No. 53, Financial
2 September 1863
I have duly received your Grace's despatch No 25 of the 11th June last calling my attention to the state of the account of the Colony of British Columbia with the Agents General.
2. I regret extremely that an overpaid Balance has occured, and I sincerely trust that suchaManuscript image a state of account may never again be exhibited. Under ordinary circumstances it would not have occurred, but your Grace is aware how pressed I have been for money to continue the work of opening roads—the very essence of the existence of the Colony—and what an anxious and uphill task I have had in endeavouring to compass a work of so much magnitude and importance.IManuscript image I beg that your Grace will believe I am not unmindful of the obligations of the Colony, that I do not view them in any secondary light and that you will rest assured that so long as the conduct of affairs rests in my hands I will faithfully and honestly fulfil them.
3. I believe the account with the Agents General is now satisfactorily adjusted. MoneytoManuscript image to meet the payments due on account of the Loan and to repay the debtor balance has, months since, been remitted, and its receipt acknowledged, and the Balance left in their hands on account of the 1863 Loan will be ample to meet all other liabilities.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Copy to the Agents Genl, and ask them to furnish us with a short statement of the debtor & creditor acct of the Colony with H.M. Govt.
ABd 17 Oct
Draft at once.
FR 19/10
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Crown Agents, 23 October 1863, forwarding copy of the despatch and requesting a short statement of account with the colony.