Foster to Palliser (Private Letter)

I have not yet had a line from you. The Grouse are in, and in some
parts of the country where the wood is not too dense, pretty good
shooting is to be had.

Miles is going down to San Francisco [possible one word cut off
microfilm] he has an idea of copper somewhere on [Qwa—?] River B.C.
I believe a Company for the same [possible one word cut off
microfilm] and I am of opinion that he will
some day [be] a millionaire as he does not swerve from his object.

These people are trying to do all sorts [of] jobbing. Governor
D and Carey [Cary]
plotting, and Dr. Helemkin [Helmcken] and the paltry paid
hirelings carry on the affairs in the House.

When are you coming back here?

I wish we could get commissioners out [to] put things straight with
H.B.C. and Imperial Govert.

I would rather that you did not send things I gave you a Memo for,
until I ask you to do so, as I have no house built yet, and have
[possible one word off microfilm] confidence sufficient in this weak
Govt to [do] so—with that wretched plotting Governor at its head.

He has no higher aim than his own personal vantage, and if not done
away with, [the] country will not maintain its position…people
will leave this for Oregon Terr…No contribution
towards any…can be obtained.

People do not scruple to aver openly that no confidence exists with
regard to any measure the Governor with the Parliament majority ([qn?]
of [T—?]) officials of the Government
illigully

maintaining…and a council of old women with a Lawyer who has
taken Oath of allegiance to America.

D. Frazer who does his work of altering measures at his own house,
and not having them discussed openly in Council…I shall
lay [out] no more money here, it is not safe to do so.

Wanton expenditure of Revenue is a glaring feature of Governor Douglas's
administration here, [one word cut off microfilm]
[illegible] [(qn)?]
mode of procedure [illegible]

not altered soon will tend [to] sway these people's sympathies toward
the American rule rather than be governed by the present system. And
if the Government knew the ([qn?]) important position or I should rather
say had under consideration it would doubtless without [delay?]
favor the Colony in more ways than one, and [very?] especially by
ensuring to it a proper representation of H.M. and not prolonging the
one killing system of H.B.C. monopoly rule which every thing here
[possible word cut off microfilm, possibly page missing?]
to succumb to
this.

The influence brought to bear in the House of Assembly to the
prejudice of Colonists in general and the development of the
country.

Remember me to all friends—
.usis
there as much row now about war with the European powers [P.C.?]

Hope all will blow over, but than [that]

Italian affair can hardly do so, I think.

How are all your brothers, the Colonel [been there?]?

I shall see you in a year or so, if things d'ont

alter here this place is American in 20 years hence.