No. 7
5th April 1856
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Circular Despatch of the 9th January last, transmitting an order of the Lords of the Council, which absolutely prohibits the exportation of Saltpetre and other Chemical Salts to Her Majesty's Colonies and plantations in North America including the West Indian Islands, and directing that the receipt of this instruction should be acknowledgedManuscript imageacknowledged, and that any information or practical suggestions calculated to facilitate the attainment of the object which Her Majestys Government have in view should be communicated to you.
Though it is not probable that vessels laden with the prohibited articles enumerated in the order of the Lords of the Council, will visit any Port of Vancouver's Island, I nevertheless consider it necessary to assure you, that in the Event of any attempt being made to commit an infraction of that order, I feel satisfied that the Council of Vancouver's Island would cordially unite with me, and I have no doubt our exertions would succeed in checking any improper trade.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor

The Right Honble H. Labouchere Esqre
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department.
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Board of Trade, if the war with Russia had endured. At present I should say "Put by".
ABd 1 July
Put by. But I conclude all these orders will be formally revoked?
HM Jy 1
I thought this had been revoked.
JB 2 July
These orders shd be revoked.
HL 4
Mr Smith
Perhaps you will look at this.
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The Order in C to which this refers has been duly repealed. Put by?
PS 5 July
Mr Smith
Ought not the repealing order to be sent out in circular? or notice of it?
HM Jy 5
The repealing Order dated the 9 of April was sent by Circular to
all the Colonies on the 18 of the same month.
PS 7 July