No. 17

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 23
of the 15th of May, enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Young
by Sir James Douglas, granting that gentleman leave of absence for 12
months.

I have also received your Predecessor's Despatch marked Separate of
the 14th of March, informing that this leave had been granted to the
Colonial Secretary with the concurrence of the Executive Council, but
before conveying to you my final approval of this step, I should wish to
know whether the absence of Mr. Young from his duties, for the whole
period for which the leave has been granted, would subject you to any
serious inconvenience.