[Private]

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
of the 7th December last, in which you acquaint me that the
Queen has been graciously pleased to confer upon me the distinction
of a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

I beg that you will convey my humble duty to Her Majesty for
that mark of Her Royal approbation.

At the same time I have to express to you Sir, my thanks for
recommending me for that mark of Royal Favor, and to assure you
that I deeply and truly appreciate your good opinion, and not less
the kind and graceful manner in which you are pleased to commend my
administration of the Government of Vancouver's Island.