Confidential

I have the honor to forward copy of a correspondence which has
passed between Rear Admiral Hastings and myself respecting the
proposal of conferring the local rank of Brevet Lieutenant
Colonel on Captain Delacombe, Royal Marine Light Infantry, while
in command of the English Garrison on San Juan Island. Such
rank to be honorary and carry with it no precedence without the
Island nor any increase of emolument.

2. As Admiral Hastings acquaints me that he will communicate
officially with me on this subject, as soon as he shall have
heard from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I should
hardly venture to trouble Your Grace on this present occasion
were it not that I am informed that Captain Delacombe has been
put in possession of a copy of the letters I enclose. They may
therefore not improbably reach Your Grace before I shall be able
to answer Admiral Hastings' official communication. I need
hardly say that my letter of the 23rd November was purely
unofficial. But I would beg Your Grace to believe that I am not
preferring the slightest complaint against the Naval Commander
in Chief, with whom, I am happy to say, I am on the most
satisfactory terms.

3. Had I been writing officially I should certainly have
mentioned that the approval of Lord Stanley of the suggested
arrangement was more implied than expressed.

4. Brevet Colonel Bird is now in command of the American force
on the Island.