Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 2nd Ultimo, referring,
for His Lordship's consideration, a Despatch from the Governor of
British Columbia, making certain enquiries as to the rights of Great
Britain with regard to the Navigation of a river
flowing from the British Territory through Russian Territory.

I am to state to you in reply that His Lordship referred
the question to Her Majesty's Advocate General, a copy of whose
opinion on the subject is enclosed herewith for the Duke of
Newcastle's information; and I am to request that you will, in
laying the same before His Grace, express Lord Russell's opinion
that it would not be expedient at present to raise any question
on the subject with the Russian Government.