Colonial Despatches

I have the honor of transmitting herewith a communication from Mr Young requesting, for the reasons therein stated, that he maybe be permitted to resign his appointment of Colonial Secretary for British Columbia, and to retain his appointment in Vancouver Island.

In the early stage of the Colonies, when the Government was administered by one official head, it was a matter of great convenience to havethe the Office of Colonial Secretary for the two Colonies filled by one and the same person, but since the separation of the Colonies has been decided on, that system must soon have an end. Mr Young who has hitherto so ably attended to the duties of Colonial Secretary for both Colonies, desires to retain theappointment appointment for Vancouver Island, and to resign that for British Columbia, and I think his long services give him a peculiar claim to Your Grace's favourable consideration. In saying that Mr Young has given me perfect satisfaction, and that his Official experience, unremitting attention tobusiness business, and knowledge of the Colony will be of the utmost advantage to my Successor, I am only doing Mr Young justice.

That the appointment of Mr Young to Vancouver Island will give satisfaction to the public is I believe placed beyond a doubt by the fact of his having at the late general Election beenreturned returned at the head of the Poll to represent the Town of Victoria in the Legislative Assembly, his nomination having been warmly supported by almost every person of wealth and consideration in this place.

I have in other despatches made honorable mention of Mr Young's public services and I may addthat that his tact, conciliatory manners, irreproachable character, and official experience give him a peculiar fitness for the Office he holds, and I have no doubt his valuable services will be appreciated by my successor.

I have therefore in conclusion only to expressmy my hope that Your Grace may be pleased to meet Mr Young's wishes and confirm him in the office of Colonial Secretary for Vancouver Island.