Alex Arthur and Company to Lytton

It would appear by recent intelligence from Vancouver’s Island that none but the agents of the Hudson Bay Company are at liberty to trade in British and American merchandise at Victoria, and that the goods of those so trading have been confiscated by that Company. Also that a tax of 2 dollars is levied on every person landing at that port, and that besides this sum 5 dollars per month is charged for a licence to dig for gold. And that a British Man-of-War is stationed at the mouth of Fraser River to enforce those claims.
As there are many parties proposing to go from this city to British Columbia, it is very desirable that you would define what are the rights of the Hudson Bay Company, in the matter, so that parties proceeding thither may know what is expected of them.