With reference to your letter of the
14th Instant, transmitting an offer from Mess Gibbs Bright and C to convey Troops to
Vancouvers Island in their Steam Ship "
Great Britain" I am commanded by my
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will state to Secretary
Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, that all necessary steps have been taken for receiving tenders for this service,
and that it is contrary to regulations to entertain Tenders of Ships not immediately
available.