Murray to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)
11 June 1860
I am directed by Lord John Russell to transmit to you, to be laid before The Duke of Newcastle, a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco, reporting the establishment of a horse express overland to that City from St. Joseph's Missouri, by which mode of conveyance letters for Vancouvers Island wouldManuscript imagewould probably reach their destination some time before the regular mail.
I am etc.
James Murray
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
In any emergency requiring the communication of early instructions to the Colonial Authorities of V.C.I. or B. Columbia recourse can be had to this mode of transmitting Letters: but, if the despatches from home, be of an important & political character there may be a question
No question. I fear that it would be a most unsafe mode of conveyance.
N 18
as to the [irresist?]ability of their contents being preserved in the U. States Post Offices.
ABd 13/6
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TFE 13 June
Put by.
CF 14
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Consul W.L. Booker to Russell, 23 April 1860, reporting the establishment of the pony express service overland to San Francisco.