"MY DEAR SIR,

"I have received from Sir F. Rogers the draft print of your Bill, and
his remarks upon it.

"I still think it quite possible to meet your views respecting the
lower portion of the Athabasca territory; but the _mode_ of doing
it does not appear to me so simple or clear.

"I should much desire to consult the Land Commissioners before the
matter is settled; and I do not see that the delay of ten days or a
fortnight from this date could endanger the measure, for Lord Monck
wrote to me by last mail that the Parliament had as yet not begun
business.

"If you agree to this, I will send the papers and my remarks to the
Land Commissioners at once, and see you (after getting their report) on
Wednesday next, or any day after it, except Friday.

"Pray let me hear by return.

"Yours very sincerely,
"NEWCASTLE."



"DOWNING STREET,
"6 _May_, 1863.

"MY DEAR MR. WATKIN,