Howard to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant
transmitting by direction of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle copy of
a despatch from the Governor of Vancouver Island reporting that a box
had been forwarded to the Commissioners of Woods containing twenty
pounds weight of Seed and 6 1/2 bushels of Cones of the Douglas Pine
and I have to request that you will be so good as to express to His
Grace my thanks for the trouble he has taken in this matter.

The Box has been safely delivered at this Office and the contents
entrusted to the care of the Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest, and I
shall feel obliged by your informing me of the expense incurred in
the collection of these Seeds.