Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 16th Inst of your Grace's Circular Despatch dated on the 31st of March 1854, transmitting copies of the following instruments. 1. The Queen's declaration of the 28th March last of Her Majesty's intention to take up arms in conjunction with the Emperor of the French, for the defence of the Sultan against Russia. 2. The Queen's declaration of the same date, announcingthat that it is Her Majesty's intention, so far to waive the belligerent rights appertaining to Her, by the Law of Nations, as to forego the exercise of Her right of seizing Enemy's property laden on board a neutral vessel, unless it be contraband of war, and further announcing that Her Majesty will not claim the confiscation of Neutral property, not being contraband of war, found on board, enemy's Ships; and that it is not Her Majesty's intention to issue Letters of Marque, for the Commissioning of Privateers.

At the same time announcing that Her Majesty has not thought proper to forego the exercise of Her right of seizing articles contraband of war, and of preventing neutrals from bearing the enemy's Despatches, and from breaking effective blockades.

Your Grace has also intimated in the same Despatch, that formal instructions for the performance of the duties which devolve on me, at the present crisis will be transmitted bythe the earliest opportunity.