No. 31, Miscellaneous
2nd May 1866
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the electric cable connecting Vancouver Island with Washington Territory by way of San Juan, Lopez, and Fidalgo Islands was successfully laid and communication opened ontheManuscript image the 24th April.
I need not enlarge upon the importance of the fact of bringing this remote possession of Her Majesty within twelve days of England.
There was great difficulty in procuring a vessel suited for this service, and I therefore did not hesitate to make application to the Senior Naval Officer on the Station (Captain Price; Her Majesty's Ship "Scout") who readily permitted Her MajestysGunboatManuscript image Gunboat "Forward" to ship the cable which was most successfully laid without accident of any kind.
I think Captain Price, and Lieutenant Fox, Commanding the "Forward" entitled to great praise for the energy and ability they have displayed on this (to both countries) most interesting occasion.
I enclose a copy of a letter from the Superintendent of the California State Telegraph Company acknowledging the services rendered by the "Forward."
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I also transmit herewith some newspaper extracts and congratulatory messages which you may desire to see.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
A.E. Kennedy
Governor
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Ack: rect of this intelligence in terms expressive of satisfaction.
Copy to Admiralty.
ABd 15 June
FR 15/6
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Haines [to Moss?] is characteristic.
WEF 16/1
EC 17
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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R.R. Haines, Assistant Superintendent, California State Telegraph Company, to Kennedy, 1 May 1866, expressing thanks for the assistance rendered by the Forward in laying the cable.
Newspaper clippings not on microfilm.
Other documents included in the file
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Colonial Office to Admiralty, 23 June 1866, forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosures.
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Draft reply, Cardwell to Kennedy, No. 26, 21 June 1866.