Kernaghan to Lytton

I beg to thank you for the interview this morning as well as the promise of a Colonial appointment, but I think for that of the Secretary-ship of British Columbia my claims have been overlooked (stated in a letter which the Attorney General for Ireland gave you) backed as they were by Memorials in the Foreign Office from all the cities of Canada & the chief cities of England & Ireland.
This morning I handed you a letter of introduction from old friends of mine Messr Gilmour Rankin & Co, the largest shipowners in the Empire with the greatest interest of any House in the North American Colonies having branches at Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, St John N.B., Miramichi, Bathurst, & other places. Having taken a very great interest in opening up the Direct Navigation with the Lakes & West of America as well as in aiding to overthrow the monopoly of the Hudson's Bay Co I think from my knowledge of the new Colonies I would be of more use there than elsewhere.
Some of my friends Members of Parliament & Canadian Merchants now in London think a deputation to you might change your mind. If you would be willing to receive it, have the kindness to name the time.
As to public matters, if troops would be sent out to the new Colony The West India Mail Steamer or chartered ones could bring them to Aspinwall, by Rail to Panama thence by Pacific Mail Co to San Francisco & Pugets Sound close to the mouth of the Frazer River.
The fares from New York to San Francisco are £25 for Steerage passengers.
It is likely that the Pacific Mail Co (Sect in Liverpool) may have an idle steamer at Panama which could bring a regiment up to the Colony. This being the Sickly Season at Panama more troops ought not be sent than can get passages on arrival.
The Canadian Merchants wish the Admiralty to use Colonial timber in building ships of war for such purposes as it is fit, no doubt the Colonial Office would assist them in this matter.