Shepherd to Molesworth
Hudsons Bay House
July 24th 1855
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of the 16th Instant addressed to Mr Colvile the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, stating that upon the production of a properly certified account of the expenditure connected with the charter of the Steamer "Otter" as a Guardship for the protection of the Settlement in Vancouver's Island Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to repay the same. In reply I beg to state that although the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company are aware that the "Otter" was employed for the purpose above mentioned, they are not in possession of any proper account of the expenditure.TheyManuscript image They have however addressed their Agent in Vancouver's Island on this subject, and as soon as a reply has been received I shall do myself the honour of laying it before you.
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your mo: obedt Servant
John Shepherd
Depy Govr

The Right Honble Sir William Molesworth Bart
&c &c &c
Colonial Office
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
As the Governor's despatch of the 6 March must be ansd by stating that H.M. Govt will defray the expense of chartering the "Otter" an addition may as well be made to such desph instructing him to send home a certified Account of the charge incurred.
ABd 26 July
HM Jy 27
JB 27 Jy
JR 28 July