Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to transmit herewith the reconveyance to the
Crown of Vancouvers Island, which has been executed by the Hudsons
Bay Co under their Corporate Seal, and under the sanction of the
authority contained in your letter of 29th ultimo, by us on the
part of Her Majesty.

2. As it did not appear whether or not the transaction came within
the scope of the Stamp Acts, we applied to the Commissioners of
Inland Revenue, and got the Deed impressed with a Stamp denoting
that it was adjudged as not chargeable with any duty. This will
prevent any question on the point.

3. I also enclose the original Letters Patent of 13th Janry 1849
 granting the Island to the Company, which have now been delivered
up to us by the Company.

4. We presume that these documents will be forwarded to the Colony
in order that they may be recorded there.

5. I enclose a copy of the reconveyance for record in the Colonial
Office.