating with this Office.
ABd 29 Jany
I had already minuted this on a former letter of Captain Parsons. I think it most important.
HM Jan 29
Unless a desp. has been written or forwarded to that effect, annex at once for the mail of 1st Feby a draft requiring the Govr to call the attention of all functionaries to the rule.
Then send to Treasury.
C Jany 29
Dft prepd to Govr.
ABd 31/1/59
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Merivale to G.A. Hamilton, Treasury, 8 February 1859, forwarding copy of the letter for information.