Begbie to Lytton

In consequence of the rule wch prevents me from either drawing quarters or rations in British Columbia or from having any allowance made to me in respect that it will I apprehend be absolutely necessary that I shod take out a somewhat extensive outfit as I am unable to ascertain that there are any European habitations whatever on the main land wch is my destination, the present European settlements being I believe solely at Victoria in VanCouver's Island. As I am to have howr no allowance made to me for outfit I foresee an extreme difficulty in providing myself with the bare necessaries of existence out of the balance of the £800 salary wch will remain after providing an outfit for myself out of it.
I am not sure although it seems at first sight unreasonable that it wod not be competent for me to take with me my entire outfit viâ Panama, and charge it in travelling expenses, wch are to be allowed to me. This wod however be enormously more expensive to the Colony and less convenient for myself than sending the heavy part of the outfit round Cape Horn. And I hope that I shall not be considered unreasonable in asking that freight shall be provided for me gratis either on board any transport or ship of war wch the Government may be sending round Cape Horn.
I beg howr to refer you to Mr Blackwood for a suggestion relating to the formation of a law Library for the Court.
May I further beg that any answer to this application may be addressed to me under cover to my brother T.S. Begbie 4 Mansion House Place E.C.