Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)
Topographical Office, War Dept
4 New Street, Spring Gardens
9th Octr 1858
My Lord,
I happen to be aware that there are two of "Boydell's Patent Traction Engines" at Woolwich in the War Department Stores. It is not improbable that the immediate object for which they were first purchased has been attained and that one of them could be spared as a loan to the B. Columbian Expedition.
It would be of advantage to the Military Service to subject such an Engine to a trial in the rough commencement of that Colony and I anticipate I could gain much service from it in various ways, seeing that Coal is abundant on Vancouver's Island.
If the War Department would be disposed to loan the lighter of the two to us I would recommend its being shipped on board the Euphrates after one of my Sargeants shall have been somewhat instructed in its management.
I have the honour to be
Yr Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
R.C. Moody
Col. R.E.

The Earl Carnarvon
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
If the Euphrates is employed the Engine might be sent out in her—but the War Dept should pay for the freight as the object seems to be rather to test the machine than benefit the Colony? And it is surely necessary to put a stop to the great additions which Colonel Moody is making to the Baggage of his party?
HTI 9 Oct
Manuscript image
I must leave this for Mr Elliot.
HM 0 9
Lord Carnarvon
I have seen Col Moody about this today who explains that the Engine wd be of great use to him in working saw mills &c & that his object in referring to the advantages to the War Dept of testing the machine, was to induce the office to grant the loan of it. I am afraid however it will cost a good deal for freight.
HTI 11 Oct
Moody, Colonel Richard Clement to Carnarvon, Earl 9 October 1858, CO 60:3, no. 10319, 325. The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.0, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/B586M17.html.

Last modified: 2020-03-30 13:22:16 -0700 (Mon, 30 Mar 2020) (SVN revision: 4193)