No. 119

I have the honor to forward to Your Lordship a copy of a Letter
which I have received from Captain Delacombe, transmitting an
Address which he has received from the residents on San Juan and
other Islands claiming British protection.

2. Reference is made in this Address to some circumstances
connected with a proposal that the local Rank of Lieut. Colonel
should be conferred upon Captain Delacombe, which took place
before my arrival in the Colony. The matter was brought under
the notice of Your Lordship's Predecessor in Governor's
Seymour's Despatches, Separate 1st August 1868 and Confidential
14th December 1868.

3. Rear Admiral Hastings, then in command on this Station,
withheld the proposed local promotion from Captain Delacombe,
who I imagine has been somewhat disappointed in consequence.
Rear Admiral Farquhar I am informed is disposed to recommend
to the Lords of the Admiralty that the rank should be conferred.

4. The matter is not one with which I have any special concern;
but as it is probable that the question may be referred to Your
Lordship by the Lords of the Admiralty, it may not be improper
to state that I concur in the remarks made upon the subject by
Governor Seymour in his Despatch Separate of the 1st August,
1868.