Wodehouse to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Lord John Russell to request that you will state to
the Duke of Newcastle that He would be glad to be informed whether
any orders have been given that a Regiment of the line should proceed
to Vancouver's Island.

Lord John Russell suggested the expediency of this measure in a
letter to the Colonial Office of the 8th of November last, and he
repeated the suggestion in a letter dated the 21st of January. His
Lordship now considers it highly desirable that a Regiment should be
despatched to that Quarter, as marauders are likely to abound, who
may be disavowed if they fail, but who will be supported and avowed
if they are successful.