Officers of the Company there, and
to report as to the best and safest means of giving effect to the
contemplated operations."
A letter of instructions, from the new Governor, dated London, 6th
July, 1863, received by me about the 22nd July, after I had made no
small advance in the real business, stated: -
"SIR,
"I am authorized by the Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company to
request you to proceed on their behalf to the Red River Settlement, for
the purpose of reporting to them on the state and condition of this
Settlement, the condition of the adjoining territory, the prospect of
settlement therein, and the possibility of commencing operations for an
electric telegraph line across the southern district of Rupert's Land.
"The Committee have full confidence in your discretion and judgment,
but they have deemed it right to associate with you in this inquiry
Governor Dallas, of the Red River Settlement, with whom they request
you to communicate at once.
"The Committee are aware that it is now so late in the season as to
preclude you from doing more than procure such information as may
enable them to commence fresh inquiries at the opening of next season.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your obedient Servant,
"EDMUND HEAD, Governor.
"EDWARD WATKIN, Esq."
I found soon after my arrival in Canada that Governor Dallas was coming
down from Red River, and would meet me at Montreal.
