No. 24

I have the honor to submit a Resolution passed by the
Legislative Council praying that some protection be furnished
by the Mother Country to this Colony. As the local funds will
not allow of our asking for Troops upon the usual conditions,
the Council prays that a sufficient portion of Her Majesty's
Pacific Squadron be permanently in the Fraser and on the Coast
of British Columbia to meet any sudden emergency that may arise.

2. I have been greatly struck since my arrival in this
Colony with the change of policy adopted towards it by Her
Majesty's Government. Formerly every thing was done to afford
protection against Indians or Alien immigrants. Now the Colonists,
considerably reduced in number, are left almost entirely to
depend upon their own resources. I would venture to call your
attention to Sir Edward Lytton's despatch of 1st July 1858,
marked "Confidential," with its enclosure from the Admiralty.
To that of 30th July, marked No. 5, No. 30 of 16th October,
No. 55 of 16th December, No. 61 of 30th December, No.
30 of 10th March 1859, which expressly states that two
Gunboats will be "fitted for Service in British Columbia,"
The Duke of Newcastle's despatch No. 31 of 21st October 1859.

3. When the outbreak of the Chilicoten Indians took place last
year much time was lost in obtaining assistance from Esquimalt.