Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by my Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty to request
you will state to Secretary Sir Bulwer Lytton that in accordance with the
ShipsThames Cityrenegotiations with owners
ShipsBriseisrenegotiations with owners
suggestions contained in your letter of the 1st Instant to the War
Department,

My Lords have endeavoured to arrange better terms with the owners of the
Royal Engineersdelivery of supplies to mainland
Thames City and Briseis for landing the Royal Engineers, and stores at,
Fraser's River instead of at Vancouver's Island; but by a communication
(copy of which is enclosed) from the Brokers, it appears that they are
unwilling to submit to any reduction of their previous reward, and
require that such additional services be absolute, and not conditional on
arrangements out in British Columbia. Under these circumstances it is
for the Secretary of State to decide whether the offer be definitively
accepted at once; or the removal of the Men and Stores from Vancouver's
Island, be left to the means which may probably be afforded by Her
Majestys Ships, several of which it is anticipated will be in the
neighbourhood by the time the two arrive.