No. 14

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 4 of the 1st of February last, referring to the draft of a
letter from the Governor and Directors of the Hudson's Bay
Company, which I have since received, and further containing the
instructions of Her Majesty's Government, as to the course which
is to be taken in the event of an immigration of the Mormons
from 
the territory of Utah into British Territory on the north
west coast of America.

2. I am glad that Her Majesty's Government have favoured me,
with the clear and distinct expression of their views, on the
subject, contained in that Despatch; which at once generously
grants, within the Colony of Vancouver's Island, a refuge for
political exiles, provided they yield obedience to the Laws, and
avoid public scandals, and lead quiet and honest lives; but at
the same time, for cogent reasons of public policy, explicitly
forbids, under all circumstances, the grant of any rights of
occupation whatever, to any Mormons, who may apply for admission
to occupy any portion of the North Western Territory.

3. In consequence of 
that communication from Her Majesty's
Government we have been watching the progress of the political
movements in Utah with the closest attention; but we have not as
yet received intimation of the approach of any body of Mormons
to any part of Her Majesty's Dominions on this coast; neither is
it probable that they will ever succeed in reaching Vancouver's
Island by the exceedingly difficult and expensive overland route
from Utah.

4. They may, however, be attracted, by the reputed auriferous
wealth, and decided beauty of the fertile valleys of Thompson's
River,

and attempt to form settlements in that country which is within
one month's easy march of Utah, through an open country
presenting no obstacles of route, which those 
enterprising
fanatics could not surmount.

5. In case however of any such visitation I shall not fail to
give full effect to the instructions contained in your Despatch
and in case of need I will apply to Her Majesty's Government for
advice and assistance.