Parsons to Lytton

I have the honor to report my arrival with the 20 Engineers
under my Command, at this place on 29 October.

I had the honor of communicating with you from Panama on
27th Septr requesting larger funds to be placed at my
disposal, and mentioning the arrangements I proposed making for
the progress of my Detachment towards Victoria. There was no
other conveyance from Panama northwards than the United States Mail
Steamer "J.L. Stephens" which sailed from Panama for San Francisco
on 1st Octr and from my experience during the transit I feel
fully justified in having incurred the expence of the second
Cabin accommodation for my Men, alluded to in my former letter.
There were 1240 passengers and a crew of about 160 on board the Steamer.

On 16th October the Detachment was landed in San Francisco
as British Soldiers, but without their Arms, and they were quartered
together in an Hotel until 20th October when I embarked them on
board the U.S. Mail Steamer "Panama" proceeding to Victoria;
after running up the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, landing
at Fort Vancouver & Portland &c, the ship anchored in Esquimalt Harbour, 3 miles by land from Victoria, on 29th October.
Finding Coll Hawkins R.E. the Boundary Commissioner at
Esquimalt, I reported my arrival and encamped the Detachment
with the portion of his party that were with him.

I sent the bag of Despatches entrusted to me to the Governor
on the day of my arrival, and waited on him the following
day with the letter you gave me.

The Governor had provided a house for the Detachment
in Victoria but conferring with Coll Hawkins, I thought it
better to remain encamped with the Boundary Engineers for a
period on our first arrival.

Captn Grant R.E. arrived at Victoria yesterday with 11 men
and takes command of the Columbia Party, he will doubtless report
his proceedings as early as circumstances permit, he is now occupying
the house taken by the Governor in Victoria.

With regard to our
movements, it is the Governor's wish that we proceed with him up
the Frazer River when he proclaims the Queen's Commission in British 
Columbia, and that we remain at or near Fort Langley.

As the time does not admit of my making an Inspection of
the locality near Fort Langley for the purposes of providing due
accommodation for the Troops, our removal probably taking place this
week, the Governor intends placing a Schooner at our disposal in
which we shall be housed until the portable buildings we take up
the River shall be erected.

I beg to add that I am receiving valuable advice and
assistance from Coll Hawkins R.E. and his knowledge of the
localities on the Frazer River enables him to assist me materially
in securing proper accommodation for the Men.

Captn Grant R.E. my Senior Officer will report our further
proceedings.