I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
114,
30th September, reporting the destruction by fire of the Town of
Barkerville. I have to express my regret at this great and sudden
calamity, and join in the hope expressed by
Mr. Brew that the arrival
of![Manuscript image Manuscript image](https://hcmc.uvic.ca/~coldesp/jpg_scans/jpg_thumbnail/rg7_g8c_15/rg7_g8c_15_00307v.jpg)
of
goods and provisions will prevent a dearth amongst those who have been
so disastrously deprived of their homes.
I notice with much satisfaction the energy and public spirit which
has been displayed in repairing the injury caused by the fire.