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69 [inside a circle]
Halifax 13th December 1848
Sir,
We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th Inst. and immediately communicated the contents to the Spanish Vice Consul, and have the honor to enclose his reply in original.
We do not conceive ourselves called on to make any remarks on the Subject, but think it proper to state; that on its being mentioned to the Magistrates who adjusted the Salvage; that the Government intended under the circumstances to allow a Sum for the relief of the Crew. They awarded Sixty pounds in consequence more than they otherwise needed have done.
The Commissioners by no means wish to throw any obstacle in the way of the full amount asked for being paid to Mr. Creighton, but they would respectfully suggest, having due regard for the interest of the

[address at lower left]
The Honorable
Joseph Howe M.P.P.
Provincial Secretary

[written along side of page]
Bella Maria
Letter from Commrs of Sable Island