No. 147

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 32
of the 28th of July 1862, forwarding a correspondence with certain
Officers of the Assay Department of British Columbia applying for an
increase of salary.

I referred this question, in a letter of which I annex a copy, for
the consideration of the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury, and I
enclose for your information and guidance a copy of the answer which I
have received.

From this correspondence you will perceive that it is left to you
to deal with the case according to your discretion.

I shall be glad to receive from you, as soon as you are able to
furnish it, the general information relative to the Assay Department
which is requested by the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury in the 7th
and concluding paragraphs of their letter.