Separate

I wish to call your attention to the fact that during the
administration of your Predecessor in the Government of British
Columbia, a Commission as Lieutenant Governor was held by Lieutenant
Colonel Moody who in virtue thereof succeeded to the Government of the
Colony on the death, incapacity or absence of the Governor.

In default of such an appointment the temporary administration of
the Government would in either of these contingencies be vested in the
Senior Member of the Executive Council, who, as that Body is now
constituted in your Instructions, is the Colonial Secretary. I should
wish you to report to me your opinion, after you have been a sufficient
time in the Colony to form your judgment on the point, whether it is
expedient that this arrangement should continue in force, or, if not,
what other would be the most desirable substitute.