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Despatch to London
Birch, Arthur Nonus to Cardwell, Edward 2 March 1866, CO 60:24, no. 4647, 71.

Abstract
Birch, Arthur Nonus to Cardwell, Edward 2 March 1866, CO 60:24, no. 4647, 71.
Despatch to London. Minutes (3), Other documents (2).
No. 14
2nd March 1866
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 10 of 9th February, I have the honor to forward printed copies of the Instructions Reports and Journals relating to the Government Exploration of Country lying totheManuscript image the Eastward of Fraser River towards the Columbia River and the Rocky Mountains.
2. The immediate object of the expedition was to determine the best route by way of Fraser River to the Columbia River and the Kootenay District. The result has confirmed the previous impression that the waters of the Great Kam-loops and Shu-swap Lakes are navigable for Steamers and consequently that little more than fifty miles of road will have to be constructed over a comparatively easy country toconnectManuscript image connect the Columbia with the Fraser by the existing line of Road.
3. It now only remains to continue, as is my intention during the present year, the exploration of the Selkirk Range of Mountains and should the valley partially explored by Mr Turnbull extend to the parent Lake of the Columbia, the important question of the practicability of a route for Road or Railway, through BritishTerritoryManuscript image Territory from Canada to the Shores of the Pacific will be established.
4. With a view of giving every information on this important subject, I have caused the accompanying "Blue Book" to be prepared in as complete a form as possible. I forward herewith several copies, and would beg leave to suggest that they may be transmitted for the information of the Government of Canada.
I haveManuscript image
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Arthur N. Birch
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
7 copies of the report of the expedition are sent, but only 2 copies possess all essential maps. Send 2 copies to Canada, 1 to Land Board. Acke & regret that all the copies were not accompanied by maps.
ABd 16 May
Send copies as proposed. Ackge. Add "I must state however that for some reason only 2 of the 7 copies received from you were accompanied by the map."
Send 2 copies of the report to the E. Commrs & request that they will return to this Office the one accompanied by a map. Include the other copy with a map in the 2 copies which are going to Canada. Thus the end will be that Canada will have one Map & this Office one. Perhaps the Act. Gov. will send more on seeing our remark.
TFE 16 May
Two copies of the Report sent to the E. Commissrs the one with Maps to be returned to this Office.
VJ 17 May
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Cardwell to Monck, Canada, No. 46, 21 May 1866.
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Cardwell to Officer Administering the Government, No. 48, 19 May 1866.
Birch, Arthur Nonus to Cardwell, Edward 2 March 1866, CO 60:24, no. 4647, 71. 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/B66014.html.

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