No. 8

I have the honor to inform your Lordship, that I have lately
received two communications, from Rear Admiral Bruce, dated
respectively, Valparaiso 6th and 14th February last, informing me
that he had assumed the command in Chief of Her Majestys Naval Forces in
the Pacific, and expressing his readiness to attend to any suggestions,
or requests that I may have occasion to address to him, in relation to the Colony of Vancouver's Island.

It is also stated in those communications, that several of Her
Majesty's Steamers of War, would in course of service, probably visit
this Colony, in the month of July next.

The Commander in Chief has also therein desired me to purchase 1000
tons of Coal for Her Majesty's service, and also, that fresh meat and
vegetables may be provided in sufficient quantities, for the Forces
under his command. He moreover expresses a hope, that I may be able to
furnish a building to serve as a temporary hospital for the sick and
wounded. Immediately on receipt of those communications I took instant
measures to secure the desired quantity of Coal, which will be ready for
delivery on the arrival of the Fleet, at this place. I also despatched
Agents to the American settlements in Puget Sound, to purchase sheep and
cattle, and have now nearly 1000 head of sheep, and a number of Beef
Cattle, collected here, and on the route to this place.

I have moreover issued a Circular announcing the proposed movements
of the Fleet, to the inhabitants of this Colony, and exhorting them to
use every possible exertion, in raising vegetables for the supply of the
Fleet.

And lastly with reference to the accommodation of the sick and
wounded men of the Fleet, it appeared to me an object of so much
importance, to provide for their comfort, and there being no disposable
building in the Colony which could be converted to that purpose, that I
was induced with the advice and consent of Council, to commence the
erection of airy and roomy buildings, in a healthy and convenient
locality, to serve as a naval hospital, and I have now the satisfaction
to inform your Lordship, that the work is in rapid progress, and the
buildings will be habitable by the end of this month. The premises
consists of three separate and contiguous one story houses, each 50 feet
long, by 30 feet wide, and will afford accommodation, for one hundred
patients.

The expense of this undertaking will I believe not much exceed
the sum of 1,000.

In taking those steps I have assumed a degree of responsibility
exceeding the ordinary powers vested in me, by Her Majesty's
instructions, and entirely of a personal nature, but the circumstances
are of so urgent a kind that I feel assured of meeting with the approval
of Her Majesty's Government, especially as I am in duty bound to
promote, by every possible means, the interests of the public service,
which would have suffered to a very serious extent, and much public
clamour have been excited had I neglected to provide for the demands of
the Commander in Chief, until your Lordship was consulted on the matter.

I therefore trust that your Lordship will protect me from
responsibility, and direct that the said expenditure for the erection of
the hospital may be paid out of the public funds.