Bradford to Lytton

I am the conductor of an Educational establishment and a Commission
Agent. I have had considerable experience in managing business and
correspondence in and connected with the British Colonies.

I am interested for Miners and others desirous of proceeding
to British Columbia. We read with great admiration and hearty
concurrence the sentiment laid down in your very excellent
despatch to the Governor General of the Leeward Islands:

the excessive importance of raising and maintaining from local resources,
and by local efforts, such a military force as will by its presence
guarantee the safety &c of the Colony.
Land grantsfor militia in BC
Militia in BC

This applies with ten fold force to the new Colony of British 
Columbia and we are convinced there is a method by which it can be
adopted and applied to it even more easily than to an old colony.

Every Englishman proceeding to the new Colony goes there deeply
impressed with the necessity of going there competent to his own defence
and eager to unite with the authorities in the common defence. Many
would therefore gladly enrol themselves for that purpose, and on their
arrival in the Colony place their services at the disposal of the
Government to receive military instruction provided that when not wanted
like a disbanded militia, they could push their fortunes at the diggings
and after a term of servitude receive a grant of Land on the same
principle as that given to the Royal Engineers.
Royal Engineersland grants for

I should feel much honoured by your instructions and happy to
forward any other suggestions made by practical men on the subject.