Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to inform you that some rich Gold fields have recently been discovered on the Cootenais River in this Colony. I enclose copy of a Report just made to me on the subject but beg leave to say that I am not prepared to guarantee it as absolutely free from exaggeration.

2. It will be seen fromColonel Colonel Hawkins' report on the Boundary Survey, transmitted in the Duke of Newcastle's despatch No. 130 of the 15th of June 1864, that the access to the Cootenais River is very difficult from the Fraser. The successive chains of Mountains which intervene run nearly North and South, and the distance is about 500 miles. The only trail at present in use is that crossing the Cascade Mountains at Hope and passing by Osoyoos Lake and Fort Shepherd. Already several pack trains have gone through that way. The diggings however are easy of approach from Washington Territory, and the whole of the emigration has come fromthence thence, it will therefore be my duty, shortly, I believe, to establish a Custom House on the Boundary Line and appoint a Gold Commissioner at the diggings.

3. I am happy to say that Mr Birch, the Colonial Secretary, has gone to the Cootenais Country, and that correct information will soon be in my possession.

4. A portion of the Loan we are about to receive from England could scarcely be more profitably invested than in opening the communication with our new diggings.