No. 57
24th March 1869
My Lord,
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 forwardingtheManuscript image 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 generalruleManuscript image 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 toEnglandManuscript image 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.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Sandford
To Post Office for information & with reference to their letter 8666.
CC 18 May
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At once.
FRS 19/5
Other documents included in the file
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Sandford to Secretary to the General Post Office, 22 May 1869, forwarding copy of the despatch for information.