February last as commissioners for carrying into effect the provisions of the Act of Parliament for colonising South Australia, have been approved by his Lordship. In reply I am directed to acquaint you, that under the present circumstances of the Government, Lord Aberdeen does not feel at liberty to proceed with the arrangements of the South Australian Company. I am directed to add, that it was not until the 4th instant that the decision of the Board of Treasury was received at this department, on the point of reference which it was thought necessary to make to that Board, in consequence of the question raised by your letter of the 13th of February, relative to the personal liability of the commissioners.
"R. W. Hay."
"April 10th.—Torrens has seen Edward "Wakefield, who has just returned from Lisbon. Wakefield says that he shall not in any way interfere in the business; that it is in Torrens' hands, who understands the matter, and that with him the management of the commission must rest.
"April 28th.—On my arrival in town to-day, I find that Torrens has been working at the matter of the colony during my absence. Hutt and he called on Charles Grant [the new Secretary], and urged him to appoint the commission at once. He replied he would lose no time about it, and seemed well disposed towards the colony. A letter has just arrived from the Colonial Office, which, when Torrens comes, may be found to decide the point. In the course of the afternoon, he came and gave the gratifying information that the commissioners were appointed.
"Sir,
" I have had under my consideration, the letter which jou addressed to the Earl of Aberdeen, under
