Colonial Despatches

Referring to your letter of the 31st Ultimo, I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of the Duke of Newcastle that at the request of the Government of Vancouvers Island, the Crown Agents have rendered Mr Pemberton all the assistance in their power in the selection of Machinery &c required for the Harbour of Victoria.

Although the Crown Agents consider the mission of Mr Pemberton to supply the wants of the local Government in this instance was unnecessary, as they are in the habit constantly of complying with similar requisitions from other Coloniesyet yet as Mr Pemberton has personally superintended the construction of the Machinery up to the present time, they would submit to His Grace that it would probably be more satisfactory to the Colonial Authorities that he should remain in this Country until it's completion which may be expected in the course of a month or six weeks—though Contracting Engineers operations are very uncertain.

I may add that if Mr Pemberton should leave this Country before the completion of Messrs Blyth's Contractthat that the Crown Agents would become responsible for its due completion.