Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to transmit to you the accompanying extracts from a despatch addressed to the Board of Admiralty by Rear Admiral Denman in which he suggests that the Colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island should employ a Colonial Vessel for purposes of defence and for preventing aggressions of theIndians Indians against British Traders.

This proposal appears to be well worthy of attention, and I should be glad to learn your opinion of the practicability of adopting it, and providing for the requisite expenditure out of Colonial funds.

I enclose for your information an Act which has been lately passed by the Imperial Parliament to make better provision for the Naval defence of the Colonies, and I would suggest to you the advantage which your Governmentwould would derive from availing themselves of the arrangements contemplated in the Bill.

I have addressed a similar communication on this subject to the Governor of B. Columbia/Vanc: Island.