Lugard to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Secretary Sir John Pakington to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 26th February last, requesting
that a claim, amounting to £675.2.4 made by this Department
against the Government of British Columbia for Revolvers and
Ammunition left by Colonel Moody, Royal Engineers, on loan for
the use of the Colony, might be withdrawn on account of the
Embarrassed state of its finances. And I am to acquaint you for
the information of His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos,
the Secretary of State regrets that he is unable to comply with
this request.

Sir John Pakington has however no objection to allow the
Settlement of the claim to remain in abeyance until the
necessary funds become available.