No. 5
Downing Street
12th November 1855
Sir
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 16 of the 21st of August reporting on the state and prospects of Vancouver's Island.
I have to express to you my thanks for this useful report and at the same time to signify to you my approval of your prudent and determined conduct towards the Indians who visitedtheManuscript image the Settlement in the summer.
2. I concur in your remarks on the utility of a Police force for the preservation of order in the settlement and I see no objection to the establishment of a sufficient force for that purpose, but you must understand that all expenses connected with its formation and maintenance must be defrayed from the local Revenue or by the Hudson's Bay Company.
3. The Commercial restrictions which militate against the developement of theManuscript image trade of Vancouvers Island are engaging the attention of Her Majesty's Government who are not unmindful of the interests of this distant dependency of the British Crown, and they are not altogether without hopes that negotiations which have been commenced with the Government of the United States may terminate in an extension of the ReciprocityTreatyManuscript image Treaty to the Island under your Government.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble servant
G. Grey

People in this document

Douglas, James

Grey, George

Organizations in this document

Hudson's Bay Company

Places in this document

Vancouver Island