No. 28

I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information, Minutes
of the proceedings in the Council of this Colony, on and since the
21st day of June last.

You will observe that the sum of 102 dollars and 30 cents, was
voted for the purpose of paying the expenses incurred in apprehending
and committing to gaol, by the United States Commissioner, several
seamen belonging to the British Ship "Marquis of Bute," who committed a
robbery on board and deserted from that ship, while lying at anchor, in
this Port. Part of the property which they carried off was recovered;
but the offenders were not delivered into our hands; having been
released by order of Governor Stevens, within the United States
Territory.

The Council then proceeded to examine the outlay incurred on
account of the Colony for the past year, amounting to 3512.18.9, which
was ordered to be paid.

The defence of the Colony next occupied our consideration, and it
was resolved to raise a small force of ten men, to be at hand, in the
event of any emergency, during the residence of the Northern Savages in
the Colony.*

That measure was however not fully carried out, in consequence of
the presence of Her Majesty's Ships, which led me to reduce the number
of men to four privates, and their pay to Two pounds Sterling a month.

The other matters considered by Council are the appropriations made
for the public service of the year, and the appointment of Commissioners
to superintend the construction of a road on the east side of the
Victoria Arm, for the convenience of the inhabitants settled in that
quarter.