Colonial Despatches

I have recently returned to this country after a residence of five years in the above Colonies, as agent of "the British Colonial Missionary Society," and am now Engaged in preparing a book containing Classified information respecting their resources collected during the period referred to.

I have already had opportunities of perusing all Parliamentary documents relating to these Colonies that were published to the close of 1862. As my work is intended to be a faithful account of the Condition and Prospects I am anxious that it should contain the most recent information. I have applied for the blue books referring to Vancouver Island, and British Columbia, that have been published, since the close of 1862, at the London Institution and British Museum but these documents I was informed had not been received there.

As the forthcoming volume is designed for the public it will, it is hoped, be of service to those distant parts of the Empire. May I respectfully beg that you will do me the favor of allowing me to examine at the Colonial Office or grant me facility to peruse elsewhere the official papers relating to these Colonies published since the close of 1862? May I also request Permission to obtain a copy of the photographs of the Sooke Gold mining district which I understand have been sent to the Colonial Office by Governor Kennedy of Vancouver Island within the last few months?