Walcott to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to Sir Frederic Rogers Letter of the
14th instant, enquiring the best mode, and the cost
of conveyance to British Columbia of the wives and
children (amounting to 10 statute Adults,) of 7 men
belonging to the corps of Royal Engineers, I have the
honor to inform you that having made the necessary enquiries

both at Liverpool and London I find that there is not at
present any Vessel on the berth at either Port proceeding
direct to British Columbia.

2. There are two Ships at Liverpool bound for San Francisco but they both object to take passengers and the
route to that Port viâ New York is not to be recommended.

3. From London two Vessels will shortly be put up
to sail about the end of October round Cape Horn, and the
Brokers have been requested to communicate

with our Officer
when the date of departure is fixed.

4. The cost of a steerage passage in an enclosed Cabin
in these Vessels will be about 25 guineas for each statute
Adult, if the Vessels do not come within the operation of
the Passengers Act, but as the outward freight requires
only small Ships, 10 statute Adults would probably bring
them within the Act, in which case the price for so small
a party would probably be increased to 30 or 35 guineas
per adult. The length of

the voyage would be about six months.

5. But there is another and much more expeditious
route, namely by the Royal Mail Steamers from Southampton
to San Francisco viâ Colon and the Panama Railroad. Unless,
however, some special contract could be made with the Company
the cost for the party would be £375. The length of the
voyage to Vancouvers Island would be about two months and
the best Steamer to take would be that which leaves on
the 17th of each month.

6. The objections to this route for Women and children
besides its costliness are the breaks and transhipments on the voyage.