Begbie to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am advised by private sources of the pressing necessities that
exist in British Columbia for the rapid opening up of roads to the
Mines. The length of road completed during the Year 1859 is 7 Miles.

The Upper Country contains at present very few miners—they fly
from high prices; they are ready to pay $2 a lb: for flour, they fly
from starvation—there are no roads. The trails are scarce passable
in Winter by any powers of endurance.

Provisions which cost last summer 4s/- to 8s/- pr lb.
at Alexandria cost last Winter the same sum at Cayoosh & the
Fountains 200 miles on the coast side of Alexandria. That 200 Miles
would not merely add, in Winter, a dollar or two to the price per lb:
which is all the effect it produces in summer. In Winter it prevents
all access.

Without roads there can be no population: no fixed population at
all, and little even of a migratory sort & that of the least revenue
paying character; without population there can be no Revenue.

I am willing to undertake the opening up of a Road on a line to
be fixed by the Government from a Terminus at Douglas to a Terminus
at Cayoosh to be constructed at my own expense, to be equal at least
to the 7 Miles made last Year by Capn Grant & to be all finished
in 1861 provided that

1stly It remains the only route to the Mines.

2ndly I have the right to take toll for 5 Years from
completion of Road to the satisfaction of the Government according to
Captn Grants sample.

These tolls & other conditions I am quite prepared to state at
once on learning that such proposals meet with your approbation and
if agreed to I am prepared immediately to proceed with operations.
The Roads could only be finished in 1861 supposing an arrangement be
made without delay as the mileage cannot be completed in One Year.
The position & means of the Contractors in this country interested
with me in this matter will afford ample guarantee for the
satisfactory completion of the Contract proposed if Captial &
experience can ensure success.