Leahy to Lytton

I beg leave to bring under your notice, and at same time to propose the formation of a line of Steam Communication with Vancouvers Islands by way of Norway, Cape Tcheliuskin in Siberia and Behring Strait.
At this season of the year the whole distance may be run in 25 to 30 days with ordinary Steamers; and altho the Siberian Seas are closed during the winter, still the communication by Steam in short a time and during the other months of the year, would be of immense value to Vancouvers Island and the New Colonia of Columbia generally.
Much might be said of the relative superiority of this route and of its important results both direct and indirect; but they will all doubtless present themselves to you.
To test the practicability of the proposition, I beg leave to Say that I am ready at once to start a steamer on the line, as a pioneer, provided you approve my idea and that the Government will agree to pay the expenses in case of success. Or if this proposition should not meet your approval, I beg leave to say that I should be most happy to give my assistance in any other way you may require.