I confess it had escaped my notice that this application did not
come from, or through, the Governor—as it ought to do. I think the
Govr ought to be asked whether he recommends compliance with the
expense to be paid from Colonial funds and also whether the parties
are prepared to remain in
B. Columbia (the men taking their
discharge) in case the R. Engineers are withdrawn. Perhaps
Mr
Blackwood would
draft a desp. to the
Govr to the above effect.