Separate

I have the honor to forward Copy of a letter addressed to me by
Captain Delacombe R.M.L.I. commanding the English force
stationed on the Island of San Juan, asking for my
recommendation that the local (to the Island) rank of Lieutenant
Colonel may be bestowed upon him while serving in Command of Her
Majesty's troops on San Juan. Such distinction to be honorary
merely, to carry with it no precedence outside the island, and
no increase of emolument.

2. I need hardly say that I look upon it entirely from a Civil
point of view. Captain Delacombe has no superior officer on the
Island and his Military influence would not be affected by the
change. I however beg to state that in a diplomatic point
of view I think it desirable that Captain Delacombe's request be
acceded to. The Colony is now hardly ever without the presence
of American Officers of high rank. We have lately received in
Victoria both the Naval and Military Commanders in Chief on the
Pacific Coast. Generals and Colonels are frequent visitors, and
nearly all go over to San Juan. Captains are so common that I
think it would be desirable to move Captain Delacombe out of the
Category. While the Island of San Juan is in its normal state,
the settlers will always believe in a slight superiority on the
part of the American Garrison over the English when the one is
commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and the other by a Captain.
Amongst the lower orders of Americans it is not usual to make
use of the surname of a military officer. It is "the Colonel"
or "the Captain." The settlers will attribute superior position
to Lieutenant Colonel Grey as compared with Captain Delacombe.

3. Your Grace will understand that I look upon the matter as
one concerning purely civil administration and diplomatic
influence. Nothing could be further from my wish than to
interfere with the internal arrangements of Her Majesty's Forces.

5. I add with pleasure that I have had every reason to be
satisfied with Captain Delacombe since he has been in command at
San Juan.