Downing Street
20 November 1850
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 4, of the 10th of July, notifying the provisional appointment of Mr John Sebastian Helmcken as a Magistrate at "Fort Rupert" and the adjoining District of Vancouver's Island.
Under the present circumstances of the settlement I approve of this Gentleman's appointment as being one more conducive to thewelfareManuscript image welfare of the Community than any other selection you could have made.
With respect to imposing a Tax on the importation of Ardent Spirits I am of opinion that it would be very desirable whenever the time shall arrive for the creation of a Legislature, and the necessary authority for the imposition of duties can be thus obtained.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Grey