Separate

With reference to my despatch No. 68 of the 16th of February
addressed to Sir James Douglas, in which I informed him that I had
selected Mr. Trutch for the office of Surveyor General and Commissioner
of Lands, I wish to point out to you that if Mr. Trutch should accept
the office he will not be at liberty to enter into any fresh contracts
for the execution of Public Works. In case he should have any such
contracts which remain to be fulfilled, I have to request that you will
consider and report to me how far they are liable to conflict with his
public duties, and whether any plan can be suggested for enabling Mr. Trutch to divest himself, without undue sacrifice, of such of them as
would both continue for a considerable time in execution and would also
appear incompatible with his official position.