Colonial Despatches

With reference to my despatch No. 68 of the 16th of February addressed to Sir James Douglas, in which I informed him that I had selected Mr. Trutch for the office of Surveyor General and Commissioner of Lands, I wish to point out to you that if Mr. Trutch should accept the office he will not be at liberty to enter into any fresh contracts for the execution of Public Works. In case he should have any such contracts which remain to be fulfilled, I have to request that you will consider and report to me how far they are liable to conflict with his public duties, and whether any plan can be suggested for enabling Mr. Trutch to divest himself, without undue sacrifice, of such of them as would both continue for a considerable time in execution and would also appear incompatible with his official position.