No. 13

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 16th April
last, of your Grace's Despatch dated 8th February 1853, transmitting
copy of a letter from Mr James Cooper relative to a resolution moved
by me at a meeting of the Council of Government of Vancouver's Island on
the 5th of October 1853,
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expressive of the opinion of Council as to the impropriety of its
Members retailing spirituous liquors or following any calling subversive
of order, or injurious to public morals.

According to your Grace's instructions on that head I shall
acquaint Mr Cooper that whenever any representation affecting his
position in the Council is submitted to your Grace, no decision will be
pronounced in the case, until any statements or explanations which he
may desire to offer, are brought before you, and also that your Grace
wishes it to be understood that in future all parties having
representations to make must conform to the established rule of Colonial
correspondence.

It is I presume unnecessary for me to make any remarks on the
subject of Mr Cooper's letter, as I made no representation affecting
Mr Cooper's position as a Member of Council,
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and your Grace will perceive that the motive, which influenced me in
moving the resolution referred to in his letter, was a desire to promote
the public good, and to increase the influence and respectability of the
Council.