entirely to Brainston appears to entertain different opinion from Governor Kennedy, I am glad to find that your Lordship is willing to recommend that all doubts shall be set at rest by action of the local legislature.
With regard to the language of my Letter Commendatory of Bishop Burdon to the clergy, it was drawn up after careful consideration and consultation with my legal advisers, with the object of making it perfectly plain that, so far as the Ecclesiastical authorities in England were concerned, Bishop Burdon occupies identically the same position in reference to Clergy of the Church of England as his predecessor Bishop Alford.
The withdrawal of the Letters Patent must, I presume, be taken as throwing the Church of England in the Colony into the position of a voluntary Society: and it is of great importance for all members of that Society to know that the Ecclesiastical authorities at home will sanction no intrusion on the part of any other Bishop unto the Diocese which has been assigned to Bishop Burdon's supervision.
It is also thought that it may be important for the Courts that may be called upon to adjudicate in matters of property to know that no other person will be recognised as Bishop of the Church of England in Victoria.
Respecting the question of Bishop Burdon's right to officiate in the Cathedral, it certainly appears to me desirable that this should be settled by legislation - pending such legislation I would ask your Lordship to give effect to the request made by my letter of the 2nd February, directing all Colonial Chaplains in the Colony to recognize Bishop Burdon's Episcopal authority. I may mention that a direction to this effect has been given by the Admiralty with reference to Naval Chaplains on the China Station.
Thanking your Lordship for sending me a copy of the paper and begging leave to express my readiness to give any advice or information in my power.
I have the honor to be,
Y[ou]r Rt Hon[ourable]
other
Your Lordship's faithful Obedient Serv[ant]
The Earl of Carnarvon
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