No. 17

I have received and laid before The Queen the Ordinance to
incorporate "The Western Telegraph Company in heir of the Western Union
Telegraph Extension Company," which accompanied your Despatch No. 9 of
the 1st February, and I am commanded to inform you that Her Majesty has
been graciously pleased to sanction and confirm this Ordinance.

You will communicate Her Majesty's decision to the inhabitants of
the Colony of British Columbia in the usual and most authentic manner.