No. 53, Financial

I have duly received your Grace's despatch No 25 of
the 11th June last calling my attention to the state of
the account of the Colony of British Columbia with the Agents General.

2. I regret extremely that an overpaid Balance has
occured, and I sincerely trust that such a state of account
may never again be exhibited. Under ordinary circumstances
it would not have occurred, but your Grace is aware how pressed
I have been for money to continue the work of opening roads—the
very essence of the existence of the Colony—and what an
anxious and uphill task I have had in endeavouring to compass
a work of so much magnitude and importance. I beg that your
Grace will believe I am not unmindful of the obligations of
the Colony, that I do not view them in any secondary light
and that you will rest assured that so long as the conduct
of affairs rests in my hands I will faithfully and honestly fulfil them.

3. I believe the account with the Agents General is now
satisfactorily adjusted. Money to meet the payments due on
account of the Loan and to repay the debtor balance has,
months since, been remitted, and its receipt acknowledged,
and the Balance left in their hands on account of the 1863
Loan will be ample to meet all other liabilities.