My dear Sir,

I inclose for your information the copy of a Letter
that has been addressed by Mr. Batman to Colonel Arthur
when at Launceston to which place he paid a visit a few
days ago. Colonel Arthur seeing our preparations there to
take possession of Port Philip had several interviews
with Mr. Batman and the other Gentlemen concerned
when he approved of the Letter of which I now inclose a
copy – being addressed to him for the purpose of being
forwarded to General Bourke which he is to follow up
with a recommendation that a Military or Civil Officer
should be sent there by him – that if General Bourke did
not do so – Colonel Arthur will then take upon himself
to do so from this Colony – If this measure be adopted
it will be a recognition of our Claims by this Government
at all events and will prevent our being interfered with
by other parties, until the pleasure of the Home Government
is known.

The Memorandum that accompanies the Letter
contains our directions to Mr. Batman as to his proceedings
and shews you our proposed future Management of the
Natives.

Mr. Batman has sailed in the Norval
with the first party of Settlers & Stock. Mr. Fergusson
with our advanced guard consisting of himself – seven
Servants – 8 Working Bullocks, 6 Cows 1. Horse, - -
implements of Husbandry, Materials for erecting Huts
Hurdles for Sheep - Tents and Provisions with other ~
Supplies – and I hope about the 10th. proximo that our
first flock of 500 Maiden Ewes with a proportion of
Saxon Rams will follow him in the Adelaide Schooner
This Schooner of 100 Tons a new Vessel was purchased
here