Bridges, Sawlett, Haywood & Co. to Herbert (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We are Solicitors for the family of the late Captn Venables of
the 74th Regiment who was drowned in Fraser River British
Columbia in August 1864. Captn Venables was at the time of his
death a Military Settler there, and was entitled to a Government
Grant of 1456 acres at "the Lakes" Thompson River. He died
unmarried & left no will and we are informed that the Grant was
never made out, but he had what is called a "covenant for
title." His brother has a Preemption claim over a portion of
the land upon an improvement Certificate. He left Surviving a
Mother half brother (the present Bishop of Nassau) 2 brothers
and a Sister. We are informed by a Gentleman who has held an
Appointment in the Colony that all the next of kin are interested.

We shall esteem it a favor if you will kindly refer us to some
quarter where we may obtain information on the subject and
perhaps you would allow us to inspect the Statutes of the Colony
at the Colonial Office.