Trutch to Cardwell

I have the honor to inform you that in accordance with the
terms prescribed to me by His Excellency Governor Seymour as
essential to my continuing in the office which I now hold, I have
negotiated the sale of all my private rights in the public works
of the Colony, and within a fortnight after my arrival at New
Westminster shall be freed from all pecuniary interests in such
public works.

On my way home I was detained a month in New York in
consequence of the dangerous illness of my brother who was travelling
with me, and since my arrival here I have been entirely occupied in
negotiating the introduction of Steam Traction Engines into use
on the roads of British Columbia, an object in which His Excellency
Governor Seymour takes great interest. So much of my time has been
thus absorbed that it is impossible for me to complete my business
arrangements here and return to the Colony by the 1st April the
time named to me by His Excellency the Governor.

I have therefore to solicit the extension of my leave of absence
until the 15th May and in support of this application most
respectfully represent that I am not drawing any official salary during
my absence from the Colony, and that up to the present time I have had
no leisure to devote to my private affairs during my stay in England.