Colonial Despatches

I have received 'The printed Scheme of Hong Kong Papers' 1 and the report of the Commission of 1855 2 on the state of the Gold fields in Victoria, which you have kindly forwarded with your private note of the 1st of September, and you have my cordial thanks for that and former considerate attention.

I am at present in great perplexity for want ofefficient efficient help, having neither the assistance of a Colonial Secretary, Treasurer or Accountant, while it would require a full staff of efficient Officers, to perform the duties that now devolve upon me alone, a misfortune for myself and the Country, as both suffer in consequence of that want.

The class of men who are mining in Fraser's River are composed of all nations, some of them no doubt, respectable, but when I landed at Fort Yale in my late journey to Fraser's River, it struck me that I had never before seen a crowd of more ruffianly looking men, than were assembled on that occasion.

About 3000 were present, and to add to the horror of the scene, many of them were drunk; things however, wore a better appearance next day, and after saying a few kind words to them, they were profuse in acclamations, and did, at my command, give three cheers for the Queen, but evidently with a bad grace. There is a strong American feeling among them, and they will require constant watching, until the English element preponderates in the Country. Let me therefore have the assistance of Officers, capable of managing the subordinate departments, of drafting dispatches and so forth, so as to leave me time for the executive functions of Government which are more than enough tooccupy occupy my attention. Pray be kind enough to let me know in what way I can serve you, as I am sure it will give me infinite pleasure to do so.

I have received your note enclosing a Copy of a private letter from Mr Begbie, and much regret that gentleman's illness, which I trust will not be protracted. 3