No. 10

I have received your Despatch No 4 of the 7th of March last
enclosing the copy of a petition presented to you by a deputation of the
inhabitants of Vancouver's Island praying that a ship of war may be
despatched there.

It affords me satisfaction to be able to inform you that foreseeing
the importance of protecting the Settlement from attack I called the
attention of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the subject in
February last and that the "President" Frigate has in consequence been
ordered to repair to Vancouver's Island.

I trust therefore that this measure of precaution will tend to
remove the apprehension expressed by the Inhabitants.