Colonial Despatches

I duly received the Duke of Buckingham's Despatch No. 62 of the 15th August 1868, and caused inquiries to be made as to the advisability of forwardingthe the Mails from the Mother Country to this Colony viâ Portland in Oregon, instead of, as at present, by way of San Fancisco.

2. From the result of these inquiries it seems to me desirable that no change should be made in the existing system. The Railroad across the continent to San Francisco is fast approaching completion and, as a generalrule rule, Mails sent from England to British Columbia viâ San Francisco, will reach their destination in less time than if sent viâ Portland in Oregon.

3. It sometimes happens, however, from a want of connection in the Mail Steamers, that it may be advisable to forward the Mails from British Columbia toEngland England by way of Portland and Salt Lake City. Under such circumstances, the arrangement intimated in the letter of 28th July 1868, from the Post Office Department at Washington, will be adopted, and care will be taken to label the Mail Bags as pointed out.