No. 66

The Delegation which I reported, in my Despatch No 32, of the
5th ultimo, that it was my intention to send to Ottawa to
discuss with the Canadian Government the terms proposed for
Union with the Dominion, will proceed upon that mission by the
Steamer which takes this Despatch to Your Lordship.

2. Mr Trutch, the Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, has
not been absent from the Colony for five years. As he will be
at Ottawa so far on the way towards England, whither he desires
to proceed on private affairs, I have granted him three months
double vacation leave of Absence, to take effect from the
termination of his duties at Ottawa. He will report himself at
the Colonial Office on his arrival in London and will be able
to afford Your Lordship any information which you may require in
respect of the progress of the negociations in which he will
have been engaged. I place much confidence in Mr Trutch's
ability and discretion.