Colonial Despatches

I reported to Your Lordship by Telegraph on the 23rd instant that I had arrived here and assumed the government. I added the words "all well" as the condition of the Colony is tranquil. As yet I have little to say beyond that report. But Your Lordship will beglad glad to learn that any fear of Fenian raids and such disturbances seems not to have had much real foundation. The information which I gathered in San Fransisco and since my arrival here seems to show that whatever may be their feeling on Irish Grievances the Irish in California had no desire to accept Mr Train as a leader, nor did he seriously contemplateany any mischievous attempt at disturbance of the peace.

2. Excepting some local matters which I hope may be adjusted without serious difficulty, the chief topic of interest at this time appears to be the question of Confederation. It is necessarily impossible for me, however, in two days to have acquired sufficient information upon its aspects in this Community to justify me in expressingan an opinion upon it to Your Lordship and I shall defer my remarks with regard to this subject.

3. I enclose for Your Lordship's information copies of an Address which I have to-day received from the Mayor and Town Council of Victoria, and the reply which I made on the occasion.