Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's communication of the 29th ult, and beg to express my sincere regret that Mr Cardwell's letter was misunderstood by me; had this not been the case, I should most certainly have applied much earlier for extended leave of absence from my duties as Chief Clerk of the Treasury of British Columbia.

During my stay in this country I have endeavoured in various ways to be of service to the Colony, with I venture to hope some success. From the several communications with which I was honored by Governor Seymour, I feel assured he was well aware of this, and approved of my constant occupation in promoting the welfare of the Colony. I had the gratification of being asked to accompany him to the Colonial Office, where I had the honor of an interview with Mr Forster on vital matters connected with the Colony. In venturing to mention the above, I only do so to show that in thus acting in a perfectly open and straightforward manner, I gave most conclusive evidence, that I believed I was not exceeding the privilege granted to me in thus prolonging my stay in England.

In February or March next at latest I hope to hear from Governor Seymour in reference to the appointment of Agent General for Emigration for British Columbia. As this is a matter of the very greatest importance to myself, I solicit Your Lordship to permit me to remain here until that time, subject to the approval of His Excellency the Governor.

I trust there will be the less difficulty in Your Lordship acceding to this request, as meanwhile, as I shall be drawing no pay whatever, it will be no expense to the Colony.

Permit me again to assure Your Lordship that I am extremely sorry that I should in any way have misunderstood Mr Cardwell's letter.