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Public Offices document
Layard, A. H. to Rogers, Frederic 20 October 1864, CO 305:24, no. 9765, 89.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Layard forwards a report indicating that a telegraph line from San Francisco, destined for Vancouver Island and British Columbia, has reached Olympia. Elliot’s minute authorizes Blackwood to inform the Governor of British North America that once the line is complete it will allow communication from the maritime colonies to the Pacific.
Layard to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Foreign Office
October 20 1864
Sir,
I am directed by Earl Russell to transmit to you, for the information of Mr Secretary Cardwell the accompanying copy of a despatch which has been received from Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco, reporting that a telegraph line has been completed to Olympia.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
A.H. Layard
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
I think there is a line of telegraph between San Francisco, Washington, New York & Boston. From Boston we know there is a line to Halifax. As the line is shortly to extend to V.C. Isld a communication by telegraph will be established, passing however through American Territory, between our Eastern & Western possessions in North America.
It might be advisable to apprize the B.N.A. Governors of the fact stated in this Letter?
ABd 22 Oct
I think so. Draft up a short despatch to them, including B. Columbia & Vancouver.
TFE 22/10
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
William Booker to Earl Russell, 12 September 1864, advising that the proposed telegraph link with Vancouver Island and British Columbia had been completed as far as Olympia, situated at the southern point of Puget Sound.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Circular despatch to the North American Colonies from Cardwell, 29 October 1864, advising that the California State Telegraph Company had completed a line to Olympia and intended to extend it north into British Columbia and Vancouver Island.