No. 54
28th September 1864
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 31 of the 5th instant, I have the honor to state that Dr Rae, having crossed the American Continent, has visited New Westminster.
2. I am happy to say that he reports having discovered a pass in the Rocky Mountains, through which a Waggon Road might with ease be made. The only really great difficulty between the Red River Settlement and the PacifichasManuscript image has been already overcome by the Construction of the Wonderful road along the Fraser in its passage through the Cascade Range.
3. Dr Rae is about to furnish me with an Official Report of his proceedings. I shall forward a copy of it to you. In the mean time I submit a Newspaper Report of a Speech which has recently been made by him at a public dinner in Victoria.
4. I am happy to say that Dr Rae gives an excellent account of the New Waggon Road I am constructing from the Fraser at Quesnel Mouth, into Camerontown, Cariboo.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Acknowledge? Dr Rae states in his speech that the Telegraph will be completed in about two years.
VJ 30 Nov
Mr Jadis
Prepare draft of ackt [obt we have?] this again for Mr Cardwell.
Much gratified to hear the safe arrival of Dr Rae, and to receive the encouraging account of the prospects of a good route from the Red River Settlement to British Columbia.
TFE 30/11
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Newspaper clipping, The British Colonist, 30 September 1864, containing copy of speech given by Dr. Rae describing the proposed telegraph line from Red River Settlement.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Cardwell to Seymour, No. 49, 1 December 1864, acknowledging receipt of Seymour’s report and expressing satisfaction with Rae’s proposed route.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Cardwell
This is subject to approval. The despatch within has not been seen by you previously.
TFE 30/11