The minutes note that Californian Miners have returned to San Francisco for the winter and Admiral Baynes has reported that none of the bars can be mined until the next irruption [sic] in the spring.
Enclosed is an extract from Baynes to the Secretary of the Admiralty reporting his arrival at Vancouver Island and the current state of affairs on the Pacific station.
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty to send you herewith for the information of
Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies an
extract of a letter from Rear Adml Baynes, dated
29th Oct. No. 141, shewing the state of affairs in British Columbia.
Mr Merivale
The Californian Miners still continue to return to San Francisco for the
winter. The lull in the affairs of the Colony which this must
occasion will give the Governor opportunities to be well prepared for the
fresh irruption
in the spring, & to proceed with the organization of the Govt.
Put by.
In Admiral Baynes's opinion it seems that the "bars" cannot be
worked in winter, whether owing to flood or climate he does not say.
The future condition of the Colony mainly depends on this circumstance.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Extract, Baynes to Secretary of the Admiralty,
29 October 1858, reporting his arrival at Vancouver Island and
the current state of affairs on the Pacific station.