"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,
"I hope and believe that the despatches in their final shape, as they went out to N. Columbia on Friday last, and to Canada on Saturday, were quite what you and the proposed 'N. W. Transit Company' would wish.
"I added words which (without dictation) will be understood as implying
'No Intercolonial, no Transit.'
"If you happen to be in this neighbourhood any day between 3 and 4.30, I shall be glad to see you, though I have nothing at all pressing to say.