With reference to my despatch No. 4 of the 
22nd July last
               declaring 
Victoria a free Port, and stating that an enquiry was being
               instituted to ascertain whether the Bonding system exists in Californian
               Ports, I transmit to you for your information 

the copy of a letter which
               has been received from the Foreign Office in reply to the reference which
               was made on the subject to that Department.
               
               I also transmit to you the copy of a letter on the subject from the
               Board of Trade, and I have to request that you will furnish me with the
               explanation which their Lordships require of the statement in your
               despatch of the 
23rd March last, that Articles imported into
               
Vancouvers Island from
from Californian Ports are necessarily charged with the
               Custom duties levied in that State.