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FILE: 1858-01-02_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO01.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Earl of Clarendon your Letter of the
30th Ultimo, inclosing Copies of a Correspondence between the
Governor of Vancouver's Island and the Governor of Washington
Territory on the subject of the outrages committed on the
citizens of the United States by the native Indian Tribes, and I
am directed by His Lordship to request that you will inform Mr
Secretary Labouchere that he concurs with him in considering
that the conduct of Governor Douglas on the occasion in question
should be approved.



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FILE: 1858-01-06_Labouchere_to_Douglas_V587001.txt
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I have had under my consideration the Rules of practice for the
Supreme and Inferior Courts of Civil Justice of Vancouvers Island which
accompanied your despatch No 25 of the 28 of July last.

These Rules appear to me to require revision before they can be
submitted for Her Majesty's approval, & I therefore transmit the
following documents for the guidance of the Chief Justice.

1. A draft amendment of the Rules of practice of the Supreme Court

2. A draft of an Act to establish a Court of Summary
Jurisdiction

3. Amendments of Rules of practice for Inferior Courts.

The first of these drafts will, with the aid of the marginal notes,
sufficiently explain the objections taken to the Rules as framed by the
Chief Justice, & the amendments which I conceive to be required. The
object of the draft Act is to remedy a fundamental objection to which
the Rules for the Inferior Court are open.

The Supreme Court has authority over Inferior Courts, but it is not
itself such a Court (as is shown by the provision that its rules are to
analogous to those of the Superior Court at Westminster) not has it the
power to constitute an Inferior Court of Law which can only be done by
Legislative enactments. The Draft Act therefore remedies the objection
by adopting the English County Court Act, but it gives at the same time
a retrospective effect to the Rules as framed by the Chief Justice.

You will explain to the Chief Justice that these drafts are
intended to assist him in effecting legally the object he has in view,
but it is necessary that he should satisfy himself that they will have
that effect, and he will make such modifications as the practice a
circes of Vcouvers Island may require.



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FILE: 1858-01-08_Dawson_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586D01.txt
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Dawson to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th
Inst. Your statement that Vancouver's Island is already an
established colony is in itself sufficient guarantee for the
protection of person & property under British law.

But the interests which I have reason to take in the locality
will, I hope, induce you to pardon me if I trouble you with a
few more questions. My sons are settled in California as
landowners & carrying on general business, and their attention
has been turned to communication with Vancouver's Island, the
natural advantages of which are believed in California to be very great.
My son-in-law, a retired officer of the British army, of
some rank & standing, now settled with his family in Nova Scotia
has also had his attention drawn to Vancouver's Island as
affording great natural facilities to emigration & settlement.

I myself have not a single tie remaining in this country that I
care one atom about, & am not disinclined to join
my relatives in adventure to the [cut off microfilm] place—and
hence, my first enquiry in my letter addressed to Mr Labouchere
whether their might not be some ministerial or judicial
appointment vacant in which my knowledge and experience as a
lawyer & magistrate might be deemed useful. Having thus
premised what, I hope, will be sufficient to shew that my
questions are not idle ones, will you permit me 
to ask:

If any & what facilities are given to the investment of
British Capital in that Island?

What are the terms & conditions of sale or grant of land?

Is there freedom of trade in all natural & artificial
productions?

In short, are there any & what imperial or colonial
restrictions affecting private individuals who may be desirous
of taking an active part in the development of the resources of
this country?



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FILE: 1858-01-08_Labouchere_to_Douglas_V587002.txt
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No. 2

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 30 of the
13th of October enclosing copies of a correspondence with the Governor
of Washington Territory on the subject of the outrages committed on the
Citizens of the United States by the Native Indian Tribes, and I have to
approve your proceedings on this occasion.



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FILE: 1858-01-12_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO02.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before The Earl of Clarendon your letter of the 7th
Instant inclosing a copy of a Letter from the Hudsons Bay
Company inclosing the Draft of a Despatch which they propose to
address to the Governor of VanCouvers' Island on the subject of
the expected Emigration of the Mormons from the Territory of
Utah to Her Majesty's possessions in Oregon; 
and I am directed
by His Lordship to request that you will state to Mr Secretary Labouchere
 that he concurs in the terms of the proposed
despatch.

I am to add that it will be for Mr Labouchere to consider
whether in the event of the Mormons carrying out their supposed
intention, the Hudson's Bay Company should not be 
aided by Her
Majesty's Naval Forces in resisting the invasion.



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FILE: 1858-01-15_Easterby_to_Newcastle_V586E01.txt
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Easterby to Newcastle

Having failed in my efforts to reach your Grace's ear
through the medium of agents, I have resolved as a dernier resort
to address you personally, with the hope that should this letter
be received, it will meet with your favorable consideration.

My petition to your Grace regards Queen Charlotte's Island,
where in 1852 were discovered some gold quartz mines, for
permission to work which, I applied on behalf of myself and
partners to your Grace in 1853.

The grounds of our claim are the following. In 1852 having
heard that gold had been discovered in Q.C. Island and desiring
as Englishmen to invest our capital in British Territories we
purchased and fitted out a vessel with stores and provisions,
and sent her up to the Island with a mining crew on board;
there were however no diggings as in California, but our Captain
met there the Hudson Bay Company's Schooner "Recovery" whose crew
were 
working a quartz vein, in which they could find no gold,
and therefore soon abandoned. The mere existence of quartz, however,
induced Captain Rooney to investigate farther, and after a
diligent search he succeeded in discovering a blue quartz vein
with gold visible; it was for permission to work this blue vein
that I applied to your Grace. Captain Rooney left our mining
crew to work it, returning to San Francisco to inform us of the
discovery, and to obtain farther instructions. In his
absence the party were compelled to desist working by Captain Kuper of the "Amphitrite" [the
Thetis].
Captain Rooney finding this to be the case, on his return to the
Island took the men on board and proceeded in accordance with
our previous directions, round the north end of the Island to
visit a copper mine, of whose position we are alone cognisant;
in that vicinity he was surprised by natives, who seized, and
burnt the vessel, making himself and crew prisoners, whose ransom
we afterwards paid.

Conceiving that we had a just claim for indemnity I
visited in the Spring of 1853 and applied to your Grace
through Messrs Taylor and Sons for a lease of the mine.

This application was favorably considered, and at the
recommendation of your Grace, received, as I was informed, the
assent of H.M. Council's. After the names of myself and
Co. Lessees were submitted and approved, your Grace's secretary
Mr Blackwood informed me that the draft of the lease was
written, and I being anxious to cross the Isthmus of Panama
before the rainy season commenced in consequence of the illness
of one of my family, he courteously assured me that he would
forward the Patent as soon as it was engrossed.

Upon the faith of this assurance, I quitted , since
which time I have been unable to learn any grounds for the
refusal of H.M.'s Government to complete the execution of the
lease; except that the Governor of Vancouver had issued a
proclamation offering monthly licenses, which your Grace is aware
could not of course be available in Quartz mining where capital
must be invested.

Had we not supposed that our enterprise was legitimate and in
the absence of all objection worthy of encouragement, we would
not have ventured so much time and capital in its prosecution,
which has unfortunately resulted in such great loss to us.

The justice of our claim has been admitted by your Grace, and I
trust that the consideration thereof will procure for us some
indemnity; more especially, as to the loss incurred by our expenses
on the Island, and the seizure of the vessel amounting to £5000,
must be added 
subsequent expenses incurred on the faith of
promise made by H.M.'s Government to execute
 the lease, and withdrawn without error on our part.

I am aware that this is an unofficial mode of application, but
as one of my partners and those friends in who would
have interested themselves are dead, and as I am not in a position
to leave my business, I have ventured thus to address you; and
subscribe myself with much respect,



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FILE: 1858-01-18_Hammond_to_Merivale_V585FO02_A.txt
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Hammond to Merivale

In transmitting to you, to be laid before Mr Secretary Labouchere, the inclosed copies of correspondence with the War Department respecting the survey of the land portion of the Oregon Boundary, I am directed by the Earl of Clarendon to request that you will state to Mr Labouchere that His Lordship would be subject to him for the early communication of any observations or suggestions in regard to the instructions to be given to Captain Hawkins for the prosecution of the survey, as the instructions to that officer are now about to be drawn up.
Those instructions when reduced into shape will of course be communicated to Mr Labouchere for his concerrence; but, in the meanwhile, I am to request you to call his attention to the suggestion respecting Mr Palliser contained in the letter from the War Department, in which, as Mr Labouchere will perceive, Lord Clarendon concurs; and that you will move Mr Labouchere to give the necessary directions on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-01-21_Shepherd_to_Labouchere_V585MI01.txt
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Shepherd to Labouchere

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's
letter of yesterdays date, communicating the intention of Her
Majesty's Government in reference to Vancouver's Island Colony;
and in accordance with your request a Statement of the Sums for
which the Hudson's Bay Company may claim repayment according to
the terms of the Grant will be prepared and transmitted as soon
as possible.



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FILE: 1858-01-21_Shepherd_to_Labouchere_V585MI02_A.txt
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Shepherd to Labouchere

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of the 20th Instant, communicating the result of the consideration which Her Majesty’s Government had given to my letter of the 22nd December 1856, and adverting to the full attention paid to the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons which inquired last Session into the State of the British possessions under the administration of the Hudson’s Bay Company, detailing the conditions on which Her Majesty’s Government are prepared to advise Her Majesty to renew the existing License for a further term of twenty-one years, and informing me that if the Company should signify their willingness to consent to these proposals Her  Majesty's Government will proceed forthwith to submit them to the local Government of Canada for their consideration, and, in the event of their concurrence, will be prepared to take the necessary measures for carrying them into effect.

In reply I beg leave to state that after full consideration with my Colleagues in the Direction we shall be prepared to recommend to our Proprietary body,
1st To agree to the reservation, as in the present License, of any Territories which may be formed by Her Majesty’s Government into Colonies.
2nd To agree to the proposed exception of Vancouver’s Island from the License, and upon this subject we beg to refer you to the answer to the communication which you have forwarded to us, conveying the views of Her Majesty’s Government in relation thereto.
3rd We concur on your suggestion that in the event of the Government of Canada declining to be a party to the proposed reference of the Boundary question to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council upon the footing which Her Majesty’s Government are prepared to recommend, and which this Company has already expressed their willingness to adopt, the objects recommended by the Committee of the House of Commons may be attained by another course, the detailed arrangements of which should be carried out under the supervision of three Commissioners, one to be appointed by the Crown, one by the Canadian Government, and one by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

I trust that the ready acquiescence of the Hudson’s Bay Company on the plan proposed for meeting the requirements of the Canadian Government will be accepted as an earnest of their desire to be on terms of harmony and friendship with their Countrymen in Canada.

4th In communicating this assent on the part of the Hudson’s Bay Company, it is, however, right to notice that the Territories mentioned as those that may probably be first desired by the Government of Canada, namely, the Red River & Saskatchewan Districts, are not only valuable to the Hudson’s Bay Company as stations for carrying on the Fur Trade, but that they are also of peculiar value to the Company as being the only source from which the Company’s annual stock of provisions is drawn, particularly the staple article of Pemmican, a regular supply of which is absolutely necessary to enable the Officers of the Company to transport their goods to the numerous inland and distant stations, and to feed and maintain the people, both European and Indian, stationed thereat. It  s proper therefore that I should draw your attention to the fact that the ultimate loss of these districts will most probably involve the Hudson’s Bay Company in very serious difficulties, and cause a great increase of expense in conducting their trade. The Company assumes that the Canadian Government will be responsible for the preservation of peace and maintenance of law and order in all the territories ceded to them, and that they will prevent lawless and dishonest adventurers from infringing from thence the rights of the Company over the remaining portions of their territories.
5th With respect to the 11th paragraph of your letter, in which it is proposed that “Her Majesty’s Government should be authorized at any time to grant licenses or leases, or in some other manner which may be arranged by mutual consent, to place parties engaging to prosecute mining operations or fisheries in possession of the land required in any portion of our territory for the purpose, any territorial rights of the Company notwithstanding” – assuming that the principles statted in the 9th paragraph, as applicable to cessions to Canada, apply equably to any cessions which may take place in virtue of this 11th Clause, I beg to state that we shall be prepared to recommend our Shareholders to concur in this proposal.
6th In conclusion allow me to refer to the sentiments expressed in the fifth and last paragraphs of my letter of the 18th July last, as explanatory of the continued views of myself and colleagues. We are willing to enter upon a new tenure of our engagements under the renewed License upon being assured of the Support of Her Majesty’s Government and of the cordial co-operation of the neighbouring Government of Canada in maintaining tranquillity and order among the Indian Tribes, and protecting the frontiers of the whole adjacent British Territories from foreign encroachment.

The interests of the Hudson’s Bay company, we are convinced, are closely united with the real prosperity of Canada, and we trust that the humane and beneficent objects of Her Majesty’s Government will prosper under our united exertions.



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FILE: 1858-01-21_Smith_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V585MI02.txt
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Smith to Under-Secretary of State

By direction of the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of the 12th Instant, with the accompanying
copy of [a] letter from Mr G.P. Dawson, and I am to state that, in
accordance with Mr Secretary Labouchere's request, that
Gentleman has been furnished with the information which he
requires in reference to the Colony of Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1858-01-22_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58001.txt
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No. 1

1. With reference to the Proclamation and regulations legalizing the
search for Gold in the Districts of Fraser's River and Thompson's River,
transmitted with my Despatch No 35, of the 29th of December last, I
have now the honor to communicate for your information, that we have
since that date raised the Licence Fee, from ten shillings to Twenty one
shillings a month, payable in advance, which is the present charge for
Gold Licences.

2. We were induced to make that change through a desire to place a
larger amount of revenue at the disposal of Government, to meet the
expense of giving protection to life and property in those countries,
and, at the same time, from a well founded conviction that persons really
bent upon visiting the Gold Districts, will as readily pay the increased
as the lower rate of charge.



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FILE: 1858-01-22_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58003.txt
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No. 3

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 14 of the 6th of November last in reply to my letter of the
28th of July, in which I requested your instructions as to the
amount and payment of the Salary to be assigned to Mr Cameron
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of 
Vancouver's Island,
and I observe that you have referred the question to the
Hudson's Bay Company, with whom it appears the decision rests.

2. As Mr Cameron received his appointment from Her Majesty's
Government, and as it is obviously conducive to the best
interests of the Colony, and to his efficiency as Judge, that he
should be placed in a perfectly respectable and independent
position as to the emoluments of his office, may I request the
support of Her Majesty's Government, in favor of any measures,
having that object in view, which may be hereafter proposed by
the Hudson's Bay Company.



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FILE: 1858-01-23_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58002.txt
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No. 2

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-01-23_Labouchere_to_Douglas_V587003.txt
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No. 3

I have to inform you that the Queen has appointed Captain Hawkins
as Chief Commissioner with a party of scientific and other Officers
under him to be employed in laying down the Boundary under the Treaty of
Washington between the British Possessions and the United States, and
that these Officers will proceed to Vancouver's Island as soon as the
necessary arrangements can be made for their departure from this
Country. I have therefore to request that you will afford them every
facility in your power in the execution of the duties with which they
are charged.



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FILE: 1858-01-23_Shepherd_to_Labouchere_V585MI03.txt
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Shepherd to Labouchere

I have the honour to enclose for your information, copy of a
letter lately received from Governor Douglas, dated Victoria,
Vancouver's Island, 30th October 1857, which gives a
satisfactory account of the progress of the Colony during the
past year.

I also enclose copy of the Report of the Survey of exploration
through the Cowegin Valley to the West Coast of Vancouver's
Island under the direction of Mr Pemberton, the Colonial
Surveyor referred to in Mr Douglas's letter.



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FILE: 1858-01-27_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO03.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Earl of Clarendon your Letter of the
22nd instant inclosing the Draft of a Despatch which Mr Secretary Labouchere proposed to address to the Governor of
Vancouver's Island instructing him as to the course to be
pursued in the event of an immigration of the Mormons from the
Territory of Utah into British Territory on the North West 
Coast of America; and I am directed by His Lordship to request
that you will inform Mr Labouchere that he concurs in the terms
of the proposed despatch to Governor Douglas.



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FILE: 1858-01-30_Bere_to_Merivale_V586BM01.txt
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Bere to Merivale

I do not know whether you are still in want of information about the Conventions alluded to in the license trade of 1838. I believe the enclosed paper is a complete list of all those that have to do with the matter.

Convention of Commerce still exists, and under it the subjects of the United States would have liberty to trade in the chartered territory of the Company, unless prevented by the terms of the charter, and in the licensed territory, unless prohibited by the grant of monopoly given by the license. The contemporaneous conventions relating to the North West Coast concern Oregon and the disputed boundary. As long as the disputes about this country were unsettled both nations had liberty to trade therein, and the power to the American citizen to trade is expressly preserved in the first license. In the second license the same ?ress was not required, as the convention might be terminated at any period by notice, and was practically annulled by the Boundary treaty of 1846, negotiations for the settlement of which were being carried on at the time of the granting of the 2nd license between the country and the States.



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FILE: 1858-02-01_Labouchere_to_Douglas_V587004.txt
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No. 4

The Governor and Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company have
communicated to me the draft of a letter which they propose to address
to you as Agent for the Company, instructing you as to the course which
ought to be taken in the event of an immigration of the Mormons from the
Territory of Utah into British Territory on the North West Coast of
America.

Her Majesty's Government have expressed to the Governor and
Directors their concurrence in the instructions conveyed in that
Despatch. But although it is possible that the apprehended immigration
may not take place they are of opinion that you should be furnished as
an Officer of the Crown with a more distinct impression of their own
views on the subject.

Many of these Mormons are British Subjects by birth, although they
may by their own act have rendered themselves for some time past
subjects to obligations of Citizenship towards another power. Others
are Citizens of a friendly republic: and although they may (from public
information) be regarded as rebels flying from legitimate authority,
there is no reason, on this account, why they should be subjected to
different treatment from other political exiles.

Should they apply for admission to occupy any portion of the North
Western Territory peacefully and as a community or in scattered
communities: you will remember that the soil of this territory belongs
to the Crown subject only to such rights as may be recognized in the
Indian Tribes (who are not authorized to part with the soil without
permission of the Crown) and to the trading rights of the Company.

Her Majesty's Government are not prepared at present to exercise
the right reserved to them in the Company's license of forming a Colony
in these parts. Least of all would they exercise that right in favour
of refugees who have defied both the Authorities of their Country and
the usage of Christian and Civilized life.

No rights of occupation whatever are therefore to be granted to
them.

If however Individuals or families, flying from Utah, should
peacefully apply for admission into Vancouver's Island, the case is
different. Much must be left to your discretion, and to that of your
advisors in the Colony. Of course no parties must be allowed to use the
British Territory as a refuge from which they are to engage in acts of
aggression against the Government of the United States. The acquisition
of land for purposes of settlement under the ordinary rules (and subject
of course to the law of the Island as to naturalization) is not in the
view of Her Majesty's Government to be refused, merely because the
parties applying have been members of that territorial community against
which the arms of the United States Government are now directed. But
this can only take place on the supposition that such immigrants submit
themselves entirely to the laws of England, as retained in the Colonial
community over which you preside.

Polygamy is not tolerated by those laws: and if any attempt should
be made to continue the disgraceful scandals of that system, I rely on
the good will of the Legislature and authorities to devise means by
which such abuses may be effectually suppressed.



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FILE: 1858-02-15_Leonard_to_Secretary_of_State_V586L02.txt
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Leonard to Secretary of State

I have the honour to request you will be pleased to inform
me whether you will extend "the remission of purchase money of
land to Naval and Military Officers" to the Colony of
Vancouver's Island as I am desirous of emigrating there with a
numerous grown up family, and know from actual experience of the
Colony that without that assistance from Government it would be
impossible to succeed as a settler without a large capital.

I have to apologize for having trespassed on your time but
it is a matter of the greatest importance to me, and I have no
other means of obtaining the information.



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FILE: 1858-02-16_Smith_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V585MI04.txt
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Smith to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivales' letter of the 2nd
Instant, transmitting the copy of a Despatch addressed to the
Governor of Vancouver's Island on the 1st Instant, in reference
to the expected Migration of the Mormons from Utah to the
British Territory on the North West Coast of America, and I am
to express the thanks of the Directors of the Company for this
communication.



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FILE: 1858-02-19_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO04.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Clarendon to transmit to you
herewith, to be laid before Mr Secretary Labouchere, a Despatch
in original from Captain Prevost reporting the result of his
communications with the American Commissioner on the subject of
the Boundary Line between the Continent and VanCouver's Island.
Mr Labouchere will see that the Commissioners have failed to
come to an agreement, and that it remains for the Government of
Her Majesty and that of the United States to rendezvous to come
to some direct understanding between themselves on the subject.

Lord Clarendon would be glad to be made acquainted with Mr Labouchere's opinion on Captain Prevost's Report and on the
course to be pursued in the present state of the matter, and His
Lordship will then Communicate with the Board of Admiralty on
the subject.



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FILE: 1858-02-24_Shepherd_to_Labouchere_V585MI05.txt
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Shepherd to Labouchere

In accordance with the request expressed in Mr Merivale's
letter of the 20th Ultimo,

that the Directors of the Hudson's
Bay Company will at their earliest convenience furnish Her
Majesty's Government with a Statement of the Sums for which they
may claim repayment as laid out and expended by them in and upon
Vancouver's Island and premises, and of the value of their
establishments, property and effects thereon, according to the
terms of the grant,

I have the honor to transmit the accompanying accounts, in
continuation of those forwarded on the 16th September 1856,
shewing the amount to be reimbursed to the Company by Her
Majesty's Government on the transfer of Vancouver's Island, so
far as can be ascertained at the present time.



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FILE: 1858-02-27_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58004.txt
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No. 4

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-02-27_Smith_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585MI06.txt
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Memo, Smith to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Mr Smith presents his compliments to Mr Merivale, and begs to
state with reference to his letter of the 25th Instant, on the
subject of Captain Leonard's application for a free grant of
land on Vancouver's Island, that the copy of the reply made to
that gentleman, and referred to by Mr Merivale, has not been
received with the other Enclosure.



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FILE: 1858-03-03_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58005.txt
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No. 5

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-03-03_Smith_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V585MI07.txt
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Smith to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of
the 25th Instant, transmitting for the information of the
Company a copy of a correspondence with Captain Leonard on the
subject of the extension to Vancouver's Island of the
regulations in respect to the acquisition of land by military
and Naval officers, and I am to acquaint you in reply that a
communication has been made to Captain Leonard to the effect
that the Hudson's Bay Company's tenure of Vancouver's Island
will expire next year, and that they are not in a position to
grant the privilege requested.



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FILE: 1858-03-03_Smith_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V585MI07_B.txt
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Smith to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson’s Bay Company to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale’s letter of the 25th Instant transmitting for the information of the Company a copy of a Despatch from H M Minister at Washington relative to the rumoured intention of the Mormons to emigrate to the Company’s Territory.

In expressing the thanks of the Directors of the Hudson’s Bay Company for the communication I am instructed to forward for the information of Lord Stanley the accompanying Extract of a letter bearing upon this subject  recently received from Sir George Simpson.



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FILE: 1858-03-04_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58006.txt
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No. 6

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch marked
"Confidential" of the 19th November 1857, pointing out the
usual and proper uses to which the Public Seal of the Colony
should be applied, and I have to assure you in reply, that the
usage in this Colony will be hereafter regulated by those
instructions.



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FILE: 1858-03-05_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58007.txt
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No. 7

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr
Merivale's letter of the 24th December
last,

informing me that the letter from the War Department, respecting the
Boundary commissionaccommodation for
despatch of the party for exploring the line on the 49th parallel of
latitude, between the British and American
possessions

was written from unavoidable circumstances, too late for communication to
the Colonial Office, in the ordinary manner, and that it should be
regarded as addressed to me, with your concurrence.

2. Your instructions in respect to the objects contemplated
in that letter shall be implicitly attended to, and I will take
measures at an early day, to provide accommodations for the party
on Vancouver's Island, as suggested by Lord
Panmure,
and otherwise to advise the Chief Commissioner regarding the best method
of carrying out the instructions of Her Majesty's Government, so far
as respects the means of transport for his provisions and stores,
and the obtaining of local labor.

3. There being a great scarcity of laborers in this country
Labourscarcity of
LabourIndiansneed for
at present, and wages consequently running very high; Mechanics
refusing employment at any thing under 12/6, and common laborers 5/-
a day, besides their food; it being moreover not improbable that
the demand for so many additional hands, as will be required in
exploring the Boundary Line may have the effect of raising the
present rate of labor; I would therefore suggest for your consideration
Boundary commissionincrease in numbers requested
whether it would not be advisable in those circumstances to send
out a greater number of men from England, than the 30 non-Commissioned
Officers and men, mentioned in Mr Hawes' letter.

4. By pursuing that course there would not be so great a drain
of labor from this Colony; wages would be kept within reasonable
bounds, and what is of far more importance to the public service,
the Chief Commissioner would be in a measure independent of local
labor, and enabled to carry out the views of Her Majesty's Government
in respect to the Boundary Line with such aid, chiefly native Indians,
as can at all times be procured in this Colony.

5. I would not advise the exclusive employment of Indian labor
Indianlabourneed for
in tracing the boundary line; but I think with a body of 60 white
men as a nucleus, and for the purpose of maintaining a proper
supervision and control, we could under any probable circumstances,
by the employment of Indian labourers, even in the event of the not
unlikely contingency of the whole floating white population of
Vancouver's Island, leaving the Colony for the gold mines, make up
a party of the requisite force to complete the boundary Survey.



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FILE: 1858-03-06_Maclachlan_to_Colonial_Office_B586M01.txt
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Maclachlan to Colonial Office

I have great pleasure in expressing my opinion of the manner in
Maclauchlan, Maj. Gen. A.
OReilly,Peter testimonialsfor
which Mr Peter O'Reilly discharged his duties as an officer in the
Revenue Police for a period of seven years and nine months.

He always maintained an exemplary character as an Officer and a
Gentleman, and by attention to his various duties gave general
satisfaction.



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FILE: 1858-03-08_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58007PR.txt
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Private

I owe you many thanks for your obliging note of the 2nd of
December, respecting the "Ordinances" laid before the Assembly,
on the 27th of May last, of which I omitted to forward copies
at the time to the Secretary of State. The cause which led to
that omission was the recollection that copies of all those
Documents had been forwarded with the Minutes as they were
passed and approved by the Council, and 
it therefore did not
occur to me when transmitting my correspondence with the
Assembly, that other copies of those ordinances would be wanted.

I now perceive the mistake we committed and will send with this
packet the required documents.



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FILE: 1858-03-10_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58008.txt
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No. 8

1. I have the honor of transmitting for your information copies
of several Ordinances and other Documents which were laid before
the House of Assembly on the 27th of May in pursuance of an
address from that body, and which ought to have been forwarded
with my Despatch No 20 of the 30th of June last; my reason for
not forwarding them at that time, being an impression that they
were not required, as copies of all those papers had been
previously transmitted with the Minutes, as they passed and were
approved of by the Council.

2. I beg also to communicate for your information that the Act
which passed the Assembly on the 1st of June last to
"Enfranchise the Town of Victoria", has not yet received the
assent of Council, and will probably undergo some alteration
before it passes into a Law.

3. I have also the honor of transmitting herewith a copy of my
correspondence with the House of Assembly up to the 19th day of
December last inclusive. The report of the Committee of enquiry
into the state of the Public 
Schools will be forwarded by the
next mail, as for want of clerical assistance it cannot be
copied in time for the present conveyance.

4. The Assembly have not met for the despatch of public
business since Christmas and I have therefore nothing further of
any importance to report on this occasion respecting the
proceedings of that body.



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FILE: 1858-03-10_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO05.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of the 25th ultimo, I am directed
by The Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you herewith, to be
laid before Lord Stanley, a Copy of a Despatch from Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington reporting what passed between
him and the United States' Secretary of State relative to the
payment of a sum of money advanced 
by the Governor of
Vancouver's Island to the Governor of Washington territory for
the purpose of prosecuting hostilities against the Indian Tribes.



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FILE: 1858-03-10_Read_to_Stanley_V586R01.txt
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Read to Stanley

It having been announced as the intention of your Lordships
predecessor, to cause an Ethnological Survey of Vancouvers
Island to be made, I am desirous of ascertaining whether or not
your Lordship has determined upon proceeding with the same; as
in the event of the 
appointments not being already made I purpose
submitting to your Lordship my claims for an Engagement thereon.

I am not aware whether the appointments will be made direct from
your Lordship, or mediately through the instrumentality of the
Royal Geographical Society, and I shall feel greatly obliged by
receiving such information as will enable me to forward my
application through the proper Channel.



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FILE: 1858-03-11_Shepherd_to_Stanley_V585MI08.txt
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Shepherd to Stanley

I have the honour to inform your Lordship that a letter has been
lately received from Governor Douglas dated Victoria,
Vancouver's Island January 4th 1858 enclosing Copy of a
Proclamation, and other documents relative to the discoveries of
gold in the District of Thompson's River; but as Governor Douglas mentions that he has written a Despatch on this subject
direct to the Colonial office, I do not consider it necessary to
trouble Your Lordship with copies of these documents.

The auriferous district referred to is not included within the
limits of Governor Douglas's jurisdiction, and it is possible that
his 
regulations may be disregarded; I shall therefore be glad
to learn what course Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue,
and at the same time take leave to assure Your Lordship that the
Hudson's Bay Company will cordially co-operate with Her Majesty's
Government in carrying out any regulations which may be
established with a view to the preservation of good order in the
gold mining districts.



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FILE: 1858-03-15_Labouchere_to_Douglas_V587005.txt
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No. 5

I have to acknowledge your Despatch
No 33 of the 7th December and I
transmit for your information the copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's
Minister at Washington reporting what had passed between him and the
United States Secretary of State relative to the payment of the money
advanced by you to the Governor of Washington Territory for the purpose
of prosecuting hostilities against Indian Tribes.



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FILE: 1858-03-18_Shaw_to_Merivale_V585MI07_A.txt
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Shaw to Merivale

With reference to your communication of the 10th Febr[uar]y ulto., I am directed by the President and Council to transmit, through you, for Lord Stanley, a copy of a letter on the subject of the North American Exploring Expeditions, addressed by the President of this Society to the Foreign Office.



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FILE: 1858-03-18_Shepherd_to_Stanley_V585MI09.txt
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Shepherd to Stanley

With reference to the previous correspondence with Mr Secretary Labouchere on the subject of the murder of Colonel Ebey, a
citizen of the United States at Whidbey's Island, Washington
Territory, I have now the honor to enclose, for your Lordship's
information, an Extract of a letter lately received from Governor Douglas, dated Victoria, Vancouver's Island, 14th January 1858,
by which your Lordship will perceive that Governor Douglas
reports that this murder was committed by some natives of the
Russian Territory on the North West Coast of America.



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FILE: 1858-03-22_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AD01.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit to you the Enclosed Copies of Correspondence between
the Governor of VanCouver's Island & the Senior Naval Officer on
the Station, relative to the recent Sale of Thetis Island in
Esquimalt Harbour to a private Individual. And as it appears
that this Island has 
always been looked upon as Naval property,
and has been invaluable for Naval purposes; I am to request that
you will move Lord Stanley to Endeavour to recover it for the
use of Her Majesty's Ships.



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FILE: 1858-03-23_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58009.txt
================================================================================

No. 9

I have the honor of transmitting herewith, "The report of the
committee of enquiry into the state of the Public Schools" of
Vancouver's Island, which should have accompanied my Despatch
No 8 of the 10th of Instant,

*

but could not be got ready in
time for that conveyance.



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FILE: 1858-03-28_Stanley_to_Douglas_V587101.txt
================================================================================

1

I transmit to you a copy of a letter which I have received from the
Secretary to the Admiralty touching the sale of Thetis Island in
Esquimault Harbour, and of the answer which I have caused to be returned
to it. It appears from the correspondence that you have been anxious to
further the views of the Naval Authorities as far as lay in your power;
and I hope that this can be effected, consistently with what is due to
the purchaser of the Island.



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FILE: 1858-04-03_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58010.txt
================================================================================

No. 10

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-04-05_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58011.txt
================================================================================

No. 11, Judicial

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No
1 of the 6th of January last suggesting the revision of the
Rules of Practice for the Supreme and Inferior Courts of Civil
Justice of Vancouver's Island, which I had the honor of
forwarding on the 28th of July last, and transmitting the
following documents for the guidance of the Chief Justice in
carrying those instructions into effect

1—A draft amendment of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme
Court

2—A draft of an Act to establish a Court of Summary
jurisdiction

3—Amendments of Rules of Practice for Inferior Courts

I have to communicate in reply that copies of those Drafts and
of the elucidatory remarks together with Extracts from your
Despatch respecting the required amendments have been
transmitted to Chief Justice Cameron, with a request that he
will give the subject his early attention.



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FILE: 1858-04-05_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58012.txt
================================================================================

No. 12

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.
*



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FILE: 1858-04-05_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58013.txt
================================================================================

No. 13

I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your Despatch
No 3 of the 23rd of January last announcing the appointment by
the Queen of Captain Hawkins as Chief Commissioner, with a party
of Officers under him to be employed in laying down the Boundary
under the Treaty of Washington between the British Possessions
and the United States and that those Officers were to proceed 
to
Vancouver's Island, as soon as the necessary arrangements could
be made for their departure from England.

You also request me to afford them every facility in my power,
in the execution of the duties with which they are charged, and
I beg to assure you in reply that those instructions will meet
with my best attention.



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FILE: 1858-04-06_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58014.txt
================================================================================

No. 14

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 4 of the 1st of February last, referring to the draft of a
letter from the Governor and Directors of the Hudson's Bay
Company, which I have since received, and further containing the
instructions of Her Majesty's Government, as to the course which
is to be taken in the event of an immigration of the Mormons
from 
the territory of Utah into British Territory on the north
west coast of America.

2. I am glad that Her Majesty's Government have favoured me,
with the clear and distinct expression of their views, on the
subject, contained in that Despatch; which at once generously
grants, within the Colony of Vancouver's Island, a refuge for
political exiles, provided they yield obedience to the Laws, and
avoid public scandals, and lead quiet and honest lives; but at
the same time, for cogent reasons of public policy, explicitly
forbids, under all circumstances, the grant of any rights of
occupation whatever, to any Mormons, who may apply for admission
to occupy any portion of the North Western Territory.

3. In consequence of 
that communication from Her Majesty's
Government we have been watching the progress of the political
movements in Utah with the closest attention; but we have not as
yet received intimation of the approach of any body of Mormons
to any part of Her Majesty's Dominions on this coast; neither is
it probable that they will ever succeed in reaching Vancouver's
Island by the exceedingly difficult and expensive overland route
from Utah.

4. They may, however, be attracted, by the reputed auriferous
wealth, and decided beauty of the fertile valleys of Thompson's
River,

and attempt to form settlements in that country which is within
one month's easy march of Utah, through an open country
presenting no obstacles of route, which those 
enterprising
fanatics could not surmount.

5. In case however of any such visitation I shall not fail to
give full effect to the instructions contained in your Despatch
and in case of need I will apply to Her Majesty's Government for
advice and assistance.



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FILE: 1858-04-06_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58015.txt
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No. 15

1. Since I had last the honor of addressing you in my Despatch
Gold fieldsconditions in
No 35 of the 29th of December last,

in reference to the discovery of gold, in the
Couteau

or Thompson's River District, we have had much communication with
persons, who have since visited that part of the country.

2. The search for gold and "prospecting" of the country, had up
Indiansas gold miners
Indianshostility to miners
to the last dates from the interior 
been carried on almost exclusively by
the native Indian population,

who have discovered the productive beds, and put out almost all the gold,
about eight hundred ounces, which has been hitherto exported from the
country; and who are moreover extremely jealous of the whites
and strongly opposed to their digging the soil for gold.

3. The few white men who passed the winter at the diggings,
chiefly retired Servants of the Hudson's Bay Company, though
well acquainted with Indian character, were obstructed by the
natives, in all their attempts to search for gold. They were on
all occasions narrowly watched and in every instance, when they
did succeed in removing the surface and 
excavating to the depth
of the auriferous stratum, they were quietly hustled and crowded
by the natives, who having, by that means, obtained possession
of the spot, then proceeded to reap the fruits of their labors.

4. Such conduct was
unwarrantable

and exceedingly trying to the temper of spirited men, but the savages
were far too numerous for resistance, and they had to submit to their
dictation. It is however worthy of remark and a circumstance highly
honorable to the character of those savages that they have on all
occasions scrupulously respected the persons and property of their
white visitors, at the same time that they have expressed a
determination to reserve the gold for their own benefit.

5. Such being the purpose of the Natives; affrays and collisions
with the whites will surely follow the accession of numbers, which the
latter are now receiving by the influx of adventurers from Vancouver's
Island and the United States Territories in Oregon, and there is no doubt
in my mind that sooner or later the intervention of Her Majesty's
Government will be required to restore and maintain the peace; up to the
Indiansas gold miners
Indianshostility to miners
present time however, the country continues quiet; but simply I believe
because the whites have not attempted to resist the impositions of the
natives. I will however make it a part of my duty to keep you well
informed in respect to the state of the gold country.

6. The extent of the gold 
region is yet but imperfectly known,
and I have therefore not arrived at any decided opinion as to its
ultimate value as a gold producing country. The boundaries of the gold
district have been however greatly extended since my former report.

7. In addition to the diggings before known on Thompson's River
and its tributary streams, a valuable deposit has been recently found by
the natives on a bank of Fraser's River about 5 miles beyond its
confluence with the Thompson, and gold in small quantities has been found
in the possession of the natives as far as the Great Falls of Fraser's
River,

about eighty miles above the Forks. The small quantity of gold hitherto
produced 
about eight hundred ounces by the large native population of
the country is however unaccountable in a rich gold producing country,
unless we assume that the want of skill, industry, and proper mining
tools, on the part of the natives, sufficiently account for the fact.
Indiansas gold miners
Indianshostility to miners

8. On the contrary the vein rocks and its other geological
features as described by an experienced gold miner encourage the
belief that the country is highly auriferous.

9. The Miner in question clearly described the older slate
formations thrown up and pierced by beds of quartz, granite,
porphery,

and other igneous rocks; the vast accumulations of sand, gravel and
shingle, extending from 
the roots of the mountains to the banks of
Fraser's River and its affluents; which are peculiar characteristics of
the gold districts of California and other countries. We therefore hope
and are preparing for a rich harvest of trade which will greatly redound
to the advantage of this Colony.

10. I have further to communicate for your information that the
Proclamation

Proclamationasserting rights of crown to gold
Mininglicenses required
issued by me asserting the rights of the Crown to all gold in its natural
place of deposit, and forbidding all persons to dig for gold without a
licence have been published in the Newspapers of Oregon and Washington
Territories, and that notwithstanding some seventy or eighty adventurers
from the American side have gone by the way of Fraser's River to the
Couteau mines, without taking out Licences.

11. I did not, as I might have done, attempt to enforce those
Law enforcementneed for
ShipsSatellite
rights by means of a detachment of Seamen and Marines, from the
"Satellite",

without being assured that such a proceeding would meet with the approval
of Her Majesty's Government; but the moment your instructions on the
subject are received, I will take measures to carry them into effect.

12. There being only two practicable routes, from the sea coast to
Gold fieldsroutes to
the Couteau Mines; those could be guarded at little expense, and the
country rendered as secure from foreign intrusion, as the fabled garden
of the Hesperides.



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FILE: 1858-04-10_Shepherd_to_Stanley_V585MI10.txt
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Shepherd to Stanley

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's
Letter, dated Downing Street, 31st March 1858, transmitting a
copy of a letter from the Secretary to the Admiralty respecting
the sale to a private individual of certain property which had
been used by the Naval Authorities, and also copies of your
Lordship's reply thereto and of a Despatch which your Lordship
has addressed to Governor Douglas upon the subject.

In reply I beg to express my regret that the Colonial Surveyor,
Mr Pemberton, should have taken upon himself to dispose of the
small Island in question, without consulting Governor Douglas.
Had he done so I have no doubt that the sale would not have 
been
effected, in as much as in consequence of a communication
received from the Right Honourable Henry Labouchere, then Secretary
of State for the Colonies, under date the 14th Novemr 1855,
instructions were sent by the Hudson's Bay Company to Governor Douglas, on the 10th December of that year, to make no sales of
land in the vicinity of Esquimalt Harbour.

Under these circumstances I beg to state for your Lordship's
information that the Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company will
decline to complete the Sale, and the Island in question will be
reserved for the use of the Naval authorities.



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FILE: 1858-04-12_Litchfield_to_Stanley_V586L03.txt
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Litchfield to Stanley

As an an old Elector of South Lancaster—a resident of
[Walton?] near [Kingston?], and as one who knew the late
excellent Earl of Derby, I hope I may be pardoned for
addressing your Lordship.

I have for a long period of years taken a deep interest in
the reformatory movements of the age, as many of the

eminent friends with whom you have acted at home will
testify, and feel extremely anxious if the Colonization under
the Imperial Government of Vancouvers Island or the Red River
Territory  should take place to be allowed to transfer my
services there.

I have for three years filled the office of Medical
Superintendent of Criminal Insane
in connection with the Provincial Penitentiary, and also held
the Professorship of Forensic and State Medicine in the
University of Queen's College in this city.

If the colonization of new territory in British North America
should take place and the appointment of a Stipendiary
Magistrate, or Protector of [illegible] or of a gentleman to
undertake both duties, should be decided upon [and] your
Lordship should be pleased [on] persual of my papers to think me
qualified for Service in the new territory, I should feel very
grateful for the preference.

I take the liberty of enclosing old printed papers in reference
to the pursuits with which I have been occupied and also an M.S.
copy of a memorial recently addressed to H.E. Sir Edmund Head
recommending me as one of a Commission about to be organized to
superintend and [erect?]

the Penal and Reformatory institutions of Canada.

I believe I may add that any nomination in reference to the
Aborig[ines] 
would be very acceptable to the
philanthropic men, who recently had an interview with you as
representing the Aborigines Protection Society.

I have a great desire to take service in the new territory, if
it should be hereafter organized and would cheerfully resign any
prospects I have in Canada and the advantages and comforts of
her civilization, if there is any post in which your Lordship
should think my services available, beyond the present limits of
Canadian territory.

Before entering upon my present charge I edited the "Montreal
Pilot" previously in the editorial charge of Mr Hincks now
Governor of [BW Indies?].
I have kept up my connection with the press from a period when
the previous Lord Stanley (of [Brikenstaffe?] was Colonial
Minister, and whether in England or in the Colonies, have always
done the little I could, to sustain and strengthen the hands of
those who labored so wisely and so well for the public good.

I trust my Lord, this may be a sufficient apology for addressing
you from Canada. I recollect your coming of age in [Larenition?]
and the high hopes, which much to [cut off microfilm] and which
have been so well [borne?] out and I have not hesitated
with Canadian presses to which I have access, to endeavour to do
justice [to] your character, and gain [confidence?]

to your Administration. I have taken the liberty of forwarding
some Canadian papers, and am with most [illegible] respect,



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FILE: 1858-04-17_Smith_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585MI11.txt
================================================================================

Smith to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th
Ultimo, transmitting, by direction of Lord Stanley, a copy of a
Despatch from the Governor of Vancouver's Island, and stating
that his Lordship would be glad to be informed whether the
Governor and Committee had made any proposal to Governor Douglas
in reference to the Salary to be paid to Mr Cameron as Chief
Justice of that Island.

In reply I am directed to forward herewith an Extract of a
letter addressed by the Company to Governor Douglas upon this
subject on the 20th November last.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-04-19_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58016.txt
================================================================================

No. 16

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.
*



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FILE: 1858-04-19_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58017.txt
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No. 17

In obedience to the instructions contained in your Circular
Despatch of the 29th of January last, I have the honor to make
herewith the Return, filled up with the particulars of
information relating to the Maps and plans of Vancouver's
Island, as desired by Lord Panmuir [Panmure], and explained in
the accompanying letter from the War Office.



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FILE: 1858-04-19_Murdoch_and_Rogers_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585LN01.txt
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Murdoch and Rogers to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We have to acknowledge your letter of the 11th ultimo,
enclosing accounts furnished by the Hudsons Bay Company of sums
expended by them in and upon VanCouvers Island, and desiring us
to examine these Accounts and furnish a report for Lord Stanley's information. These accounts are furnished with a view
to the resumption of Vancouvers 
Island by H.M. Government under
the stipulation inserted for that purpose in the Deed of Grant
to the Company of 13th of January 1849. Our Report has been
somewhat delayed by the necessity of personal communication with
a Member of the Hudson's Bay Company.

2. The stipulation in the Deed of grant above referred to was
to the effect that the Crown should on resumption of the Island
make payment to the Governor and Company

of the sum or sums of
Money theretofore laid 
out and expended by them in and upon the
said Island and premises and of the value of their
establishments property and effects then being thereupon.

Taking these words in their most extensive sense the Hudsons Bay
Company have furnished accounts of the whole of their
expenditure upon the Island, and of the estimated value of all
their trading and other Establishments there.
If it is intended by H.M. Government to remove the Company
altogether from the Island
and to take 
over the whole of their Establishments of every kind
for the Crown the sums so claimed amounting probably to upwards
of £200,000 will, subject to verification, be due to them. But
we can hardly suppose that this will be considered necessary
if the Company desire to retain their trading
Establishments, or in that case the amount to be reimbursed to them will be
comparatively trifling. We proceed to explain the several items
of the Account.

3. (1) Balance due to the Company £8505.6.11.
This amount is due to the Company on a Debtor and Creditor
account called "Trust Account" which appears to have been kept
by the Company against the Island from the time of the Grant.
The Company debits itself with revenues from Land Sales, Coal
Royalties, Licenses &c, and takes credit for payments chiefly
of an administrative character—Salaries, roads, militia,
Customs, gaols &c. Some charges may require 
explanation, such
as payments to Indians for extinction of Claims, but on the
whole the account seems to be of a legitimate character, and
would probably only require to be substantiated by vouchers and
original documents to be admitted.

4. (2) Cost of sending out Colonists £25,550.
From previous accounts it appears that a large portion of this
sum is the moiety of the estimated cost of sending out between
700 and 800 persons, the other moiety being borne by the Puget
Sound Company and the Fort Rupert Coal Mine. The charge
includes not only conveyance but a twelve months wages, besides
provisions, which the state of the Colony rendered it necessary
to issue to the people. This charge, if supported by evidence
of the actual outlay of the money and of the allotments of one
half of the people to Vancouvers Island, would not appear
objectionable so far as regards the expense of passage money.
But if the Government is to be debited with a years wages &
provisions 
for the people it ought to be credited if possible
with the value of their labor during that time. As no doubt
they were employed by the Hudsons Bay Company the simplest
plan would be to set their labor against their wages and
provisions and strike off the charge for the latter.

5. (3) Cost of searching for Coal &c—£12,469.5.7.
For this charge which probably comprizes large amounts for wages
it would perhaps be difficult to produce many 
vouchers, but the
Company ought to produce accounts giving every detail and
extracted from their books, or bonâ fide documents furnished to
them from the Colony. The admission of this charge, however,
and of the four which follow must depend on the decision of the
question, to which we have alluded, whether it is intended to
remove the Company altogether from the Island and take over all
their Establishments—Trading and administrative—or to allow
them to remain in the Island relieving them only of their public
Establishments.

(4) Valuation of Farms &c £12,384.—

(5) Do of Mills 3,000.—

(6) Do of Buildings, Fort &c 12,575.—

(7) Inventory at Nanaimo Coal Mine

31st Octr 1855 38,326.9.3

£66,285.9.3

6. Upon these items making a total of £66285.9.3 no confident
opinion can be formed in this Country. If these Establishments
are to be taken over by the Crown, it will, as it appears to us,
be indispensable to employ some person on behalf of the Crown
to proceed to Vancouvers Island and verify the valuation 
put
upon them by the Company. It will be seen that the Inventory at
Nanaimo Coal Mine is dated 2 1/2 years since, and can,
therefore, be nothing more than a very rough approximation to
the present value of the plant, Coal in hand &c. The expense
of employing a special valuer would be inconsiderable compared
with the large sums to which his valuation would refer.

7. Besides the above charges amounting in all to £112,810.1.9.
a note at the close of the account alludes to inventories of
goods, 
stock, and Trading Vessels, valued at £112,889.8.2. and
proceeds to say,

Should these inventories not be assumed by H.M. Government a
serious loss may be sustained by the Hudsons Bay Company in the
event of their Trade being suddenly terminated. An equitable
compensation in such case will have to be agreed upon.

Here again the main question is the continuance of the Companys
trading operations or their assumption by the Crown. If the latter
course should be decided on, this claim, which it will be
observed is very indefinite, must like the preceding be
investigated on the spot.

8. In the account No 2 it is stated that the balances of
Settlers on Sales of Land amount to £3,620.7.5. bearing interest
at 5 per Cent. This amount will of course be payable to the
Crown instead of the Company.

9. The result to which we come is that if the Company is removed from VanCouvers Island claims
will arise on their part
under the Deed of Grant, for expenditure and property, which in
these accounts are represented by the sum of £225,699.9.11. and
that of these claims upwards of seven ninths would require to be
investigated on the spot. But that if the Company is allowed
and is willing to remain and continue its operations, the amount
to be repaid by the Crown will not exceed £34,000, the items of
which can probably be investigated and settled in this Country.
We would submit, therefore, that before any further steps are
taken in the matter H.M. Government should decide 
on the course
to be adopted on the above point and if they decide to allow the
Company to remain, should ascertain whether the Company are
willing to do so. If the Company continue it will only be
necessary to obtain vouchers for the first two items in their
accounts, vizt, for the balance due on the Trust account and for the cost of sending out Settlers, and the
account between them and H.M. Government may we should hope be
brought at once to a close.



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FILE: 1858-04-24_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58018.txt
================================================================================

No. 18

1. I beg to enclose herewith for your information, copies of a
correspondence with Fayette McMullen Esqre, Governor of
Washington Territory, relative to the rendition of certain
deserters from the United States Army, who are said to have
sought an asylum on Vancouver's Island.

2. You will observe that the offences with which those parties
are charged in the affidavits accompanying Governor McMullen's
letter, are not such as appear to be within the terms of the
Treaty between Great Britain and the United States, of the 9th
August 1842, for the mutual surrender of refugees from justice,
and that they would not have justified a rendition of the
parties so charged.

3. I therefore did not comply with Governor McMullen's
requisition.

4. I hope that the view taken of the sense of that Treaty in my
letter may be correct; otherwise I 
shall no doubt receive your
instructions on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-04-30_Stanley_to_Douglas_V587102.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 22nd
January No 3 requesting the support of Her Majesty's Government in
favor of any measure which may be proposed by the Hudson's Bay Company
for defraying the salary of the Chief Justice of the Colony.

Having communicated with the Governor of the Company upon this
subject I learn from him that instructions (of which he has sent me a
copy) were sent to you upon it in November last. It appears to be the
opinion of the Company, from which I do not myself see reason to dissent
that it should devolve upon the local Legislature to provide the means
of defraying the salary of the Chief Justice, and I trust that you will
be enabled to secure a proper provision for him from that source.



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FILE: 1858-05-04_Rowlandson_to_Stanley_B586R03.txt
================================================================================

Deeming it probably that owing to the recent important gold discoveries made in the Territory bordering on the Pacific now occupied by the Hudson Bay Company, that the Colonial office might desire more precise information as to the value of those regions not only in a mineral but also in an agricultural point of view, I respectfully submit my pretensions to your Lordship for the purpose of expecting such a Commission —
The accompanying copy of testimonials I think will afford evidence sufficient, of my capacity as an agriculturist — For general engineering I beg respectfully to refer to Mr R. Stephenson M. P., who is also acquainted with my special knowledge of mining & mineralogy — Should your Lordship consider such a survey would be of service, I shall be happy to make one on the following terms namely £500 for expenses and £500 on handing in my report.



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FILE: 1858-05-05_Hunter_to_Stanley_B586H07.txt
================================================================================

I as a British subject residing at present in this City take the liberty of making a few remarks to your Lordship in reference to the newly discovered gold fields in Caledonia. Your Lordship is doubtless aware that this part of Her MajestiesMajesty's Dominion by recent dis-coveriesdiscoveries possesses extensive deposits of gold, which I may remark has been known to Staff of the Hudson’s Bay Company at Vancouver’s Island, and who I am informed have been wishful to keep such discovery secret and to discourage & if possible deter parties (miners) from participating for the good & from mining in that part of her MajestiesMajesty's possessions.
At present there are many of her MajestiesMajesty's subjects residing here who would be glad to leave California to mine in that district if they knew they were protected by her MajestiesMajesty's Secretary for Colonies, once not as is now supposed be completely subject to the narrow views and government of Mr. Douglas Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company at Vancouver’s Island. It has been rumoured that the Hudson’s Bay Company are wishful to deter American Citizens from mining in this region; now if I may advance my humble opinion I think it is very unpolitic and grievously wrong, for every Englishman in California has the same privilege in mining as any American citizen.
I am not aware what the privileges of the Hudson’s Bay are, but I would premise when the Charter was first granted them, the spirit of such Charter did not extend to monopolising the minerals in that part of HM Colonies.
I have been informed that there are rich copper mines in Vancouver’s Island, but the discoverers of such mineral will not give the information to the HB Co being well aware that they would immediately monopolise the same.
There are extensive coal fields in Vancouver’s Island, many shipments of which have been sent to this market, this also unjustly has been monopolised by the HB Co, thothough the coal was first discovered by an official who gained nothing from such discovery.
It is my intention shortly of visiting Caledonia when I will wait your further in reference to the minerals residing there.
I trust in the meantime your Lordship will not undervalue these remarks, but endeavour if it lays in your power to place any every miner on the same footing (to use the expression) as in Australia, and not leave them subject to the government of a trading company, but to the Government of of Great Britain & her Colonies just these few remarks. I remain my Lord



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-08_Douglas_to_Labouchere_V58019.txt
================================================================================

No. 19

Since I had the honor of addressing you, on the 6th of April
last,

on the subject of the "Couteau" Gold Mines, they have become, more than
NewspapersAmericanaccounts of gold discoveries
Gold fieldsconditions at
Douglas, Jameseconomic policies
ever, a source of attraction to the people of Washington and Oregon
Territories, and it is evident from the accounts published in the latest
San Francisco
Papers;

that intense excitement prevails among the inhabitants of that
stirring city, on the same subject.

2. The "Couteau" country, is there represented and supposed to be,
in point of mineral wealth, a second California or Australia, and those
impressions are sustained by the false and exaggerated statements of
steamboat owners, and other interested parties, who benefit by the
current of emigration which is now setting strongly toward this quarter.

3. Boats, canoes, and every species of small craft, are continually
Gold fieldspopulation of
employed in pouring their cargoes of human beings into Fraser's River,
and it is supposed that not less than one thousand whites are already at
work, and on the way to the gold districts.

4. Many accidents have happened in the dangerous rapids of that
Minersloss of life
River; a great number of canoes having been dashed to pieces and their
cargoes swept away by the impetuous stream, while of the ill fated
adventurers who accompanied them, many have been swept into eternity.

5. The others nothing daunted by the spectacle of ruin,
and buoyed up by the hope of amassing wealth, still keep pressing
onwards, towards the coveted goal of their most ardent wishes.

6. On the 25th of last month the American Steamer
"Commodore",

ShipsCommodorearrival of
arrived in this Port, direct from San Francisco with 450 passengers on
board, the chief part of whom are gold miners for the "Couteau" country.

7. Nearly 400 of those men were landed at this place, and
have since left in boats and canoes for Frasers River.

8. I ascertained through inquiries on the subject, that those men
Minersarrival of
Minerscharacteristics of
Minersconduct of
are all well provided with mining tools, and there was no dearth of
capital or intelligence among them. About 60 British subjects, with an
equal number of native born Americans, the rest being chiefly Germans,
with a smaller proportion of Frenchmen and Italians, composed this body
of adventurers.

9. They are represented as being, with some exceptions, a specimen
of the worst of the population of San Francisco; the very dregs, in fact,
of society. Their conduct, while here, would have led me to form a very
Victoriaconditions at
different conclusion; as our little town though crowded to excess with
this sudden influx of people, and though there was a temporary scarcity
of food, and dearth of house accommodation; the Police few in number; and
many temptations to excess in the way of drink, yet quiet and order
prevailed, and there was not a single committal, for rioting drunkeness
or other offenses, during their stay here.

10. The Merchants and other business classes of Victoria are
rejoicing in the advent of so large a body of people in the Colony and
are strongly in favor of making this Port a stopping point between San Francisco and the Gold mines, converting the latter, as it were, into a
feeder, and dependency of this Colony.

Victoria would thus become a Depôt and centre of trade for the
gold districts, and the natural consequence would be an immediate
increase in the wealth and population of the Colony.

11. To effect that object it will be requisite to facilitate by
every possible means the transport of passengers and goods to the
furthest navigable point on Fraser's River, and the obvious means of
accomplishing that end is to employ light Steamers in plying between and
connecting this Port (Victoria) with the Falls of Frasers
River,

distant 130 miles from the discharge of that River, into the Gulf of
Georgia; those Falls being generally believed to be, at the commencement
of the remunerative gold diggings, and from thence the Miners, would
readily make their way on foot or after the summer freshets, by the
River, into the interior of the country.

12. By that means also the whole trade of the gold regions would
Tradecoasting
pass through Fraser's River, and be retained within the British
Territory, forming a valuable outlet for British manufactured goods, and
at once creating a lucrative trade between the mother country and
Vancouver's Island.

13. Taking a view of the subject, simply in its relations to trade
and commerce, apart from considerations of national policy, such perhaps
would be the course most likely to promote the interests of this Colony,
but on the contrary, if the country be thrown open to indiscriminate
immigration the interests of the empire may suffer, from the
Immigrationdangers of foreign
introduction of a foreign population, whose sympathies may be decidedly
anti-British, and if the majority be Americans, strongly attached to
their own country and peculiar institutions.

14. Taking that view of the question it assumes an alarming aspect
and suggests a doubt as to the policy of permitting the free entrance of
foreigners into the British Territory for residence, under any
circumstances whatever, without in the first place requiring them to take
the oath of allegiance, and otherwise to give such security, for their
conduct, as the government of the country, may deem it proper and
necessary to require at their hands.

15. It is easy, in fact, to forsee the dangerous consequences that
may grow out of the unrestricted immigration of foreigners into the
interior of Fraser's River. If the majority, of the immigrants, be
American, there will always be a hankering in their minds after
annexation to the United States, and with the aid of their countrymen in
Oregon and California, at hand, they will never cordially submit to
British rule, nor possess the loyal feelings of British subjects.

16. Out of the considerations thus briefly reviewed, arises
the question which I beg to submit for your consideration, as to
the course of policy that ought, in the present circumstances to
be taken, that is whether it be advisable to restrain immigration,
or to allow it to take its course.

17. The opinion which I have formed on the subject leads me to
Minersforeignthreat posed by
think that, in the event of the diggings proving remunerative, it will
now be found impossible to check the course of immigration, even by
closing Fraser's River, as the Miners would then force a passage into the
gold District, by way of the Columbia River, and the valuable trade of
the country, in that case, be driven from its natural course, into a
foreign channel, and entirely lost to this country.

18. On the contrary should the diggings prove to be unremunerative,
a question, which as yet remains undecided, the existing excitement
we may suppose, will die away of itself, and the Miners having
no longer the prospect of large gains will naturally abandon a country
which no longer holds out any inducement for them to remain.

19. Until the value of the country, as a gold producing region,
be established, on clearer evidence than can now be adduced in its
Law enforcementneed for
favor; and the point will no doubt be decided before the close of the
present year, I would simply recommend that a small naval or military
force should be placed at the disposal of this government to enable us
to maintain the peace, and to enforce obedience to the Laws.

20. The system of granting
Licences

Licensesgoldnot operational
for digging gold has not yet come into operation.

21. Perhaps a simpler method of raising a revenue would be to
Revenuecustomsduty
impose a Custom's duty on imports, to be levied on all supplies
brought into the country whether by Fraser's or the Columbia River.

22. The export of gold from the country is still inconsiderable
Goldamount exported
Gold fieldsconditions at
not exceeding 600 ounces, since I last addressed you. The principal
diggings are reported to be at present, and will probably continue
flooded for several months to come, so that unless other diggings
apart from the River beds are discovered, the production of Gold
will not increase, until the summer freshets are over, which will
probably happen about the middle of August next. In the mean time
the ill provided adventurers who have gone thither, will consume
their stock of provisions, and probably have towards [sic] retire from
the country, until a more favourable season.

23. For the time being, all my efforts will be directed to
maintaining the peace in the gold districts; to supporting the rights
of the Crown; protecting the rights of the Hudson's Bay Company; and
infusing a British element into the population.

24. I shall be most happy to receive your instructions on
the subjects in this letter.



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FILE: 1858-05-08_Williams_to_Secretary_of_State_V586W01.txt
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Williams to Secretary of State

I beg to call your attention to the accompanying documents,
which I have the honour to transmit for your consideration.
They consist of; copy of letter to the late Secty for the
Colonies, Mr Labouchere, with the reply to the Same; copy of
letter to the Governor of Vancouvers Island; account of
proceedings of a meeting held at Aylmer to consider the subject
of emigration to said Island. The letter addressed to His
Excellency the Governor of Vancouvers Island, together with the
report of the meeting held in Aylmer C.W. there is reason to
fear, have never been forwarded to their destination; the Post
Office, with all its contents, having been consumed by fire, a
few days after the letters were deposited therein. Your 
Lordship will permit me to observe, that the emigration from
Canada would be of that description, most likely to Keep in
check the lawless habits and wild theories of certain restless
adventurers, who so abound in the neighbouring States, should
they ever venture to make Vancouver Island the Scene of their operation.

In the Settlement of Canada West certain tracts of land were
appropriated to certain classes or nationalities such as the
"Scotch Block" "Irish Block" "Canadian Block" &c &c. I think,
my Lord, that in a political point of view, such an arrangement
is judicious; and if I might presume, I would suggest, that as
far, at least, as Canadian emigration is concerned, the same
plan be adopted in regard to Vancouvers Island. The Hudson Bay
Company have hitherto held the land at one pound Stg. per acre.
Free grants 
have only been given to their employees. When it is
considered that, on the Main land, with a climate and soil
equal, if not superior, land can be purchased for one fourth
that price, it is not surprising that the island still remains a
comparative desert. After all the hardship and expense incurred
by the emigrant in reaching so distant a spot, would not the
free grant of a lot of land to the actual Settler be both
judicious and paternal? In this Section of Canada the System
of free grants was adopted; and, under the judicious management
of the late Colonel Talbot, with the happiest results. In
conclusion, I would beg to remark, that for many years there has
been a steady emigration
from Canada; which arises not from political feeling, but from the
superiority of climate, and the greater facilities offered by
the neighbouring Republic for the acquisition of land. In York
State alone there are upwards of 30,000 Canadians and in the
western States the proportions must be far greater.

Your lordship will confer a favour by directing an early reply
to this communication, so that the intentions of her Majesty's
Government with respect to Settlement in Vancouvers Island and
the adjoining British Coast, may be placed before the Committee
appointed by the meeting of the 12th Sept 1857 with as little
delay as possible.



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FILE: 1858-05-12_Smith_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585MI12.txt
================================================================================

Smith to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's
date, addressed to the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, and
to acquaint you that the Bag sent therewith for the Governor of
Vancouver's Island will be forwarded by the Coys first vessel,
to leave towards the end of July.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-15_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58020.txt
================================================================================

No. 20

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Labouchere's Despatches of the dates noted in the margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-15_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58021.txt
================================================================================

No. 21

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the Margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-17_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58022.txt
================================================================================

No. 22

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No
5 of the 15th March last, transmitting copy of a Despatch from
Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, reporting what had passed
between him and the United States Secretary of State, relative
to the payment of the money, which I advanced to the Governor of
Washington 
Territory, at a time of great public danger and
distress, for the purpose of defending the homes and families of
helpless settlers, against the murderous attacks of the Indian
Tribes; a course dictated by humanity, and which proved highly
satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government.

I am sure that I highly appreciate your Kindness in urging
through Lord Napier the immediate repayment of that loan by the
United States Government.

I observe the assurance given by General Cass,
to Lord Napier that measures, should be taken, without delay for
the satisfaction of Her Majesty's Government, in that matter;
but in the event of further procrastination on the part of the
United States Government, in the payment of the loan, I trust
that your Lordship will have the goodness to press the subject
upon the attention of that Government.



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FILE: 1858-05-18_Easterby_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586E02.txt
================================================================================

Easterby to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's answer dated
March 17th to my application regarding Queen Charlotte's
Island, and to apologise for again trespassing on your attention.

The enterprise upon which we founded our application was
undertaken in 1852 and was abandoned by the orders of Captain Kuper R.N. Your Lordship will perceive therefore that the plea
for compensation does not rest upon unauthorised expenditures
subsequent to the unsuccessful application for a lease of the
mine made in 1853, but is based upon 
the discovery of the mine,
the consequent outlay, and the ultimate loss of the vessel. The
adverse decision of H.M. Government conveyed through Mr Richard Taylor after I left England, and after the names of the gentlemen
at that time associated with me had been submitted and as I
understood accepted, emboldened me to conceive, that while H.M.
Government had favorably entertained the equity of our
application for permission to work the mine we had discovered,
they had found it inexpedient to grant a lease at that time.

Deeming it possible that time, and circumstances may have
modified the objections which then existed I again beg
respectfully to renew my application for permission to work the
mine upon such terms as formerly submitted, or as may 
be
vouchsafed by H.M. Government.

The Americans are now flocking to the newly discovered gold
fields on British territory and I respectfully submit that upon
further consideration, H.M. Government, may not think it
presumptuous on our part that we ask for the protection of a
title to work this claim, after having expended so much upon it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-19_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58023.txt
================================================================================

No. 23

1. Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 8th of
Instant, on the subject of the "Couteau Gold Mines"

it was currently reported that Boats and other small craft from the
American Shore were continually entering Fraser's River, with passengers
and goods, especially Spirits, Arms, Ammunition, and other prohibited and
noxious Articles, and as those Acts 
are in direct violation of the
Customs Laws, as extended to the British Possessions in America and
infringe the rights of the Hudsons Bay Company, I took immediate steps to
put a stop to those lawless practices by issuing a Proclamation, of which
Proclamationupholding trading rights of HBC
a copy is transmitted, warning all persons against the consequences of
such offences, and I have since applied to Captain Prevost of
Her Majesty's ship "Satellite" for an effective force to carry
out the measures proposed and set forth in my
Proclamation.

2. That force it is intended to Despatch tomorrow, under the
direction of an officer of the Customs to be appointed specially
for that purpose.

3. I also propose in a few days hence to make an 
excursion to the
Douglas, Jamesto visit gold fields
Falls of Fraser's River for the purpose of enquiring into the state of
the country, on which I will report to you on my return.

4. The American Steamer "Commodore" returned to this Port from
ShipsCommodorereturn visit
San Francisco two days ago with 400 passengers for the gold mines,
who are preparing to leave in Boats and Canoes for Fraser's River.

5. The excitement about the Couteau Gold Mines is on the increase,
and people are pushing from all quarters in that direction.

6. In our last accounts from that quarter of the 8th of Instant,
Gold fieldsconditions at
Fraser Riverhigh water
it is stated that 1500 white Miners, at the smallest computation, had
reached the diggings, and that they were not finding much gold, in
consequence of the Rivers being 
swollen by the melting of the mountain
snow. The river beds, which yield the largest quantities of gold, being
all flooded, the Miners were in search of other diggings, and had found
gold, in small quantities, probably from one to two dollars, a man, per
day, in almost every part of the country, which they have examined, and
they expect a large yield when the rivers fall to a lower level.

7. Those accounts are sufficiently promising to nourish the
Minersforeignthreat of
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightsof
prevalent mania for gold; on all sides the Americans are
striving to force a passage into the gold district, through
their own Territories—attempts being at once made to open roads
from Bellingham 
Bay, from Nisqually and by the way of the Columbia
River.

8. I am now convinced that it is utterly impossible, through any
means within our power, to close the gold districts against the entrance
of foreigners, as long as gold is found in abundance, in which case the
country will soon be over-run, and occupied by a large white population,
whether it be agreeable to our wishes or not; while on the contrary it is
no less certain that the excitement on the subject will soon altogether
cease, if the diggings prove un-remunerative, and the crowds now
gathering on the banks of Fraser's River, will in that case soon abandon
the country and return to their homes. The 
evil will thus work its own
cure without interposition on our part.

9. In the mean time with the view of escaping the greater evil of
compelling people to have recourse to expedients for entering the
country, by unlawful means, I am striving to legalize the entrance of
gold miners into Fraser's River, on certain conditions; which at once
assert the rights of the Crown, protect the interest of the Hudson's Bay
Company, and are intended to draw the whole trade of the Gold Districts
through Fraser's River, to this Colony; which will procure its supplies
directly from the mother country.

10. With those views I proposed an arrangement, on the following
Pacific Mail Steamship Companyagreement to operate on Fraser
terms, to the Agent of 
the United States' Pacific Mail Steam Ship
Company,

who having steamers of every class, connected with their operations in
California, and a staff of experienced officers, at their disposal, are
perhaps better qualified than any other parties, for carrying such an
arrangement immediately into effect.

1st That they should place Steamers on the navigable route
between this place and the Falls of Fraser's River, 130 miles
distant from its discharge into the Gulf of Georgia, for the
transport of Goods and Passengers to that point.

2ndly That they should carry the Hudson's Bay Company's
Goods into Fraser's River, and no other.

3rdly That they carry no passengers except such as have
taken 
out and paid for a Gold Mining Licence and Permit from the
Government of Vancouver's Island.

4thly That they pay to the Hudson's Bay Company, as
compensation to
them,

at the rate of two dollars head money for each passenger carried
into Fraser's River.

5thly That they should otherwise be allowed to enjoy the
whole of the profits on the River transport.

6thly That arrangement to continue in force for one year
from this date and no longer.

11. The Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company have promised to give a
decided answer on or before the 24th of the present month.

12. If that arrangement be carried into effect, it will be of
great advantage to the country 
at large, and give the Government
a decided control over the mining population of the interior.

13. I trust from its so thoroughly protecting every interest
connected with the country, that it will meet with your approval.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-19_Rowlandson_to_Stanley_B586R04.txt
================================================================================

The accompanying letter is the duplicate of one previously forwarded. The news by the last mail from FrazerFraser River, fully confirms the previous rumours respecting the extraordinary richness of New Caledonia as a gold region, from private and pretty accurate sources. I may observe that I am tempted to believe that it will exceed in that respect anything heretofore known



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-29_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO06.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you, for
the information of Lord Stanley, a copy of a letter from Mr
Barwise relative to the discovery of gold in Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-31_Howe_to_Stanley_V586H02.txt
================================================================================

Howe to Stanley

It has been stated in the Papers that the Government intend
to colonize Vancouvers Island and to establish a Naval Depôt
there. May I be permitted to ask if that be intended? as my
Son, who is Chaplain of the Dockyard at Malta has requested
me to ask, intending 
to apply either to the Dockyard should one
be established or to be appointed as Colonial Chaplain, for
either of which he is well fitted.

Your Lordship will pardon the anxiety of a Parent. I enclose my
Card, and have the Honour to be



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-05-31_Storks_to_Merivale_V585WA00.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your letter of the 22nd instant with it's enclosure from the Governor of Vancouver's Island, relating to the party which has been dispatched from this country to Survey the Boundary between the British and American Possessions along the 49th Parallel of North Latitude. With regard to Governor Douglas' suggestion that the party should be increased, I am to request that you will acquaint Lord Stanley that this has been done by anticipation as subsequently to the date of the letter to which he (Governor Douglas) refers, it had been determined to send Fifty Sappers exclusive of NoncCommissioned officers, instead of Thirty.



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FILE: 1858-06-03_Shepherd_to_Lytton_V585MI13.txt
================================================================================

Shepherd to Lytton

I have the honor to enclose for your information Extracts of two
letters received by the last Mail from Governor Douglas; dated
respectively, Victoria Vancouvers' Island, 22nd & 25th March,
giving the latest information from the gold fields recently
discovered on the North West Coast of America.



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FILE: 1858-06-03_Shepherd_to_Lytton_V585MI14.txt
================================================================================

Shepherd to Lytton

With reference to the communications which have taken place from
time to time with the Colonial Office on the subject of an
expected migration of the Mormons into Her Majesty's possessions
on the North West Coast of America, I have now the honor to
enclose for your information a Copy of a letter just received by
the Hudson's Bay Company from Governor Douglas dated Victoria,
Vancouvers Island, 31st March last, which, I trust, will be
satisfactory.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-08_Smith_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585MI15.txt
================================================================================

Smith to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

By direction of the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 5th Instant, transmitting a copy of a Despatch
from the Governor of Vancouver's Island in reference to the
expected immigration of the Mormons into British territory; and
I am to express the thanks of the Board for this communication.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-09_Evans_to_Secretary_of_State_V586E05.txt
================================================================================

Evans to Secretary of State

Memorialist in the year 1813 then early in life entered as
Ensign into the above Regiment with the view of volunteering to
the line and making the army his profession for life, and ere
three months elapsed was for merit promoted to a Lieutenancy by
his Colonel the late Earl of Glencarty, in preference to Ensigns
two years his seniors; but peace ensuing the year following
Memst to his great disappointment was put on half pay, on which
he remains to the present more than 40 years; Memst was one of
a guard of honour and laid the British colours at the feet of
the Prince Regent afterwards George 4th Louis 18th the
Emperor of Russia &c in Dover castle after the peace of 1814.

Memst has now been residing in Canada for several years and God
has blest him with a numerous family all thank God smart,
intelligent and tolerably well educated, consisting of six sons,
three daughters, two sons in law and a few grand children, all
of whom 
are of strictly moral, religious and sober habits active
industrious and enterprising.

Memst begs humbly to state that having he believes a tolerably
correct knowledge of the agricultural and mercantile
capabilities of Vancouvers Island west of this continent, and
believing that now in a short time it must rise to importance
and will be the principal way of travel from England to China &c
he with his large family are desirous of migrating to it
provided he may be sufficiently encouraged by the Government.
He or they could not indulge at present in the idea of going
there in its present state unless enticed by some extra
inducements.

Your Memst and all his connexions in Ireland has always been
distinguished as adhering from principle to the course of
politics of which at present the noble Earl of Derby is the
distinguished Leader, and would beg leave to refer your Lordship
for character to the Earl of Glencarty, also to Thomas
Horsefall

M.P. of Liverpool who was Memst's particular friend in that
town more than twenty years since when he acted as agent to the
city Mission; also if necessary to the Honourable D. Daly Governor
of Prince Edwards island.

Memst would therefore humbly pray that a grant of land may be
ceded in Vancouvers island to himself and each member of his
large family similar to that given on the early settlement of
this province viz. 500 acres to a Lieutenant, and 200 acres to
each individual 
of his family.

Memst would also humbly state that at the commencement of the
late Russian War he offered his services to the War Office, and
was anxious and willing to be ac[tive]ly engaged, but was
informed in reply that he was put on the retired list for life.
He now though a little more than 60 years of age would offer his
services if required and would gratefully accept an appointment
in Vancouvers Island as a Government Agent or otherwise in
superintending or directing in the Settlement of that country,
which from its geographical position climate and soil, must in a
few years become a valuable appendage to the Government of Great
Britain.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-09_Riddel_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586R02.txt
================================================================================

Riddel to Under-Secretary of State

For some time past a number of British Subjects in this Section
of Canada, have been desirous of leaving here, to form a
Settlement in Vancouver's Island. Owing to that Island being in
possession of the Hudson Bay Company, on lease, it was concluded
that that Company either could or would not hold out any
inducements to intending settlers, and that no legal title to
land could be acquired by parties settling there. Secondly: It
was assumed, that, as the Country was not, and would not for
some time be, in the possession of the Crown, the Government
could 
not make grants of land without coming into collision with
that Company.

For these reasons, no formal application was made; and many of
those who at first intended to have emigrated to Vancouver's
Island, should any reasonable proposals be made them, have since
left for the South-western States and the Seaboard of Oregon and
Washington territories, in the United States, having arrived at
the conclusion that Vancouver's Island would not be opened for
settlement for some time to come.

At a meeting of several parties favorable to emigrating to
Vancouver's Island, held in this City on the 7th instant, it
was proposed that I should write to the Colonial Office, with the
view of ascertaining whether any and what assistance the Home
Government would give to parties 
of British birth who would
settle there. Whether Government would assist them to reach
that Colony, and afterwards give them grants of land upon
Condition of actual settlement.

The present was thought a favorable moment for the British
Government taking some steps in the matter, for the following,
among other, reasons:

1. Owing to the great commercial depression in Canada,
thousands of the working classes are idle, and there is no
prospect of an early improvement in their condition.

2. From the impossibility of their obtaining land capable of
immediate cultivation in Canada, numbers are leaving continually
for the western prairies, where they can settle without paying
for the land for some years to come, and where no outlay is
required in clearing.

3. The parties who are thus being lost to Great Britain, it was
thought, might be retained as faithful Subjects by her, and
great numbers of those who now reside in the United States
reclaimed, were she to hold out any liberal offer
upon their emigrating to Vancouver's Island.

4. The lease of the Hudson Bay Co having nearly expired, it was
thought that no opposition would be offered by them to the
introduction of Settlers by the Crown.

5. The recent discovery of gold in the neighborhood of Fraser
River, in British Oregon, the Contiguity of Vancouver's Island to
the gold fields, its commanding geographical position for
general commercial and maritime purposes, make the possession of
that Island a matter of great importance: So much so, that
already some of the American papers advocate its being at once
settled by American Citizens, so as ultimately 
to be admitted as
a State into the Federal Union.

6. That, as the permanent possession of that Island is of
immense importance to Great Britain both in a commerical and
naval point of view, it behoves the British Government to take
such steps as will secure that possession to the British nation.

It was thought the best and simplest mode of so permanently
securing the Island to Britain, would be, for the Government to
aid individuals desirous of settling there to reach their
destination, and upon their arrival in the Colony making them
grants of land such as formerly made by the States to induce
parties to settle in Oregon, upon condition of their clearing a
small portion annually and residing continuously in the Colony
for a certain 
term—say five years; at the end of which time
their deeds to be given [to] them.

By adopting some such plan as that laid down in the foregoing
paragraph, it was urged that the British Government would place
on the Pacific boundary of this Continent a people who would owe
their homes to the generosity of the Native Country; and thus
would built

up a patriotic and loyal race, who would be ever
ready to Guard the interests and vindicate the honor of Great
Britain. In the possession of such a people, with the most liberal
institutions guaranteed to them, Vancouver's Island would ere
long become a Safeguard to British interests in that quarter of
the Globe.

It is unnecessary to enlarge upon these matters. The
reasonableness 
and truthfulness of what has been said will no
doubt at once be perceived by you.

Should Her Majesty's Government look favorably on these
propositions herein made, I have not the slightest doubt but
that a large company could be got up here in a short time to
proceed thither by way of Panama and San Francisco—the journey
requiring only about six weeks. But, as it is not likely there
would be food and the necessary accommodation at the Island for
a large and sudden immigration, I would be willing to go there
and make the necessary arrangements, and return here and
accompany the emigrants, as Physician and agent, upon Condition
that my
travel expenses be defrayed by the Government. And, should it be
thought advisable, I would,
on the same terms, go over a great portion of the Island,
and then visit Great Britain and lecture on its advantages,
importance &c, previously to my final leaving with the emigrants.

Any reliable information, as to climate, productions, &c, of
Vancouver's Island, that you can furnish, will be gratefully
acknowledged.

I make the above propositions in good faith, and shall be happy
to satisfy the Government of my ability to perform what I have
proposed, should they deem my services worthy of acceptance.

Should any present reference be required, my brother, Mr Jas Riddel, who has held a situation in the House of Commons for some
years, will probably answer.



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FILE: 1858-06-10_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58024.txt
================================================================================

No. 24

1. Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 19th of May
last,

Douglas, Jamesvisits gold fields
Douglas, James.see also Governor
Governor.See also Douglas, James
Gold fieldsconditions at
Gold fieldsinspected by Douglas
in reference to the "Couteau Gold Mines," and the immigration of
foreigners into Fraser's River, as well as the measures taken to assert
the rights of the Crown, to enforce the revenue laws of the Empire, and
to protect the rights of the Hudson's Bay Company, I have as therein
proposed, made a journey to the Falls of Fraser's River, visited the Gold
diggings and seen all the Miners below that point, and I will now proceed
to give a brief narrative of my proceedings, and the information gathered
in respect to the auriferous character of the country, in the course
of that journey.

2. In consequence of the requisition for assistance made on
ShipsSatelliteenforces customs laws
Captain Prevost, Her Majesty's Ship "Satellite", was anchored off
the mouth of Fraser's River, where I joined her on the following
day with the Hudson's Bay Company's Propeller
"Otter,"
ShipsOtter
in which we proceeded up Fraser's River, with the "Satellite's" Launch
and Gig in tow to Fort
Langley

distant about 30 miles from the mouth of the River.

3. The Revenue
Officers

Revenueofficersat Fort Langley
Fort Langleyrevenue officers at
CustomsEnglish law
found immediate occupation in the seizure of several lots of contraband
goods, and taking sixteen unlicenced canoes into custody. The latter
being manned exclusively with gold miners, and containing only their
mining tools, provisions, and personal clothing, without any merchandize
for trade, I caused them to be released, granting a pass at a charge of
five dollars to each canoe, and the amount, Eighty dollars so formed, was
carried to account of the public revenue.

The contraband Goods will be brought to
trial

on the 11th of Instant under the 167th section of the Customs Consolidation Act 1853.

4th From Fort Langley we pursued our upward journey in canoes
manned chiefly by native Indians and accompanied by Captain Prevost in his gig, manned with six of the "Satellite's" seamen.

5. After journeying four days we reached Fort
Hope,

the next establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company, on Fraser's River,
and about Eighty miles distant from Fort Langley.

6. The actual gold diggings commence on a Bar of Fraser's River,
about one mile below the point on which Fort Hope is situated, and
from that point upwards to the commencement of the Falls, a distance
of twenty miles, we found six several parties of Miners, successfully
engaged in digging for Gold, on as many partially uncovered River
Minerspopulation
Indiansas miners
Bars: the number of whites on those Bars being about 190 men, and
there was probably double that number of native Indians, promiscuously
engaged with the whites in the same exciting
pursuit.

7. The diggings became sensibly richer as we ascended the
stream as far as "Hill's
Bar,"

MiningbarsHills
MiningmethodsMiningreturns
four miles below the Falls, which is the richest point workable in the
present high state of the River.

8. The gold on those Bars is taken entirely from the surface,
there being no excavation on any of them deeper than two feet, as the
flow of water from the River prevents their sinking to a greater depth.

9. Mr Hill the party after whom the Bar is named produced for
Hill, Mr., miner
inspection the product of his mornings (6 hours) work, with a rocker
and three hands besides himself, the result being very nearly six
ounces of clean float gold, worth one hundred dollars in money,
giving a return of Fifty dollars a day for each man employed. That
return the party observed was the largest days work he had ever
made on Fraser's River, and he further remarked that the same good
fortune did not attend him every day.

10. The other miners whom I questioned about their earnings
stated that they were making from two and a half the lowest to
Twenty five dollars the highest usual return to the man a day.

11. The greatest instance of mining success which I heard of in
course of our journey fell to the lot of a party of three men, who made
one hundred and ninety ounces of gold dust in seven working days on
"Sailor's
Bar,"

MiningbarsSailors
a place about ten miles above the Falls, giving a return of nearly nine
ounces a day for each man employed.

12. Thirty miners arrived from the upper country during our
stay at the Falls, with very favorable reports as to its productiveness
in gold. They told me that they had prospected the banks of Fraser's
River as far as the Great Falls, forty miles beyond the confluence of
Thompson's River, and also many of its tributary streams, in all of
which they found gold, frequently in pieces ranging from Twenty
four grains to half an ounce in weight, and they also observed that
the gold was larger in size and coarser the further they ascended the
river. Thus for example the gold found below the Falls is in thin
bright scales, or minute particles, while that found at the Great
Falls is in pieces ranging as before said, from Twenty four grains
to half an ounce in weight, a circumstance which the Miner believes to
be indicative of a richer country beyond.

13. The country about the Great Falls has not been closely
examined, but the Miners generally report its appearance to be
promising, and from any thing we know to the contrary, the whole
course of Fraser's River, even to the Rocky mountains may be auriferous.

14. Those miners were prevented going further into the country
for want of food, which compelled their return to the settlements
for supplies. They were very successful about the Great Falls, and
made from ten to thirty dollars to the man a day.

15. William C. Johnston an old Calefornia miner, told me that he
Johnston, William C., miner

had prospected Harrison's River, and had travelled from thence to the
Great Falls of Fraser's River, and that he had observed in the course of
his journey much gold bearing quartz and the most promising indications
of placer gold. Another old miner assured me that he had found large
quantities of gold bearing quartz in the mountains near Fort Hope, which
he thinks will pay better than the Calefornia quartz rock, a report which
was confirmed by other miners. The miners generally assert that Fraser's
River is richer than any "three rivers" in Calefornia.

16. Thompson's River and its tributary streams are known to be
McLean, Donaldfur trader
auriferous, and I have just heard from Mr McLean, one of the Hudson's
Bay Company's officers that gold has also been lately discovered on
the banks of the great Okanagan Lake.

17. Mr Richard Hicks a respectable Miner at Fort
Yale,

Hicks, Richard
assured me that he had found "flour gold," that is gold in powder,
floating on the waters of Fraser's River, during the Freshet and he is of
opinion that by means of quick silver, gold will be found in every part
of Fraser's River, even to its discharge into the Gulf of Georgia.

18. Evidence is thus obtained of the existence of gold over a vast
extent of country, situated both north and south of Fraser's River, and
the conviction is gradually forcing itself upon my mind that not only
Fraser's River and its tributary streams, but also the whole country
situated to the Eastward of the Gulf of Georgia, as far north as
Johnstone's Straits, is one continued bed of Gold of incalculable value
and extent.

19. Such being the case the question arises as to the course of
policy in respect to Fraser's River, which Her Majesty's Government may
deem it advisable in those circumstances to follow.

20. My own opinion is that the stream of immigration is setting so
powerfully towards Fraser's River, that it is impossible to arrest its
course; and that the population thus formed will occupy the land as
squatters, if they cannot obtain a title by legal means.

21. I think it therefore a measure of obvious necessity, that the
Landprice of
whole country be immediately thrown open for settlement, and that the
land be surveyed and sold at a fixed rate not to exceed twenty shillings
an acre. By that means together with the imposition of a customs duty
on imports; a duty on licences to miners, and other taxes; a large
revenue might be collected for the service of Government.

22. As the Hudson's Bay Company, would in that case, have to
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
relinquish their exclusive rights of
trade,

compensation might be made to them for those rights, by an annual payment
out of the public revenues of the country.

23. Either that plan or some other better calculated to maintain
the rights of the Crown, and the authority of the Laws, should in my
opinion, be adopted with as little delay as possible, otherwise the
country will be filled with lawless crowds, the public lands unlawfully
occupied by squatters of every description, and the authority of
Government will ultimately be set at naught.

24. In anticipation of your instructions to carry some such plan
into effect I have communicated with Mr Pemberton the Surveyor
Pemberton, Joseph D.provisional appointment as surveyor general
General of Vancouver's Island, and desired him to make temporary
arrangements with any qualified persons he may find in this Colony for
the purpose of increasing the staff of Surveying Officers, and of
engaging actively in an extended survey of the lands of Fraser's River,
whenever your instructions to that effect are received from England,
and in the mean time, they can be usefully employed in laying out
allotments for sale on Vancouver's Island, there being at present a
very great and increasing demand for land in this Colony.

25. I beg also to remark that it is my intention to confer on
Mr Pemberton, the provisional appointment of Surveyor General of
Fraser's River, as he is a gentleman of great experience, and thoroughly
well qualified by previous training in the forests of Vancouver's
Island, and great natural talent, for that responsible office.

26. I propose to form a large and efficient corps of Surveying
Officers to be placed under the management of the Surveyor General,
and to authorize him, after due application to this Government, to
establish branch offices wherever required, which will report all
proceedings to the General office at this place, superintended by the
Surveyor General, who will be held responsible for the proper
management of the department.

27. In consequence of the unceasing demands upon my time by the
Douglas, Jameswork load
crowds of people who are flocking to this place, and the want of
assistants, my Secretary Mr Golledge being greatly overworked, I have
Golledge, Richard
been compelled to prepare this report in the midst of numberless
interruptions, and I beg that its inaccuricies may be overlooked, and
that I may receive your instructions by return of Post, as the case is
urgent and calls for rapid and decisive measures in the outset, for in
the course of a few months there may be one hundred thousand people in
the country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-10_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587201.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 7 of the 5th
of March last and with reference to your suggestion that the party sent
to survey the line of boundary should be increased, I have to acquaint
you that subsequently to the date of the letter to which you refer it
was determined to send fifty Sappers, exclusive of Non-Commissioned
Officers, instead of thirty.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-15_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58025.txt
================================================================================

No. 25

1. I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of an address
Free tradepetition for
Tradefreepetition for
presented to me in the 12th of Instant by a Committee appointed
for that purpose at a public meeting lately held at this place.

2. I informed the committee in reply to their address that
I had lately returned from the Mines of Fraser's River, and that
there was really no actual distress for want of provisions among the
mining population, in all the accessible parts of the country, and
that care would be taken to provide for all their wants.

3. That I had no authority to throw open the trade of Fraser's
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
River, which was secured by Statute to the Hudson's Bay Company, but
that I had addressed Her Majesty's Government on that subject,
recommending the opening of the Fraser's River District for settlement,
and I was of opinion that course would be taken, and compensation be
made to the Hudson's Bay Company for any sacrifice of interest they
may be called upon to make.

4. I also informed them that the progress of this Colony
occupied my careful attention, and that its growing interests would
be carefully protected.

5. I also promised to forward their address.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-15_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58026.txt
================================================================================

No. 26

1. In reporting the other
day

the result of my observations on the Gold regions of Fraser's River, I
omitted to mention several things, which I ought to have communicated to
you.

2. In consequence of that omission I have now to state that
Hicks, Richardappointed revenue officer
during my stay at the Falls of Fraser's River, I appointed Mr
Richard Hicks, a respectable Englishman engaged in mining pursuits
there, as Revenue Officer for the District of Fort Yale, at a salary
of £40 a year to be paid out of the Revenue of the country.

3. On the arrival of our party at "Hill's Bar," the white Miners
MiningbarsHills
Indianshostility to miners
were in a state of great alarm on account of a serious affray which had
just occurred with the native Indians, who mustered under arms, in a
tumultuous manner, and threatened to make a clean sweep of the whole
body of miners assembled there.

4. The quarrel arose out of a series of provocations on both
sides, and from the jealousy of the savages who naturally feel annoyed
at the large quantities of gold taken from their country by the
white miners.

5. I lectured them soundly about their conduct, on that occasion,
Indiansappointed police officer
and took the leader in the affray, an Indian, highly connected in
their way, and of great influence, resolution and energy of character,
into the Government service, and found him exceedingly useful in
settling other Indian difficulties.

6. I also spoke with great plainess of speech, to the white miners,
Lawprotection to Indigenous peoples
who were nearly all foreigners, representing almost every nation in
Europe. I refused to grant them any rights of occupation to the soil,
and told them distinctly that Her Majesty's Government ignored their very
existence in that part of the country, which was not open for the purpose
of settlement, and they were permitted to remain there merely on
sufferance; that no abuses would be tolerated, and that the Laws would
protect the rights of the Indian, no less than those of the white man.

7. I also appointed Mr George Perrier a British Subject, as
Perrier, Georgeappointment as JP
Justice of the Peace for the District of "Hill's Bar," and directed
the Indians to apply to him for redress, whenever any of them suffer
wrong, at the hands of white men, and also cautioned them against taking
the Law into their own hands, and seeking justice according to their
own barbarous customs.

8. I also appointed Indian Magistrates, who are to bring forward
when required any man of their several Tribes, who may be charged with
offences against the Laws of the country, an arrangement which will
prevent much evil; but without the exercise of unceasing vigilance on the
part of the Government, Indian troubles will sooner or later occur.

9. The recent defeat of Colonel Steptoe's detachments of United
Steptoe, Col.defeat of
States troops consisting of Dragoons and Infantry, by the Indians of
Oregon Territory,

has greatly increased the natural audacity of the
savage, and the difficulty of managing them. It will require I fear
the nicest tact to avoid a disastrous Indian war.

10. I transmit herewith a hand book and map of the Gold region
Mapof gold districts
of Fraser's River, which will prove useful as a reference.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-17_Shepherd_to_Lytton_V585MI16.txt
================================================================================

John Shepherd to Lytton

I have the honor to inform you that letters have been received
by the Hudson's Bay Company from Governor Douglas, dated
Victoria, Vancouver's Island, 27th April 1858, containing the
latest information in reference to the Gold fields on Fraser's
River.

As Governor Douglas mentions his intention of addressing Her
Majesty's Government directly, I do not propose to trouble you
with Extracts, unless I receive a communication expressing your
desire to be furnished with them, in which case I will forward
them without delay.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-18_Kelly_and_Cairns_to_Lytton_V585LW03.txt
================================================================================

Kelly and Cairns to Lytton

We were favored with Lord Stanley's Commands signified in Mr Merivale's letter of the 22nd April ultimo in which he stated that he was directed by Lord Stanley to request that we would peruse and settle the annexed Draft of a Warrant for appointing a Lieutenant Governor over a portion of Her Majesty's Territories and Possessions in North America to the West of the Rocky Mountains, and
That the territory in question is not a portion of the land claimed by the Hudson's Bay Company under their Charter but is included in the Crown Grant to the Hudson's Bay Company of exclusive Trade with the Indians of the year 1838 of which a Copy was annexed.
That the power reserved to the Crown at the close of this grant to form new Colonies revoking as to such Colonies the concession of exclusive Trade, has not been exercised, nor is it proposed at present to exercise it, the grant itself being about to expire on the 30th May 1859.
That the object of the present Commission is (if practicable) to establish a temporary authority until the Crown shall be at liberty by the expiration of that grant to take more general measures, that this step was rendered desirable by the circumstance that the recent discovery of Gold on and near the Columbia and Fraser's River may probably attract settlers to the territory in question.

Mr Merivale was pleased also to refer us to the Acts of Parliament 1 & 2 Geo. 4 c. 66 "for regulating the Fur Trade &c" and 43 Geo. 3 c. 138. "for extending the jurisdiction of the Courts of Justice in the provinces of Lower & Upper Canada &c" and to the 12 & 13 Vic. c. 48, amending the same as regards Vancouver's Island; and to request that we would advise Lord Stanley generally as to the legal steps which might in our opinion be advisable for carrying into execution the temporary purpose above stated.
In Obedience to his Lordship's Commands we have perused the papers forwarded to us and have the honor to Report

That we have perused and settled the Draft Warrant referred to in Mr Merivale's letter and have appended our initials to the same.
That we think it right to submit to you that inasmuch as the Act 1st & 2 Geo. 4 c. 66 places the territory in question under the jurisdiction of the Courts of Judicature of Upper Canada for certain judicial purposes some difficulty may hereafter arise in consequence of the Jurisdiction for Judicial purposes being derived from a source different from that which confers the executive power.
It would therefore appear to us to be desirable that An Act of Parliament should be passed at some fitting opportunity which may remove the obstacles we have mentioned as arising out of the provisions of the Act of 1 & 2 Geo. 4.
This course appears to have been thought necessary in 1849 when the Act 12 & 13 Vic. c 48 "to provide for the administration of Justice in Vancouver's Island" was passed, and the territory in question is, as we understand in the same position with respect to Canada as Vancouver's Island was before 1849.
There is nothing however to prevent the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor of the district being made, and it may well be that during the temporary arrangement now contemplated none of the inconveniences to which we have referred may actually occur.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-19_Cooper_to_Lytton_V586CO01.txt
================================================================================

Cooper to Lytton

A more deliberate consideration than I was able to give to your questions, when on the 16th Inst. I was honored by an audience, has induced me respectfully to submit the following further explanations.
In regard to the extent of Coast that might be included in the new arrangement, permit me to state that the coast North of the 49th parellel (including the Island of Queen Charlotte) to the Northern boundary line presents with but few exceptions as rugged and wild an appearance as the imagination can conceive. But notwithstanding such an external aspect, this peculiar country possesses advantages that would seem to me to make it most desirable that it should be attached to the Pacific Colony.
For instance there are its fisheries most valuable, its timber (which is the finest in all the wide world for marine purposes) its bitumunous coal (which is well fitted for the generation of steam) its copper; and other minerals which it is safe to possess although not yet developed.
Bordering the Coast a range of mountains extends the whole length forbidding in their aspect to the general observer and stretching about a hundred miles inland.
The only approach from the Sea in British Territory to the newly discovered gold mines is by the way of Frazers River the country even here being of the same appearance as above described, until a distance of at least one hundred and fifty miles from Salt water has been reached, when its face becomes entirely changed and presents a rolling prairie interspersed with belts of timber and denominated at present Thompsons River and Colville districts.
Hence to the Rocky mountains and from the 49th parellel (some three hundred and fifty miles north) a more beautiful country does not exist.
It is in every way suitable to colonization.
The same congenial influences of the westerly Ocean winds extend as fully to that portion of the Globe as to Great Britain.
But, with reference to the Eastern side of the Rocky Mountains it should never be forgotten that the same differences exist between that & the western side as -tween our own country and the North Eastern coast of "America". This country may not therefore per Se, present very great inducement for colonization; when however the country East, & West of it, is more generally populated there will certainly exist a chain of settlements throughout its entire length.
If these should ultimately grow into importance as rapidly as have some of our Canadian Towns: And seeing that there is now an impetus to this country as well from the "Pacific" as from the "Atlantic" shores, the time would seem to be not far distant. This period having arrived such is the vast extent of the Country (nearly double that of Canada) that the expediency of its becoming a seperate colony must then be irresistable.
No Natural boundary exists between the British Territory & that of the United States there are however passes, and defiles difficult of access from the adjoining countries at various points on the line there, or near to it.
I trust Right Honourable Sir that I have not occupied too much of your time upon a matter my personal knowledge of which alone encouraged me to address you.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-19_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-19_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58028.txt
================================================================================

No. 28

1. I fear the frequent and desultory nature of my Despatches
Douglas, Jameswork load of
will give you much trouble, but the pressure of business compels
me to address you in this form.

2. Reports are continually arriving here confirmatory of the
Gold fieldsdiscovery reported in Cowichan Valley
extent and value of the Fraser's River Gold region, and Captain Stuart of the Hudson's Bay Company's service has just reported
Stuart, Capt. Charles E.
the discovery of Gold in the Cowetchin valley Vancouver's Island, on the authority of Indian testimony.

3. Another report has just been made officially by Mr Brotchie,
Brotchie, Capt. William
Gold fieldsdiscovery reported in Howe Sound
that he saw and examined the contents of a purse containing about £20
worth of gold dust, which an Indian had collected in Howe's Sound or
Burrard's Canal situated in the Gulf of Georgia, a little north of
Fraser's River, a fact which adds force to the opinion expressed in the
18th paragraph of my despatch No 24 of the 10th of June 1858,
respecting the impression I entertained of the auriferous character of
the country to the eastward of the Gulf of Georgia, as far north as
Johnstone's Straits.

4. Your Lordship will not be surprised to learn, that under
these circumstances, the gold excitement throughout this Colony,
California and Oregon continues unabated.

5. Crowds of people are coming in from all quarters. The
ShipsCommodore
ShipsPanama
American Steamer "Commodore" arrived on the 13th of Instant
from San Francisco with 450 passengers and the Steamer
"Panama"
came in yesterday from the same Port with 750 passengers, and
other vessels are reported to be on the way.

6. Two River Steamers the
ShipsSurprise
ShipsSea Bird
"Surprise"
and "Sea
Bird,"
both owned by American citizens, ply with passengers between this Port
and Fraser's River, the former having made her way up that stream as
far as Fort Hope, one hundred and ten miles from 
the sea. The
Miners by that means reach their destination with safety and despatch.

7. The quantity of gold collected by the Hudson's Bay Company
Goldreturns
up to the present time, rather exceeds £10,000 in value, and I saw during
my recent excursion, a large quantity of gold among the miners.

8. I herewith forward for your information a copy of the Terms,
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
LawEnglish customs act
CustomsEnglish law
on which it is proposed to allow Steam vessels to ply upon Fraser's
River, enforcing at once the Revenue Laws of the Empire, and respecting
the Trading rights of the Hudson's Bay Company. Those terms are not
exclusive, but open to acceptance by any parties undertaking the
performance of the proposed conditions. The object of all those measures 
is to give facilities to miners, and to secure the trade of the gold
region for our own country, as it will otherwise take the direction of
the Columbia River, into American Oregon.

10. We have commenced levying the duty on mining licences; all
Licensesmining
parties entering the River by the licenced Steam vessels, being required
to pay one month's Licence in advance. We have collected about £420, a
revenue that I will hold subject to your instructions.

11. When Fraser's River now greatly swollen, subsides and the
Fraser Riverhigh water
miners get fairly to work, I propose to appoint a Commissioner and Local
Collectors for those dues, as soon as fit and proper persons to fill
those offices can be found.

12. Mr William A.G. Young at present in Her Majesty's service
Young, William A.G.appointment as colonial secretary
as Secretary for the Boundary Commission is highly qualified, in every
respect, for the office of Gold Commissioner, and I should be glad to
obtain your permission to secure the services of that Gentleman.

13. I have no doubt that your Lordship will send out a body of
Troops for the service of this Colony, and the Fraser's River District.

14. The miners have applied to me for protection against the
Indians hostility to miners
natives, and when that is accorded, will have no hesitation, in
paying the Licence duty, otherwise it will be paid with reluctance.

15. They have also applied to me for negotiable orders, in
Goldescort requested
Mailpostal system requested
payment of gold delivered to Government Agents in the Mines, and
for the organization of a Postal system for the 
transmission of Letters.

16. Will you kindly give me instructions on those subjects
herein referred to.



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FILE: 1858-06-19_Kelly_and_Cairns_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585LW01.txt
================================================================================

We were favored with your Letter of the 31st May ultimo in
which you stated that you were directed by Lord Stanley to send
us copies of two letters addressed by the Directors of the
Hudson's Bay Company accompanied by Accounts shewing the Amount
to be reimbursed to the Company by Her Majestys Government on
the transfer of Vancouver's Island to the Crown, so far as could
be at present ascertained; together with Copy of a letter
addressed by direction of Mr Secretary Labouchere to the 
Governor and Company, informing them of the intention of Her
Majesty's Government to require this transfer; and of a Report
with which Lord Stanley had been furnished by the Land and
Emigration Commissioners on the subject of these accounts.

That the Company were in possession of exclusive trade with the
Indians of the North West parts of North America (which might be
regarded as embracing Vancouver's Island) under the Crown Grant
of 30th May 1838, of which a Copy was also annexed.

That they were in possession of the land of Vancouver's Island
under the grant of 13th January 1849 of which a copy was also
annexed and [….]

That In repurchasing the Island of the Company under the
provisions contained in the last Clause of that Grant the Crown
would become bound to repay them the sums theretofore laid out
and expended by them on the Island, and "the value of their
establishments, property and effects then being thereon."

You were also pleased to say that, it would be observed from the
Report of the Land and Emigration Commissioners that those
"Establishments and property", were of two Kinds: a portion
having been erected and got together in consequence of and in
relation to, their Commerical operations as a Company carrying on
trade with the Indians under their license; a portion erected and
got together in consequence of their territorial possession of
the Soil, and to facilitate the settlement and government of the
Island.

You were also pleased to add 
that you were directed to request
that we would report for the guidance of Lord Stanley, our
Opinion, whether the Obligation on Her Majesty's Government to
compensate the Company, "if the Crown repurchase the Island,
extends to both these classes of Establishments and property" or
to "the latter only?["]

In Obedience to his Lordships Command, we have perused the
documents submitted to us and have the honor to Report

That we are of Opinion that according to the proper and fair
construction of the Royal grant of 13th of January 1849 the
obligation on Her Majesty's Government to Compensate the Company
if the Crown repurchase Vancouver's Island, extends only to sums
laid out by them upon the Island and premises as owners 
thereof,
and to the value of their Establishments property and effects
being thereon and connected with such ownership, which are
substantially the Classes of Establishment and property
mentioned last in Mr Merivales letter.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-24_Le_Marchant_to_None_V585PA01.txt
================================================================================

House of Commons

Resolved,
That an humble Address be presented to her Majesty, that She
will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid
before this House, a Return of all lands in Vancouver's Island
sold to any individual or company, with the names of the persons
or company to whom such lands have been sold, the extent to
which such lands are under cultivation, and the localities in
which they are situated.

Ordered,
That the said Address be presented to her Majesty by such
Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's Most Honourable
Privy Council.



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FILE: 1858-06-24_Shepherd_to_Lytton_V585HB17.txt
================================================================================

Shepherd Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 22nd Instant stating your desire to be furnished with Extracts of the letters lately received by the Hudson's Bay Company from Governor Douglas on the subject of the Gold fields on Fraser's River, and I beg in accordance therewith to transmit the accompanying copy of a letter from Governor Douglas dated Victoria April 27th and Extracts of his letters of the 19th and 30th of the same month.



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FILE: 1858-06-26_H._Corry_to_Herman_Merivale,_Esq._V585AD01_A.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir. E. Bulwer Lytton, a copy of a Letter from Captain Prevost of H.M. Ship Satellite, dated at Vancouver's Island, 7th May 1858, respecting the discovery of Gold on Frazer's and Thompson's Rivers, near to the 51st parallel of North Latitude in North America.
The Newspaper and specimen of the Gold Dust referred to in Captain Prevost's Letter are also enclosed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-28_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AD02.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty your Letter of the 26th Inst with its enclosure from
the Governor of Vancouver Island, relative to a Steam Vessel
being stationed for the present at that Island to protect
British Interests, in consequence of the number of persons
resorting to the recently discovered Gold Fields in Her
Majesty's Dominions in North Western America in the
neighbourhood of Frazer's River.

My Lords desire me to state for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton that orders will be sent to Rear Admiral Baynes
the Commander in Chief of Her Majesty's Ships on the Pacific
Station either himself to proceed to Vancouver Island, or to
select some Senior Officer to send thither, for the purpose of
ascertaining whether the Naval Force already stationed there is
sufficient for the support of the Civil Authority and the
protection of British Interests—and should the Force not be
considered sufficient the Rear Admiral will be instructed to
send such 
in addition as he may deem to be necessary.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-06-28_Shepherd_to_Lytton_V585MI17.txt
================================================================================

Shepherd to Lytton

I have the honour to enclose, for your information, Extract of a
letter received by the last mail from Governor Douglas, dated
Victoria, Vancouvers Island, 8th May, in continuation of his
reports in reference to the gold districts of Fraser's River.



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FILE: 1858-06_Shepherd_to_Lytton_B585HB06.txt
================================================================================

Shepherd to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of the 29th Ultimo, transmitting, by your direction, a copy of a Despatch received from Governor Douglas on the subject of the gold field on Fraser's River, and of the answer which you proposed to return thereto, and I beg, on the part of the Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company, to express their thanks for this communication.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-01_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58029.txt
================================================================================

No. 29

1. Since I had last the honor of addressing you on the 19th of
Instant,
Minerspopulation
the excitement on the subject of the Fraser's River
Gold Mines, has been more than ever exhibited, in the rush of people
from all parts of the coast to this Colony.

The Custom House Books of this place shew a return of

19 Steam Ships
9 Sailing do
14 decked Boats

which have entered at the Port of Victoria, since the 19th of
May last, having 6133 passengers on board; all either bound directly
for Fraser's River, or proposing to settle at this place with the view
of entering into business connections with parties at the mines.

2. The ascertained number of persons who had actually sailed
from the Port of San Francisco, with the intention of going into the
Fraser's River Mines, up to the 15th of Instant, was 10,573,
and there was then no abatement, in the demand for passages, every vessel
being taken up as soon as advertised to sail for Vancouver's Island.

3. Those statements give a proximate idea of the number of
persons, at and on the way to Fraser's River, from Calefornia, and other
more distant countries, but do not represent the increase of population
derived from the United States Territories of Washington and Oregon,
through parties of adventurers who have entered the British Possessions
by land.

We are therefore led to the inference that this country and
Fraser's River have gained an increase of 10,000 inhabitants within
the last six weeks, and the tide of immigration continues to roll
onward without any prospect of abatement.

4. No complaints have been made as to the deportment of the
Minersconduct of
emigrants, who notwithstanding the weakness of the Colonial
Executive, have been quiet and submissive to the Laws of the country.

5. We continue successfully to enforce at this place the
Licensemining
Mininglicense
pre-payment of one month's Licence Fee, that is the sum of Five
dollars, on all persons entering Fraser's River for the purpose
of gold mining, for which a receipt is given in the accompanying form.

6. We have up to this day issued 2221 such receipts at this
place, and 304 more were issued by Captain Prevost of Her Majesty's
Prevost, Capt. James C.collects mining licenses
Ship "Satellite," when stationed off the entrance of Fraser's River,
making a total issue of 2525 Licence receipts to as many respective
miners, and we have thereby collected the sum of 12,625 dollars on
account of the Territorial Revenue, which I hold subject to your
instructions.

7. I have lately received a communication from Mr Travaillot
Travaillot, Oswald J.report on mining prospects
a gentleman who has resided for some months past in the Couteau gold
diggings. He represents the country as exceedingly rich, and abounding
in gold, fully to as great an extent as Calefornia in its better days.

8. The returns given in his report refer to "Morman
Bar,"
MiningbarsMormon (Morman)
Miningreturns
in the bed of Fraser's River, six miles above the junction of
Thompson's River, and state the produce as follows vizt:

One Rocker yielded in 8 days a quantity dollars cents
of gold dust equal in value to . . . . . . 830. 00
A second Rocker yielded in 12 days . . . . 800. 00
A third Rocker yielded in 5 days . . . . . 248. 00

9. The second Table shews the yield procured from the "dry
diggings," on the table land at the distance of thirty yards from
The Fountainmining returns at
the bed of Fraser's River, at the
"Fountain,"
64 miles above the junction of Thompson's River, and gives the following
as the average daily return of each of Five Rockers, employed there for
seven days between the 1st and 7th of June instant.

  dollars cents 
1st Rocker 42. 12 return per diem
2nd " 55. 58  " " "
3rd " 37. 69  " " "
4th " 46. 58  " " "
5th " 54. 57  " " "

It may perhaps be necessary to explain that the Rocker is a
Miningmethods
machine for washing out gold, made in the form of a child's cradle, and
fitted with perforated plates of iron and transverse bars of wood to
intercept the pieces of gold, in the process of washing. Those referred
to in the foregoing statement were worked by two white men; which gives a
daily return, ranging from 18 to 27 dollars to the man.

10. Mr Travaillot's report is important in consequence of
its being the first authentic information received of gold being
discovered in the soil, apart from the River beds.

11. I have thus, much pleasure in communicating for your
information that every succeeding report tends to confirm the belief as
to the great value and extent of the auriferous deposits in this country.

12. I have appointed Mr Travaillot revenue officer for
Travaillot, Oswald J.appointed revenue officer
the District of Fort Dallas, or Forks of Thompson's
River,and will authorize him to issue Licences to Miners, and to collect the
legal Fees in that District. The Law must however be imperfectly
executed until there be a military Force placed at my disposal.

13. I will authorize Mr Travaillot to raise and maintain
Policeappointment of special constables
a force of eight men for the service of Government, and to swear in
all persons who take out mining Licences as Special Constables,
for the maintenance of Law and order, granting to them also certain
privileges in respect to mining claims in order to secure their
fidelity and attachment.

14. About two thirds of the emigrants from Calefornia are
Populationcomposition of
supposed to be English and French, the other third are Germans and
native citizens of the United States. There is no congeniality of
feeling among the emigrants, and provided there be no generally felt
grievance to unite them in one common cause there will in my
opinion always be a great majority of the population ready to
support the measures of Government.



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FILE: 1858-07-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587202.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have to acknowledge your Despatch No 19 of the 8th Ulto in
continuation of former despatches informing the Secretary of State from
time to time of the progress of the Gold discoveries on Fraser's River,
and the measures which you had taken in consequence. I am anxious not
to let the opportunity of the present Mail pass without informing you
that Her Majesty's Government have under their consideration the
pressing necessity for taking some steps to establish public order and
government in that locality, and that I hope very soon to be able to
communicate to you the result.

In the meantime Her Majesty's Government approve of the course
which you have adopted in asserting both the dominion of the Crown over
this region and the right of the Crown over the precious metals. They
think however, that you acted judiciously in waiting for further
instructions before you endeavoured to compel the taking out of Licenses
by causing any force to be dispatched for that reason from Vancouver's
Island.

They wish you to continue your vigilance, and to apply for
instructions on any point on which you may require them. They are
however, in addition particularly anxious to impress on you, that while
Her Majesty's Government are determined on preserving the rights both of
Government and of Commerce which belong to this country, and while they
have it in contemplation to furnish you with such a force as they may be
able to detach for your assistance and support, in the preservation of
law and order, it is no part of their policy to exclude Americans and
other foreigners from the Gold fields. On the contrary, you are
distinctly instructed to oppose no obstacle whatever to their
resort thither for the purpose of digging in those fields, so long as
they submit themselves, in common with the subjects of Her Majesty, to
the recognition of Her Authority, and conform to such rules of Police as
you may have thought proper to establish. The National right to
navigate Fraser's River is of course a separate question, and one which
Her Majesty's Government must reserve.

Under the circumstance of so large an immigration of Americans into
English Territory, I need hardly impress upon you the importance of
caution and delicacy in dealing with those manifest cases of
international relationship and feeling which are certain to arise, and
which but for the exercise of temper and discretion might easily lead to
serious complications between two neighbouring and powerful States.

It is impossible by this Mail to furnish you with any instructions
of a more definite character.

Her Majesty's Government must leave much to your discretion on this
most important Subject; and they rely upon your exercising whatever
influence and powers you may possess in the manner which from local
knowledge and experience you conceive to be best calculated to give
development to the new Country and to advance Imperial interests.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587202A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

In transmitting you the Copy of a letter addressed to this
Department by order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
inform me of the steps they propose to take in consequence of the gold
discoveries on Fraser's River, I wish to add, for your particular
information, that I have ascertained by communication with the Admiralty
that the Officers commanding Her Majesty's Vessel at Vancouver's Island
will be directed to give you all the support in their power and to
render their crews, and more especially the Marines, serviceable as far
as circumstances will allow, if the Civil Government should require a
force to maintain order among the adventurers resorting to the Gold
Fields. But it will be necessary to be very cautious in employing them,
on account of the obvious danger of desertion.

Her Majesty's Government feeling the difficulties and the critical
nature of your present circumstances have not hesitated to place these
considerable powers in your hands, but they rely upon your forbearance,
judgment and conciliation to avoid all resort to Military or Naval
force, which may lead to conflict and loss of life, except under the
pressure of extreme necessity. Still less need I impress upon you the
importance of avoiding any act which directly or indirectly might be
construed into an application of imperial resources to the objects of
the Hudsons Bay Company in whose service you have so long been engaged.
Even the suspicion of this, however unfounded, would be eminently
prejudicial to the Establishment of civil government in the Country
lying near the Fraser's River, and would multiply existing difficulties
and dangers. All claims and interests must be subordinated to that
policy which is to be found in the peopling and opening up of the new
country with the intention of consolidating it as an integral and
important part of the British Empire.

It is possible that by personal influence and conciliatory
communications with such of the leading men amongst the American
Immigrants as appear to be of good intention or respectable bearing, you
might induce them to co-operate with you in preserving order amongst
their countrymen, and to lay aside any feeling of prejudice or mistrust
with which they may have entered the territory.



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FILE: 1858-07-03_Nias_to_Stanley_B586N01.txt
================================================================================

Nias to Stanley

I take the liberty of forwarding to you the enclosed Petition,
and respectfully request you to present it to Her Majesty, for whom I
entertain feelings of profound respect.

I should like briefly to state to your Lordship my reasons for
presenting the enclosed petition, as I should wish to enlist your
advocacy of a course, which founded on justice and right, would
materially advance the best interests of a most important new
settlement,—if neglected, will seriously retard its prosperity and early
development.

My eight years residence in California has given me ample
opportunity of judging of the bad effects provided by the absence of such
a regulation, and in San Francisco it was for 5 or 6 years and is still
to some extent, one of the greatest evidences of American mis-rule; I
allude to the selling "Town lots," in new settlements, without
requiring the purchasers to substantially improve the same within
a limited period, or forfeit their purchase money.

I believe the bad effects of the absence of this regulation have
been felt in other colonies, and I am under the impression that there is
some general law requiring town lots, on government land, to be improved.
I will not occupy your Lordships time with arguments to prove the good
policy and justice of such a law, you are doubtless fully acquainted with
them. In the present instance its absence will be particularly
injurious, as from its proximity to American settlements, numbers of
American "Land Speculators" have gone down, with the sole purpose of
buying all the land in and about the town of Victoria, they can lay their
hands on, merely for the purpose of holding & reselling, at an enormous
advance. The American "Land Grabber," seldom improves land in his own
country, and only folly would suppose he would do so on British
soil, for indeed only those who have lived some years among them can tell
the jealousy and hatred the great bulk of Americans bear towards Britain
and all pertaining to her.

(Do not let the foregoing lead you to suppose that I am
prejudiced against Americans;—it is only the result of experience.
I have made it a point to cultivate the acquaintance of and associate
mostly with Americans, and as to outward appearance and speech am an
American. And could if your Lordship desired furnish you some very strong
arguments against the Bal[l]ot and universal sufferage. I was a strong
Radical when I left England. I am anything but a radical now, and shall
return to see Victoria under the British flag at the earliest
opportunity, with great pleasure.)

I see by the papers that His Excellency Governor Douglas has some
doubts of the policy of allowing the law to be monopolized as it was—for
he had closed the "Land Office" & given notice that no person could
purchase more than six lots. But this is absurd as the lots might appear
in the names of twenty persons, and yet belong wholly to
one. "Substantial Improvements" in a limited time, is the only remedy.

I enclose some cuttings, in preference to sending you a whole paper
to wade through and remain your Lordships



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FILE: 1858-07-05_Pearson_to_Lytton_V586P01.txt
================================================================================

Pearson to Lytton

I am very reluctant to add another to the applications which no
doubt [hit?] you on all sides, but I cannot refuse the request of
my friend Captn Allen that I will lay the enclosed papers
before 
you, especially as the parties concerned appear to deserve
your consideration on account of public [service?] & possibly
an appointment in Vancouver's Island [would] not be a very common
object of ambition.

Anyhow, you will, I feel sure, kindly pardon my troubling you
so far [as] to transmit the papers 
for your perusal.



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FILE: 1858-07-06_King_to_Secretary_of_State_V586K02.txt
================================================================================

King to Secretary of State

With reference to former communications from me soliciting
employment as Superintendent of Police, or other employment
in one of Her Majestys Colonies, I beg to remark that as it
appears the recent discovery of Gold in Vancouvers Island has
turned the tide of Emigration from China & California to that
Island, my services might be available there, as from my service
as an officer in the Army for seven years, and subsequent
experience as a Police Officer, together with my knowledge of
the French & German Languages—also of Hindoostanie

of which I am a passed Interpreter and from the fact of my
having resided three years in China and being tolerably
acquainted with Chinese, together with the Testimonials I did
myself the honor to forward with my first application I trust I
may not be deemed presumptuous in submitting that my services
might tend as much to public benefit as to my own. Having in my
former letter referred to [a] Gentleman with whom I am
acquainted & whose aid I depend upon in obtaining your kind
patronage, & consideration of my qualifications—should it be
necessary.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-07_Canterbury,_Archbishop_of_to_Lytton_V586C01.txt
================================================================================

Archbishop of Canterbury to Lytton

I trust that the duty what seems to devolve upon me from
my situation in the Church will be deemed sufficient excuse for
my troubling you with my present communication.

It appears that the discovery of gold fields in Vancouver's
island is already filling that country with a miscellaneous
collection
of immigrants, & that it is likely in a very short time to
contain a large population.

What I venture to suggest is, that the same course should be
followed there which has been so advantageously practised in
Australia; & 
that Government in parcelling out the
country should reserve certain portions of land for the purpose
of endowing those religious bodies who it is to be hoped &
expected will soon follow the increasing population.

In the
Australian colonies it has been usual I understand, to set apart
certain reserves of 640 acres for the formation of villages. If
a fourth part of such reserves was appropriated to the future
maintenance of ministers of religion, a foundation would be laid
for the prevention of some of those evils which may naturally be
apprehended from such a population as collect together.

I beg to apologize for a suggestion which perhaps has been
already anticipated 
in the Colonial Office, & have the honor to be



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-09_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58030.txt
================================================================================

No. 30

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-09_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO07.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 26th Ultimo, I am directed
by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you for the information
of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton a copy of a Report from
Her 
Majesty's Advocate General stating that the Governor of
Vancouver's Island acted properly in declining to deliver up to
the United States Government the soldiers who had deserted from
the Army of the United States.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-07-10_A._Campbell_&_Company_to_Lytton_B585MI02.txt
================================================================================

A. Campbell & Company to Lytton

In justice to our firm, will you permit us to notify to you with reference to your speech in the House of Commons, upon the Second reading of the Bill for the Government of New Caledonia, in which you remarked that Messrs Cunard proposed to run a line to Vancouvers Island by which the passage could be accomplished in 35 days Via New York and Panama, that we have already established a Line of Screw Steamers from England to Vancouvers Island (via the Isthmus of Panama) as you will perceive by our [attached] advertisement. Our first Screw Steamer will be despatched from England for Aspinwall with Passengers on or about the first week in August. She will be followed by a first class powerful Screw Steamer, with superior passenger accommodation (Via Cape Horn) intended to run regularly from Panama to Vancouvers Island, in conjunction with our Screws to Aspinwall from England. Cabin Passage fares, 1st Class £50 2nd Class £35 Steerage £20.
As we were the first British House to establish a line of Steamers from England to Vancouvers Island, we trust you will give us the credit, we hope you will consider due to the mercantile spirit of our enterprise, and refer to this fact on the Bill going into Committee.



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FILE: 1858-07-13_Berens_to_Lytton_B585HB07.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

Herewith I have the honour to transmit for your information an Extract of a letter from Governor Douglas, dated Victoria, Vancouvers Island 18th May, giving the latest intelligence received by the Hudsons Bay Company in reference to the gold fields on Fraser's River.
I beg at the same time to forward an Extract of a letter from the Company's Superintendent at Fort Vancouver, Oregon, dated 20th May, shewing the steps which are being taken by the Americans to open a road to the gold fields from the United States territory.



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FILE: 1858-07-13_Kernaghan_to_Carnarvon_V586KE01.txt
================================================================================

Kernaghan to Carnarvon

As the Government will be sending out troops to New Caledonia, my experience on that Coast from 1850 to 1853 may be of use.
In England by the West Indian Mail Steamers to Navy Bay (Aspinwall) in 18 days or by Chartered Steamer in 14. Clipper Ship 27 to 37. over Rail Road to Panama in 4 hours. Cost pr man £2 & the freight charged in Rail Road 5d pr lb. The Pacific Mail Steam Co (American) leave Panama weekly for San Francisco time 12 to 14 days. Steamers could be chartered at San Francisco for Vancouver or Frazer River or those on the Line could take the men—time 3 to 6 days.
Plenty of Rassions can be had at San Francisco for the supply of the troops say Biscuit, flour, Beef, Port &c My experience of passages in Sailing Vessels Clippers or not is 40 to 100 days from Panama to San Francisco & 60 to 70 returning, so that Steam then would only do for the troops. If sent out by W.I. steamers from Southampton 100/to 150 at a time would be enough as there might not be room for more on the Pacific Steamers & Panama now is very unhealthy.
Probably the Pacific Mail Steam Co (British) might have an idle Steamer at Panama. The Liverpool Sect or agent of the Co would inform you—or Mr Vanderbilt might—his agent in London or Southampton may know.
If any further information [is] required I would be happy to give it. Should your Lordship wish to See me on the Subject I can wait.



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FILE: 1858-07-13_King_to_Lytton_B586KI02.txt
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King to Lytton

With reference to former communications which I have done myself the honor to address to you respecting an appointment in one of her Majesty's Colonies I beg to forward Copies of the Original testimonials you have returned to me.
I have already pointed out my experiences as a Traveller having been in India, Australia the Cape of Good Hope &
latterly 2 years in China also my qualifications as a linguist speaking French German Hindoostanee fluently &
sufficient Chinese to make myself understood.
I was 7 years in the army as an Officer during which time I filled the important post of Paymaster for upwards of 2 years and 2 years as Superintendent of Constabulary in this Country, in all of which situations certificates now forwarded will I trust prove that I have discharged my duties efficiently and zealously.
Therefore under the above circumstances I solicit the honor of your favorable consideration feeling confident that at the present critical state of affairs in the newly discovered gold regions my services might be beneficial to the public service.
Should I be selected for an appointment in a police force &
should it be necessary I could procure an efficient and experienced body of trainee police constables willing to enter the public service &
accompany me. Being most anxious for employment abroad may I request the honor of as early a reply as your arduous duties will permit you to grant me.



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FILE: 1858-07-14_Barr_to_Lytton_B586BA01.txt
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Barr to Lytton

A measure having been introduced to establish a Government for New Caledonia, which if adopted must necessarily involve the appointment of efficient officers, and having recently returned from Vancouver's Island, after a residence of nearly Five Years, during which time I held several responsible public offices (as you will perceive by the accompanying copy of my Testimonials.) I beg most humbly to solicit an appointment in the said Colony in any capacity you may consider me qualified to fulfil.
Having resided there for the above named period, I have consequently become acquainted with the manners and customs of the Natives, which I trust will be considered a necessary qualification for such appointment.
Allow me to remark that my Family are all well known to the Hon. Members for Leeds, my uncle having for upwards of Twenty years held the office of "Clerk to the Leeds Justices."
Permit me to add that should this application be honored with your kind approval nothing shall be wanting on my part faithfully to carry out the wishes and intentions of Her Majesty's Government requisite to the formation and extension of such an important Colony.
I am at your service, and shall be happy to furnish any information respecting the Colony, and waiting your reply,



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FILE: 1858-07-14_Wood_to_Lytton_V586WO01.txt
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Wood to Lytton

Observing from the Bill lately introduced into Parliament that it is in the contemplation of her Majesty's Government to enact the district of New Caledonia into a Colony, I have the honor to offer myself for the post of chief judicial officer, trusting that my education generally & my position at the Bar will be sufficient to entitle me to that distinction.
I am 37 years of age, & was educated at Westminster School & Trinity College Cambridge, having graduated in Honors in 1843, and have a standing of 12 years at the English Bar having practised as a Special Pleader for 5 years, and as a Barrister-at-Law on the Home Circuit and at Surrey Sessions for 7 years, continuously, up to the present time. I may also say that I am used to occupations of an active character, & am desirous of the appointment without reference to the privations which may attend it.
With respect to my qualification for the office I seek, I beg to refer to Mr Baron Bramsach, Mr Justice Willes & Mr Baron Channch [Chaunele?] formerly member of my own Circuit.
I need scarcely add that it is contrary to the practice of the Bench to give testimonials and to the etiquette of the Bar to apply to the Judges. I however feel confident that any reference made to the gentlemen I have named would meet with a satisfactory reply.



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FILE: 1858-07-15_Berens_to_Lytton_V585MI18.txt
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I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's
letter of the 6th Instant, requesting me to furnish the
Colonial Department with a Return (from the earliest period of
the possession of Vancouvers Island Colony by the Hudsons Bay
Company) of all land in Vancouver's Island sold to any individual
or Company, with the names of such person or Company, the extent
to which such lands are under cultivation, and the localities in
which they are situated.

In compliance with this request I beg to enclose a Return
setting forth the quantity of land sold, the names of the
several purchasers, and the Districts in which such Sales 
have
been effected, made up to the 10th October 1857, being the
latest date to which the Hudson's Bay Company have received
returns of Land Sales from the Colony.

I beg at the same time to state that the Company have no
information as to the extent of land which has been brought
under cultivation.



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FILE: 1858-07-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587203.txt
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No. 3

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 18, of the
24th of April last and have to acquaint you that, having consulted the
Queen's Advocate on the subject, Her Majesty's Government are of opinion
that you acted properly in declining to deliver up to the United States
Government the soldiers charged with Robbery, who had deserted from the
United States.



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FILE: 1858-07-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587204.txt
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No. 4

I have to acknowledge your Despatch,
No 23, of the 19th May last,
inclosing a Proclamation which you had issued on the subject of boats
and vessels entering Fraser's River for trade, and reporting farther on
the state of the Couteau Gold diggings.

The accounts which have reached Her Majesty's Government from other
quarters as well as your own, afford abundant evidence of the critical
nature of the circumstances in which you are placed. They have much
satisfaction in reflecting that the maintenance of public order and of
the rights of the Crown in that quarter is placed in the hands of an
officer so vigilant, and so well acquainted with the Country and the
people, as yourself, and you may rely on their support in the
performance of this arduous duty, under the very peculiar difficulties
of your position.

They are now engaged in conducting through Parliament a measure
for the purpose of giving the sanction of law to the steps which the
Crown will be advised to take for the establishment of regular
government and protection both of the immigrants and the natives as far
as practicable and they are also devising the means for affording you
the support of a Military force, as soon as this can be effected.

In the meantime I must lay down a few rules for your guidance in
the administration of the authority which has thus devolved on you.

In strict law your Commission extends to Vancouver's Island only;
but you are authorized, under the necessity of the case, to take such
measures not inconsistent with the general rights of British subjects
and others within Her Majesty's Dominions as that necessity may justify.

I approve, therefore, of your having detached an Officer of the
Customs from Vancouver's Island (if the intention announced in your
Despatch was carried into execution) for the purpose of preventing the
landing in Fraser's River, of articles prohibited under the Customs Laws
to which you refer. Subject to this restriction Her Majesty's
Government, wish no obstacle to be interposed to the disembarkation of
passengers and goods at the mouth of Fraser's River by foreign vessels.

But it is necessary to maintain the principle, that the navigation
of Fraser's River itself, above the mouth, is open in law to British
Vessels only. American or other foreign vessels, therefore, if admitted
to navigate that river (to which it is the desire of Her Majesty's
Government that no unnecessary obstacle should be interposed) should be
required to take a license from yourself or such officer as you may
delegate for the purpose.

But I must distinctly warn you against using the powers hereby
entrusted to you, in maintenance of the interests of the Hudson's Bay
Company in the Territory.

That Company is entitled under its existing license to the
exclusive trade with the Indians, and possesses no other right or
privilege whatever.

It is, therefore, contrary to Law, and equally contrary to the
distinct instructions which I have to convey to you, to exclude any
Class of persons from the territory, or to prevent any importation of
Goods into it, on the grounds of apprehended interference with this
monopoly; still more to make any Governmental regulations subservient to
the revenues or interests of the Company.

I am compelled therefore to disapprove, and to disallow if still in
force, the proclamation of which your Despatch transmitted a Copy.

To fit out boats and Vessels to enter Fraser's River for trade is
no "infringement of the rights of the Hudson's Bay Company" as that
proclamation terms it. Such infringement only commences when any
trading with the Indians is attempted: and no steps can rightfully be
taken to put a stop to legal acts of this description on the ground that
they may be intended for ulterior purposes, infringing on private rights.
For the same reason, to require a "license from the Hudson's Bay Company"
of persons landing in the Territory is altogether unjustifiable.

I am obliged for the same reason to disapprove of the terms which
you have proposed to the Pacific Mail Company. They ought not to be put
under terms to "carry the Company's Goods, and no other." Nor ought
they to be prevented from carrying persons not furnished with a Gold
Miner's license; such License can properly be required of intending
diggers on the ground, but not of persons merely seeking to land on the
Territory. Still less has the Hudson's Bay Company, any right whatever
to exact from Passengers any fee or head money by way, as you term it,
of "compensation."

Should therefore the Pacific Mail Company have assented to these
terms, I must nevertheless require their being altered according to the
tenor of these instructions, for the future.

I am fully aware that before this despatch can reach you the state
of things may have materially altered, and that some of these directions
may have become inapplicable. Even in that case, however, they will
serve as an indication of the general policy which is the intention of
Her Majesty's Government to pursue and their wish that you should
execute, in this emergency.

I hope by next Mail to be able to add to these directions.



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FILE: 1858-07-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587204A.txt
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Confidential

My public Despatch of this date will have shown you the high value
which Her Majesty's Government attach to your services, and at the same
time will guard you against some of the errors into which you may be led
by your position as an Agent of the Hudson's Bay Company, while at the
same time an officer of Her Majesty's Government.

I wish to inform you, confidentially, in addition, that a Bill is
in progress through Parliament to get rid of certain legal obstacles
which interpose to prevent the Crown from constituting a Government
suited to the exigencies of so peculiar a case, over the territory now
resorted to, according to report, by the multitudes whom the gold
diggings on Fraser's River have attracted.

It is proposed to appoint a Governor, with a salary of at least
£1,000 per annum, to be paid for the present out of a Parliamentary
vote. And it is the desire of Her Majesty's Government to appoint you
at once to that office, on the usual terms of a Governor's appointment,
namely, for six years at least, your administration of that office
continuing to merit the approval of Her Majesty's Government, this
Government to be held, for the present, in conjunction with your
separate Commission as Governor of Vancouver's Island.

With regard to the latter, I am not at this moment able to specify
the terms as to salary on which it may ultimately be held, but your just
interests would, of course, not be overlooked.

The legal connexion of the Hudson's Bay Company with Vancouver's
Island will shortly be severed by the resumption by the Crown of the
grant of the soil. And their legal rights on the continent opposite
terminates in May next, at all events, by the expiry of Her licence, if
Her Majesty should not be advised to terminate it sooner on the
establishment of the new Colony.

It is absolutely necessary, in their view, that the administration
of the Government, both of Vancouver's Island and of the main land
opposite, should be intrusted to an officer or officers entirely
unconnected with the Company.

I wish, therefore, for your distinct statement, as early as you can
afford it, whether you are willing, on receiving the appointment which
is thus offered you, to give up, within as short a time as may be
practicable, all connexion which you may have with that Company, either
as its servant, or a shareholder, or in any other capacity.

I make this proposal without discussing at present the nature and
extent of your actual connexions with that Company, but with the
acquiescence of the Governor of the company, who has seen this Despatch.

In the meantime, and awaiting your answer, it is my present
intention (liable only to be altered by what may transpire in future
advices from yourself) to issue a Commission to you as Governor; but you
will fully understand that unless you are prepared to assure me that all
connexion between yourself and the Company is terminated, or in course
of speedy termination, you will be relieved by the appointment of a
successor.

I make this proposal briefly, and without unnecessary preface,
being fully assured that you will understand, on the one hand, that Her
Majesty's Government are very anxious to secure your services, if
practicable, but, on the other, that it is quite impossible that you
should continue to serve at once the Crown and the Company, when their
respective rights and interests may possibly diverge, when at all events
public opinion will not allow of such a connexion.



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FILE: 1858-07-19_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO08.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to acquaint you, in
reply to your letter of the 15th instant, that His Lordship
concurs in the Despatch which Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton proposes
to address to the Governor of Vancouvers Island on the subject
of a proclamation issued by that officer prohibiting all Boats
and Vessels, not having a License from the Hudson's Bay Company,
from entering Frazer's River for the purpose of Trade.



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FILE: 1858-07-20_Kernaghan_to_Lytton_B586KE02.txt
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Kernaghan to Lytton

When in California in Jany 1851 the officers of the U.S. Steam Frigate "Massachusets" assured me, incredible as the statement may be, that the Officers of the Hudson's Bay Co at Vancouvers Island had offered the Indians so much a head, dead or alive, for any of the Co's hired servants, who might attempt to escape to California, where wages then were about £20 a month, while their contracts were about £26 pr annum. Four of the Cos servants did hide themselves in empty water casks & thus escaped without the knowledge of the Steam Ship's officers.
They also told me their ship lay close to the beach when the Coals are dug out or mined & though officers of the Co were sent with the Steamer to get the price of the quantity of Coals taken on board, the Indians, claiming the Coal as their property, would not allow the Co's officers to be paid but to save bloodshed were paid themselves in dollars & blankets by the Ship.
Should Vancouver's Island continue under the Co's rule, its inhabitants will be debarred from the benefits of the Reciprocity act with the neighboring Territories & States, while those of the new Colony will have all the privileges of it. This would cause the Island to be in a great measure abandoned as the States would charge duties of 20 to 30 pct on its produce while that of New Caledonia would be free.
Having visited all the Cities of Canada this Spring—public opinion there is against the renewal of the exclusive privileges or lease of the Co in 1859—that Government having noticed the Co to surrender all they held under them in 18 months.
I would beg to Offer my services to her Majesty's Government for an appointment in the New Colony referring to the Rt Hon. J. Whiteside, J. Wynne MP, Hon Col Cob, Mr W.S. Lindsay MP, on this side & in Canada to the Hon Mr Alleyne M.P.P., Col Playfair M.P.P, Mr Brown M.P.P. & Mr Dawson, M.P.P.



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FILE: 1858-07-23_Barr_to_Lytton_V586BA02.txt
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Barr to Lytton

I beg most respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday informing me that my application for employment in the New Settlement in North Western America will be noted and considered, for which I am much obliged.
Respectfully soliciting your kind influence,



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FILE: 1858-07-24_Cooper_to_Lytton_V586CO02.txt
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Cooper to Lytton

The great interest manifested by yourself in the subject matter of this communication, is I trust sufficient apology for my again addressing you.
I have read with intense interest the debates on the "New Caledonia" Bill the main features of which commend themselves to my judgement as being the basis of a constitution, which in all after years, will I trust prove a great blessing to the human race.
I have failed however in noticing that any provision is made for a Port of Entry.
The navigation of the Straits of "Juan de Fuca" is open, free from danger, and comprises all the advantages of an inland Sea.
But, beyond the South Eastern Apex of Vancouvers Island (of which "Esquimalt" harbour forms a Port of marked importance and capabilities) the navigation in British waters for Sea going ships becomes exceedingly intricate and dangerous, passing through narrow channels where no serviceable sounding can be obtained with strong tides, and frequently liable to calms and fogs for days together.
The Sands at the mouth of Frasers River extend 5 or 6 miles to the Westward in the Gulf of Georgia, with a most intricate channel, & never more that 14Ft or 15Ft water at the highest tides.
On reference to the chart it would appear as though Burrards Inlet, offered advantages for a Sea Port for "New Caledonia"; and also, Howes Sound, a few miles farther North presents apparently the same facilities, but my nautical knowledge from actual observation warrants me in pronouncing both these places, utterly unfitted for such purposes.
Rt Honble Sir, I would here venture to offer most respectfully to your notice the following few suggestions.
That, "Esquimalt" harbour should be declared a port of entry & discharge, "pro tem" if desirable, indeed, from the facts above mentioned it will be seen that there is a physical necessity for so creating Esquimalt Harbour, a harbour which is so favourably situated, a port of entry and discharge.
That a point of land at the head of navigation should be selected on the banks of Frasers River for a Town Site.
From this site, a good road should be immediately made to the locality of the principal diggings.
A small naval force should be kept continually on the coast; one or two Gun Boats would be more effective and less expensive than ships of a larger class, because their light draught of water would enable them to visit all villages in shallow water & thereby render efficient services.
That in my humble opinion only a small land force would be necessary, to send from this Country; for these reasons. It is calculated that 20,000  white people will be in British Territory by the end of this summer, every man is armed with his rifle & revolver, perfectly competent when united to protect themselves from the overbearing conduct and insolent character of the Indians. Among them, there are doubtless, many villains, but they do not predominate, therefore some 4 or 5 companies of Soldiers & Police jointly, would be sufficient, with the naval force previously mentioned to support the Judicial, & Executive Authority, either against the Indians or any party of white men that may become troublesome.
The expenses that would be incurred in the above precautionary arrangements, might be met by imposing a small ad valorem duty on British Imports, with an increase upon foreign Imports, & a considerable augmentation on ardent spirits in proportion to their proof.
No revenue could be raised sufficient for present purposes, by any other means so readily; neither could any plan be adopted so effectually, and at so small an expense to the mother country.
This measure in my humble judgment would prepare the way for levying a license on all miners at the diggings & the ultimate and more important feature of permanent colonization, the plotting & sale of land. To prevent smuggling by land it would only be necessary to establish a small station near to the head of navigation on Frasers River before alluded to, viz the Town site; as the American people would not, to avoid a Small duty convey large quantities of goods through any part of the U.S. Territories into New Caledonia at so great an addition of distance labour & expense.
I may also add, that should such measures be effectually carried out the nucleus of the colony composed of H.M. loyal Subjects, would receive with satisfaction any measures proposed by Her Majestys Government that would contribute to their self support.
In conclusion, allow me Right Honourable Sir to say that if at any time it should be deemed expedient to fortify the harbour of "Esquimalt," in addition to its other advantages so well adapted for a Naval depôt, that place possesses in my humble opinion all the requirements for such a work & could at a comparitively small cost be made impregnable.



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FILE: 1858-07-24_King_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586K03.txt
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King to Under-Secretary of State

In reply to your letter of 14th inst. informing me that my
name is recorded on [the] list of Candidates for Employment in
Vancouvers Island, and in returning my most sincere thanks to
the Right Honourable The Secretary for the Colonies for the honor
and favor he has thereby conferred upon me, I beg respectfully
to intimate that upon Receipt of the above mentioned letter I
gave notice of my intention to resign my present appointment and
I am prepared to leave England at the shortest notice, and
should the services of
an efficient body of Police
be required I could without any difficulty procure them.



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FILE: 1858-07-25_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58032.txt
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No. 32

1. I have the honor of transmitting herewith copy of a
correspondence with Her Majesty's Boundary Commissioners,
Captains Prevost and Richards on the subject of an increase of
pay, which they begged might be given to the ships companies of
the "Satellite" and "Plumper" under their command.

2. You will observe that they were alarmed about the desertion
of their men, fearing that in consequence of the want of hands,
it might be out of their power to maintain their ships in a
state of efficiency.

3. Their fears were not groundless as many men had at the date
of Captain Prevost's letter, deserted from the "Satellite" and
others were preparing to follow their example.

4. As the matter was urgent and there was no time for referring
the question to the Admiralty, as the ships might in a few days,
have been deserted by their crews, I authorized Captain Prevost
to announce without delay to the companies of Her Majesty's
Ships "Satellite" and "Plumper" 
that they would hereafter
receive an allowance from the Territorial Revenue equal to their
rate of pay from the Crown.

5. The men of those two ships are now therefore receiving
double their pay, and there are so many inducements for
desertion that it is possible they may not remain even on those
terms, but certainly not for the regular pay of the service.

6. Should that measure not meet with your approval, I will
discontinue the extra pay, at any time you may direct, and
continue it until I receive your instructions on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-07-26_Barr_to_Lytton_V586BA03.txt
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Barr to Lytton

In my communication of Friday last I omitted to ask you to be kind enough to inform me as to when it is expected that the appointments for the New Settlement in North Western America will be made, for which I am a Candidate.
Waiting for Your reply,



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FILE: 1858-07-26_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58031.txt
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No. 31

1. I have the honor of transmitting herewith copies of
Prevost, Capt. James C.report on enforcement of revenue laws
ShipsSatellite
correspondence with Captain Prevost of Her Majesty's Ship
"Satellite" touching the enforcement of the Revenue Laws and
License regulations applicable to Fraser's River.

2. Your Lordship will observe that he has on 
all occasions
cordially responded to my demands, and given such aid and assistance in
carrying out the views of this Government, in preventing the lawless
intrusion of foreign ships, and people, into Fraser's River; as was
consistent with the nature of his instructions from Her Majesty's
Government and the demands upon his time, of the special service on which
the "Satellite" was detached to this coast.

3. In consequence however of the frequent, and for the reasons
Lawevasion of
before stated, necessary absence of the "Satellite" from Fraser's River,
there have been many evasions of the law, by means of canoes and other
small craft, which have 
stealthily entered and ascended Fraser's River,
without a Customs Permit, or the pre-payment of a month's advance on the
mining Licence of each miner as required by the existing regulations.

4. I therefore much regret that I have not a permanent force
Lawneed for enforcement
under my control for the protection of the Revenue Laws of the
country; as they would, in that case, produce a return far
exceeding the expense of maintaining such a force, besides
upholding the moral influence of Her Majesty's Government.

5. The regulations we have established, and which we seek to
Mineral rightsof the crown
enforce in the Fraser's River District, are only such as 
have reference
to my instructions from Her Majesty's Government; and to the rights of
the Crown with respect to minerals in their natural place of deposit.

6. I will for your Lordships information concisely enumerate
Landprevention of squatting
the objects we wish to attain through those regulations. In the
first place I have, distinctly, and to all applicants for land,
refused the grant of any rights of occupation; in accordance
with the instructions from Mr Secretary Labouchere, as detailed
in his Despatch No 4 of the 1st of February
1858;
and also with the view of preventing the confusion and numberless evils
that have, in all cases, grown out of the practice of squatting on
Crown Lands or the Lawless occupation of a 
country.

2ndly I have endeavoured to protect the trading rights of the
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
Hudson's Bay Company as by Law established.

3rdly I have established the system of issuing licences for
digging Gold, the charge for each mining claim of 25 feet river frontage,
or 20 square feet of river bar or dry diggings, being fixed at 21s/-
or 5 dollars a month, the revenue derived from this source being held for
the benefit of the Crown. There are also regulations respecting the
Water regulations
Regulationswater
draining of water ponds; and working quartz veins, which will I trust
hereafter yield a large amount of revenue for the Crown.

7. To carry those objects 
into effect I have appointed the following
officers.

Travaillot, Oswald J.appointed assistant commissioner of lands
Hicks, Richardappointed assistant commissioner of lands
Perrier, Georgeappointed JP
Bevis, William H.appointed revenue officer

Assistant Commissioners of Crown Lands
O.T. Travaillot Thompson's River
Richard Hicks Fort Yale
Justices of the Peace
George Perrier District of Fort Yale
Revenue Officer
William Henry Bevis Fort Langley

and others will be appointed as soon as fit and trusty persons can be
found to fill those offices, with credit and respectability.

8. I propose to pay those officers out of the Revenue raised in
this country.

9. With the exception of the aid received from Her Majesty's ship
"Satellite," operating on the sea coast, I have had no military force
whatever to employ in the interior of Fraser's River, which is 
now
occupied by a population little short of 9000 white miners; and hundreds
of other persons, are travelling towards the gold mines, and preparing to
join them.

10. The country nevertheless continues quiet, and notwithstanding
our want of physical force I have not scrupled, in all cases, to assert
the rights of the Crown, and to enforce the Laws of the land, for the
punishment of offences, and we have, thanks to the Almighty, encountered
neither resistance, nor opposition in the discharge of those sacred
duties.

11. To supply the mining population of Fraser's River with food, we
Licenseto navigate Fraser River
have licensed two American Steam vessels to ply upon the waters of
Fraser's River, and one of those vessels has 
succeeded in reaching the
"Falls" or Fort Yale, about one hundred and thirty miles from the
discharge of the Fraser, into the Gulf of Georgia.

12. The Agents of the Hudson's Bay Company have laid in large
quantities of Mining Tools and provisions for the use of the
miners, which they supply at merely remunerative prices, greatly
to the advantage and satisfaction of the mining population.

13. Notwithstanding the great number of people assembled in
Goldreturns
Fraser's River, it does not appear that there has been a large production
of gold, as most of the River "Bars" are still inundated; nevertheless
the miners have unwavering faith 
in the richness of the country, and are
in great spirits, in anticipation of an early fall in the River.

14. I have accounts of 5000 ounces of gold dust, which have been
actually exported from Fraser's River since the month of May last, and we
have estimated that as much as half that quantity has been carried away
in small quantities, by return miners; comprising as I believe the whole
export of gold dust for that period.

15. We are therefore led to believe that the Miners are hoarding up
Gold escortneed for
their gold dust, either from not being in immediate want of supplies or
more probably from not knowing how to remit, or where to place it in
security, and for that reason, among many others, I am considering the
ways and means of having their earnings conveyed to the sea 
coast under
government escort, and placing them in charge of a public Treasurer,
until they are called for by the depositers; the conveyance, and other
expenses to be defrayed by a charge on the deposits.

16. The advantages expected from that measure are manifold; we
hope, for instance, to draw the gold by that means, to this Colony, from
whence; instead of being exported to other countries, it will find its
way to England, in return for our own home manufactures.

17. Another important object, I have in view, is the improvement
Roadsneed for
Roads.see also Harrison-Lillooet route
of the internal communications of the country, which at present are, for
all practical purposes, nearly inaccessible, beyond Fort Yale, in
consequence of a range of mountains, running north and south, which there
interpose an almost insurmountable 
barrier to the progress of trade.

18. To the eastward of that range of mountains, the country is
open and comparatively level, and the construction of good roads
would be a matter of easy accomplishment, in fact it is even at
present almost everywhere accessible for pack horses.

19. It is therefore evident that the construction of a good road
Harrison-Lillooet route
through that mountain barrier, though passable in the first instance only
for pack horses, would be of prodigious advantage to the country, and
such a road might, I think, be carried through the valley of Harrison's
River, at a moderate expense, to a point near the Great Falls of Fraser's
River, to the eastward of the mountains in question, 
from whence the
country is easy of access; and should no instructions, militating with
that design, be in the mean time received from Her Majesty's Government,
I will probably make the attempt in course of the present summer.

20. I am, not without cause, looking forward most anxiously to
receiving your instructions, respecting the plan of Government for
Fraser's River. The torrent of immigration is setting in with impetuous
force, and to Keep pace with the extraordinary circumstances of the
times; and to maintain the authority of the Laws, I have been compelled
to assume an unusual amount of responsibility. I trust however from the
present hasty review of the reasons which 
have influenced my public
measures, that they will meet with the approval of Her Majesty's
Government.

The Victoria
Gazette
Victoria Gazette
of the 24th of Instant, which I herewith transmit will give much
interesting information respecting the gold mines, and other public
matters.



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FILE: 1858-07-27_Kernaghan_to_Lytton_B586KE03.txt
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Kernaghan to Lytton

I beg to thank you for the interview this morning as well as the promise of a Colonial appointment, but I think for that of the Secretary-ship of British Columbia my claims have been overlooked (stated in a letter which the Attorney General for Ireland gave you) backed as they were by Memorials in the Foreign Office from all the cities of Canada & the chief cities of England & Ireland.
This morning I handed you a letter of introduction from old friends of mine Messr Gilmour Rankin & Co, the largest shipowners in the Empire with the greatest interest of any House in the North American Colonies having branches at Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, St John N.B., Miramichi, Bathurst, & other places. Having taken a very great interest in opening up the Direct Navigation with the Lakes & West of America as well as in aiding to overthrow the monopoly of the Hudson's Bay Co I think from my knowledge of the new Colonies I would be of more use there than elsewhere.
Some of my friends Members of Parliament & Canadian Merchants now in London think a deputation to you might change your mind. If you would be willing to receive it, have the kindness to name the time.
As to public matters, if troops would be sent out to the new Colony The West India Mail Steamer or chartered ones could bring them to Aspinwall, by Rail to Panama thence by Pacific Mail Co to San Francisco & Pugets Sound close to the mouth of the Frazer River.
The fares from New York to San Francisco are £25 for Steerage passengers.
It is likely that the Pacific Mail Co (Sect in Liverpool) may have an idle steamer at Panama which could bring a regiment up to the Colony. This being the Sickly Season at Panama more troops ought not be sent than can get passages on arrival.
The Canadian Merchants wish the Admiralty to use Colonial timber in building ships of war for such purposes as it is fit, no doubt the Colonial Office would assist them in this matter.



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FILE: 1858-07-27_Storks_to_Merivale_V585WA00_A.txt
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Storks to Merivale

With reference to your letter of the 20th inst stating it to be the wish of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that a Force of Royal Engineers (Sappers and Miners) should be sent to New Caledonia, I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to request that you will acquaint Sir E B Lytton that an officer of Royal Engineers will be selected for this duty and a company of Royal Engineers will be made up of 150 noncommissioned officers and men, and placed under orders to proceed on this service.



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FILE: 1858-07-27_Williams_to_Secretary_of_State_V586W02.txt
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Williams to Secretary of State

I beg to call your attention to certain documents, relative to
the Settlement of Vancouver's Island and the adjoining British
Coast, that I had the honour to transmit, in May last, for your
Consideration. Your lordship will perceive from the date of my
first Communication to Mr Labouchere, in April 1857, that the
Settlement 
of the island, and not the acquisition
of Gold, is the inducement for the projected emigration.

As the expense and danger of removing so far either by the way
of the Isthmus of Panama or across the Continent will be very
considerable; and must greatly lessen the means of the
immigrants; we confidently anticipate that her Majesty's
government will be graciously pleased to allow free grants of
land to actual Settlers (being British Subjects) 
so that what
little means may remain to the immigrant after reaching his
destination may be available for the purpose of creating a home
for his family.

As this communication to your lordship, has no reference to
Canada or Canadian affairs, may I take the liberty to request,
that your lordship will be pleased to direct the answer to me,
without the intervention of the Secretary of the Governor of Canada.



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FILE: 1858-07-28_Barr_to_Lytton_V586BA04.txt
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Barr to Lytton

On the 14th Inst. I had the honor of addressing you in reference to an appointment in the New Settlement in North Western America at the same time stating that my Family were well known to the Hon. Members for this town.
In reply to a communication addressed to the Rt. Hon. M.T. Baines soliciting his kind influence, I have received the following:
"You are perfectly at liberty to assure Sir E. Bulwer Lytton that I am fully acquainted with the respectability of your family, and that I shall be most ready to bear testimony to that effect, if he should think fit to refer to me."
"Your Testimonials are of a very honorable and satisfactory character."
Hoping the above will tend to strengthen my application, and the testimony therein contained to be fully borne out by me should I be honored with an appointment.
I shall be happy to wait upon you at your convenience.



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FILE: 1858-07-29_Godley_to_Lytton_V585WA03.txt
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Godley to Lytton

In compliance with your request I submit for your consideration the following hasty observations on the establishment of a British Colony in North Western America.
There are two points of the most fundamental & vital importance, to be especially kept in mind.
1. That the Government should be carried on, from the very beginning, in harmony with & by means of, the people of the Country, and
2. that the Local Government should be made perfectly aware that it must rely upon itself alone; and that this country is not going to supply it with money (except to an extent strictly limited) or with Military Force.
It is obvious that these two positions are intimately connected, & depend upon each other. If the Government is not virtually self Government it must directly or indirectly depend on the armed support of this country; & on the other hand, if we attempt to supply it with the means of acting independently of the people, we shall fail in the end, but in the meantime we shall secure antagonism between the Government & the people.
The Governor must therefore immediately, for the purpose of securing the consent & concurrence of the people in his measures convene a legislative council. He should have power at once to do this. His council should be elected if possible, & he should have power to cause elections to take place. Some sort of representation, however rude, may be at once established. If however he cannot (for any unforeseen reason, get an elective council at once) he should nominate a legislative council of the leading men among the settlers, the best stump speakers perhaps, in short the men whom the people would send up if they had the power of electing.
While he is getting his council together, he must organize a police force, & proclaim a tariff of customs. To guide him in this, he should be supplied with a suitable tariff, taken say from New Zealand or Australia, to be in force until the legislature changed it. He must also at once fix on a site for a seaport town, survey it, & sell town lots by auction, at a fixed minimum price. From these two sources he will get more money that he will know what to do with, in six months.
Everything should be prepared for him that can be prepared, e.g. A draft of a very simple political constitution, (with franchise &c defined) for submission to his legislature. Draft proclamations for forming electoral districts, for offering land for sale, at a price to be fixed here provisionally. In short, you should leave as little of the technical work as possible to be done when he enters upon his functions. He will have plenty to do besides considering the wording of proclamations, & yet they ought to be well considered. All arrangements made here, including the tariff & land regulations to be of course only provisional, until modified by the local legislature.
The Governor should take with him only a surveying staff, a legal adviser, perhaps a Secretary, & a Judge. The salaries of these officers should be guaranteed for a limited period, say three years. But of all things the most important is to give the Governor no military force. I foresee clearly that if we do, we shall be led from one step to another, into a futile attempt to garrison the country permanently, & govern it in spite of the people. [Editor's note: transcription not yet available for the following pages: 109v and 110r. Transcription resumes on page 110v; see image-scan link in right margin.] It would be better to send out a Governor from home, thoroughly imbued with the sense of the true position he is to occupy & having this impressed on him personally as well as in written instructions.
Above all, I repeat, send no soldiers. Let one company of Sappers (it is quite enough) go without arms, simply as surveyors & road-makers under a well selected officer as Chief Surveyor, & let it be distinctly understood that the whole expense of employing them must be defrayed by the colony, or they will be ordered home at the expiration of six months.
Another matter worth mentioning is that the Governor should avoid most carefully everything tending to draw a distinction between British subjects & aliens. The former will be in a minority of one to twenty at least; and any attempt to invest them with exceptional privileges will necessarily fail, besides producing jealousies & quarrels which could hardly fail to involve ourselves.
It cannot be too often repeated that this colony will not be worth making or keeping if we are to spend money or use force in keeping it. If the people are allowed the entire management of their own affairs, it will remain British; if they find themselves hampered or controlled, they will make it impossible for us to hold.
As regards finance, I would give the Governor credit for a limited sum say £20,000. This & the guarantee of sufficient salaries to the officers I have mentioned should be the entire amount of our pecuniary contribution. I think it will be better to treat the £20,000 (or whatever sum be fixed upon) as a grant & not a loan. A loan might be repudiated which would involve us in attempts to enforce payment in other words hostile collision, & to send one Regiment there for 6 months would cost more independently of ulterior consequences than twice the amount of the loan.
I foresee in the whole matter great difficulty & danger & if false steps be made at the outset indefinite expense & trouble to this country.
I consider it a serious misfortune that the country is ours at all, but as this cannot be helped, the only thing we have to do is to mix ourselves up with it's concerns as little as possible.
I must entreat your pardon for the rough & hasty manner in which this Letter is written. I have indeed hardly had time to read it over.



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FILE: 1858-07-29_Kernaghan_to_Carnarvon_B586KE04.txt
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Kernaghan to Carnarvon

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of 28th.
Having written to Sir Edw Bulwer Lytton on the 26th asking when he could receive a deputation of Members of Parliament & Canadian Merchants as well as referring him to a letter sent through the Irish Attorney General & one from Messrs. Gilmour Rankin & Co, I would fain hope that as I applied first to Lord Stanley & afterwards to Sir Edwould on his accession that I will not be overlooked in the Secretary-ship for the new Colony.

My references

The Rt Hon John Wynne MP
Rt. Hon J. Whitende MP.
Messrs Spooner Attwoods & Co Bankers
Messrs Gilmour Rankin Strang & C[o] the largest British American House



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FILE: 1858-07-30_King_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586K04.txt
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King to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 29th Inst. and have to express my regret that I should have
so far misconstrued the purport of your previous letter of 14th
inst as it now appears I unfortunately did. I always
supposed that the "official List" merely contained the names of
those intended for Employment, but as such appears not to be the
case, I can do no more than respectfully await the Right Honourable
the Colonial Secretary's decision as to the most eligible
candidates for employment in Vancouvers Island, trusting that I
may not be deemed unworthy of that honor. It being however a
matter of such serious consequence to me to obtain employment, I
trust that I may be speedily
informed whether my services are likely to be required or otherwise.

Apologizing for the unintentional trouble I have caused you.



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FILE: 1858-07-30_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587205.txt
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No. 5

I have to inform you that Her Majesty's Government propose sending
to British Columbia by the earliest possible opportunity an Officer of
Royal Engineer[s] (probably a Field officer, with two or three
Subalterns) and a Company of Sappers and Miners made up to One hundred
and fifty non-Commissioned Officers and men.

I must trust to you to make such arrangements in the colony for the
reception of this party as you may deem necessary and suitable.

I shall provide the Officer in command with general instructions
for his guidance of which you shall have a copy.



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FILE: 1858-07-31_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587205A.txt
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Confidential

As it is a matter of considerable importance both to Her Majesty's
Government and yourself that there should be a perfect understanding as
to the terms on which, if you should so decide you would assume Office
under Imperial Authority. I think it right to state as it was omitted
on the last occasion that besides relinquishing directly or indirectly
all connexion with the Hudson's Bay Company it will be indispensible to
apply that condition equally to any interest you may possess in the
Puget Sound Company. It is most probable that you have understood the
offer contained in my Confidential Despatch of the 16th instant in
that sense: but I think it better now to guard against any possible
misconception on the subject by this additional explanation.

It is due to you, to add that if after reflection, you should
entertain the persuasion that it will either not conduce to the public
interests, or your own to exchange your present position for that of
Governor of British Columbia the ability you have displayed whilst
holding the Office of Governor of Vancouver's Island will not escape the
recollection of Her Majesty's Government should it be your wish on the
expiration of the Hudson's Bay Company's license next year to enter into
the service of the Crown in the Colonies.



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FILE: 1858-07-31_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587206.txt
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No. 6

Though I expect shortly to have the honor of transmitting to you an
act passed by the Imperial Parliament authorizing the establishment of a
regular Government in the Territory West of the Rocky Mountains I will
not lose the opportunity of this Mail to communicate to you the views
which I entertain, for I am scarcely in a condition to furnish [you]
with positive instructions, upon certain topics of importance which bear
upon your present situation.

1. I need hardly observe that British Columbia, for by that name
the Queen has been graciously pleased that the Country should be known,
stands on a very different footing from many of our early Colonial
settlements. They possessed the Chief elements of success in lands
which afforded safe, though no very immediate sources of prosperity.
This territory combines in a remarkable degree the advantage of fertile
lands, fine Timber adjacent Harbors, rivers, together with rich mineral
products. These last, which have led to the large immigration of which
all accounts speak, furnish the Government with the means of raising a
revenue which will at once defray the necessary expenses of an
Establishment.

I am aware that in Queen Charlotte Island where gold was discovered
a few years ago, license fees were contemplated. But the small quantity
of gold which was worked there has not afforded any settled or fixed
data as to the result of that experiment.

My own views lead me to think that moderate duties on Beer, Wine,
Spirits, and other articles, usually subject to taxation, would be
preferable to the imposition of licences; and I confidently expect that
from these sources a large and an immediate revenue may be derived.

The disposal also of public lands, and especially of Town lots, for
which I am led to believe there will be a great demand, will afford a
rapid means of obtaining funds applicable to the general purposes of the
Colony. You will probably at an early period take steps for deciding
upon a site for a seaport Town.

But the question of how a revenue can best be raised in this new
country depends so much on local circumstances upon which you possess
such superior means of forming a judgment to myself, that I necessarily,
but, at the same time willingly, leave the decision upon it to you, with
the remark that it will be prudent on your part, and expedient to
ascertain the general sense of the Immigrants upon a matter of so much
importance. Before I leave this part of the subject I must state that
whilst the Imperial Parliament will cheerfully lend its assistance in
the early establishment of this new Colony, it will expect that the
Colony shall be self supporting as soon as possible. You will Keep
steadily in view that it is the desire of this Country that
representative Institutions, and self Government should prevail in
British Columbia when by the growth of fixed population the material for
those Institutions shall be shown to exist; and that to that object you
must from the commencement aim and shape all your policy.

2. I have informed you in my Despatch of the 30th instant that
a party of Royal Engineers will be despatched to the Colony immediately.
It will devolve upon them to survey those parts of the Country which may
be considered most suitable for settlement, to mark out allotments of
land for public purposes, to suggest a site for the seat of Government,
to point out where Roads should be made, and to render you such
assistance as may be in their power on the distinct understanding
however, that this force is to be maintained at the Imperial cost for
only a limited period; and that if required afterwards, the Colony will
have to defray the expense thereof. I have to add that I am of opinion
that it will be reasonable and proper that the expense of the survey of
all allotments of land to private individuals should be included in the
price which the purchaser will have to pay for his property. I shall
endeavour to secure, if possible the services of an officer in Command
of the Engineers who will be capable of reporting on the value of the
Mineral resources, and especially of the coal which is said to exist in
the Colony.

This force is sent for scientific and practical purposes, and not
solely for military objects.

As little display as possible should, therefore, be made of it.
Its mere appearance, if prominently obtruded might serve to irritate
rather than appease the mixed population which will be collected in
British Columbia. It should be remembered that your real strength lies
in the conviction of the Emmigrants that their interests are identical
with those of the Government which should be carried on in harmony with,
and by means of the people of the Country. As connected with this
subject it may be convenient to you to know that I contemplate sending
out an experienced Inspector of Police to assist in the formation of a
Police force. You shall consequently lose no time in considering how
that force can be organized. It must be derived from the people on the
spot, who will understand that for their preservation from internal
disturbances they must rely solely on themselves and not on the Military.
I cannot permit myself to doubt that in a matter so essential to the
common security of all you will meet with the ready concurrence of the
Community and that you will act for their interests in a manner which
shall be popular, and conformable with their general sentiments.

3. I have to enjoin upon you to consider the best and most humane
means of dealing with the Native Indians. The feelings of this country
would be strongly opposed to the adoption of any arbitrary or oppressive
measure towards them.

At this distance and with the imperfect means of knowledge which I
possess, I am, reluctant to offer, as yet, any suggestions as to the
prevention of affrays between the Indians and the immigrants. This
question is of so local a character that it must be solved by your
Knowledge and experience, and I commit it to you in the full persuasion
that you will pay every regard to the interests of the Native which an
enlightened humanity can suggest. Let me not omit to observe that it
should be an invariable condition in all bargains or treaties with the
Natives for the cession of Lands possessed by them, that subsistence
should be supplied to them in some other shape, and above all that it is
the earnest desire of Her Majesty's Government that your early attention
should be given to the best means of diffusing the blessings of the
Christian Religion and of civilization among the Natives.

4. In conclusion I wish to impress upon you the necessity of
seeking by all legitimate means to secure the confidence and good will
of the Immigrants and to ex[h]ibit no jealousy whatever of Americans or
other foreigners who may enter the country. You will remember that this
Colony is destined for free Institutions at the earliest moment.

In the meanwhile it will be advisable for you to ascertain what
American[s] resorting to the diggings enjoy the most influence or
popular esteem and you should open with them a frank and friendly
communication as to the best means of preserving order and securing the
interests and peace of the Colony.

It may be deserving your consideration whether there may not be
found already amongst the Immigrants both British & Foreign some persons
whom you could immediately form into a council of Advice; men whom, if
an Elective Council were ultimately established in the Colony the
Immigrants themselves would be likely to elect, and who might be able to
render you valuable assistance until the machinery of Government were
perfected and you were in possession of the instructions which the Queen
shall be pleased to issue for your guidance.

5. I shall hope to receive at an early period your views on these
and other topics of importance which are likely to present themselves
for your decision in the difficult circumstances in which you are
placed, and I request you to be assured on the part of Her Majesty's
Government, that I shall be most ready to afford you every assistance in
my power.



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FILE: 1858-08-03_Beren_to_Lytton_B585HB09.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to enclose for your information an Extract of a letter received by the last mail from Mr Dugald Mactavish, the Company's Agent at Vancouver, dated the 3rd June, and giving the particulars of an encounter which took place in that neighbourhood between the troops of the United States and a party of Indians, in which several of the former were killed.
Along with Mr Mactavish's letter we have also received an Extract from an Oregon paper, which gives some further details of the affair, and which I shall be happy to transmit to you, if you should wish for it.
I have to add that a copy of the Extract from Mr Mactavish's letter has been forwarded to the Foreign Office for the information of the Earl of Malmesbury.



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FILE: 1858-08-04_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AD03.txt
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Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Corry's Letter of the 28th June, acquainting you of the directions given to Rear Admiral Baynes
either himself to proceed to Vancouver's Island or to send some
Senior Officer thither with a view to protect British Interests
and to support the Civil Authority in consequence of the
recently discovered Gold Fields in the neighbourhood of Frazers
River; I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
to send you herewith, 
for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, a Copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral Baynes dated
the 25 June, No 83,
and Copy of its enclosure from the Governor of Vancouver Island
relative to a Naval Force being required there.



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FILE: 1858-08-05_Goring_to_Lytton_V586G01.txt
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Goring to Lytton

I shall feel obliged by your informing me if purchase of Land
from the Hudsons Bay Company in Vancouvers Island will give me a
right and title to the land without the Sanction of the British
Government.



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FILE: 1858-08-06_Berens_to_Lytton_B585HB10.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the Earl of Carnarvons letter of the 5th Instant, in compliance with which, I have announced to my coleagues in the Direction the intention of Her Majesty's government to revoke the right of exclusive trade with the Indians, which was given to the Company in the Royal Licence of the 30th of May 1838, over so much of the Territory in question as is comprised within the Colony of British Columbia.
I have also the honour of enclosing an extract of a letter addressed to Governor Douglas under date, the 16th of July last, from which you will perceive that the wishes of Her Majesty's government upon this point have already been anticipated to a certain extent by the Hudson's Bay Company, in a manner which you will doubtless approve.



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FILE: 1858-08-07_Elliott_to_Colonial_Office_V586E03.txt
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Elliott to Colonial Office

I take the liberty of informing you that I am just returned from
Vancouvers Island, having been Invalided from HM Surveying Ship
Plumper, which Vessel is engaged in the Survey of the disputed
boundary question between this Country and the United States.

Having been at Vancouvers Island in 1846 and 48 and again in
1857 and 58 I think I may venture 
to say that I could furnish
you with any information as to capabilities of the Island and
progress of Agriculture under the direction of the Pugets Sound
Company that you may desire.

My stay in London will only be for a week and should you be
pleased to require information, I shall be happy either to
furnish in writing or wait on you at any time that you may appoint.

I beg also to add that I have visited and walked over the
adjacent
Island of San Juan, at which place the Americans have
a Custom House officer, and the Pugets Sound Company
a good Farm.



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FILE: 1858-08-09_Berens_to_Lytton_V585MI20.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 28th Ultimo, in which his Lordship,
adverting to the accounts furnished by the Directors of the
Hudson's Bay Company to Her Majesty's Government, showing the
probable amount which would be claimed by the Company as
compensation in the event of the resumption by the Government,
of Vancouver's Island, states that

Her Majesty's Government are of opinion, and are legally
advised, that according to the proper and fair construction of
the Royal Grant of the 13th January 1849, the obligation of Her
Majesty's Government to compensate the Company in the event of
repurchase extends only 
to sums laid out by the Company on this
Island and premises as owners thereof, and to the value of the
establishments, property, and effects of the Company, being
thereon, and connected with such ownership,

and that they therefore do not acknowledge any obligation on
their part to compensate the Company for such of their
establishments and property as are connected with their
operations as a Company carrying on trade with the Indians.
His Lordship adds that, on this account, Her Majesty's
Government cannot hold themselves responsible as regards "the
Inventories of the goods, stock, and vessels" referred to at the
end of the account in question, and concludes by stating that it
will be a matter of separate consideration how far this
principle may affect the other items of the account.

In reply I beg to state that the account was drawn up in the
form in which it now appears by directions from the Colonial
Office. On the 20th of January last the Governor received a
letter from Mr Secretary Labouchere, in which he announced the
intention of the Government 
to repurchase and take Vancouver's
Island from the Hudson's Bay Company at the approaching
expiration of the Company's License of Trade, and asked for a
statement of the Sums for which the Company would claim
repayment upon that event taking place. In compliance with this
request the Governor thought it necessary to instruct our
Accountant to draw up a Statement in Strict conformity with the
terms of the Grant of the 13th of January 1849, of which I beg
to subjoin the Clause which has reference to this subject. It
is there stated that at

the expiration of the Company's grant or license of or for the
exclusive privilege of trading with the Indians, the Government
reserves to itself full powers to repurchase and take of and
from the said Governor and Company the said Vancouver's Island
and premises hereby granted, in consideration of payment being
made by us, our heirs and successors, to the said Governor and
Company of the sum or sums of money theretofore laid out and
expended by them in and upon the said Island and premises, and
of the value of their establishments, property, and effects 
then being thereon.

It appeared to me that the meaning of these words was perfectly
clear, and left no doubt that at the period when the Grant was
made it was understood upon both sides that, in the event of the
Government resuming possession of the Island, the Hudson's Bay
Company should be compensated for all their outlays, and for the
value of any establishments, property, and effects which they
might leave in the Island, without any reference to the object
for which those establishments may have been created; and we
felt that we were the more entitled to take this view of the
case because the Grant makes no distinction between the
establishments belonging to the Company as "owners of the
Island," and those belonging to them "as a Company carrying on
trade with the Indians."

It now appears, however, that the Law Officers of the Crown take
a different view of the matter, and are of opinion that in case
of the repurchase of the Island, there is no obligation on the
Government to compensate the Company for any such goods, stock,
trading vessels or other property as have been created in
consequence of their Commercial operations. On this point I
have merely to say that there is no wish on the part of the
Company to call upon the Government to assume any responsibility
which does not fall strictly within the terms of the Grant. And
as the Government is legally advised that it is not under any
obligation to assume any of the establishments or other property
connected with our trading operations, we will raise no
objection to the principle laid down by Lord Carnarvon with
respect to any property of that class which may remain on the
Island.

With respect to the expenses to which we have been put in the
colonization of the Island, the affair is different. We
conceive that under the Grant of 1849 our rights in that respect
are undoubted, and they are not objected to in Lord Carnarvon's
communication. His Lordship, indeed, makes a reserve in so far
as the principle of excluding the Inventories may affect the
other items of the account, but we believe that no difficulty
will arise on this point as the account has been carefully drawn
up with a view to the separation 
of those claims which have
reference to the colonization of the Island, and those which
were more directly connected with the trading interests of the
Company.

It is most satisfactory to us to learn that you are disposed
to devote early attention to this important subject; and we
venture respectfully, but urgently, to impress upon you the
necessity of as early a settlement as possible of such questions
as may arise. Indeed in this respect we have reason to hope
that no great delay need occur, as we feel, from the careful
manner in which the accounts have been kept, that there will be
no great difficulty in adjusting all the claims which the
Company may have upon the Government.



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FILE: 1858-08-09_Kernaghan_to_Lytton_V586K01.txt
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Kernaghan to Lytton

I would beg to call your attention to the land sales of the
Hudson Bay Co's Chief Factors in Victoria V.I. not on behalf of
the Crown but of the Co. whose lease will expire next year
though they purport to sell for ever.

Enclosed is copy of form.

By advices this Mail Lots were selling at £4000.



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FILE: 1858-08-10_Alex_Arthur_and_Company_to_Lytton_V585MI21_A.txt
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Alex Arthur and Company to Lytton

It would appear by recent intelligence from Vancouver’s Island that none but the agents of the Hudson Bay Company are at liberty to trade in British and American merchandise at Victoria, and that the goods of those so trading have been confiscated by that Company. Also that a tax of 2 dollars is levied on every person landing at that port, and that besides this sum 5 dollars per month is charged for a licence to dig for gold. And that a British Man-of-War is stationed at the mouth of Fraser River to enforce those claims.
As there are many parties proposing to go from this city to British Columbia, it is very desirable that you would define what are the rights of the Hudson Bay Company, in the matter, so that parties proceeding thither may know what is expected of them.



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FILE: 1858-08-10_Chesson_to_Lytton_V585MI22_A.txt
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Chesson to Lytton

As the Aborigines Protection Society have for many years taken a deep interest in the welfare of the Indian tribes to the west as well as the east of the Rocky Mountains I am instructed to address you on certain matters affecting not only the rights and interests but the very existence of the numerous Indian population of the new Colony of British Columbia. It appears from all the sources of information open to us that unless wise and vigorous measures be adopted by the Representatives of the British Government in that Colony the present danger of a collision between the Settlers and the Natives will soon ripen into a deadly war of races which could not fail to terminate, as similar wars have done on the American Continent, in the extermination of the red man.
The danger of collision springs from various causes. In the first place it would appear from Governor Douglass's dispatches as well as from more recent accounts, that the Natives generally entertain ineradicable feelings of hostility towards the Americans who are now pouring into Frazers and Thompson's rivers by thousands, and who will probably value Indian life there as cheaply as they have unfortunately done in California. The reckless inhumanity of the gold diggers of that State towards the unfortunate Indians is thus described in a recent number of the New York Times:
"The Country is perfectly wild, and a dense forest, full of warlike Indians, and with the well known injustice of the Miner towards anything of the genus Indian or Chinaman, and their foolhardiness, they will get up a series of little amusements in the way of pistoling and scalping quite edifying. It is the custom of Miners generally to shoot an Indian as he would a dog, and it is considered a very good joke to shoot at one at long shot to see him jump as the fatal bullet pierces his heart; and when in the spirit of retaliation some poor hunted relative watches his opportunity and attacks, a straggling white man, the papers at once teem with long accounts of Indian outrages; and yet the men that shoot down these poor Indians are not the ruffians we are let to suppose are always the authors of atrocities but the respectable sovereign people brought up in the fear of God by pious parents in the most famed locations for high moral character. The Indian and Chinese murders are more frequently committed by men brought up in the quiet country villages of Eastern States, and who return looking as innocent as lambs. There never yet existed so bad a set of men on the face of this fair earth as a certain class of the highly respectable sovereigns of the States who find their way to the frontiers. It is much to be rejoiced at that the Frazer River Indians are of a serious turn of mind, and can't take a joke, and in their ignorance of the sports and pastimes of the great American Nation may deprive some of the practical jokers of their 'thatches.'"
The necessity which is imposed upon Her Majesty's Government to adopt measures to protect the Indians against this class of diggers is too obvious to require any further illustration or argument on our part.
But there is another aspect of the question which is of equal importance. The Indians being a strikingly acute and intelligent race of men are keenly sensitive in regard to their own rights as the aborigines of the Country, and are equally alive to the value of the gold discoveries, no better proof of which could be furnished than the zest and activity with which large numbers of them have engaged in gold digging. Governor Douglass states that in the earlier stages of the gold discoveries they endeavoured to expel the Settlers who were then few in number, and to obtain possession of the fruits of their labour; but he also states that while manifesting a determination to reserve the gold for their own benefit they yet respected the persons and property of the Whites. Other accounts describe the Indians as "quiet and peaceful" but state that "as soon as a miner lays down his pick an Indian stands by to make use of it for himself, and when he lays down the shovel for the pick the Indian takes the shovel and relinquishes the other implement." They are further described as having learnt the full value of their labour in proof of which it is stated that they now charge $5 to $8 a day instead of $1 for their services as boatmen in navigating Thompson's and Frazer's rivers.
As, therefore, the Indians possess an intelligent knowledge of their own rights and appear to be determined to maintain them by all the means in their power, there can be no doubt, that it is essential to the preservation of peace in British Columbia that the Natives should not only be protected against wanton outrages on the part of the white population, but that the English Government should be prepared to deal with their claims in a broad spirit of justice and liberality. It is certain that the Indians regard their rights as Natives as giving them a greater title to enjoy the riches of the Country than can possibly be possessed either by the English Government or by Foreign adventurers. The recognition of Native rights has latterly been a prominent feature in the Aboriginal Policy of both England and the United States. Whenever this principle has been honestly acted upon peace and amity have characterized the relations of the two races, but whenever a contrary Policy has been carried out, wars of extermination have taken place and great suffering and loss, both of life and property, have been sustained both by the Settler and by the Indian. We would beg therefore most respectfully to suggest that the Native title should be recognized in British Columbia, and that some reasonable adjustment of their claims should be made by the British Government.
The present case resembles no common instance of white men encroaching on the lands and rights of aborigines for hunting or settlement. It more than realizes the fabulous feuds of Gryphons and Aremaspians and no ordinary measures can be expected to overcome the difficulties which duty, and interest require to be removed if British Columbia is to become an honourable or advantageous portion of the British dominions. It would seem that a treaty should be promptly made, between the delegates of British authority and the Chiefs and their people as loyal just and pacific as that between William Penn and the Indians of Pennsylvania but that more stringent laws should be made to ensure its provisions being maintained with better faith than that was carried out on the part of the whites. No nominal protector of Aborigines, no annuity to a petted Chief; no elevation of one Chief above another will answer the purpose. Nothing short of justice in rendering payment for that which it may be necessary for us to acquire, and laws framed and administered, in the spirit of justice and equality can really avail. To accomplish the difficult but necessary task of civilising the Indians and of making them our trusty friends and allies it would seem to be indispensable to employ in the various departments of Government a large proportion of well selected men more or less of Indian blood (many of whom could be found at the Red River ) who might not only exert a greater moral influence over their race than we could possibly do, but whose recognized position among, the whites would be some guarantee that the promised equality of races should be realised. The adoption of these or, similar measure would, we believe, propitiate the goodwill of the Indians, and instead of obstructing the work of Colonisation they might be made useful agents in peopling the wilderness with prosperous and civilised Communities of which they one day might form a part.



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FILE: 1858-08-10_Irving_to_Secretary_of_State_V586I01.txt
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Irving to Secretary of State

Being desirous of purchasing land in the vicinity of
Victoria in Vancouvers Island, I should esteem the favor of some
information as to the price per acre—at which it may now be
obtained.



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FILE: 1858-08-12_Berens_to_Lytton_B585HB11.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour of transmitting for your information copious extracts from the correspondence of Governor Douglas on the subject of the Gold diggings in British Columbia and Vancouver's Island. And as an act of justice to Governor Douglas I take this opportunity of expressing the strong feeling of the Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company on the admirable judgment with which that gentleman, in the face of unprecedented and unlooked for difficulties, has contrived to maintain peace and order among the lawless* crowds who have so suddenly assembled in the territory. The Committee feel confident that Governor Douglas's [efforts] will also meet with the approbation of Her Majesty's Government.

As the extracts from Governor Douglas's despatches which we have sent are rather voluminous, I take the liberty of drawing your special attention to one which appears under the date of June 23rd, with respect to the sending out of an additional number of Surveyors. Governor Douglas not being aware that this territory had been erected into a Colony, and that consequently the authority of the Hudson's Bay Company had ceased, wrote to us to send out Surveyors. Such a duty no longer devolves upon us, but as he seems to attach importance to the prompt arrival of assistance in the Surveying Department, I take the liberty of drawing your attention to his request.



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FILE: 1858-08-12_Kernaghan_to_Carnarvon_B586KE05.txt
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Kernaghan to Carnarvon

As I did not go to Ireland your letter of 5th was sent to me here.
I must feel obliged by Sir Edw Bulwer Lytton's opinion.
As no person did so much since 1854 to enlighten the people here &
 in Canada on the Hudson's Bay Question, I, at least thought, taking my references &
 testimonials into account that I should have had an appointment in the new Colony.
Owing to the Indians not being allowed to sell their gold to the best buyer, the Co buy it from them @ 15$, much under the Value. No doubt orders have been sent out to prevent a continuance of this injustice.

Offering my services &
 trusting that my claims as stated in my letter to the Rt Hon J. Whiteside will not be overlooked.



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FILE: 1858-08-12_Trutch_to_Carnarvon_V586TR01.txt
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Trutch to [Carnarvon]

Above a month since I had the honor of an interview with your Lordship, & laid before you a Map of the Oregon and Washington Territories on the Pacific,
which Map included the greater portion of Vancouvers Island with the Archipelago of Islands opposite, & within the British boundary line.
I have by the last Mail, on Monday, received from my son, who created this Map, and who is now engaged surveying at Port Townsend, & Puget sound,
close upon the British Line, an account of communications made to him by the Indians of the Fraser River districts, with whom tribes my son is in continual 
intercourse; accounts, which I judge are important the Government should be made acquainted with; and for which purpose I called 
yesterday at the Colonial Office but was not fortunate enough to find any one at the office authorised to receive communications; I therefore presume to address 
your Lordship first calling to your mind my so previous interview, & to say I shall be real glad to communicate the information that has reached me.
The Map in question is now before Sir L. Bulwer, having been submitted to him by Mr. Roebuck who requested it of me for that purpose.



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FILE: 1858-08-13_Barwise_to_Lytton_V586B02.txt
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Barwise to Lytton

I would most respectfully submit for your polite consideration
the question of the transport of Her Majesty's Mails from San
Francisco, California, to Victoria Vancouver's Island, and from
thence to Fort Hope on the Fraser's River, New Caledonia.

Some gentlemen who are in conjunction with me will engage to lay
on large British built Steamers to carry the bimonthly mails,
which shall arrive and depart from her Majesty's Colonies of New
Caledonia, and Vancouver, in time to receive from, and deliver to,
the bimonthly Mails, arriving at, and departing from San
Francisco, via Panama; and would enter into a contract 
with
Her Majesty's Post Master General for that service for a term
of years, should Her Majesty's Government think proper, and
would be willing also at a future time, to make arrangements for
the further distribution of the Postal communication in these
new Colonies.



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FILE: 1858-08-13_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58033.txt
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No. 33

I have the honor of transmitting for your information, copies of
my correspondence with the House of Assembly, from the 16th day
of June last to the 10th day of August, Instant.



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FILE: 1858-08-14_Lindley_to_Lytton_V586LI01.txt
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Lindley to Lytton

When I caused my letter enclosing an introduction from Lord Salisbury to be delivered in Park Lane I was not aware that you had left town. Having since been informed that the letter in question has been forwarded to you I now venture to presume upon making my application in writing.
My hope is that you may be able to place in some situation under government in British Columbia my son in law Mr Henry Crease, concerning whom you will find a statement in a separate memorandum enclosed herewith. Much as I desire to receive such a mark of favour at your hands I should not make the request did I not entertain the most confident belief that such an appointment would be conducive to the public service, Mr Crease's qualifications being, as I believe peculiarly valuable in a Colony like British Columbia—a strong constitution, a robust frame, a resolute temper, a practical knowledge of Indian life and of the difficulty to be encountered in the N. American bush, and skill in the control of large bodies of miners, being united in his person to the manners and education of a gentleman and the professional knowledge of a member of the English bar.
Mr Crease is now at Toronto where he has transmitted three letters which I take the liberty of enclosing because they shew the opinion entertained of him by his friends in Canada. One of these letters is from Mr VanKoughnet lately Minister of Agriculture, a second is from Judge Haggarty, and a third from the clergyman at Toronto.

Permit me to add that altho' married yet as his wife and children are in this country under my care, he would be perfectly unencumbered in his action; that his object is not merely to obtain employment but eventually to settle with his family in the Colony; and that he would be ready to accept any appointment for which he is qualified and which is not unbecoming a gentleman.
For myself, as a man not wholly unknown in science and whose services have been freely placed at the command of government upon occasions of considerable importance, I should hope that this application will be regarded by you as one to which you may properly extend your favourable consideration.



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FILE: 1858-08-14_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587207.txt
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No. 7

I have to transmit to you for the information and guidance, copy of
an Act which had received Her Majesty's assent, entitled "An Act to
provide for the Government of British Columbia."

There has not been as yet time to furnish you by this Mail with the
necessary order in Council, Commission and Instructions to yourself as
Governor, which are necessary in order to complete your legal powers.

You will continue nevertheless to act during the brief interval
before their arrival as you have hitherto done, as the authorized
representative of Her Majesty's Government in the Territory of British 
Columbia, and take without hesitation such steps as you may deem
absolutely necessary for the Government of the Territory and as are not
repugnant to the principles of British Law. But you will do so in
conformity with the directions which I transmit to you on several
subjects by my despatches of even date herewith, and in such others as
you may receive from me.



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FILE: 1858-08-14_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587208.txt
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No. 8

I have to acknowledge the very important series of despatches of
which the numbers and dates are specified in the Margin, *showing the manner in which you have continued to administer the
Government of the Territory in which the recent discoveries of Gold have
taken place, and detailing the extraordinary course of events in that
quarter.

2. Her Majesty's Govenment feel that the difficulties of your
position are such as courage, judgment, and familiarity with the
resources of the Country and character of the people, can alone
overcome; they feel also that minute directions conveyed from this
distance, and founded on an imperfect knowledge, are very liable to
error and misunderstanding. On some points, however, you have yourself
asked for approval and instructions; on others, it is absolutely
necessary that the views of Her Majesty's Government should be made
clear to you.

3. As to the steps you have already taken, I approve of the
appointments which you have made, and reported, of Revenue Officers Mr
Hicks and Mr Travaillot, of Mr Perrier as Justice of the
Peace, and of
Mr Young as Gold Commissioner. I approve also as a temporary measure,
of the steps which you have taken in regard to the Surveying Department,
but I have it in contemplation to send to the Colony a head of that
Department from England.

4. I propose selecting in this Country some person for the Office
of Collector of Customs, and I shall send you also at the earliest
moment an Officer authorised to act as Judge, and who, I trust, as the
Colony increases in importance, may be found competent to fill with
credit and weight, the situation of Chief Justice. I await your
intimations as the the wants & means of the Colony, in this sudden rise
of Social Institutions in a Country hitherto so wild, in order to select
such Law Advisers as you may deem the conditions and progress of
Immigration more immediately require. And it is my wish that all legal
authorities connected with the Government should be sent from home, and
thus freed from every suspicion of local partialities, prejudices and
interests.

5. I highly approve of the steps which you have taken, as reported
by yourself, with regard to the Indians. It is in the execution on this
very delicate and important portion of your duties that Her Majesty's
Government especially rely on your knowledge and experience, obtained in
your long Service under the Hudson's Bay Company. You may in turn rely
on their support in the execution of such reasonable measures as you may
devise for the protection of the Natives, the regulation of their
intercourse with the whites, and, whenever such a work may be commenced,
their civilization. In what way the fur Trade with the Indians may be
henceforth carried on with the most safety, and with due care to save
them from the demoralizing bribes of ardent spirits, I desire to know
your views before you make any fixed regulations. No regulations giving
the slightest preference to the Hudson's Bay Company will be in future
admissible, but possibly with the assent of the whole community licenses
for Indian trade impartially given to all who would embark in it, might
be a prudent and not unpopular precaution.

6. I approve also of the measures which you have taken for raising
a revenue by Customs, and authorize their continuance.

7. I approve also of your continuing to levy license fees for
Mining purposes requesting you however to adopt the scale of those fees
to the general acquiescence of adventurers and leaving it to your
judgment to change this mode of taxation (as for instance into an export
duty) if it shall appear on experience to be unadvisable to continue it.
But on this head I must give you certain cautions. In the first place,
no distinction must be made between foreigners and British Subjects as
to the amount per head of the license fee required (nor am I aware that
you have proposed to do so). In the second place, it must be made
perfectly clear to everyone that this license fee is levied, not in
regard to any supposed rights of the Hudson's Bay Company, but simply in
virtue of the prerogative of the Crown, (now confirmed by the Act of
parliament transmitted to you, if this was necessary) to raise such
revenue as it thinks proper in return for the permission to derive
profits from the Minerals on Crown Lands.

8. Further, with regard to these supposed rights of the Hudson's
Bay Company, I must refer you, in even stronger terms, to the cautions
already conveyed to you by my former Despatches. The Hudson's Bay
Company have hitherto had  an exclusive right to trade with Indians in
the Fraser's River Territory, but they have had no other right whatever.
They have had no right to exclude strangers. They have had no rights of
Government or occupation of the soil. They have had no right to prevent
or interfere with any kind of trading except with Indians alone. To
claim or exercise any further rights is, on their part, a mere
usurpation, although I doubt not, often practised and submitted to in
ignorance. But to render all misconceptions impossible, Her Majesty's
Government have determined on revoking the Company's License (which
would of itself have expired in next May) as regards British Columbia,
being fully authorized to do so, by the terms of the License itself,
whenever a new Colony is constituted.

The Company's private property will be protected in common with
that of all Her Majesty's subjects; but they have no claim whatever for
compensation for the loss of their exclusive trade, which they only
possessed subject to this right of revocation. The instrument formally
revoking the License will shortly be forwarded to you.

9. With regard to the revenue received from Licenses and Customs,
you will hold it for the present to be expended on the necessary
expenses of the Colony.

10. The immense resources which the information that reaches
England every day, and is confirmed with such authority by your last
Despatch assure me the Colony possesses, and the facility for immediate
use of those resources for the purposes of revenue, will at once free
the Mother Country from those expenses which are adverse to the policy
of all healthful colonization; and I shall confidently rely upon you to
see that the
proceeds from the Colonial revenue defray every
charge except that of your own salary as Governor, which from obvious
motives of policy, while the population is yet precarious and unsettled,
I think should be dependent upon Great Britain alone. You will bear the
principle I have thus laid down perpetually in mind, so as to apportion
the expenditure to the revenue, and not to allow the former to exceed
the latter.

11. The most important objects to which the local revenue can be
applied would seem to be police, public works to facilitate landing and
travelling, payment of the absolutely necessary Officers, and above all
surveying. But your own local judgment must mainly decide. You will
render accurate accounts to me both of receipts and expenditure, and you
will probably find it necessary shortly to appoint a Treasury which will
be a provisional appointment. You are authorized, if you think proper
to give, for the present, Government receipts in lieu of deposits of
Gold. As to this point I wish to have a more definite account of the
nature of your proposal.

12. You are fully authorized to take such measures as you can for
the transmission of letters and levying postage.

13. It appears by your Despatch that the Staff of Surveyors you
have engaged, are at present employed on Vancouver's Island, the soil of
which is as yet held under the expiring License of the Hudson's Bay
Company. But it is British Columbia which now demands and indeed may
almost absorb the immediate cares of its Governor, and your Surveyor may
at once prepare the way for the arrival of the Surveyor General
appointed from hence and of the Sappers and Miners who will be under his
orders.

14. I now come to the important subject of future Government. It
is possible (although on this point I am singularly without information)
that the operations of the Gold diggers will be, to a considerable
extent suspended during the winter, and that you will, therefore, have
some amount of leisure to consider the permanent prospects of the
Colony, and the best mode of administering its affairs. You will be
empowered both to govern, and to legislate, of your own authority. But
you will distinctly understand that this is as a temporary measure only.
It is the anxious wish of Her Majesty's Government, that popular
Institutions without which they are convinced peace and order cannot
long prevail, should be established with as little delay as practicable.
And until an Assembly can be organised (which may be whenever a
permanent population however small, is established on the soil). I
think, as I have already stated in a former Despatch, that your best
course will probably be to form some kind of temporary Council, calling
in this manner to your aid such persons as the Miners themselves may
place confidence in.

15. You will receive additional directions along with your
Commission, when forwarded to you. And I have embodied in a Separate
Despatch those regarding the very important question of the disposal of
Land.

16. Aware of the immediate demands on your time and thoughts
connected with the pressing question of the Immigration to the Gold
Mines, I do not wish to add unnecessary to the burthen of duties so
onerous; but as yet our Department has been left singularly in ignorance
of much that should enter into consideration of general policy, and on
which non-official opinions are constantly volunteered. Probably
amongst the persons you are now employing and in whose knowledge and
exactitude you can confide, you might find some one capable of assisting
under your superintendence in furnishing me, as early as possible, with
a Report of the general capacities of the harbour of Vancouver—their
advantages and defects—of the mouth of the Fraser's River, as the site
of the Entry into British Columbia apart from the Island—of the
probabilities of a Coal superior for steam purposes to that of the
Island, which may be found in the Main Land of British Columbia, and
such other information as may guide the British Government to the best
and readiest means of developing the various and the differing resources
both of the Island and the mainland—resources which have so strangely
been concealed for ages, which are now so suddenly brought to light, and
which may be destined to effect at no very distant period a marked and
permanent change in the commerce and Navigation of the known world. The
Officers now engaged in the Maritime Survey will probably render great
assistance to yourself and to Her Majesty's Government in this
particular.

17. I will only conclude with the general cuation that inasmuch as
your legal powers are as yet incomplete, it will be well that you should
therein confine yourself as much as possible to the mere issue of
regulations absolutely required, and not seek to carry into effect the
Crown's general power of Legislation until fully authorized thereto.



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FILE: 1858-08-14_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587209.txt
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No. 9

Frequent inquiries are addressed to this office on the subject of
the disposal of Land in British Columbia to Companies or private
individuals in this Country. In consequence of the ignorance in which,
from the peculiar circumstance of the case, I am placed as to your views
on a subject of such great importance to the future wellfare of this new
Colony, I have foreborne answering these enquiries, or encouraging
expectations which might not be realized. It is therefore very
necessary that you should at your earliest convenience, communicate to
me the impression which you entertain on this subject, accompanied by
all the information which you can collect.

In the meantime you will take the following provisional rules to
guide you:

1. With regard to the very important subject of the disposal of
land, you are authorized to sell land merely wanted for agricultural
purposes (whenever a demand for it shall arise) at such upset price as
you may think advisable. I believe that a relatively high upset price
has many advantages but your course must, in some degree, be guided by
the price at which such land is selling in neighbouring american
territories. But with regard to land wanted for town purposes (to which
speculation is almost certain to direct itself in the first instance) I
cannot caution you too strongly against allowing it to be disposed of at
too low a sum. An upset price of at least £1 per acre is in my opinion
absolutely required in order that the local government may in some
degree participate in the benefit of the probable sales, and that mere
land jobbing may be in some degree checked. Whenever a free legislature
is assembled, it will be one of its duties to make further provisions on
this head.

2. To open land for settlement gradually; not to sell beyond the
limits of what is either surveyed or ready for immediate survey and to
prevent, as far as in you lies, squatting on unsold land. Mineral lands
will require a special care and forethought, and I request your views
there on.

3. To keep a separate account of all revenue to be derived from
the sale of land, applying it to the purposes for the present of survey
and communication, which indeed should be the first charge on the land
revenue; and you will of course remember that this will include the
expense of the survey party (viz. Sappers and Miners) now sent out. I
shall be anxious to receive such accounts at the earliest periods at
which they can be furnished.

4. Foreigners, as such are not entitled to grants of Waste Land of
the Crown in British Colonies. But it is the strong desire of Her
Majesty's Government to attract to this territory all peaceful settlers
without regard to Nation. Naturalization should therefore be granted to
all who desire it, and are not disqualified by special causes, and with
naturalization the right of acquiring Crown land should follow.

5. You will pardon me if I enjoin on you, as imperative, the most
diligent care that in the Sales of land there should not be the
slightest cause to impute a desire to show favor to the servants of the
Hudson's Bay Company. Parliament will watch with jealousy every
proceeding connected with such sales and I shall rely upon you to take
every precaution which not only impartial probity but deliberate
prudence can suggest that there shall be no handle given for a charge, I
will not say a favor, but of indifference or apathy to the various kinds
of land jobbing, either to benefit favored individuals or to cheat the
Land Revenue, which are so frequent occurring at the outset of
Colonization and which it is the duty of Her Majesty's Government, so
far as lies in them, to repress.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Cooper_to_Carnarvon_V586CO03.txt
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Cooper to Carnarvon

I am in receipt of your communication & do most solemnly contradict the foundation of any such report & most earnestly pray that enquiries may be instituted at once, in common justice I feel assured that those measures will be taken by Her Majestys Govt.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_King_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V586K05.txt
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King to Under-Secretary of State

In doing myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 14th inst. and with reference to it, and
former communications upon the same subject, I beg most
respectfully to state, that I am by no means particular as to
whether any appointment which the Right Honourable Sir E. Lytton
may feel disposed to confer upon me, is at "Vancouvers Island",
or the newly created colony of British Columbia. Being anxious
for employment abroad, and feeling confident that I should (from
my experience as an Army & Police officer, as certified in the
Testimonials originally forwarded, and copies of which are still
at the Colonial office, as well as my acquaintance with several
foreign Languages)—be able to render some assistance in a new
Colony situated as the above mentioned ones are, I should be
grateful for his patronage. And altho' I have lost a
responsible situation in this Country through an unfortunate
misconstruction of the purport of his Letter of 14th Ultimo,
still, my letter of 30th Ultimo was not written with a view
to intrude my qualifications upon his notice to the detriment of
other and perhaps better qualified candidates, but merely that I
might, if possible, ascertain what prospect of my employment
existed, in order that I might know how to act 
under my present
Circumstances and that I might intimate to a large body of
qualified Police constables recently under my command and in
adjoining counties, whether there was any prospect of their
wishes to accompany me being realized.

In conclusion I beg again most respectfully to solicit
employment, if my services are likely to be useful or needed,
and at the same time to intimate that it is my intention
(unless I should receive an appointment in the mean time) to
proceed to "Vancouvers Island" in about six weeks from the
present time in hopes that I may find employment there or in
"British Columbia."

Apologizing for again troubling the Right Honourable the
Secretary of State upon the subject.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Leahy_to_Lytton_B586LE01.txt
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Leahy to Lytton

I beg leave to bring under your notice, and at same time to propose the formation of a line of Steam Communication with Vancouvers Islands by way of Norway, Cape Tcheliuskin in Siberia and Behring Strait.
At this season of the year the whole distance may be run in 25 to 30 days with ordinary Steamers; and altho the Siberian Seas are closed during the winter, still the communication by Steam in short a time and during the other months of the year, would be of immense value to Vancouvers Island and the New Colonia of Columbia generally.
Much might be said of the relative superiority of this route and of its important results both direct and indirect; but they will all doubtless present themselves to you.
To test the practicability of the proposition, I beg leave to Say that I am ready at once to start a steamer on the line, as a pioneer, provided you approve my idea and that the Government will agree to pay the expenses in case of success. Or if this proposition should not meet your approval, I beg leave to say that I should be most happy to give my assistance in any other way you may require.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587210.txt
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No. 10

I transmit you copy of a letter addressed me by a gentleman of the
name of Nias, from San-Francisco in California, inclosing a petition to
the Crown on the subject of Sales of town land in Victoria Vancouver's
Island and suggesting certain measures to be taken.

The land of Vancouvers Island is at present in the disposal of the
Hudson's Bay Company and not of the Crown. And I need not add that
reports reaching me in such a form as the present are always received
with the proper allowance. Nevertheless I have thought it best to
submit this letter and petition for your report because the subject is
itself of the greatest possible importance, and it is necessary that Her
Majesty's Government should warn you against, and prevent as far as lies
within their power, any wasteful and still more any partial dealings
with public land which is now acquiring so unexpected a value.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Romaine_to_Herman_Merivale,_Esq._Under_Secretary_of_State_for_Colonial_Affairs_V585AD04_A.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a letter from Captain Prevost of HM Ship Satellite, dated the 7 June, and copies of its enclosures, relating to the recently discovered Gold Districts in Fraser's River.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Romaine_to_Herman_Merivale,_Esq._Under_Secretary_of_State_for_Colonial_Affairs_V585AD08.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

With reference to your letter of the 14th Instant, transmitting an offer from Messrs Gibbs Bright and Co to convey Troops to Vancouvers Island in their Steam Ship "Great Britain" I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will state to Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, that all necessary steps have been taken for receiving tenders for this service, and that it is contrary to regulations to entertain Tenders of Ships not immediately available.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AD04.txt
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Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
state for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton,
that Rear Admiral Baynes has reported that he sailed in his Flag
Ship from Callao on the 1st July with the Calypso in company,
and that on the following day he ordered the Calypso to proceed
to Vancouver Island with stores and Provisions for 
Her Majesty's
Ships Satellite and Plumper.



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FILE: 1858-08-16_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AD05.txt
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Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 11th Instant stating that
the greatest importance is attached to the presence of a Naval
Force with as many Marines as can be spared, off Frazer's River,
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit to you herewith for the information of Secretary Sir
Edward Bulwer Lytton a Copy of a letter which has been this day
addressed to Rear Adml Baynes 
upon the subject.



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FILE: 1858-08-17_Begbie_to_Lytton_V586BE01.txt
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Begbie to Lytton

Since the interview in wch you did me the honor to signify your intention of recommending me to Her Majesty to be appointed Judge in British Columbia, I have examined the Act just passed for regulating the Colony: and on comparing it with the course wch as I am informed is intended to be followed in working out the Act, the following difficulty has presented itself.
Sect. 4 after reciting the acts of 43 G III. & 2 G. IV. by wch in effect the jurisdiction and the laws of Upper Canada were extended over and established in the territory now called British Columbia, repeals those acts utterly, as from the day on wch this Act shall be proclaimed in the Colony; thereby I suppose (but this is one point upon wch I wish to refer to you for instructions) rendering the whole system of legislation and jurisdiction within the Colony a tabula rosa, upon wch the new system is to be erected.
Sects. 2. & 3. provide how that new system is to be raised. Sect. 2 enacts apparently that Her Majesty in Council may make ordain & establish; and may (subjt &c.) authorize the governor to make ordain & establish all such laws &c. as may be necessary &c. Sectn 3 enables Her Majesty by order in Council to constitute, or to empower the governor to constitute a legislature to make laws &c.
I am informed that this act has already been sent out to the Colony to be proclaimed there. This will have the effect I apprehend of repealing and annulling all the existing laws & jurisdiction. But I am further informed that no new laws &c. have been sent out to the Colony, or made & established by Her Majesty under the first alternative of Sect. 2; but that it is intended that such new laws shall be made & established by the local authorities under Sect.s. 2 & 3.
I am apprehensive that in this manner an interval of time may elapse betwn. the proclaiming of the act, and the promulgating of new laws. I have not of course as yet seen the Commission with wch Her Majesty may be pleased to authorize me; but it appears to me, that if any such interval shall occur, it may be objected that I have no jurisdiction to try offences committed (if offences can be then committed) or to determine the rights of parties under contracts entered into during such interval.
Also it appears that (on the same hypothesis) considerable doubt may be felt as to the law wch is to be applied (assuming that I shall have jurisdiction) in trying and determining such offences and contracts.
I shall be happy to be informed that these doubts are ill founded, or on the other hand, what course I am to adopt under the circumstances.



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FILE: 1858-08-17_Berens_to_Lytton_B585HB14.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Carnarvon's letter, dated Downing Street, 16th August, stating that it is your intention to submit the name of Mr James Cooper of Vancouver's Island to the Queen for the appointment of Collector of Customs in British Columbia, and begging me previously to communicate all the information I may possess respecting that gentleman.
In reply I have the honour to state that Mr Cooper was appointed First Mate on board one of the Hudson's Bay Companys vessels in August 1844, on account of the good opinion entertained of him by the Company, they promoted him to a command in 1846, he remained with them as Captain till May 1850, and at the end of that year went out, at his own request, as Supercargo of a vessel chartered by the Company, for the purpose of settling in Vancouver's Island.
From accounts sent home I find he was indebted at the Company's store, that although he registered a tract of land in the Island, it has not been paid for, and that he returned to this Country in 1857 in pecuniary difficulties, which I have reason to believe have not yet been settled.



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FILE: 1858-08-17_Godley_to_Merivale_V585WO04.txt
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Godley to Merivale

With reference to the correspondence which has passed relative to the Force of Royal Engineers about to be dispatched to New Columbia, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the consideration of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, the accompanying copy of a letter from the Horse Guards, together with its enclosures, giving a Detail of the proposed Party, and of the Pay and Allowances to be granted to the Officers and men.
Major General Peel would recommend that the proposals of the General Commanding in Chief, should be sanctioned and approved, except as regards the Chaplain and Commissariat officer, which appointments Major General Peel does not consider the circumstances under which this Detachment is sent to the Colony, render necessary. The number of Women may be reduced to twenty.
I am also to transmit the accompanying Papers which have been received from the Inspector General of Fortifications, containing suggestions with regard to the Equipment to be provided for the Detachment, and Sir John Burgoyne has further recommended that a Photographic Apparatus should be added.
Major General Peel requests that you will inform him, at your earliest convenience whether, taking into consideration the nature of the Services on which the men will be employed, Sir E. B. Lytton is of opinion that the Articles of equipment specified in these suggestions, will be required.
I am to take this opportunity of requesting that you will impress on Sir E. B. Lytton that the entire charge connected with this Detachment, including the Pay of the officers, Non Commissioned officers and men, & the cost of the Store Equipment, must be defrayed from sources other than Army Funds, as this Department has no means from which this extraordinary and unforeseen expenditure can be defrayed.
It is requested that the enclosures in original, may be returned.



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Aldrich_to_Lytton_B586A01.txt
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Aldrich to Lytton

The Act of Parliament constituting the New Colony of British 
Columbia will doubtless place many appointments in your gift
& as I am anxious to proceed thither I beg to offer myself as
a Candidate for one of them & humbly to solicit your generous
consideration.

I have been 13 years in the Master's Office, Court of
Bankruptcy & beg to refer you to the following Gentlemen
Officers of that Court

Richard Clarke Esq Accountant in Bankruptcy

John Lucas Esq Master of the Courts of Bankruptcy

John Ireland Esq Chief Clerk in the Masters Office

I also beg to refer you to the Rev. Wm Gale
formerly of Beaufrie Hall near Wisbeach, brother
to the late Mr Greaves Townley who represented the County
of Cambridge in several Parliaments.

I beg to state that I am & have always been a staunch
supporter of the party which acknowledges that distinquished
Nobleman the Earl of Derby as its leader & as a [Liveryman?]

of London have always voted for the Conservative Candidate or Candidates.

Doubtless an Insolvent Court will be established in the New
Colony—if so I should prefer an appointment in it but should
not object to any other feeling convinced that with the
energy & perseverence it has pleased Providence to endow
me with I might not only be able to obtain a living but at the
same reflect credit on those who appointed me.

Should you wish to address any questions to me a letter
addressed as per the other side will meet my immediate
attention.

Soliciting your kind consideration & with the greatest
respect



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Berens_to_Lytton_V585HB27.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Carnarvon’s letter of the 17th Instant in which he Encloses a copy of a letter from a gentleman of the name of Nias at San Francisco, on the subject of sales of town lands in Victoria Vancouver's Island, and of the Despatch thereupon addressed by you to Governor Douglas.
In reply I have the honour to state that there is no land in the vicinity of Victoria that has not been acquired long ago, either by the Hudson's Bay Company, or by private individuals, and I have no reason to believe that any public land has been disposed of in the shape of Town Lots. I am aware that there has been a considerable excitement with respect to the sales of lands in the vicinity of Victoria and Esquimalt Harbour but as I have stated above, these transactions are not in Colonial land; nor do I think that there is any quantity of land available for town lots that has not been acquired years since by private parties.
In reply to your request that I should communicate any information on the sales of public lands in Vancouver's Island, I have the honour to refer you to a Return which I sent in on the 15th July last setting forth the quantity of land sold, the names of the several purchasers, and the Districts in which each sales have been effected. That return contains the latest accounts of the sales of Public Land, which have reached us.
I have also the honour to refer you to my letter of the 12th August, in which I Enclosed the regulations laid down by Governor Douglas with regard to the sale of land.



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Cooper_to_Carnarvon_V586CO04.txt
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Cooper to Carnarvon

I respectfully beg to acknowledge receipt of a communication from your Lordship & to express my gratitude for the opportunity afforded me in vitiating the charge against me therein stated.



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Fitzgerald_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO09.txt
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Fitzgerald to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of the 20th ultimo, I am
directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you, to be
laid before Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, Copies of a
Despatch and of it's inclosures from Her Majesty's Minister at
Washington reporting the refusal of the United States'
Government to 
give any preference over those of ordinary
Creditors of that Government to the claim of Governor Douglas
for the expense of certain Military Stores which he furnished in
the year 1856 to the Authorities of Washington Territory.



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Gosset_to_Lytton_V586GO01.txt
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Gosset to Lytton

The return of my wife to the tropical climate of Ceylon, being prohibited by medical advisers, the question of resigning my present appointment of Surveyor General in that Colony, or of seeking office in a more temperate latitude, has forced itself painfully upon my attention.

Reluctant to adopt the former alternation, my thoughts have therefore been directed towards New Columbia, and the intended extension of Government to that settlement.
Learning this day, that the office of Commissioner of Land & Works, (for which I should have formally applied, had I not depended on a semi-official representation made in my favor), has been provided for; but, that the post of Treasurer General has not yet been filled up: I venture respectfully, to beg the favor of a transfer to this post; trusting that in the services, which my acquaintance with the larger questions affecting the resources of a Colony, enabled me to render in Ceylon, in my professional knowledge, and in my experience of Colonial Legislature, gained by participation in the debates on almost every important question brought before the Legislative Council during my residence in Ceylon. Evidence may be found of my fitness for the appointment I solicit, and of my probable utility to a Governor, whose labors will be unusually severe, from the extraordinary expansion which may be expected & will have to be provided for in this New Colony.
Anticipating enquiry, as to the effect on Ceylon, but without in any manner presuming thereby to suggest a successor in my stead, I beg leave to submit that neither need the interests of Ceylon suffer, nor will the Governor of Ceylon be displeased, by your need acceeding to my request; as, the opportunity would then be afforded you of making (should no better arrangement present itself) an appointment at once popular in the Colony, and in consonance with Sir Henry Ward's expressed opinions—Captn. Jim, for whom, as the records of your office will show, Sir Henry Ward used his best advocacy without success, being available and still desirous of re-occupying the post in which he acted with so much satisfaction to the public for a year prior to my arrival in Ceylon.
Of the salary to be attached to the office of Treasurer General in New Columbia, as of the intended position of the officer, I am ignorant. I would merely express a hope that in both respects, the responsibility & importance of the office may be considered, and that such arrangements may be adopted, as would give the holder, that status, wanting which, the best efforts of an individual are too often rendered nugatory. It would be my desire to be efficient in all points, which is my apology for the last remarks.
I may fitly conclude by mentioning, that the appointment of Surveyor General of Ceylon, which would be at your disposal in the event of your kindly sanctioning the proposed transfer, carries with it a Salary of 1200£ a year with horse & travilling allowances.



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FILE: 1858-08-18_Miles_to_Lytton_V586MI01.txt
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Miles to Lytton

I see by the public journals that New Caledonia is created a separate Colony, and that in all probability, by this time, a Governor is appointed for it. I have no wish to intrude or occupy your valuable time uselessly, yet I consider it my duty to lay before you, the following circumstance relative to the gold discoveries. In the event of any unwillingness on the part of the Thompsons River Indians to permit whites to enter their country, the cause will be known to you and the Governor of the Colony, and thus, perhaps, negociations may be facilitated, which would otherwise be surrounded by insuperable difficulties.
In 1854, when I was in Vancouvers Island, conversing with a friend about the Indians of New Caledonia, Fraser's & Thompson's Rivers, he told me of an earthquake that occurred in the region of the Thompson's River, and which was felt at Langley, on the embouchure of the Fraser, and slightly at Vancouvers Island. When residing at Kamloops, he had often noticed a mountain at a distance of about twenty five or thirty miles, which was volcanic and at intervals emitted smoke, in a greater or less degree. He told me, in confidence, that his wife, who was of the tribe of Shooshwap Indians who inhabit that region, had been informed by some of her family, that the mountain had exploded and so terrified the Indians, that for nearly two years, they did not approach it. At the end of that time, one braver than the rest of his tribe entered it, and discovered the extinct crater seamed with yellow metal, mixed up with much that was white. On being shewn gold, he said it was like that, and his chief had told him, that that was what the white man came into the country south of them for.
The chief, a man of sagacity according to Indian notions, called his people together and addressed them. He spoke of the Indians in California and Oregon, shewed them the evils that had beset the natives of those regions, and proved that their wars and gradual extinction, were caused by the white man's thirst for gold. He then drew a picture of their previous freedom and happiness, and ended by an appeal to their common sense, calling upon them to be silent on the subject of gold being in their country. The appeal was not made in vain. They jealously guarded all approaches to it, and were silent to all but their own kindred. The Hudsons Bay Company had no knowledge of it, until in 1856, I made the following proposition to them. That my friend, whose secret it was, and who was unconnected with the Company, two other friends and I, should be permitted to work this quartz mine, the Company to furnish the capital, and the profits to be divided 5/10ths to the Company, 1/10th to each of us, & 1/10th to promote the education and civilisation of the Shooshwap Indians. The Company declined the proposition for two reasons: they had not a right to grant it, and even if they had would be afraid of being embroiled with Indians. They did not doubt, by what I could understand, the existence of gold in very large quantities.
I made CaptPalliser acquainted with the locality of this mountain, and it would not astonish me to hear, he had crossed the Rocky Mountains, and endeavoured to discover it. By a letter I received a few days since from Victoria, Vancouvers Island, I am informed that Mr Dallas, one of the directors of the Hudsons Bay Company, who belongs or did belong to the firm of Matheson & Co. in London, and who has lately married a daughter of Governor Douglas of Vancouvers Island, is gone into the interior, and probably with the same purpose of exploration, as he knows of my application to the Board, of which he was a member.
I am inclined to think a plan like the one I proposed to the Hudsons Bay Company would be better for the interests of the Indians, (if it be a veritable gold mine in a quartz matrix) than any other that can be adopted; as I know Indians are unable to bring an undertaking of this kind, to a successful issue. Should this prove what I suppose it to be, a connecting link of the gold strata range from Queen Charlotte's Island to the Californian mountains, and it be granted away by the government on the principle I propose, I hope you are of opinion that my friends and myself are entitled to such grant, independent of any other than Capt Palliser, whom we should like to include as one of the grantees.
I trust you may have seen the necessity of my telling you all this, and altho' I may appear to have pled my own cause, believe me it has not been from any unworthy motive. Whatever the issue of this matter to my friends and myself may be, I am very thankful that I have given you the report of such a crater gold mountain being in existence, as if it prove a fact, such information may be the means of saving human blood. This I hope will be considered an ample apology for addressing you.



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FILE: 1858-08-19_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58034.txt
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No. 34

I herewith transmit copy of a letter which I have lately
received by Her Majesty's ship
"Calypso"
under the command of Captain Montresor, from Rear Admiral BainesBaynes
Montresor, Capt. Frederick
ShipsCalypso
Baynes, Rear Admiral Robert L.
in reply to my communication to him, of the 12th of May last, of
which a copy was transmitted with my despatches to your Lordship;
informing Admiral Baines of the large immigration of foreigners into this
country and er's River, and urgently recommending that the Naval
Forces employed on this coast should be increased, with the view of
protecting life and property, and maintaining the supremacy of the laws.

2. I infer from Admiral Baine's letter that he cannot furnish
any additional force; neither does it appear from his letter that he
entertains any hopes of being able to aid or assist in protecting the
country; so that I am left to depend upon the casual aid received from
ShipsSatellite
ShipsPlumper
the "Satellite" and
"Plumper";
whose excellent Commanders Captain's Prevost and Richards, have merited
Prevost, Capt. James C.commended by governor
Richards, Capt. George H.commended by governor
my warmest thanks, for their cordial and zealous co-operation, in all the
protective measures, adopted by this Government.

3. The settlements on the sea board require no other protection
than those ships can afford; but a force is wanted for the service of
the interior, which can be spared neither from the "Satellite" nor
"Plumper", both being here on special service, the latter on the
coast survey, and the former for the objects of the Boundary Commission.

4. There are now about 10,000 foreign miners, in Fraser's River,
Populationminingnature of
and upwards of 3000 of that number are profitably engaged in gold mining.

I have appointed sub Commissioners to mark out the mining claims,
and to receive the duty of 21/ a month payable on each claim. Those
officers require support, and the miners demand protection, while I
have not a single man to detach to either of their assistance.

5. The affairs of Government might be carried on smoothly with even
Governorrequests company of infantry
a single company of infantry, but, at present, I must under Providence,
depend in a great measure on personal influence and management;
a position inconsistent with the dignity of the Queen's Government.

6. I therefore trust that you will take our case into
consideration and direct such reinforcements to be sent to this
country as Her Majesty's Government may deem necessary.

7. My opinion of the value and extent of the gold region has
undergone no change for the worse, since I addressed you on the 10th
of June last, and there is every prospect, under proper management,
that the country will produce a large revenue for the Crown.

8. We have commenced the work of improving the internal
Harrison-Lillooet routecommenced
communications of the country, as referred to in the 17th Paragraph
of my Despatch No 31 of the 26th of July last; a party of 500
men being now engaged in opening a road into upper Fraser's River by the
valley of Harrison's River.

9. A stern wheel steam
vessel
is now running to the upper extremity of Harrison's Lake, from whence we
have commenced cutting a road through the forest on the left bank of
Harrison's River and Lillooet Lake to connect Anderson's with Harrison's
Lake, the total distance between those two points being about 80 miles of
land carriage over a generally level country.

10. The men employed in that important enterprise are gold
Mining populationpolyglot nature of
miners, composed of many nations, British subjects, Americans, French,
Germans, Danes, Africans and Chinese who volunteered their services
immediately on our wish to open a practicable route into the interior of
the Fraser's River District being made known to the Public. They
moreover proffered their services, on terms, so peculiar in themselves
and so advantageous for the country, that it would have been unwise of me
to decline them. Each man, for example, on being enrolled into the
corps, paid into our hands; the sum of 25 dollars, as security for good
conduct. They receive no remuneration in the form of pay, the Government
having merely to supply them with food while employed on the road, and to
transport them free of expense, to the commencement of the road on
Harrison's Lake; where the money deposit of 25 dollars is to be repaid to
them in provisions, at Victoria prices, when the road is finished;
the cost of the work will therefore not be heavy, nor exceed our
means of repayment out of the revenues of the Gold District.

11. The organization of the Corps is simple, yet effective, it
Harrison-Lillooet routeorganization described
being divided into 20 companies of 25 men, and each company under the
command of a Captain who carries all orders into effect, reports to
the Commander of the Corps, and draws upon the Commissary the
weekly supplies of food.

An Engineer with guides and Indians acquainted with the country,
Indianswork on Harrison-Lillooet route
blazes the trees; and marks out the road in advance of the main body.

12. I have lately received the most cheering accounts of the
progress of the party, who were working assiduously and had then cut
through about 16 miles from the commencement of the road on Harrison's
Lake, and will I trust carry it through with the same degree of
spirit as they now exhibit.

13. The accompanying
map
Mapof Fraser River district
of the country will more clearly show the direction of the road and its
connection with Fraser's River beyond the coast range of mountains.

14. That route will be of the greatest advantage to the
Country, and when opened will form the commercial highway into
the interior Districts, there being little probability of the
existence of any other practicable route from the sea coast.

15. A direct route from the head of Jarvis' Inlet (see Map) to
the Lillooet Lake, is supposed to exist, and will be explored as soon
as the mass of business, now on my hands, is disposed
of.



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FILE: 1858-08-19_Taggart_to_Lytton_V585MI23_A.txt
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Taggart to Lytton

I am directed to inform you that a Gentleman, of, I think, the name of "Kerrigan," called at this office, a few days ago, and stated, that he had been requested by you to inquire, whether the Pacific Steam Navigation Company could furnish a Steamer at Panama to convey British Troops to Vancouver's Island, and the reply given to him was, that the Company had not any vessel, at present, which could be spared for that purpose. Since then the Directors, having considered the matter, are of opinion, that one of the Companys' steamers, might be so far disengaged, for a time, as to enable them to offer her for this Service.
The Directors will, therefore, feel much obliged for the favor of a reply, stating the extent of accommodation required for the Service, referred to, and any farther particulars which you may consider necessary.



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FILE: 1858-08-20_Begbie_to_Lytton_V586BE02.txt
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Begbie to Lytton

In consequence of the rule wch prevents me from either drawing quarters or rations in British Columbia or from having any allowance made to me in respect that it will I apprehend be absolutely necessary that I shod take out a somewhat extensive outfit as I am unable to ascertain that there are any European habitations whatever on the main land wch is my destination, the present European settlements being I believe solely at Victoria in VanCouver's Island. As I am to have howr no allowance made to me for outfit I foresee an extreme difficulty in providing myself with the bare necessaries of existence out of the balance of the £800 salary wch will remain after providing an outfit for myself out of it.
I am not sure although it seems at first sight unreasonable that it wod not be competent for me to take with me my entire outfit viâ Panama, and charge it in travelling expenses, wch are to be allowed to me. This wod however be enormously more expensive to the Colony and less convenient for myself than sending the heavy part of the outfit round Cape Horn. And I hope that I shall not be considered unreasonable in asking that freight shall be provided for me gratis either on board any transport or ship of war wch the Government may be sending round Cape Horn.
I beg howr to refer you to Mr Blackwood for a suggestion relating to the formation of a law Library for the Court.
May I further beg that any answer to this application may be addressed to me under cover to my brother T.S. Begbie 4 Mansion House Place E.C.



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FILE: 1858-08-20_Cooper_to_Lytton_V586CO05.txt
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Cooper to Lytton

I most respectfully beg leave to reply to a communication dated 18th Inst forwarded to me by the under Secry of State containing charges impugning the integrity of my character.
First, "That I was indebted at the Compys Store".
This statement carry's with it an impression, that I had created a debt in the country, whereas the debt alluded to was created in "England", by & with the consent of Governor & Committee.
I now beg to explain that in the year 1849 when in command of the compys vessel & previous to my departure from Vancouvers Island, I deposited a sum of two hundred pounds in their hands for land, to be selected by me on my return to that country for the purpose of colonization which amount is so entered in the books of the Company. With the view of carrying out the above Scheme on my arrival in England, I invested the whole of my money in the purchase of a Schooner, Agricultural Implements, Stores & other merchandize, & upon my representing to the Compy the difficulty of complying with the heavy requirements of their prospectus, they liberally allowed me to take credit for land, freight & passage (and thus was the debt created) & only required of me a letter stating that I would not demand the title deeds of my land, before alluded to, until I had paid all claims.
After struggling for some years against many disadvantages, consequently upon my being the only free settler & incurring many losses, I found there was little probability of my being able to pay the Compy their claim upon me and was induced to offer to Mr Douglas in 1853 my Farm for Sale, for the purpose of liquidating that claim, Mr Douglas's reply to which, will be found accompanying this Nod 7. Subsequently to this vizt in 1856, by way of still further desiring to discharge the above claim (which was a continued Source of anxiety & trouble to me) I offered to Mr Douglas my schooner for sale. Vide letter No. 8. And previously to my taking any step for quitting the country in 1856 & 7 I communicated to Mr Douglas my intention of returning to England & made certain proposals to the Board of Managet which were accepted by them for the future liquidation of their claim against me. Vide letter to Hudson Bay Co. No 9. & correspondence &c attached thereto.
Second, "That altho, I had registered a tract of land in the Island it had not been paid for."
In reply to this charge I beg to state, I have registered three tracts of land, for two of which I have paid the whole of the purchase money & hold the deeds, as to the third—that which is represented as not being paid for,—is the one upon which the £200, was paid as before stated, the balance being considered in the arrangement entered into between the Board of Management and myself as previously shown.
Third, "That I returned to this country in pecuniary difficulties which it is presumed have not yet been settled."
In reference to this charge I beg to say, that the minimum value of my property in Vancouvers Island, before the discovery of Gold (which property the Hudson Bay Co hold in trust as security) far exceeds the amount of the whole of my liabilities; it will thus be seen that this charge conveys an impression greatly calculated to mislead. I would add that the parties in England with whom I had opened trading a/c's showed their confidence in me by leaving me at liberty to remit them as I found it convenient, and on my return to England not having succeeded in my enterprise I offered them the deeds of my property as security for the balances due to them which they at once accepted & to shew their appreciation of my character & sympathy with me in my position assured me they would neither charge me interest nor press me to realize. Vide letters 10 & 11.
As the substance of these charges so seriously reflects on my reputation I beg leave to mention that on my resigning the service of the Compy they showed their estimate of my conduct by presenting me with a gratuity of £150. As a further proof that I have in all my transactions been actuated by a principle of right beg to refer you to letter No 12 showing that a small bequest left at the death of a relative to my wife was immediately handed over to my Creditors as reference to this fact please apply to Messrs Surr & Gribble Solicitors City. As a further reference to my integrity I beg leave to name Messrs James & Wright Solicitors Birmingham who are in possession of the whole of my business transactions.
Rt Honble Sir, I have preferred stating the simple facts relating to the charges brought against me, & forwarding the documentary evidence substantiating the truth thereof feeling assured that your judgement will entirely absolve me from the slightest imputation on my character.



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FILE: 1858-08-20_Storks_to_Merivale_V585WO05.txt
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Storks to Merivale

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your Letter of the 18th inst. in reference to the arrangement to be made with regard to the Detachment of Royal Engineers now under orders to proceed to British Columbia.
Major General Peel desires me to acquaint you in reply that no vote having been taken on account of this service, he regrets that he cannot consent to any portion of the charge being paid from Army Funds. Major General Peel considers that as the officers and men are required for Colonial and Surveying purposes, the Secretary of State for the Colonies should make arrangements with the Treasury for the payment of the whole of the expenses involved. He therefore requests a reconsideration of that portion of your Letter relating to this question.
In compliance with Sir E.B. Lyttons wish the General Commanding in Chief will be requested to despatch twenty non commissioned officers and men of the Detachment under the command of a Subaltern officer by the Mail Steamer of the 1st September via Panama, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been so informed.
His Royal Highness will also be requested to select 1 Sergeant and 1 Corporal of Cavalry and 1 Sergeant and 1 Corporal of Artillery to accompany the Expedition.
With regard to the stores Major General Peel is unable to give any directions on the subject until he is informed of the decision at which Sir E B Lytton may arrive as to the articles of which the equipment should consist.



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FILE: 1858-08-21_Anonymous_to_Lytton_V586AN01.txt
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Anonymous to Lytton

In the Military and Naval intelligence of the Times of this morning it is said that Col. Moody has been appointed Governor of the new Colony of British Columbia.
I and my Partner had good opportunity of knowing the Col in the Falkland Islands and it was well known there that he was either recalled by Earl Grey or had his conduct so severely criticized as to oblige him to resign. We have personally no complaints to make of the Governor but it was well known that he possesses neither energy nor discrimination for a place of the sort. He put himself completely into the hands of the Doctors family at Falklands who kept him always in hot water with every body and when Ships of War came the Officers and the Governor were always quarrelling they laughed and amused themselves with his pompous vanities in trying to be a great man.
I and [my] Partner had nearly resolved in investing largely in the New Colony but we have been struck with amazement at hearing of this appointment. The Col may be a very good Engineer to Map the Country but we have immediately given orders to stop our preparations until we know whether the Gov. is the Col knowing his incapacity to judge impartially or act with energy on any practical business at Law or Government. Trusting you will enquire carefully as to the former proceedings of the Coll before you place him in a situation which the writer with no personal ill will knows him to be quite unfitted for, and cannot put himself or friends under him. When a man conducts himself creditably as Col Moody has done in Scotland would it not be better to leave him in his right place.



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FILE: 1858-08-21_Cooper_to_Lytton_V586CO06.txt
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Cooper to Lytton

A circumstance in connection with my reply to the charge made against me has occurred to my mind since my handing in that reply to the Colonial office this day, vizt that the charge in itself conveys the impression that I did not leave the Colony with credit to myself, nor (from that inference) with the good wishes of the inhabitants. To prove to the contrary I beg respectfully to state that I do firmly believe that the Governor Mr Douglas together with the other members of the Board of Management, made their plans subservient to my convenience & so arranged to send their vessel, the Steamer "Otter", to "Sanfrancisco" as to afford me with my family a safe passage to that Port. In conclusion I may say that all the respectable part of the community were present to take leave, & as a further proof of this statement I beg to hand in a note received from Mr Douglas conveying to me, as by arrangement, the decision of the Board to send the vessel alluded to, to San frisco  on the day mentioned.



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FILE: 1858-08-21_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587210A.txt
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Confidential

The Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty's Government and the
Government of the United States to adjust the lines of Water Boundary
between Vancouver's Island and the American territory on the Mainland
having failed to come to an agreement on the subject, Her Majesty's
Government have determined to await the result of the British Survey of
those waters now in course of execution by Captain Prevost before taking
further steps in the matter.

This survey, it is expected, will not be completed till the close
of the present Season, and I take advantage of the delay thus occasioned
to learn your views on the points at issue between the British and
American Governments, and I request that you will furnish me as early as
practicable with a report on the subject and with any suggestions which
you may be able to offer for the information of Her Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-08-23_Blake_to_Lytton_V586B03.txt
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Blake to Lytton

Having an idea of emigrating
to Vancouver's Island I am desirous of information as to the
existing regulations
under which Town and Country Lands can now be purchased or may
be purchased on arrival at the Colony 
and whether it is
contemplated to alter existing regulations and
if so when such alterations will take effect, and of the
nature of them.

I would respectfully suggest it would be good policy that a [cut
off microfilm] be made in the purchase money [of] actual
Settlers from this Country an amount sufficient to pay their
passage money, either Cabin or fore according to the position in
life 
[of] the emigrant. This would be a boon [to] the Settler
and promote the increase in population and consequently the
revenue and thus sooner render the Colony self supporting—it
would be sowing seed [to] reap a pecuniary harvest. This would
[seem] the more necessary because the passage money is perhaps
double that [to] Australia and because it would [preserve?]

the place from being completely americanized as in all
probability 
it will be unless some such arrangement be made.

Information on the above [points?] is respectfully requested
and will be esteemed a favour.



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FILE: 1858-08-23_Cadell_to_Lytton_B586C12.txt
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Cadell to Lytton

With reference to my previous Comn, I beg to remark
that I have notices through the Journals of the day that
Col. Moodie is to be appointed Governor & Commander in Chief
of Br Columbia, an appointment which as a Patron of Progress
I decidedly approve of. Her Majesty's Government may rest
assured that such appointments will give confidence to the
productive Population of British Columbia.

With the view therefore of [disposing?] of my services to
suit your arrangements according to the views of Governor Moody I would be glad to accept employment either attached
or unattached, connected with the expedition which is now
getting out for immediate despatch to British Columbia via
Cape Horn, acting as Super Cargo or other such employment,
untill Governor Moody has made a distribution of employment in
British Columbia after his arrival there, or I would be glad
to accompany the Governor via Panama & make myself useful
according to circumstances.

I will feel highly grateful indeed if you relieve me from
my present awkward position by granting employment according to
the above method, particularly as my visit to London was caused
by no every day occurrance. The addition of a new Gold producing
Country to Her Majesty's Possessions at a period when I could
feel confident in my usefulness connected therewith being in
possession of matured experience; with reference to Govt employment
connected with the conduct of such a Country particularly
connected with the goldmining & Indian Departments, dervived from
the Events & progressive developments of eight years duration in
the mining Region of California having submitted in that
Country to a continued practical investigation connected with
those subjects, through the most rigid discipline qualifying
for Government employment, instead of mining with the current
of dissipation & intrigue of the North West, which appears to be for a
whole even more powerful than right, overwhelming all Truth
with its continuous & overpowering flow of (what is termed according
to the new system of attack) legitimate falsehood. Hence my extreme
Popularity with the productive & progressive Population in North Western
America, accompanied with the unproductive who are never the less
very good Friends. Since I never could be found productive of
difficulty yielding advantages.

I will certainly feel obliged if you call the attention of
Governor Moody to my present position, towards immediate
employment, as pointed out or otherwise according to convenience.



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FILE: 1858-08-23_Kernaghan_to_Carnarvon_B586KE06.txt
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Kernaghan to Carnarvon

As Col Moody has been appointed Governor of the new Colony I again beg to offer my Services as Colonial Sect for it referring to my letter &
 to the Memorials presented to the Foreign Office on my favor. If sent out I would run the risk of being Secretary.



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FILE: 1858-08-24_Moody_to_Lytton_V586MO02.txt
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Moody to Lytton

I have the honour to receive your private note and immediately put your instructions into action.
Tomorrow I hope to be able to report that Captain Parsons with 12 Picked men start on the 1st Septr. I have this instant arrived in London and find that difficulties exist but trust to be able to overcome them feeling assured of your support if it becomes necessary to appeal to you.
Unless you should desire me to be there earlier, I purpose to be in attendance at the Colonial Office tomorrow at 2 o'clock. Earlier in the day I shall be with Sir Henry Storks respecting Stores and Sir John Burgoyne respecting officers and men.



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FILE: 1858-08-24_Storks_to_Merivale_V585WO06.txt
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Storks to Merivale

With reference to your Letter of the 18th inst I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, this enclosed copy of a Letter from the Deputy Adjutant General of Royal Engineers respecting the pay and allowances of the Detachment of that Corps under orders to proceed to New Columbia; and to request that you will move Sir E B Lytton to furnish General Peel with the necessary information to enable him to answer the enquiries therein contained.



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FILE: 1858-08-25_Berens_to_Lytton_V585MI21.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's
letter of the 14th August, enclosing copies of three despatches
of equal date, addressed by you to Governor Douglas on the
subject of the future government of the Colony, and I beg to
convey to you the best thanks of the Directors of the Hudson's
Bay Company for that obliging communication.



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FILE: 1858-08-25_Reep_to_Lytton_V585MI24_A.txt
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Reep to Lytton

I am instructed by the Court of Directors of this Company to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated yesterday and to state in reply that it will afford them great pleasure, to carry out the wishes of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton with regard to the conveyance of a detachment of twenty Royal Engineers and an Officer from Panama to Vancouvers Island, and that every means in the power of the Directors will be taken to avoid delay in the transmission of the party to their destination.



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FILE: 1858-08-25_Romaine_to_Herman_Merivale_V585AD09.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that passage from Southampton to Colon has been provided for one Officer and 20 Men of the Royal Engineers in the Mail Steamer of the 2nd Sept. next, en route to Vancouver's Island, but there is probably no vessel of War at Panama to convey them to their destination. Nor could any of Her Majesty's Ships be diverted from their present duties for the purpose of conveying so small a party of men such a long distance. Probably some arrangement might be made for having the party conveyed by a Merchant Vessel.



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FILE: 1858-08-26_Fitzgerald_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO10.txt
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Fitzgerald to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you the
accompanying copy of a note from the French Ambassador at this
Court, stating the circumstances under which the French
Government are anxious that Monsieur Rousset should be
recognised as French Consular Agent at Victoria, 
and I am to
request that in laying this note before Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, you will inform him that the Earl of Malmesbury would
suggest a compliance with the wishes of the French Government in
this respect, if no objection exists thereto; and His Lordship
would be glad to be informed as soon as possible whether the
necessary Instructions will 
be sent to the Governor, in order
that he may communicate the same to the Duc de Malakoff.



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FILE: 1858-08-26_Hawkins_to_Lytton_V585MI26.txt
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Hawkins to Lytton

I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that the Committee of this Society looking to the vast importance of making provision for the spiritual wants of the population so rapidly increasing of British Columbia, have this day determined to send there with as little delay as possible one or two missionary Chaplains.
The Committee make no application for any money grant in support of the projected mission, but trust that Her Majesty's Government will provide a passage for the Clergyman who shall be appointed first Chaplain in the new Colony.



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FILE: 1858-08-26_Romaine_to_Merivale_V585AD10.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to state, for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, that directions were sent last night by the overland mail to Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour to dispatch Her Majesty's Ship Tribune from China to Vancouver Island with as many Supernumerary Marines as she can properly carry & he can spare.
Sir Michael Seymour in May last was instructed to send HM Ships Pylades and Amethyst to the Pacific Station as soon as their services in India and China might be no longer required, and the Rear Admiral has now been ordered to send the two Ships in the first instance to Vancouver Island.



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FILE: 1858-08-26_Romaine_to_Merivale_V585AD11.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

In reply to your Letter of the 25th. Ins.t, requesting that the Detachment of Royal Engineers about to proceed by the Packet to Colon may be conveyed in one of Her Majesty's Ships from Panama to Vancouver Island, if the Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers should deem such Transport necessary, also that the Detachment may be offered any facilities generally for their conveyance to British Columbia; I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to state, for the information of the Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, that orders to this effect will be sent addressed to the Senior Officer at Panama, but there is little expectation of a Ship of War being there to convey the Detachment.



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FILE: 1858-08-26_Storks_to_Merivale_V585WO07.txt
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Storks to Merivale

In reply to your letter of the 23d instant, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to request that you will acquaint Sir E.B. Lytton that passages to Colon, en route to Vancouvers' Island, have been secured for 1 officer and 20 Men of the Royal Engineers, on board the contract Mail Steam Packet which will leave Southampton on the 2nd proximo.



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FILE: 1858-08-27_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58035.txt
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No. 35

1. Since I last addressed you on the 19th of Instant,

Indians hostilities with miners
an alarming report reached this place of the murder of 42 miners
by the Indians of Fraser's
River,

and I in consequence, made a requisition on Major Hawkins, Her Majesty's
Hawkins, Maj. John S.escorts governor to Fraser River
Commissioner for determining the Land Boundary; for an officer and ten men, and for an equal force respectively on Captain Prevost of Her
Prevost, Capt. James C.furnishes escort for governor
Montresor, Capt. Frederickunable to furnish escort to governor
ShipsSatellite
ShipsCalypso
Majesty's Ship "Satellite" and Captain Montresor of Her Majesty's
Ship "Calypso," so as to form a force of 33 officers and men to proceed with me to the scene of the disaster.

2. That alarming report has since been contradicted in a
Hicks, Richard
despatch from Mr Hicks,

Her Majesty's Sub Commissioner of Crown Lands, for the district of Fort
Yale, who states, that two men only were killed by the Indians, instead
of the larger number previously reported. I am nevertheless preparing for an excursion to Fraser's River, with a small military force of 35 men, composed of 15 sappers and miners furnished by Major Hawkins, and
Lieutenant Jones with 20 marines, kindly furnished by Captain Prevost of Jones, Lt. Howard S.commands force from Satellite
Her Majesty's Ship "Satellite."

3. Major Hawkins has decided on accompanying me to  Fraser's River, and will command the military force.

4. The object I have in view by undertaking that journey is the
Lawenforcement of
enforcement of such laws as may be found necessary for the maintenance of
peace and good order among the motely population of foreigners, now
assembled in Frasers River, and also practically to assert the rights of
the Crown, by introducing the levying of a Licence duty on persons
digging for gold, in order to raise a revenue for the defence and
protection of the Country.

5. The military force is absurdly small for such an occasion,
but I shall use every exertion in my power to accomplish the
great object in view, and to assert the rights of my Country, in
hopes that early measures will be taken by Her Majesty's Government,
to relieve the country from its present perilous state.

6. I transmit for your information the requisition I made on
Captain Montresor and his reply thereto.



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FILE: 1858-08-27_Douglas_to_Stanley_V58036.txt
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No. 36

With reference to my communication to Mr Hawes of the 7th of
April last respecting the accommodation which I was directed
through him to provide for the use of the Party despatched from
England under the command of Major Hawkins R.E. Her Majesty's
Commissioner for determining the land boundary between the
British Possessions 
on the north west coast of America and those
of the United States, of which duplicate is herewith forwarded,
I have the honor to inform you that the plan therein proposed
for meeting the instructions of Her Majesty's Government was
carried into effect and the House was delivered to Major Hawkins
on his arrival here, and is now occupied by his party and in his
possession.

The money expended for the object in question is as follows
vizt

Paid to the Puget's Sound Compy

for purchase of Land & House £ 493.15.4

Paid for completing and painting house  729.03.4

£1222.18.8

I have now drawn on the Secretary of War a Bill of Exchange in
Triplicate for that sum, in favor of the Hudson's Bay 
Company,
which I beg you will cause to be paid at maturity.



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FILE: 1858-08-27_Moody_to_Lytton_V586MO03.txt
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Moody to Lytton

I find the necessary amount of Stores to accompany the Royal Engineers to B. Columbia via Cape Horn will require the whole of the Tonnage of the "Thames City" the vessel which has been chartered and I would urge strongly that no other stores in addition be conveyed in her.
I am inclined to fear there may not be room enough and if by watering at any place directly in the route, more space could be gained it is desirable an arrangement to that effect should be agreed upon.



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FILE: 1858-08-27_Reep_to_Lytton_V585MI27.txt
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Reep to Lytton

I am instructed to state that a Deputation of Directors from the Company are desirous of waiting upon you on the subject of Mail communication with British Columbia, in extension of the line now existing to Colon, and I am respectfully to solicit the favor of your granting them an interview in reference thereto.
If quite convenient to yourself the Deputation will be happy to wait on you on Monday next at two o'clock.



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FILE: 1858-08-28_Barwise_to_Lytton_B586B01.txt
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Barwise to Lytton

Having examined the Sierra Nevada range of Mountains
in California for many months, and being acquainted with
California
the physical formation of that district I beg most
respectfully to offer to your polite notice a few observations
relative to the same range of Mountains running through
British Columbia which has proved as rich in mineral wealth
Mines and mining
as my letter of May last addressed to Her Majesty's Government
had suggested.

May I now be allowed to submit for your kind consideration
some few facts that I think would be useful to that Colony, and
also of great advantage to the Mother Country.

I would in the First place submit that the Plascier [Placer]
Mines and miningplacer mining
Mining & Diggings should be at liberty to be worked by all
parties going to the Colony, upon any arrangement that the
Colonial Government might think most fit to adopt. These will
be found to be as extensive and rich, as those in California,
and will take hundreds of years to work out.

Secondly. That the Government should reserve to itself
the rights of working the Quartz Leads.
Mines and miningquartz

This would in no way interfere with the Plascier
Mines and miningplacer mining
workings, but in "Prospecting" for which, good workings would
be discovered as a matter of course near to the Quartz Leads,
as they are the parent Deposits of the Gold found in the vallies,
and without them no metal could exist in the earthy matter;
commonly called "the diggings."

Permit me to take the liberty of explaining how the
formations in these Mountains exist.

The whole of the West Coast of North America, is a
more recent formation than Australia, and this is quite
Geologyland formation
Australiageology
evident by the Water-washed Boulders and Shells found on
the Mountains many hundred feet above the level of the Sea,
and also that the Quartz Veins are much less worn, and
the deposit in the Vallies not nearly so deep to the Bed Rock,
as in Australia, where all the Quartz Veins are more depressed,
and the depth of the earth above the Bed rock uniformly much greater.

In examining this range of Mountains; I found the crests
Geologyland formation
of the hills were more or less charged with Cinnabar; and
this dark reddish substance at[t]racts the suns rays and becomes
extremely heated during the whole of the summer which lasts
for eight months; and when the rain comes, a large quantity
of this is liberated and is washed down and passing over the
Quartz Veins, removes any portion of Gold that may be on the
surface, is in the top crevises of the Quartz, and takes the
same into the vallies and rivers below, where the metal rests.
Thus, I have known the Bed of one river washed, with good
results for four years in succession, the Gold having been
replenished by each winters rain. The Quartz Veins of this
range, I believe to be larger and of greater continuation than
any at present discovered. I have traced one for Eighteen
and a half Miles, and at the highest point it was more than
Twelve hundred feet above the bed of the rivers through which
it passed, and in no place less that Nine feet wide, but to what
depth it went, it is impossible to conjecture. I have no doubt
that I should have been able to have traced it into the perpetual
Snow, had I have been able to have continued my search, but my
men got alarmed about the Indians, and I was compelled to abandon
Indigenous/settler contact
my further investigation of this enormous Bank of treasure, where
I frequently found visable gold. I left two of my men to Drive
Gold
in upon it at Eighty two feet below the out crop, and I found it
equally good or rather better in its appearance than at the
surface. To give you some view of the richness of this Vein,
I need only mention that in one season the firm of Messrs
Palmer Coutt & Co. obtained from some very rough workings,
Palmer Coutt & Co
San Franciscobank at
and poor appliances, enough wealth to start their Bank at San Francisco.

The Quartz of this range is much more easily worked than
the matrix of that class, which I have found in other parts
of the world, and is uniformly richer, and likewise contains
less of foreign substances, there being generally very little
else than Iron intermixed; and without which gold cannot exist.

I would propose that the Government should work the
Quartz Veins for its own benefit, and this would yield very
large returns; and not only pay all the expences of the
local Government, but would help the Mother Country to pay
off her National Debt, and therefore like a good child, help
her aged parent with her pecuniary assistance to any amount
that she required.

Beside the Quartz Leads that will be discovered in the
continuation of the Sierra Nevada, I would respectfully call
attention to the Gold found in Queen Charlottes Island in
Queen Charlotte Islandsgold in
Latitude 53° 1 1/2 North, Longitude 131° 49 West.

This is a Greenstone formation; in which the Gold is
Geologyland formation
granulated and very rich. The Bluff in which it is
reposited stands errect out of the sea and the well
mearly requires blasting down, as in a Stone Quarry. This
would yield largely and would pay enormously to work, as it
could be blasted and ship[p]ed on the spot, and be brought
down to Victoria, or wherever the Government works may be
determined on, and the reduction of this matrix is so
extremely simple, that the advantage to the Crown would be greater
than I dare venture to state. I brought specimens of this well to
England at the close of the year 1852, as also some of the
granulated Gold.

I need lastly call your kind attention to the fact of the
great amount of wealth that Russia derives from her works
Russiagold in
Orel Mountainsgold in
on the Orel Mountains, and which I believe is her only source
of mineral treasure.

I have found Californian Quartz which has yielded more
than Sixty ounces of Gold to the ton of Quartz (and can
produce some that I have by me now,) and, this from many parts
of the same Vein; and I have seen even richer material than this.

I should be most happy [to] show Her Majesty's Government, a
very cheap and certain method of obtaining the Gold from the
matrix, and which could be proved in this country from
Quartz to be obtained from Wales, Ireland or Scotland, and
Walesquartz mining in
Irelandquartz mining in
Scotlandquartz mining in
I would undertake to make the trials of the same before
them, and show them how it can be done. In fact any
gentleman might do it himself under my direction.

Such Quartz working would not at all infringe on the
"Miners claims" and could but be popular in the Colony, and
must be more so in this country.

And Thirdly. That the Government should establish a Mint
Mintestablishment of in BC
in the Colony, as soon as convenient, and thereby gain all the
advantages of the Gold discovery.

I do not know if I have made myself understood as I
am rather a bad hand at descriptive writing being more an
operative, than a pen and ink man, but perhaps my poor
attempt may be sufficiently plain for your powerful mind
to perceive my meaning and should these few hints be deemed
worthy [of] your kind notice, I shall be most happy to give
any further explanation, either personally or otherwise,
to any interrogatories you may please to make.



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FILE: 1858-08-28_Fraser_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V585MI22.txt
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Fraser to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company to acquaint you, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward B. Lytton, that they propose to despatch their Steamer
the "Labouchere" to Vancouver's Island and that she will start
from the port of London on Thursday morning the 2nd Septr.

Should it be the wish of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton to avail
himself of this opportunity of forwarding any Communication to
the Island, the Governor and Committee will feel pleasure in
taking charge of it.



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FILE: 1858-08-28_Moody_to_Carnarvon_V586MO04.txt
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Moody to Carnarvon

With reference to the letter I had the honour to receive from you dated 19h Inst I beg to report that the apparently hopeless complication of obstacles have been mastered. Captain Parsons and 20 Royal Engineers proceed on the 1t Proximo from Southampton via Panama to B. Columbia.
The further intelligence I gather daily, convince me it is urgent—nay with great respect it is my duty to say—imperative in order to obviate an immediate frightful expense and loss of time that Captain Grant himself should be on the spot as quickly as possible (sail on the 17h Proximo) to provide beforehand in every particular including shelter & food for the reception of the main body and women & children.
Captain Parsons will have to establish his own party make sundry arrangements, communicate with Captain Grant on his arrival, leave the artificers of the party with him proceed alone up the Frazer River make the reconnaissances necessary to forward [for] my immediate action and return against my arrival to report and receive further orders. On the above subjects both officers will receive definite instructions in detail from me.
In those instructions they will be given clearly to understand that the whole is subordinate to any local necessities upon which they may receive orders from the Governor upon their arrival.
Captain Luard, Lieutenant Lempriere, Lieutenant Palmer, and Assistant Surgeon Seddall M.D. with the main body and women & children will embark on board the "Thames City" and proceed round Cape Horn direct for Victoria B. Columbia where I shall be in readiness to receive them and in communication with the Governor post them to their duties at once.
Every exertion shall be made to expedite the sailing of this vessel but as yet I am unable to name a day. I trust it may be in a fortnight or 3 weeks.
In framing these arrangements as well as my own duties in connection with them I have had the advantage of the great experience of General Sir John Burgoyne who concurs with me in considering it is vital for economy & efficiency that Captain Grant in particular as well as Captain Parsons should be early on the ground each with the duties I assign to them. Having been so very carefully considered I hope they may meet with the approval of the Secretary of State.



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FILE: 1858-08-29_Romaine_to_Merivale_V585AD12.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

In reply to your letter of this day's date requesting that the Royal Mail Steamer which is appointed to leave Southampton with the West India Mails on the 2nd Proximo may be detained until the arrival of a queens messenger from Osborne who will be the bearer of despatches for the Governor of British Columbia, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will state to Secretary Sir E Bulwer Lytton that their Lordships have no power to delay the Packets of the West Indian Royal Mail Company.



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FILE: 1858-08-30_Cadell_to_Lytton_B586C09.txt
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Cadell to Lytton

I am very desirous indeed, with the view of securing
immediate employment, to join Capt Parsons Compy leaving
Southampton on the 2nd proxo. I sincerely hope therefore
that you will be kind enough to mention the subject to
Col Moody who is now aware of my position.

I can render essential assistance with reference to
the disposal of the mining Population now in the Country,
towards productive operations, & prevent their withdrawal
from the Country.

Being familiar with the description of facilities required
for the relief of the immediate necessities of the Placer Miners
on Frazer River, Col. Moody will find me very useful at the
commencement of preliminary operations.



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FILE: 1858-08-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58037.txt
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No. 37

I herewith transmit for the information of Her Majesty's Government,
Gold commissionersinstructions to
copy of the instructions issued to the Assistant Gold Commissioners, to
be employed in Fraser's River and also a Proclamation issued on the
Proclamationestablishing harbour regulations
25th of
Instant

establishing Harbor Regulations and for the regulation of Boats and other
small craft, employed on the coast of Vancouver's Island, which
I trust may meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-08-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58038.txt
================================================================================

No. 38

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day, of your
despatches of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-08-30_King_to_Secretary_of_State_V586K06.txt
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King to Secretary of State

Having resolved upon proceeding at my own expense to
"Vancouvers Island" as I am now out of employment, I beg most
respectfully to solicit the honor of an introduction to the
Governor of That Island, or of "British Columbia", in order that
I may have some document of an official character to prove that
I have served Her Majesty in this Country (which the
Testimonials, copies of which I have done myself the honor to
forward to the Colonial office in some measure testify to) so
that in the event of an opportunity for employment presenting
itself, I may submit my qualifications for their consideration.
If my present application is irregular, I humbly solicit pardon,
and plead as my excuse the anxiety which I naturally feel for
some honorable occupation, by which I may support my young
family who accompany me to this distant colony, but to which I
go, feeling confident from my knowledge of its unbounded
resources, that it bids fair to become one of the most prosperous
of the Colonial Gems which adorn the British Crown.



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FILE: 1858-08-30_Romaine_to_Merivale_V585AD13.txt
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Romaine to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a Letter from Captain Richards of H.M. Surveying Vessel Plumper, dated at Vancouver Island the 28th June, containing intelligence as to the state of affairs at that Island, and at the Gold Diggings in Frazer River.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Begbie_to_Lytton_V586BE03.txt
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Begbie to Lytton

I regret exceedingly to inform you that since I saw you yesterday I have had a severe bilious attack which compelled me to take to my bed within three hours after leaving you, and my doctor tells me that it is impossible for me to undertake to leave England on thursday next, in fact I am still in bed and not allowed to get up today, and I do not know whether I shall be allowed to leave my bed tomorrow.
As I have now bid most of my friends goodbye, my only anxiety is to get to the scene of operations as soon as possible. With this view I enquired of my Doctor as to the probability of my being able to leave by next Saturdays Cunard boat so as to proceed via New York, but he thought it would be very imprudent my making any arrangements for travelling for at least a week to come. I hope however most confidently to be able to leave by saturday week via New York when perhaps I may after all be able to get on nearly as quickly as if I had started on the 2nd proxo.
I am exceedingly mortified at this unlucky delay but I hope that it will not be of much impediment to the public service.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Elliott_to_Lytton_V586E04.txt
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Elliott to Lytton

Your letter of the 17th inst: relative to the information I
volunteered respecting Vancouvers Island should have had earlier
attention had not illness prevented it.

When I first visited Vancouvers Island in HMS Pandora in 1846 &
8 it was not Colonised, the only Inhabitants except Indians
being about Thirty all of whom were Servants of the Hudson Bay
Company; the Indians were then very numerous and in some parts
hostile. On returning again in 1857 in HMS Plumper I found a
few Farms had been established in the Neighbourhood of Esquimalt
Harbour by the Puget Sound Agricultural Company and taking an
interest in, and having some knowledge of agriculture, I took
an early opportunity of examining the 
progress made, and the
nature and quality of the Soil and the best Crops likely to be
obtained from it. In the first place the Farms I found were not
under the direction of practical Men and with one exception but
little had been done. The exception I allude to is a Farm of
about 600 Acres under the direction of a Mr Langford who had
200 acres under the plough in a very good working condition, and
his Crop of Wheat looked extremely well. Barley and Oats were
not above the earth but I was informed that they both produced
good Crops, the average per acre being Wheat 30 Bushels, Barley
30, Oats 35 and in nearly all places the Potatoe thrives very
well. In walking over these Farms in the Autumn what
particularly attracted my attention was the almost total
absence of green Crops, such as Turnips, Cabbage, Carrots &c
for winter meat for their Cattle, and altho the Farms have been
established some 5 years, not a grass seed had been sown,
therefore they had nothing to depend on for out door food
should the Winter prove severe. The Winter passed to the middle
of February 1858 very mild, when a sudden change took place and
the Thermometer fell to plus 5 or 
27 degrees below the freezing
point. This lasted a week, and I heard many of the Farmers say
that had it continued another week they would scarcely have
had a head of Cattle remaining out of a herd of several hundred
bullocks and Sheep. Such a state of things in such a beautiful
Country I think highly reprehensible and only requires a few
practical energetic Farmers to establish themselves to show
forth to the Western World the Capabilities of one of the finest
and most fertile Islands in the Globe. I must here remark that
in the Months of Janry February and March the Sheep get so
poor as to be almost unfit for food and the Bullocks have been
refused by the Men of the Ships of War.

The Soil is principally composed of a black Vegetable Mould of
from a foot to 18 inches in depth and covering a hard clay. In
other places it is light and Sandy of a cream color not above a
foot deep and covering Limestone which is abundant and produces
very good lime either for building or manure.

The Island so far as is at present Known is in most parts much
wooded but in the Cowitchin Valley about 70 miles above
Victoria, there are 
many thousand acres almost without a Tree or
a Shrub, here the Farmer could put his plough into the ground
at once. It may not be out of place to here quote the remark of
the American Commissioner (Mr Campbell) who visited Cowitchin
in HMS Satellite in 1857, viz that it was worth the whole of
Washington Territory. I do not anticipate that Vancouvers
Island will ever become a great agricultural Country or grow
much more than the requirements for its Population, on account
of its being so much wooded, but it produces the finest Timber
in the world, and on its being opened up will doubtless be found
rich in Iron, Copper, Tin, Potters Clay, Coal and probably Gold.

The Sea face of the Island is at present little known but I
have reason to believe that on its being Surveyed we shall find
it contains some very fine harbours accessible at all times to
Sailing Vessels, in which case it would save the tedious passage
to Esquimalt which is about 60 miles up the Straits of Fuca.

The Climate altho the Island is situated in the same Latitude as
England does not resemble it, in the Winter months or from
December to March scarcely a day passes  
without heavy showers,
or continuous rain, and after April little or no rain falls, the
Temperature is also higher in the Summer, and during the Months
of June and July thick fogs are prevalent lasting in some
instances for three weeks, and obscuring everything.

The Island of San Juan, or Belle View is about 15 miles from
Victoria altho only about 5 from the nearest point of
Vancouvers, the land here is very similar to Vancouvers only not
so thickly wooded, the Puget Sound Agricultural Company have a
large Farm there under cultivation, and the Americans have
placed there an officer of the Customs who acts in his Capacity
on all Vessels calling, even the things landed by the H.B.C's
Vessels for the use of their Servants undergo his scrutiny. This
Island I consider is of vast importance to us from its near
proximity to Vancouvers and would no doubt if ours save us many
a trouble with our lawless neighbours, and I cannot see what it
could ever benefit them, except as a near retreat for any act
committed against the laws established at Vancouver.

In conclusion I beg to state that I shall at all times be most
happy to answer any questions that may arise relative to
Vancouvers or vicinity.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Macdonald_to_Lytton_V586M01.txt
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Macdonald to Lytton

I am about to proceed to Vancouver's Island as a permanent
settler, both as a practical Agriculturist and a professional
man; and I am desirous of bringing with me Farm labourers from
Scotland as well as the necessary implements of husbandry, but
I am not prepared to be at a heavy expense in taking out these
requisites.

May I therefore request the honour to be informed whether it is
your intention, and that of Her Majesty's Government, to adopt a
system of free emigration. If so, my intimate acquaintance with
the rural districts of England and Scotland, and my influence
with the people of the northern parts of the latter country,
qualifies me for selecting and inducing that so very
indispensable help to emigrate to the above Island.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Moody_to_Lytton_V586MO05.txt
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Moody to Lytton

With reference to the Stores accompanying the Royal Engineers (advanced party and main Body) to British Columbia and to which you have given your sanction, I have the honour to enclose the Lists1 framed in an amended form and with Details more complete.
These Lists were prepared before I accepted the duty I have undertaken and when they were submitted to you I had not been able to examine them.

I solicit your sanction to the alterations I have made, leaving out sundry articles [(]among which are the more expensive instruments and books) and substituting others which are indispensable For instance 1 Box Chronometer and 2 Pocket Do, a small quantity of non assorted and other articles. I have also added 3 months Provisions in Rations. I submit however that Six months supply would be much better & more economical if there be room in the vessel. To this it may be my duty again to take opportunity of drawing your attention.
The above stores are being supplied chiefly from the Tower through the assistance of the War Department. The Chronometers have been obtained from the Admiralty on the understanding they will be replaced. Other articles are being obtained through the assistance of Colonel James Ordnance Survey Department and sundry articles are being or will have to be purchased as they cannot be obtained from the government stores.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Reep_to_Merivale_V585MI29.txt
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Reep to Merivale

I am desired by the Directors of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date and in reply to inform you that the necessary instructions will be issued to carry into effect the detention of La Plata until the arrival of the Queen's Messenger from Osborne, in accordance with the request of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Rogers_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585LN02.txt
================================================================================

Rogers to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge Lord Carnarvon's Letter of the 17th
instant  enclosing a memorandum from Mr Bridges actuary of the
Mitre Life Assurance Office containing a project for colonizing
Van Couvers Island.

2. Mr Bridges proposes that a Company should be formed with a
capital of £100,000 to 
which the Government should assign
(without any immediate consideration) 1000,000 acres or about
1562 square miles of land in Vancouvers Island.

3. The Company are to advance money from their capital to be
expended at once (that is I suppose as rapidly as may seem
prudent and practicable) in the transmission of laborers to the
settlement and their employment in surveys, roadmaking and other
operations preliminary to the occupation of the land. These
first Immigrants are to receive moderate allotments of land
gratis.

4. The Company's Land is to be sold at a fixed price namely
Town lands at the rate of £10 for a section of an acre or
less—suburban Lands at £100 for 25 acres—and Country lands at
£1 an acre. Payment may be made by instalments spreading over
"(say)" 10 years.

5. The receipts on account of Land are (if I understand the
project aright)

to be divided as follows—10 per cent is to be paid to the Crown
to be applied to the expenses of the Local Government—40 per
cent is to be applied to the preliminary expenditure already
described and of course in the first instance to repay the
Companys Advances and the remaining 50 per cent is left
unnoticed and is I presume to constitute the Companys profits.

6. Lastly the Crown is to engage not to sell any Land in the
Island at less than £1 an acre and to employ 50 per cent of its
receipts in "labour or adaptation".

7. I am unable to recommend that this plan should be
entertained. In the first place I can scarcely imagine anything
which would 
create a keener dissatisfaction among the multitudes
who are now flocking to the neighbourhood of Vancouvers Island,
than to be informed that 1562 square miles of land (selected I
presume from the most attractive parts of the Island) had been
set apart by Government in order that one half of the purchase
money amounting (if the land were sold) to considerably more
than half a million of money might serve to enrich, not the
Settlers whose industry will give it value but a Company in
London; while four fifths of the other half was to be
irresponsibly expended by the same body. And these complaints
will be much increased if the laborers imported by the Company
make their way to the diggings and the operations undertaken by
them (as is likely to be the case and almost certain to be
alleged) are injudiciously chosen.

8. Those therefore who purchase land from the Company will
complain that the purchase money is not expended (as it would be
by Government) for their benefit. Those who are disinclined to
purchase will complain that a large proportion of the best Crown
Land is virtually removed from the public Land sales. Both
alike will complain that the Home Government has sacrificed the
Colony.

9. The chance that the Company will be unable to recover from
their grantees the money which they allow to be paid by
instalments spread over ten years and after protracted disputes
will be obliged to compromise on the most disadvantageous terms—
that they will sell Land in Europe which cannot be
identified or is found to be misdescribed or has been already
sold in America and thus confuse themselves and paralyse their
Colonists—that they will be unable to retain the services of
the laborers whom they import, to keep their land free from
Squattors

or to secure economy or sound judgment in surveying, draining,
roadmaking, bridging or building operations carried on on the
other side of America, and that they will break down like other
Colonizing Companies under these 
and other mischances is one
with which, it may be said, the Government has no concern. But
the failure of a Company which by that failure locks up and
embarrasses the disposal of 1500 square miles of the best land
in a rapidly increasing Colony is a public danger, for which the
Government ought not without strong reasons to make itself in
any degree responsible. And I must add that as the terms which
have been accorded to one Company can hardly be refused to other
applicants, it will be almost impossible to prevent the Colony
from being divided among rival enterprises some of which can
hardly fail to run through the course which I have described.

10. On these grounds it seems to me that the contentment of the
Colonists—the simplicity of the Land sales—and the proper
expenditure of the money derived or to be derived from them
would be far best secured by giving no privileges to any Company
which is not open to every one of Her Majesty's subjects—by
keeping the conduct of the Land Sales in the hands of
responsible Government Officers and by leaving the conduct of
the emigration (for the present) to the Emigrants themselves who
appear likely to throng to the neighbourhood in fully sufficient
numbers.

11. Thus far I have submitted objections to the principle of
the scheme. Even if this were admitted various objections of
detail would remain to be considered and omissions to be
supplied.

(1) Is the Company to select its land in a single block or in
separate blocks. If the latter—how selected—in what
shape—and within 
what time. These are points of detail but of
great importance and some difficulty. For if restrictions are
imposed on selection the Company will complain that it is
deluded, if they are not it will be enabled to select scattered
spots which will give it the command of the Colony.

(2) What is to be provided about Minerals?

(3) What about Land in the possession of Indians?

(4) What about land which though not actually purchased is 
very
valuable to existing Settlers as adjoining their property or
otherwise.

(5) Is the proposed Government share of the proceeds of the Land
Sale (1/10th) sufficient.

(6) Considering the price at which Land is selling in Van
Couvers Island are the fixed prices especially that of £10 an
acre for town Land high enough. If not they will induce a wild
rage for buying on speculation which is always productive of
mischief.

(7) Will not the system of 
payment by instalments encourage men
to become at once possessors of land before they have acquired
the small capital and skill which experience shews to be
necessary to success.

(8) What need is there now of importing Immigrants into Van
Couvers Island? What hope that they will remain in the employ
of the Company?

(9) What security is there that the Company's almost
irresponsible Agents will expend judiciously what is in fact
public money.

(10) The only consideration which the Company give for their
possible gains of (say) £500,000 is the temporary advance of
£100,000 for preliminary expenses. What security is to be taken
for its being really advanced and properly expended.

(11) Is it desirable that free allotments should be granted
during the first year
to the labouring class. It is generally held I think that to
place an inexperienced person at once on land is the way to ruin
him.

(12) Can the Government possibly consent (for no greater
consideration 
than I have described)
not only to part with 1560 square miles of
land but to place itself under obligations to the Company in
respect to the disposal of the rest of the Crown (that is the
public) property.

(13) Does Mr Bridges represent capitalists ready to advance all
or an adequate part of the proposed capital or is it the mere
suggestion of a 
Gentleman who has still to find the means of
carrying it into effect.

([14])  On the whole it is quite clear that no Company can be
expected to take up any operation of this kind except with a
view to profit. That profit must be derived from the labor of
the Colonists and is therefore a tax on them. This is
pro tanto
an evil. But it is an evil which may be well borne if it is a
necessary condition of peopling a Country which would otherwise
not be peopled. Reasons might exist for allowing a privileged
Company 
to colonize the Falkland Islands or the less attractive
parts of Australia or (six months ago) the Western Coast of
America. But it appears to me that a Company for the
Colonization of Vancouvers Island would now be superfluous
because the work will be done without it—and it would be
mischievous because as I have attempted to shew a Company
possessing great exceptional advantages (and very great
advantages are needed to give it a chance of success) will cause
certainly discontent and probably confusion and trouble. And I
would again submit that 
the selling of the Crown Lands like
other branches of administration will be conducted with most
ease to the Government and satisfaction to the community by an
adequate body of efficient public officers on the spot—adapting
their operations to the wants of the community—and by giving to
no person or body of persons any privilege which is not
obtainable by all.



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FILE: 1858-08-31_Rogers_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585LN03.txt
================================================================================

Rogers to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your Letter of the 23rd instant,
enclosing for my Report a Letter from the Deputy Governor of the
Hudson's Bay Company respecting the amount claimable by them
from Her Majesty's Government on the resumption of VanCouvers
Island.

2. On that resumption 
the Company were entitled to claim from
the Government repayment
"of the sum or sums of money theretofore laid out and expended by
them in and upon the said Island and premises and of the value
of their establishments property and effects then being thereupon."

3. A statement of the amount claimable under these words was
framed by the Hudson's Bay Company at the desire of the
Secretary of State—and being referred to this Board was
reported upon by us on the 19th of April. In our Report we
suggested the question whether the Government intended to take
over the whole of the Company's Establishment including
Farms, Mills, a Coal Mine, Goods, Stock, and a trading Vessel or
to leave them in possession of their trading Establishments and
merely repay them the sums expended by them as Owners of the
Island under the grant from the Crown. In the former case the
claim 
amounted to £225,699.9.11. In the latter it seemed
reducible to about £34,000.

4. This suggestion led to a reference to the Law Officers of
the Crown who were of opinion that the Government was only bound
to compensate the Company for
"the sums laid out by them upon the Island as owners thereof and
for the value of their Establishments property and effects being
thereon and connected with such ownership which" they added
"are substantially the classes of 
establishment and property"
described by Mr Merivale as "got together in consequence of their
territorial possession of the soil, and to facilitate the settlement
and Government of the Island."

5. This decision was communicated to the Company in Lord Carnarvon's Letter of the 28th ultimo in which he stated that
the right to compensation only extended to sums laid out and
property got together by the Company as Owners of the Island and
not to expenditure 
and property consequent on or related to
their commercial operations as a Company carrying on Trade with
the Indians.

6. The Deputy Governor of the Company now states in reply that
the account was made out in accordance with what were supposed
to be the intentions of the Secretary of State but that
"there is no wish on the part of the Company to call upon the
Government to assume any responsibility which does not fall
within the terms of the grant" and that they will 
"raise no objection
to the principle laid down by Lord Carnarvon".

7. I presume therefore the next step will be to request the
Company to send in a fresh statement of their claim framed on
the principle now laid down by the Secretary of State and
accepted by the Company.



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FILE: 1858-09-01_D'Ewes_to_Lytton_V586DE01.txt
================================================================================

D'Ewes to Lytton

I trust you will excuse this intrusion upon your time, but as you were kind enough to write to me; and also inform my wife that you would give me letters of 
introduction to the present provisional Governor of New Columbia I imagined that the delay in fulfilling 
your most kind promise might have arisen from some chance of your having found employment for my services.

As however my being able to obtain the means of going out will depend entirely upon my being able to convince some of my connections of your valuable patronage.
I shall feel most deeply indebted to you if you will either allow me to call for the letters in question or direct them to 
be forwarded to me at your convenience and with many thanks for all past favours, believe me,



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FILE: 1858-09-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587000A.txt
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Separate

I have the honor to introduce to you Captain Parsons, the Bearer of
Parsons, Capt. Robert M.letter of introduction
this despatch, who, in pursuance of the intention which I have already
communicated to you, has been directed to repair to British Columbia
accompanied by twenty non-Commissioned officers and men of the Royal
Engineers.

I need scarcely observe to you that the object for which this
Parsons, Capt. Robert M.advance party to BC
officer and his party have been detached to British Columbia is for the
exclusive service of that Colony. You will, therefore, afford him every
assistance in your power for enabling him to commence immediately such
operations in it as shall appear to him to be necessary in anticipation
of the arrival of his Commanding Officer Colonel Moody R.E. who will
Moody, Col. Richard C.
follow him with as much rapidity as is practicable. And I trust that if
Captain Parsons should require the temporary occupation for his party of
the trading posts up the country, which belong to the Hudson's Bay
Royal Engineersaccommodation for
Company you will take measures for affording them such accommodation.



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FILE: 1858-09-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587000B.txt
================================================================================

Private

I enclose for your consideration a copy of a Memo drawn up by
Capt. R.B. Sinclair containing suggestions on various subjects
Sinclair, Capt. Robert B.
connected with the Colony of British 
Columbia.

The suggestion which appears to me to possess the principal value
is that which related to a brief code of Mining rights on which I have
Miningcode of rights
addressed you in another Despatch.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Berens_to_Lytton_B585HB35.txt
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Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter, dated the 31st Ultimo, transmitting an Extract of a letter from Dr O'Brien of Port Townsend, Washington Territory, in which he alleges that the Miners proceeding to the Gold diggings on Fraser's River are refused a passage up the river until they purchase all their mining implements from the Hudson's Bay Company.
In compliance with your request that we should communicate any information on this subject that it may be in our power to afford, I have merely to state that we are without any information whatsoever that could lead us to believe that there is the slightest foundation for the charge alleged against our Officers. In our accounts from that district we do not find a word which could guide us as to the origin of the story, and we feel confident that, on investigation, it will turn out to be one of those exaggerations or misrepresentations which may be expected from a country agitated and distracted, as British Columbia is at the present moment, from the sudden influx of strangers into the territory.
The Extract from Dr O'Briens letter had been previously communicated to us by the Earl of Malmesbury, together with a copy of a Despatch from Lord Napier, in which his Lordship stated that the letter was addressed to Mr Nugent, the United States Commissioner to the Pacific frontier, and communicated by that gentleman to his Lordship; and it appears from Lord Napier's statement that he at once treated the charge as an exaggeration or altogether untrue. I have every confidence that his Lordship's opinion on that respect will be fully confirmed by our next accounts from the Colony, and in the meantime I have to repeat what I stated in reply to the Earl of Malmesbury, that we have lost no time in referring the matter to Governor Douglas, with instructions which, if there should have been ever a shadow of ground for the charge, will certainly prevent its recurrence.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Imrie_and_Tomlinson_to_Graves,_S.R._B586I01.txt
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Imrie and Tomlinson to S.R. Graves

We were very much surprised to observe by the last accounts from
Vancouver Island that American vessels were employed on the
internal trade up Fraser River, contrary we believe to Law.

We are just despatching a new Screw Steamer the "Firwood" for the
express purpose of taking passengers & trading from San Francisco
to Victoria & thence up Fraser River & other Colonial waters. It
is surely a great injustice to British shipping that they will have
to Compete with American ships on our own rivers while they are
prevented from taking goods & passengers at the intermediate ports,
of Humbolt Port Oxford [Orford], Crescent City, Umpqua
& Columbia River all in the American territory.

We shall be much obliged if you will bring this subject before the
ship owners association and try to induce Government to make such
arrangements as will protect the interests of the Steamer when she
gets to Vancouver Island.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587001.txt
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No. 1

I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, the Queen's
Commission under the Great Seal, constituting and appointing you to be
Sealtransmission of
Douglas, Jamesappointed governor of BC
Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Colony of British 
Columbia and its Dependencies, together with Instructions under the
Royal Sign Manual and Signet, for your general guidance in the
administration of the government of the Colony.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587002.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have the honor to transmit, herewith, for your information and
guidance the Copy of an Order made this day by Her Majesty in Council by
which you are empowered, subject to the conditions therein mentioned, to
Douglas, Jamesauthority to legislate
Order in Councilproviding for government in BC
make provision for the administration of Justice, and to establish all
such Laws as may be necessary for the peace, order, and good government,
of the Colony of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587003.txt
================================================================================

No. 3

Referring to my Despatch No 8 (Vancouver's Island) of the 14th
Ultimo

I transmit to you, herewith, the Queen's Revocation of the Crown
HudsonsBayCompany revocationofcharterinBC
Grant of the 30th of May 1838 to the Hudson's Bay Company in so far as
the said Grant embraces or extends to the Territories comprized within
the Colony of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587004.txt
================================================================================

No. 4

I have to acquaint you that Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint
Mr Matthew Wm Begbie to the Office of Judge for the Colony of
British
Begbie, Matthew B.commission as judge
Columbia.

You will deliver the enclosed Commission to Mr Begbie, having
first duly entered the same on the records of your Government.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587004A.txt
================================================================================

Private

It having been found impossible to complete the Great Seal now in
preparation for the Government of British Columbia in time to be
forwarded to you by the present Mail, I forward herewith a small seal,
Sealsmall temporary
bearing the Royal Arms, which you will use for sealing the public
Documents of your Government until the larger Seal can be supplied to
you.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587005.txt
================================================================================

No. 5

I transmit for your information copies of a correspondence between
this Department and the Board of Admiralty on the subject of affording
Navyassistance for BC
Naval Assistance to British 
Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587006.txt
================================================================================

No. 6

I have to acquaint you that directions were sent by the Overland
Mail of the 25th instant to Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour

Seymour, Rear Admiral Sir Michael
Royal Marinesto BC
ShipsTribuneto Vancouver Island
to despatch Her Majesty's Ship "Tribune" to Vancouver's Island with as
many Supernumerary Marines as she can carry and he can spare.

The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have further apprized me
that the Admiral was instructed in May last to send Her Majesty's Ships
"Pylades" and "Amethyst" to the Pacific Station as soon as their services
ShipsPyladesto BC
ShipsAmethystto BC
NavyChina StationRoyal Marines to BC
China StationRoyal Marines to BC
in India and China might be no longer required, and that he has now been
ordered to send the two ships in the first instance to Vancouver's
Island.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587007.txt
================================================================================

No. 7

I transmit for your information copies of a correspondence between
this Department and the War Office, which will place you in possession
of the measures which have been taken for sending to British Columbia a
Detachment of the Royal Engineers under the Command of a Field Officer.
Royal Engineersto BC

Colonel Moody has been appointed to this command, and has also been
Moody, Col. Richard C.to command Royal Engineers
Moody, Col. Richard C.appointed CCLW
Moody, Col. Richard C.Minstructions to
selected for the Office of Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works in
British Columbia, and I transmit a Copy of the Instructions which have
been addressed to Colonel Moody with reference to the discharge of his
duties in that capacity, and specifying the amount of Regimental pay and
Colonial allowances to which he and the Commissioned and
Non-Commissioned Officers and Sappers of the Detachment are entitled.

I may further observe that a Ship has been chartered and is in
course of preparation for the conveyance of the larger portion of this
Detachment by the Horn; but as the passage will consume nearly four
months and it is desirable that you should have the assistance and
support of a part of this body without delay both to represent the
Military force of this Country and to facilitate those Surveying and
Engineering operations which it may be expedient to commence forthwith,
I have made arrangements for the despatch of Twenty men and an Officer
by the Steamer which leaves this Country for Panama on the 2nd of next
Panama
month.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587008.txt
================================================================================

No. 8

In one of the Dispatches—No 6—which I addressed to you last
month

it was mentioned that the Detachment of Royal Engineers which Her
Majesty's Government considered advisable to send to British Columbia
would be maintained at the imperial Cost for only a limited period, and
Royal Engineersliability of colony for expense
that if it continued afterwards the Colony would have to defray the
expence thereof.

I can scarcely doubt that you will have noticed that when I wrote
that Dispatch, I had not received those Reports from you, nor was the
public in possession of that general information, which ascribe to the
Colony the prospect of raising a large and early Revenue. This more
recent intelligence has necessarily caused an alteration in my views
with respect to the first charge for the Engineer party. I desire
therefore to state that as the Dispatch to which I have above alluded
was written before I was aware of the great prospects of the Colony, Her
Majesty's Government having since become apprized of that fact, I feel
that it would be impossible to impose on this Country the charge for the
Engineers which, under other circumstances it might have been proper
it should have assumed. It is therefore imperatively necessary for me
to repeat, what indeed has been very frequently mentioned, that Her
Majesty's Government expect that British Columbia shall be self
supporting, and that the first charge upon the Land Sales must be that
of defraying all the expences which this Engineer party shall occasion.
Any expenditure which the British Treasury shall have incurred on this
account will have to be reimbursed by the Colony, as soon as its
Royal Engineersliability of colony for expense
circumstances permit, and for which I have now to instruct you to make
suitable provision.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587009.txt
================================================================================

No. 9

I transmit to you herewith, for your information copy of a
correspondence between the Treasury and this Office on the subject of the postal arrangements between this Country and British 
Columbia.

Postal system.see also Mail
Mailconveyance of to BC



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587010.txt
================================================================================

No. 10

I transmit an Extract of a letter received through Her Majesty's
Minister at Washington from Dr P.M. O'Brien Port Physician at Port
OBrien,Dr.P.M. complaintvs.HBC
Townsend stating that Miners proceeding up the River to British Columbia
are compelled to purchase their tools from the Hudson's Bay Company
HudsonsBayCompany monopolyof
Miningsuppliesfrom HBC
Minersdependence upon HBC
though previously provided with such articles.

I have to instruct you to report to me whether this statement is
founded on fact, and to furnish me with any information which you may
have it in your power to give on the subject.

In the meanwhile should there be any truth in this alleged
compulsory proceeding of the Hudson Bay Company I feel it incumbent on
me to desire its immediate discontinuance.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587011.txt
================================================================================

No. 11

I have to acquaint you that I have appointed Mr Chartres
Brew Chief Inspector of Police in British Columbia with a salary of five
BrewChartresappointment as chief inspector of police
hundred pounds (£500) a year.

Mr Brew will receive the sum of One hundred and fifty pounds
(£150) to
defray the expense of his passage to the Colony and also an advance of
salary to the extent of One hundred and fifty pounds (£150).
BrewChatressalary of

According to the Colonial Regulations

Mr Brew will be entitled to half salary from the date of embarkation,
and to whole salary from that of his arrival in the Colony.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587012.txt
================================================================================

No. 12

In my [Vancouver Island] despatch of the 31st July, No 6,

I directed your attention
to the treatment of the Native Indians in the Country which it has so
Indianspolicy recommended
recently been decided to establish as a British Colony. I regard that
subject as one which demands your prompt and careful consideration. I
now transmit to you the Copy of a letter from the Aborigines Protection
Aborigines Protection Societyletter from
Indianspolicy of Aborigines Protection Society
 invoking the protection of Her Majesty's Government on behalf of
these people. I readily repeat my earnest injunctions to you to
endeavour to secure this object. At the same time I beg you to observe
that I must not be understood as adopting the views of the Society as to
the means by which this may be best accomplished.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587013.txt
================================================================================

No. 13

I have to acquaint you that the Society for the Propagation of the
Missionaries.See also Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
Society for the Propagation of the Gospelmissionaries to BC
Gospel propose to send one or two Missionary Chaplains to British 
Columbia with as little delay as possible, and that the first of these
Clergymen will probably proceed to the Colony by the Freight Ship
appointed to sail on the 15th Instant.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587014.txt
================================================================================

No. 14

I transmit to you, herewith, for your information the Copy of a
letter which I have addressed to Colonel Moody on the subject of
granting land on certain conditions to the Non Commissioned Officers and
Moody, Col. Richard C.
Royal Engineersland grants for
Landgrants for Royal Engineers
Men of the Royal Engineers, who are now going to British 
Columbia.

2. I take this opportunity of instructing you to report to me your
opinion whether it would be desirable for the interests of the Colony to
grant remissions on the purchase of land to retired Officers of the Army
Armyland grants to retired officers
Navyland grants to retired officers
Landgrants to retired officers
and Navy, as was formerly the custom in many of the British Colonies.
Care might be taken if ever Representative Institutions are established
in the Colony, and arrangements are made for securing a Civil List in
Civil listestablishment of
return for the Lands of the Crown, that the privileges I suggest should,
for a certain length of time at least, be secured to Military Settlers.
You will report to me your careful and deliberate views upon this
subject.

3. You will furnish me, at your early convenience, with a list of
such Officers for Civil situations together with the rates of pay which
you think they should receive, as the circumstances of the Colony shall,
in your opinion render it desirable for me to send from England. I
shall be happy to assist you to the best of my ability in making proper
selections; for I think that considering the great number of Foreigners
who are resorting to British Columbia it is on every account proper to
give encouragement to Englishmen of character and respectability to go
out to the Colony.

4. You will report to me officially by each successive Mail, and
Informationgovernor to write fully
by every safe opportunity that presents itself, on all matters of
interest, and importance to the Colony. At present Her Majesty's
Newspaperssource of information
HudsonsBayCompany sourceofinformation
Government only receive such accounts through the Newspapers or through
the courtesy of the Hudson's Bay Company and private individuals.



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FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587015.txt
================================================================================

No. 15

It has appeared to Her Majesty's Government that the public
service in British Columbia will require at an early period the
appointment of an active Officer to superintend the business connected
with the landing and embarkation of passengers and goods, which will
probably be of considerable and pressing importance.

As far, however, as I am at present informed, no regular harbour
exists or is likely to be immediately established on the Coast of
British Columbia while Esquimalt in Vancouver's Island, appears to
possess qualities which will render it eventually, if they have not done
so already, of great value in the communication between the Island and
the Continent.

I have therefore advised Her Majesty to appoint Mr James Cooper,
Cooper, Jamesappointment as harbour master at Esquimalt
Harbour masterappointment of Cooper
lately resident in Vancouver's Island, to the office of harbour master
at Esquimalt. But it will be understood that this appointment is made
chiefly for the purposes of British Columbia; and I wish you to consider
with what office in that Colony, his services at Esquimalt can best be
combined, or, if you find it more convenient, to alter the title of his
Office. Considering the uncertainty of the precise form which the
arrangement may ultimately take I have not caused him to be appointed by
warrant from the Crown in the usual manner, but leave it to yourself to
issue his Commission in such style as you shall think proper. His
salary will be Four hundred pounds (£400) a year, payable from British
Harbour mastersalary of
Salaryof harbour master
Columbian funds, in the same manner as other salaries, and to be
defrayed out of the local revenue, as you have been already apprised.

I have selected Mr Cooper for this appointment on account of the
very very valuable information which he gave to the Committee of inquiry into
the affairs of the Hudson's Bay
Company,

and the general intelligence which he has shown on matters connected with
North Western America.
I am aware that Mr Cooper left Vancouver's
Island in circumstances of some
ParliamentSelect Committeeinquiry into HBC
embarrassment,

which I mention lest you might suppose that I had
been in any way deceived as to his position. But I do not find that any
discreditable conduct has been proved against him in respect of those
circumstances, and I trust that his former pecuniary position will not
interfere with the advantage which may be expected from the employment
of his talents and industry in the public service in the Colony under
your Government, considering the very limited number of persons
qualified by any practical knowledge of the Country and its requirements.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587016.txt
================================================================================

No. 16

In addition to what is contained in my
despatch

transmitting you the Order in Council for the Government of British 
Columbia, your Commission and Instructions, and the instrument revoking
Governorcommission and instructions
the exclusive license of the Hudson's Bay Company in British Columbia,
I wish to address you a few words on the legal position which you now
fill and the nature of your immediate duties.
Douglas, Jamesduties as governor

Your first duty will be to proclaim the Act of Parliament under
Proclamationestablishment of government of BC
Act of Parliamentestablishing government of BCproclamation of
which British Columbia was to be governed. This Act has already been
sent you, and without any express directions as to the manner and time
of making it known. Probably you have already made it public. But I
apprehend that no legal proclamation of it, so as to give it's provisions
effect, could take place until you were yourself Commissioned as
Governor. The formal proclamation of it must therefore be made as early
as possible.

According to the opinion of lawyers in general, the colonists of a
Territory circumstanced like British Columbia carry with them the law of
England so far as it is applicable to their circumstances. Acts
Lawof Englandin force in BC
therefore done in accordance with the law of England will be
substantially legal, although done before any regular authority was
constituted there. But your own special authority to make regulations,
or enforce them, for the preservation of peace and order, could only be
created by the Act of the Crown, and cannot commence until you receive
their Commission. You will therefore have doubtless been compelled by
the necessity of the case to perform many acts, in accordance with the
spirit of your instructions from myself, and my predecessors in this
Department, but for which strict legal authority was wanting. It will
be necessary to cover these by a Proclamation, having force of law under
the powers with which you are invested, to indemnify yourself and those
Proclamationindemnification of officers
who have acted under your authority from legal proceedings.

You are therefore authorized to issue two Proclamations, of the
same date with your assumption of the Government.

The one, which is rather matter of solemn form than of absolute
necessity, to declare the law of England prevalent throughout the Colony;
subject, of course, to your own power of modifying it by law enacted by
yourself when absolute necessity requires.

The other, to indemnify yourself and your subordinate Officers in
manner aforesaid.

I send you by the present mail forms of both these
Proclamations,

Proclamationindemnification of officers
ProclamationEnglish law in force in BC
which you will be able to adapt to suit the exigencies of the case, if
any change is required.

Almost the first point to which your attention will be directed
will be the establishment of a Court or Courts of Justice, with the
Courtsestablishment of
necessary machinery for the maintenance of law and order.

Her Majesty has issued a Commission to Mr Begbie, who will
Begbie, Matthew B.commission as judge
proceed by this or next packet, as Judge of British Columbia.

His title, and duties, have not been more particularly specified,
because they must be defined by yourself, after consultation with him,
by such law as you may enact providing for the administration of justice.

It will also be essential that you should constitute juries. But
as this is done by law in Vancouver's Island, you have a precedent ready
at hand, and no further instructions are necessary for me.

Mr Begbie has been fully instructed that although invested with
the very important Office of Judge, he will nevertheless have the
kindness for the present at least to lend you his general aid for the
compilation of the necessary laws and other legal business. This is the
more proper duty of an Attorney General, and, should the Colony advance
Begbie, Matthew B.to act as attorney general
Attorney generalrole of
Attorney generalBegbie to act as
as seems at present probable, the services of such an Officer will no
doubt be urgently required. But I have not yet thought myself
authorized to advise the Crown to appoint one, until I hear from yourself
as to the civil functionaries best adapted to the present requirements
of the Colony. I trust to receive your suggestions by the first
opportunity.

From such intelligence as has reached me of the state of things in
California, I have been led to believe that it would be of great service
Californiaminers in
Minersin California
if the rights of miners could be briefly established and defined
beforehand by law, instead of being left to grow up by mere custom or
accident. But this is not a subject on which I have the means of
assisting you.
Possibly you may find that such a body of regulations
might be drawn up with the aid of a few intelligent persons selected
from among the miners themselves, and in whom that body would have
confidence.
With these few observations, I leave with confidence in your hands
the powers entrusted to you by Her Majesty's Government. These powers
are indeed of very serious and unusual extent. But Her Majesty's
Government fully rely on your moderation and discretion in the use of
them. You are aware that they have only been granted in so unusual a
form on account of the very unusual circumstances which have called into
being the Colony committed to your charge, and which may for some time
continue to characterize it. To use them except for the most necessary
purposes, would be in truth to abuse them greatly. They are required
for the maintenance of British law and British habits of order, and for
regulating the special questions to which the condition and employment
of the population may give birth. But the Office of legislation, in the
higher and more general sense, should be left for the legislature which
may be hereafter constituted, and which Her Majesty's Government hope
will be constituted at the first time consistent with the general
interests of the Colony. And you will above all remember that the
ordinary rights and privileges of British Subjects and of those
foreigners who dwell under British protection must be sedulously
maintained, and that no innovation contrary to the principles of our law
can be justified except for purposes of absolute, and temporary
necessity.

I will only add that although it has been judged prudent not to
make the revocation of the Hudson's Bay Company's license take effect
HudsonsBayCompany revocationofcharter
until proclaimed by yourself, it is the particular instruction of Her
Majesty's Government that you proclaim it with the least practicable
delay, so that no questions, like those which have already arisen as to
the extent and nature of the Company's rights can possibly occur.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587017.txt
================================================================================

No. 17

I send for your information copy of correspondence between this
Department and the Foreign Office, touching certain queries addressed
to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington by the Secretary to the Pacific
Pacific Mail Steam Packet Company
Mail Steam Packet Company.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587017A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

The Earl of Malmesbury having communicated to me certain Despatches
Malmesbury, Earl of
Napier, Lord
from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington on the subject of British 
Columbia it has afforded me much satisfaction to observe through highly
favorable terms in which Lord Napier mentions Mr Nugent—the Special
Nugent, Johnspecial agent
Agent of the United States on the Pacific Coast—and I feel sure that
the friendly disposition towards this Country which his Lordship
represents this Gentleman to entertain, will be duly appreciated and
met by you in a similar
spirit.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587017C.txt
================================================================================

Separate

From information which has just reached me from the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty in a report sent by Captain Richards.

Richards, Capt. George H.
it would seem desirable to appoint if you have not already done so
Gold Commissioners armed with the powers of Magistrates. I submit
Gold commissionersappointment of recommended
this suggestion to your local experience, and I feel that it must be
unnecessary to add the self-evident caution to form at once, a Police at the Diggings.

You will long, ere this, have received instructions not to
close Frazer's River nor arrogate for the Hudson's Bay Company
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightsof
priviliges of exclusion, which they did not really possess and
which will no longer be subjected to the misunderstanding which I
regret to have observed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587306.txt
================================================================================

No. 6

I have to acquaint you that directions were sent by the Overland
Mail of the 25th instant to Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour to despatch
Her Majesty's Ship "Tribune" to Vancouver's Island with as many
Supernumerary Marines as she can carry and he can spare.

The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have further apprized that
the Admiral was instructed in May last to send Her Majesty's Ships
"Plyades" and "Amethyst" to the Pacific Station as soon as their services
in India and China might be no longer required, and that he has now been
ordered to send the two ships in the first instance to Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587310.txt
================================================================================

No. 10

I transmit an Extract of a letter received through Her Majesty's
Minister at Washington from Dr P.M. O'Brien Port Physician at Port
Townsend stating that Miners proceeding up the river to British Columbia
are compelled to purchase their tools from the Hudson's Bay Company
though previously provided with such articles.

I have to instruct you to report to me whether this statement is
founded on fact, and to furnish me with any information which you may
have it in your power to give on the subject.

In the meanwhile should there be any truth in this alleged
compulsory proceeding of the Hudson Bay Company I feel it incumbent on
me to desire its immediate discontinuance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587315.txt
================================================================================

No. 15

It has appeared to Her Majesty's Government that the public service
in British Columbia will require at an early period the appointment of
an active Officer to superintend the business connected with the landing
and embarkation of passengers and goods, which will probably be of
considerable and pressing importance.

As far, however, as I am at present informed, no regular harbour
exists or is likely to be immediately established on the Coast of
British Columbia while Esquimalt in Vancouver's Island, appears to
possess qualities which will render it eventually, if they have not done
so already, of great value in the communication between the Island and
Continent.

I have therefore advised Her Majesty to appoint Mr James Cooper,
lately resident in Vancouver's Islands, to the office of harbour master
at Esquimalt. But it will be understood that this appointment is made
chiefly for the purposes of British Columbia; and I wish you to consider
with what office in that Colony, his services at Esquimalt can best be
combined, or, if you find it more convenient, to alter the title of his
Office. Considering the uncertainty of the precise form which the
arrangement may ultimately take I have not caused him to be appointed
by warrant from the Crown in the usual manner, but leave it to yourself
to issue his Commission in such style as you shall think proper. His
salary will be Four hundred pounds £400 a year, payable from British 
Columbia funds, in the same manner as other salaries, and to be defrayed
out of the local revenue, as you have been already apprised.

I have selected Mr Cooper for this appointment on account of the
very valuable information which he gave to the Committee of inquiry
into the affairs of the Hudson's Bay Company, and the general
intelligence which he has shown on matters connected with North Western
America.
I am aware that Mr Cooper left Vancouver's Island in
circumstances of some embarrassment, which I mention lest you might
suppose that I had been in any way deceived as to his position. But I
do not find that any discreditable conduct has been proved against him
in respect of those circumstances, and I trust that his former pecuniary
position will not interfere with the advantage which may be expected
from the employment of his talents and industry in the public service
in the Colony under your Government, considering the very limited number
of persons qualified by any practical knowledge of the Country and its
requirements.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587317.txt
================================================================================

No. 17

I send for your information copy of correspondence between this
Department and the Foreign Office, touching certain queries addressed
to Her Majesty's Minister at Washington by the Secretary to the
Pacific Mail Steam Packet Company.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587317A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

The Earl of Malmesbury having communicated to me certain Despatches
from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington on the subject of British 
Columbia it has afforded me much satisfaction to observe through highly
favorable terms in which Lord Napier mentions Mr Nugent, the Special
Agent of the United States on the Pacific Coast, and I feel sure that
the friendly disposition towards this Country which his Lordship
represents this Gentleman to entertain, will be duly appreciated and
met by you in a similar spirit.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-02_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_to_Douglas_B587017B.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

Mr Merivale presents his Compliments to Mr Douglas and with
reference to Sir Edward Lytton's despatch of this day's date announcing
the appointment of Mr Matthew Begbie to the Office of Judge in
British
Begbie, Matthew B.delay in departure for BC
Begbie, Matthew B.illness of
Columbia, enclosed a copy of a private note from that gentleman stating
that a sudden attack of illness will prevent his leaving this Country
for one or two
weeks.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-04_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587018.txt
================================================================================

No. 18

At the instance of the Earl of Malmesbury I transmit to you the
Malmesbury, Earl of
copy of a Note from the French Ambassador at this Court stating the
Rousset, Paul G.appointment as French consul
circumstances under which the French Government are desirous that
Monsr Rousset should be recognised as French Consular Agent at
Victoria, Vancouver's Island.

As I am not aware of any objection to this Gentleman's appointment
I have to instruct you to recognize Monsr Rousset in the above
capacity on his arrival in the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-04_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587318.txt
================================================================================

BC No. 18

At the instance of the Earl of Malmesbury I transmit to you the
copy of a note from the French Ambassador at this Court stating the
circumstances under which the French Government are desirous that Monsr. Rousset should be recognized as French Consular Agent at Victoria,
Vancouver's Island.

As I am not aware of any objection to this Gentleman's appointment
I have to instruct you to recognize Monsr Rousset in the above
capacity on his arrival in the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-06_Rowlandson_to_Lytton_B586R01.txt
================================================================================

Rowlandson to Lytton

In a former communication dated the 4th May last addressed to the
then Chief Secretary of the Colonies, Lord Stanley, I applied for a
commissn to make a mineral & agricultural survey of New Caledonia,
in reply to which I was informed that it was not probable that Her
Majestys government would cause such a survey to be made.

Since then I have learned that the subject has received more
attention at home than was anticipated on the Pacific coast, and as
it is probable that a governor will be appointed for New Caledonia,
with a permanent staff for the management of its lands and
minerals, I respectfully submit my pretensions to your notice for a
permanent appointment under such an administration.

My qualifications for such an appointment will consist as evidenced
by the accompanying testimonials, in the fact that it would be
probably difficult to find in one individual so much combined
knowledge as would be required to do justice to this very important
subject, in its many varied phases, each requiring some special
proficiency.

I may be permitted here to respectfully express my belief that never
in the course of the world wide colonising tendency of the English
race, has so glorious an opportunity presented itself of converting
a wilderness in a short period of time into a country teeming with
an industrious population. Amongst the advantages natural to New
Caledonia, I deem its auriferous wealth the least, except as an
excitant for inducing a large immigration of industrious labourers.
I look rather to its more permanent sources of prosperity, its
mighty woods & waters oceanic & internal, its unlimited water
power, and extensive inland agricultural lands; accessory to these
great natural advantages is the abundant supply to be readily
obtained of cheap labour from the [Mongol?]

races to perform all the lower kinds of mechanical
labour, who are especially well
adapted to the manipulating mechanical processes employed in
manufacturing textile fabrics.

On the other hand these countries, India, Australia, Central
America, Peru, Chili & probably even Japan may be added to the
list, will supply not only such raw materials as Cotton, Silk,
Wool, Alpaca Wool, Nitrate of Soda, Dyewoods &c but the myriads
peopling these vast regions will be the glad consumers of such
products in the altered forms of cloth, blankets prints &c. This
view of matters will not appear so visionary when I state that a
blanket manufacturer is already in existence in American Oregon,
the wool employed being principally the product of California—the
latter now exports much wool of its own growth to New York. Again
New Caledonia is well adapted to rearing English Sheep of the
Southdown & Leicester breeds in the highest perfection, and its
wild mountain and snow peaked summits would be admirably adapted to the
habits of the gentle and valuable Alpaca. An iron road travelled
by the iron horse will doubtless within a few years make these
facts personally known to the most enterprising British
Captialists, whilst the telegraph lightning flash will unite the
Gulf of Georgia & the Metropolis of England in one community of
interest and sentiment more closely even than her central counties
were a quarter of a century ago.

Great and glorious as the above [rustic?]

prospect may be, a
possibility of its being greatly retarded may arise from any
initial error either in the disposal of its public lands, water
privileges &c. On these points an error small at the outset may be
found to assume in a few years proportions enormously gigantic for
mischief. Having seen much of this in the United States arising
from the operations of specultive land adventurers I think my
experience would be found useful if placed in a responsible
situation connected with the administration of the landed & mineral
interests of New Caledonia.

Again on the many and varied points connected with the eligibility
of sites for towns, ports, roads &c so as to combine the most
perfect amount of sanatary conditions, water supply &c commensurate
with convenience of intercourse & cost; all matters that I have
long and seriously studied & can refer for my character in this
respect to Mr R. Stephenson M.P. & Mr Thomas Hawksley (Government
Engineer on the London Surveying board) testimonials from whom are
forwarded to you. I cannot leave this subject without alluding to
the fact that Victoria or any other port on Vancouvers Island would
be a most erroneous selection for either an entrepot or capital, it
may be the most convenient in many respects for a year or two but
not longer—to describe why would at present be too voluminous.

My qualifications as a chief adviser in the Mineral and
agricultural department, will be best described in the varied
testimonials which I hold, copies of which are forwarded to the
Colonial office. I will however here remark that it does not
consist with fairness that either mineral or agricultural, or water
privileges whether rented or purchased alone or combined, should
have one uniform price according to their value less they be rented
or sold. This is merely thrown out by way of hint. It is on this
point that a general report would be found valuable.

When I commenced this letter it was my intention to have made it a
brief one, and added two or three appendices on various subjects,
but the want of time, as I am now writing within an hour of the
closing of the mail I shall be compelled to make the statement
hereafter in a less formal measure than I purposed, this explanation
will I trust form an apology for any undue appearances of
familiarity or deficiency in style.

The Indians who recently appear to have been troublesome may I
think eventually be induced to employ themselves in occupations
useful to the whites, in such employment as Hoop-making or coopers
&c and on the coast in making Kelp from sea weed. Their extinction
however will be rapid for it is surprising how soon, the appearance
of Indian blood becomes obliterated in the progeny arising from
intercourse with the whites; in the third generation it is almost
imperceptible.

I am now about to name a matter which perhaps it may be thought
somewhat impertinent on my part to do so and out of place—

As a loyal subject of Queen Victoria I cannot however do other that
what Englands greatest Naval and Military heros declared viz the
former that his country expects every man to do & the latter that
each man does from a sense of—duty.

I presume that the colonial office is already informed that the
President of the United States has appointed one John Nugent to be
the United States Agent in New Caledonia, with the object of
protecting the Citizens of the United States & their interests.

The "On Dit" here is that it was simply a place carved out for a
clamorous expectant of official patronage. He was or I might
probably, with truth say he now is the principal manager & editor
of the San Francisco Herald a copy of which is forwarded; as he is
at present in this city, I have scarcely a doubt but the leading
article headed "Topics of the day" is written by him, at all
events it is most certain the article only conveys Nugents
sentiments. To sum up his character concisely I may state that he
is an Irishman with an inveterate and rabid hatred of England &
will doubtless stir up difficulties if he can, unless he thinks his
personal interests will be greatly injured by such conduct.

He was the great friend of Walker the Nicaraguan Fillibuster, and
strenuous advocate of American fillibusterism generally, as also of
all the administration rascality at one time so rampant in this
state which was the means of causing the late Vigilance Committee.

That Nugent would do mischief if he could there cannot exist a
doubt, but the number of Americans that have gone to New Caledonia,
are not so numerous as is supposed, a very large portion of the
immigrations are French, German and Italians, the two first equal in
number [to] the Americans, and would to a man aid the English in any
conflict, it is the American Irish, who are the really dangerous
class as regards disloyalty.

Whilst I do not anticipate any serious disturbance from the
appointment, I considered it only an act of duty to apprise the
Colonial office as to the sort of Agent sent out by the United
States so that his conduct might be carefully watched. It is due
to myself also to state that I have given this information on
public grounds alone. I never exchanged words with him either
verbal or written nor do I know him personally.

Respectfully requesting that my application for an appointment to
the land and mineral department of the administration of New
Caledonia may be favourably considered.



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FILE: 1858-09-07_Berens_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585MI23.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 4th Instant respecting the claims of the Hudson's Bay
Company to compensation for expenses incurred by them in
connection with Vancouver's Island; and I have to request that
you will inform Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton that I have given
directions for the preparation of an amended account of the sums
due to the Company on the basis laid down in the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 28th of July.



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FILE: 1858-09-09_Cooper_to_Blackwood_Chief_Clerk_B586C05.txt
================================================================================

Cooper to Blackwood (Chief Clerk)

I am in receipt of your note and enclosure from Mr
Halksworth,

Cooper, James
for which I am much obliged.

Allow me to ask you for the original documents forwarded, for the
inspection of Sir Edward as testimonials. I had no time to copy them,
nor would they have been of much value unless properly authenticated.



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FILE: 1858-09-09_Cooper_to_Lytton_B586C06.txt
================================================================================

Cooper to Lytton

I beg to acknowledge receipt of a communication forwarded
Cooper, Jamesaccepts appointment as harbour master
to me by Mr Merivale by your direction dated yesterday 8th
Inst,

conveying therein your Satisfaction of my reply to a charge made on the
16th Ulto impugning the integrity of my position.

And further that you have been pleased to direct Governor Douglas to
appoint me to the office of Harbour Master at Esquimalt &c &c.

Rt Honble Sir, I most willingly accept the office proposed, feeling

assured that my long experience & practical knowledge will enable me to
fulfill the same with credit to myself and efficiency for the public
Service. I would beg to mention that while my case has been pending & in
Abeyance I have some what delayed my preparation for the Voyage but will
be ready, to start with my family in the course of two or three weeks.



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FILE: 1858-09-09_Cooper_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586C04.txt
================================================================================

Cooper to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have replied to your official communication by addressing
Cooper, Jamesaccepts appointment as harbour master
My letter to Sir E.B. Lytton accepting of course the appointment,
that letter is forwarded by same post.



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FILE: 1858-09-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58039.txt
================================================================================

No. 39

1. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 2
of the 1st of July
last,

and observe with feelings of indiscribable satisfaction that Her
Majesty's Government approve of the measures which I conceived it
necessary to resort to, in order to assert the dominion of the Crown
Crownrights to gold
over the gold Districts of Fraser's River, and the rights of the Crown
over the precious metals.

2. The measures subsequently taken with the view of introducing
public order and Government into the gold regions and reported to you in
my later communications, being part of the same general system, will
therefore I feel assured also meet with the support of Her Majesty's
Government.

3. The latter like the initiatory measures, were introduced
under the pressure of necessity, without adequate means, and therefore
necessarily imperfect, but in adopting them we had solely the great
object in view of protecting British interests, and developing
the resources of the gold regions.

4. It was necessary for that purpose, that we should maintain
a proper control over the mixed multitude that have literally
forced an entrance into the British Possessions; That Americans
and other foreigners, should on certain conditions, be admitted
into the gold regions; That stocks of food should be thrown into
those Districts; that for want of British ships, Foreign vessels
should as a temporary arrangement, be allowed under a sufferance

renewable at the close of each voyage, to navigate the inland
waters of Fraser's River, for the purpose of supplying the Miners
with food and clothing; that roads should be opened to render the
gold districts accessible to the miner and to the merchant; that
Courts of Law should be established and Officers appointed for the
administration of Justice, the punishment of offences, and the
protection of life and property; and that the powerful native Indian Tribes who inhabit the gold Regions should be at once
conciliated and placed under proper restraint.

5. All this I have attempted to do, and I trust that
Her Majesty's Government will see, in those attempts only a
profound desire on my part to promote the interests of the Empire
without any admixture of other motives.

6. I have duly weighed the important communications made in
your despatch respecting the views of Her Majesty's Government
on this country, and I will use every means in my power to carry
them fully into effect.

7. I understand from those instructions that you do not deem
it advisable to compel the miners to take out Mining Licences for
Mininglicenses
Licensesmining
the present; and that no obstacle whatever is to be opposed to
their resort to Fraser's River; that the national right to
navigate Fraser's River, is a question which Her Majesty's Government
deems it proper to reserve; and that you enjoin caution and
delicacy in dealing with those manifest cases of international
relationship and feeling, which are certain to arise, and which but
for the exercise of temper and discretion may easily lead to serious
complications between two neighbouring and powerful states; and that
finally, I am directed to exercise whatever influence and power I
may possess, in the manner best calculated to give development to the
country and to advance Imperial interests.

8. I have to inform Her Majesty's Government, that as a general
rule, the taking out of Licences by the miners of Fraser's River,
Licensesgoldnonenforcement of
has not yet been enforced except to the extent of levying on each
miner, leaving Victoria for the gold diggings the sum of Five
dollars, for one months mining licence in advance.

9. The object of that payment was to assert the rights of
the Crown, and at the same time, to form a fund to meet the current
expenses of the Government, and my reason for not sooner enforcing
the taking out of licences, was the fact that I have no direct
authority from Her Majesty's Government, to impose taxes in the
Governorcommissions
Fraser's River District; as my Commissions from the
Crown

extend only to the Colony of Vancouver's Island and to Queen Charlotte's
Islands, and I moreover felt satisfied of the inability of the
miners to pay the tax, during the high stage of Fraser's River,
when the auriferous Bars were inundated, and the miners
consequently lying idle and entirely out of employment.

10. The River is now falling rapidly and the miners in many
Fraser Riverlow water
Miningreturns
places are doing well and are able to bear the tax, though as a
general rule, the great body of the mining population are still
unemployed, or barely making money enough to pay for their living.
We shall therefore in consequence of your recommendation, grant
them a further respite until their mining claims become more
productive, and they can afford to pay the regular licence duty for
digging gold.

11. As there is however no other means open to me of raising
a revenue for defraying the expense of the Officers and Police
employed on Fraser's River, and of opening roads and other necessary
expenses connected with that country, and being moreover exceedingly
anxious to avoid drawing on the Imperial Treasury and to make the
country bear as much as possible its own burdens, I established
a regulation before my departure from Vancouver's Island with the
consent of the Agents of the Hudson's Bay Company, authorizing the
Customs duties
importation of foreign goods of all kinds into Fraser's River, at
an ad-valorem duty of 10 per cent, to be levied at Victoria, the
proceeds of which are to be exclusively applied to the service of
Her Majesty's Government, and to meet the expense of governing Fraser's
River.

This course appears in all respects advisable, the duty being a fair and
equitable tax, easily collected and bearing equally on the consumers, I
therefore trust it will meet with the approval of Her Majesty's
Government.

12. I Have to observe for the information of Her Majesty's
Government that all foreigners and especially American citizens who have
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
visited Fraser's River since the commencement of the gold excitement,
have been treated with kindness, and protected by the laws. The rights
of the Crown as well as the trading rights secured by statute to the
Hudson's Bay Company, have been broadly asserted in my several
proclamations, with the object of maintaining British supremancy, by
establishing a moral control over the masses of foreigners, who, under
the false impression that the country was free and open to all nations,
and that we had no military force at our disposal, were rushing
defiantly, and without ceremony into Her Majesty's Possessions, and we
succeeded by that means, in securing respect and obedience to the Laws,
at a time when a policy of concession would have been mistaken for
weakness and have proved injurious to British interests.

13. I may also remark that the wants of the mining population in
Fraser's River, have been abundantly supplied, both in respect of food
and the other necessaries of life, as the miners were allowed to carry
with them from Victoria an unlimited supply of food, mining tools and
clothing, even to the extent of a six month stock for their personal use,
so that they are not under the necessity of making purchases from the
stores of the Hudson's Bay Company, though they frequently do so, in
consequence of getting a better quality of goods at a lower price than
can be procured from other parties. In short I think I may venture to
assert that the Miners as a body are satisfied with the kindness they
have received from the authorities since their arrival in the British
Territory.

14. Being now engaged in visiting the various Districts of Fraser's
River, with the intention of reporting to you on their present state and
condition and being exceedingly busy with various matters of detail, I
will bring my present despatch to a close after informing you that the
mining population in this quarter continue quiet orderly and submissive
to the
Laws.



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FILE: 1858-09-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587019.txt
================================================================================

No. 19

With reference to my despatch of the 1st
instant,

apprising you that Captain Parsons would proceed at once to British
Parsons, Capt. Robert M.expenses of
Columbia accompanied by twenty men of the Royal Engineers, I have to
acquaint you that the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury have issued to
him the Sum of Five hundred pounds (£500), and have given him authority
to draw Bills for a further sum of Five hundred pounds (£500) should he
find it necessary to enable him to reach his destination.



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FILE: 1858-09-10_Batchelor_to_Lytton_B586B09.txt
================================================================================

Batchelor to Lytton

It is with the greatest deference, and with every
apology, that I venture to address you, and express a hope
that you will generously extend to me your consideration and patronage.

It has been suggested to me, that, in all probability,
you will proceed to appoint a Colonial Chaplain for
British Columbia. Should this be your intention, I think it
probable you will forgive me if I refer to my past Colonial
Services under Government, and solicit your kind recognition
of them in nominating a Chaplain to the New Colony.

I was appointed Chaplain to the Convict Establishment at
Port Arthur, V.D. Land, by the present Earl of Derby, in
Novr 1842, and was engaged in the arduous duties of that office
for nearly six years. In consequence of disturbances at
Norfolk Island Sir W. Denison, Governor of VD Land, wished
me to undertake the appointment of Chaplain there, adding,
that going to that isolated and trying sphere of labor
would enhance my claims on Her Majesty's Government. I,
forthwith, went to Norfolk Island, and, owing to the dismissal
of one Clergyman and the ill health of two others, the work
of three Clergymen devolved upon me. This however, I did,
without any relief or cessation, for three years and a half.
I arose at 4 A.M., and my duties continued, with but little
intermission, till 8 P.M.! At length, my health gave way,
as the Medical Board stated, from unusually protracted labor
in that semi-tropical climate, and I was ordered home, or to
some colder climate for a Season.

I arrived in England, June 1852, bringing with me the
Copy of a Despatch from Sir W. Denison to Earl Grey (His Excellency
thinking His Lordship was still in office), a letter from the
officer commanding the Troops, and another from the Bishop
of the Colony. Copies of these I have the honor to Enclose.

On my return, Sir J.S. Pakington held the Seals of
the Colonial Office, and he kindly granted me an interview,
and afterwards wrote to me in these words,

I regret I have no appointment in the Church at
Home to offer you, but
I shall be prepared to give a favorable consideration to your
Claims whenever an opportunity arise of making an appointment to the
Ecclesiastical Establishment in any one of the Colonies.

subsequently, the Duke of Newcastle, when Colonial Secretary,
expressed a similar intention—to this day, however, my
claims are in abeyance.

I can, Sir, refer you to the records of the Colonial
Office, to the Authorities of the Home Office under whom
I have held, since My return to England, the office of
Assistant Chaplain, at Dartmoor and Chatham Prisons,
to the Governor of these Prisons, to the Archbishop of
Canterbury, to the Bishop of Lichfield and the Bishop of
Exeter, and a host of others, in testimony of my
Energy, Qualifications and Character.
I am also personally known to Mr W.C. Kent, 1
Campden Grove, Kensington.

Should you be kindly pleased to place that confidence in
me as to appoint me the first Colonial Chaplain to British Columbia,
I will devote, with willing Earnestness, all my powers to
carry into Effect the intentions of Her Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-09-10_Hamley_to_Lytton_B586H03.txt
================================================================================

Hamley to Lytton

If the appointment in question should be at your disposal and you
Hamley, Wymondaccepts appointment
have the great kindness to offer it to me I will gratefully accept it.
I would not think of doing so if I felt doubtful of being able to
discharge the duties, but besides the determination to carry out the
instructions I might receive I cannot be altogether unprepared after so
long an apprenticeship at this office where questions respecting shipping
& accounts daily arise.

I could be ready to leave at a short notice. Please accept
my most sincere thanks & believe me



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FILE: 1858-09-10_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA01.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your
letter of the 8th
instant,

together with its enclosures from Colonel Moody, pointing out the
difficulties which have arisen in consequence of the Vessel which has
been engaged to convey the Detachment of Royal Engineers to British
Columbia, being incapable of containing the whole of the Stores which it
has been found necessary to provide.

Major General Peel desires me to request that you will observe to
Sir E.B. Lytton, that at the time when the "Thames City" was taken
up,

it was not possible for this Department to furnish the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty with any accurate estimate of the total
amount of Stores for which tonnage would be required, and indeed large
additions to the original Requisition, have been made within the last few
days. In consequence however of a representation which has been received
from Colonel Moody, and which a copy is enclosed, the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty were requested on the 8th
instant

to cause conveyance to be provided for not less than 400 Tons of Stores,
in addition to those which the Detachment will take with Them in the
"Thames City." Major General Peel believes that no inconvenience will
result from this arrangement, and he trusts that nothing will occur to
prevent the speedy departure of the Party.



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FILE: 1858-09-11_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587019A.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

This letter will be presented to you by Mr John D'Ewes who is
DEwes,John recommendedbyLytton
proceeding to B Columbia and who has applied to me for a letter of
introduction to you. Mr D'Ewes has been personally acquainted with
me for many years.

In granting this introduction it has been explained to Mr D'Ewes
DEwes,John testimonialsfor
that it will confer upon him no claim to Public employment in the Colony.

Mr D'Ewes has submitted to me letters from Lord Willoughby de Broke, Mr James Deardon of Rochdale, Lancashire and Mr Wm. Tooke
F.R.S. which afford satisfactory evidence as to his
respectability.

Mr D'Ewes has held several Colonial appointments in Australia
which leads me to trust that he will prove a useful Member of Society
in the Colony under your Government.



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FILE: 1858-09-13_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M02.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I find that the only
serious difficulty in dividing the Party into 2 Ships,
consists of having
2 surgeons, one to
each party. The Military Authorities will insist upon this.
Doubtless they will lend one—His passage out and home being
defrayed by Impl Ty chargeable eventually to the Colony. It is possible the Admiralty may be wishful of an opportunity
to send out a Surgeon to their Fleet in that part of the
world. If so, the arrangement would "fit in" without extra expense.

Perhaps you would be disposed to cause an early enquiry
to be made at the Admiralty, before I move further.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-13_Willis_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD01.txt
================================================================================

Willis to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary
of State in answer to your Letter of the 11th
Instant

Grant, Capt. John M.travel arrangements to colony
Grant, Emilytravel arrangements to colony
that passage to Colony for Captain and Mrs Grant, one child, a
Servant, and twelve men of the Royal Engineers has been ordered
on board the Contract Mail Steam Packet, which will leave
Southampton on the 17th Instant: and I request that you will
be pleased to specify the quantity and description of the
Grant, Capt. John M.stores required by
stores which will accompany this party, as soon as practicable.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Fraser_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585MI01.txt
================================================================================

Fraser to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In the absence of the Deputy Governor of the Hudsons Bay
Company, I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
your letter to him of the 9th
Instant,

enclosing a copy of the Instrument under the Royal Sign Manual, revoking
the Royal Grant to the Hudsons Bay Company of the 30th May 1838, for
exclusive Trading with the Indians, in as far as the same embraces the
Territories comprised within the Colony of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-15_Higginson_to_Lytton_V586H01.txt
================================================================================

Higginson to Lytton

Learning from the Public Prints that you are about
establishing a Bank in Vancouver's Island, I beg to offer My
Services.

I have been bred up to Banking business and being anxious
to advance myself in a foreign Country it occurred to me that
this would be a Very favorable opportunity.

I am a young Man, yet I have had over five years experience and
can satisfy you to my character and abilities should you be
disposed to entertain my application.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-15_King_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586K01.txt
================================================================================

King to Under-Secretary of State

Having done myself the honor to address a Letter to His Royal
King, Edward H.seeks land grant in BC
Highness the Comr in Chief soliciting the indulgence of Remission
money in the purchase of Land to which officers upon Retiring from
the Army are sometimes admitted—and having selected British 
Columbia as the Colony to which I purpose Emigrating with my
family, Major General Sir C. Yorke informs me in reply in a Letter
dated 15th inst:, that he cannot satisfactorily answer my question
as it is not known whether the Colony of British Columbia is one of
those in which these advantages will be accorded to officers of the
Army—and recommends me to apply to the Colonial Office. May I
request the honor of being informed if there is any obstacle to the
accomplishment of my wishes, my past Military Service qualifying me
for the indulgence.

I beg to intimate that I embark on 25th inst: for British 
Columbia and should no reply be sent before that period my address
will be care of Capt: Richards R.N. H.M.S. "Plumper" Vancouvers Island.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M04.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

In reply to your Lordship's letter of the 14th
Int

I have the honour to state that the stores to accompany the Detachment
of Royal Engineers by the Mail Steamer sailing on the 17th
Int consist of necessary field stores for immediate use on
landing namely Tents, Cooking Utensils, Tools (a few) Clothing,
Bedding, waterproof materials, the arms of the party a small
quantity of ammunition and many miscellaneous articles all packed
in Cases and Bales. All are indispensable. I have not forwarded
either Building Materials or Provisions. I have not yet received the
detail of tonnage which will have to be totalled & checked at
Southampton but I am of opinion it will exceed not Seven Tons.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M05.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to report that the expense of fitting the
2nd Vessel engaged by the Admiralty in order to adapt it to
carry a portion of the Detachment of R. Engineers to British 
Columbia would be inordinately expensive, as the vessel from
its construction is not in any way at present arranged suitably
for the purpose.

I do not therefore recommend it
with the exception of 2 men to take charge of the Stores but propose to
go on with such a division of the Stores that if the Vessels sail
at the same time we may escape any serious difficulty beyond
"loss of time" in case [an] accident
should happen to the second vessel.
I shall endeavor to get off the 2nd Vessel (the "Briseis")
which has been chartered before the 1st (the Thames City) and
immediately on my arrival will get forward some "shelter"
prepared to receive the party so as to obviate any inconvenience
that might arise from the arrival of the vessels at different times.

In short I trust by contrivance and additional energy from all
hands to provide against the objectionable but as it stands
unavoidable division of the men from a portion of the Stores.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M03.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to request as early as possible authority
for "advance" from Treasury to defray the incidental expenses
of Capn Grant and party of 12 Royal Engineers proceeding
via Panama on the 17th Inst to British Columbia, in like manner
as Capn Parsons as his party by the last mail. I consider the
sum of £800 would be sufficient.

With your permission I will call at the Treasury for the
amount tomorrow morning. Capn Grant will require it at midday.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M06.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I solicit authority for the Lord Commrs of HM Treasury to
cause to be paid to Messrs Cox & Co Army Agents the usual
advance of Pay to be issued to the Royal Engineers proceeding to
British Columbia.

In the present instance it would be for 120 days at the
following rates per an.

Colonel, £330 + £1200 = £1530

Three Captains 202 + 350 = 552

Two Subalterns 125 + 250 = 375

The "advance" to Lt Colonel Hawkins' party proceeding to the
same District was rather over 120 days.



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FILE: 1858-09-15_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD02.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary
of State in answer to your Letter of yesterday's
date

that passage to Vancouvers Island has been ordered in the Freight
Ship "Thames City" for Mr Hamley (Collector of Customs)
Hamley, Wymondtravel arrangements to colony
ShipsThames City
and you shall be informed when he may embark, at Gravesend,
as soon as it can be ascertained.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Doyle_to_Secretary_of_State_B586D01.txt
================================================================================

Doyle to Secretary of State

I Beg to offer to your consideration a new route to British 
Columbia namely "The Mexican Interoceanic route" from Veracruz
on the Atlantic and Acapulco on the Pacific. My name is connected
with this route and has been noticed by Several American papers
some years since. I have crossed it several times, having begun in
connection with an American Express Company who intended to run a
mail and package express from N. Orleans to San Francisco, the firm
failing. This route ceased to exist, but during its Short
existence letters were delivered in San Francisco from N. Orleans
in 13 days and news could be had by the Atlantic Telegraph from
Europe at Vancouvers Island in 15 days. But what I wish
particularly to call your kind attention to is the great Saving of
time and expense by my route. Since I could deliver a heavy mail
in the new colony within 35 days, and avoiding at the same time the
expenses of Seven days ocean navigation and
certainly gaining 10 days over the Panama route. I have been
to California and sailed from Southampton in the West India Cos
Steamers and between waiting for the American Steamer and other
delays 43 days were consumed from England to San Francisco alone.

I could even now without altering the dates of sailing of the West
Indian Steamers and in connection with the American boats which
coal at Acapulco, and having to wait for them six days at the
latter port deliver our mails in 40 days, but by having two
Steamers on the Pacific to await the arrival of the mail at
Acapulco the distance can easily be made within 35 days.

I would undertake to transmit the mail from Veracruz and land it
at Vancouvers Island paying all minor expenses such as freight &ca
(and as the mail would be entirely British, I would only pay for it
on the American Steamers as freight) for £300 a month (and conveying
the mail twice a month from England). I am well acquainted with the
authorities at Acapulco and as I speak Spanish as a native have
every hopes of arranging for a free transit through the Mexican
Republic.

I am prepared at any time to give the most minute particulars of the
route and in conclusion of these few suggestions Beg your kind
consideration of the matter.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Godley_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA02.txt
================================================================================

Godley to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of yesterdays
date

in which
you state that it is proposed to divide the Detachment of
Royal Engineers under orders to proceed to British Columbia,
sending a portion in the supplementary Freight Ship which
has been taken up for the conveyance conveyance of Stores, and conveying
the request of Sir E.B. Lytton that the services of a Naval
Surgeon should be obtained to accompany one of the Parties;
I am directed to transmit to you, for the information of the
Secretary of State, the enclosed copy of a Letter written by
the directions of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
from which it appears that the "Briseis," the vessel engaged
for the conveyance of Stores, having no accommodation for
Passengers; if Colonel Moody's suggestion is to be adopted,
the whole of the arrangements which have been made must be cancelled.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Hamley_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586H04.txt
================================================================================

Hamley to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordships
Hamley, Wymonddeparture for BC
ShipsThames City
letter of the 14th acquainting me that Sir Edward Lytton has had the
goodness to confer on me the appointment of Collector of Customs in
British Columbia & that a passage will be provided for me in the Thames City, to sail about the 20 Inst.

In reply I beg to state that it shall be my constant and earnest
endeavour faithfully to discharge the duties belonging to the appointment
in the Colony, and that I shall be ready to embark at the time named.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587019B.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

This letter will be presented to you by Mr Joseph Trutch, a
Trutch, Joseph W.introduction to governor
gentleman who has been for some years engaged in the Survey Department of
the U.S. Government in Oregon and Washington Territories.

I grant this introduction at the request of Mr Trutch's father
Trutch, Williamtestimonials for son Joseph
who has furnished me with testimonials to his son's character and
qualifications of which I annex copies, and who has exhibited to me
a map of the territory adjacent to B. Columbia executed by his Son
in evidence of his professional skill.

I have exlained however to Mr Trutch that this introduction will
confer upon his Son no claim to public employment in B. Columbia, but
is intended solely as a Voucher for his position and character.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587020.txt
================================================================================

No. 20

I have received your despatch of the 26th July No
31

with it's enclosures reporting the public measures which you have adopted
for the Government of British Columbia since the 1st July.

It affords me much satisfaction to signify to you generally the
continued approval by Her Majesty's Government of your proceedings
in the difficult position in which you have been so unexpectedly placed,
but there are a few points mentioned in your despatch on which it is
necessary that I now should touch.

First, however, I request that you will convey to the Officers
Commanding H.M's Ships "Satellite" and "Plumper" my best acknowledgments
ShipsSatellite
ShipsPlumper
for the cordial and practical assistance which they have rendered to
you an all occasions, and express my persuasion that they will continue
to afford the same whenever the service on which they are engaged will
admit of their so doing.

2. I notice with regret, though not with surprise, that boats &c
have ascended Frazer's River without a Customs' permit, or the
prepayment of the regulated Mining fee. It is certainly much to be
desired that you possessed a force adequate for the protection of the
Revenue Laws of the County; but it is totally impossible for Her
Revenue lawsenforcement of
Majesty's Government to provide you with such a force from England.
The most that we can do is to supply you with suitable and well
recommended public Officers whose experience and capability will
enable them to assist you in raising a force in the Colony itself,
capable of preserving order, and causing the Law to be obeyed. On
this point I have to observe that for the infraction of the Revenue
Laws, and for all ordinary purposes, the use of military force, even
if this Country were able to supply it, is full of danger, and
better not resorted to unless in case of absolute necessity.

3. As to the "lawless intrusion of foreign ships and people into
Gold fieldsexclusion of foreigners
Frazer's River," if I correctly understand this expression, you will
have received such definite instructions from me that it leaves me
nothing to add on this point, unless it be to refer you particularly
to my [Vancouver Island] despatch of the 16th July, No
4.

4. I have to make the same observation with respect to your
statement that you have endeavoured to protect the trading rights of
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightstotrade
the Hudson's Bay Company as by law established. Those rights never
existed to the extent which you appear to have supposed, and by the
time this despatch reaches you they will have ceased altogether, if
the instrument forwarded to you for that purpose has been put into
operation, as I trust it has, without delay.

5. I entirely approve the course you are following with respect
to applications for Crown land, and for the prevention of Squatting.
The party of Royal Engineers which has been despatched to British 
Columbia will relieve you from much anxiety on this score, as they
will immediately, on their arrival, proceed
to survey and lay out lands for sale and occupation.

6. I approve your nomination of Messrs Travaillot and Hicks,
to be Assistant Commissioners of Crown Lands at Thompson's River, and
Fort Yale, also of Mr Wm Henry Bevis to be Revenue Officer at
Fort Langley.

7. In an earlier [Vancouver Island]
despatch No 8 of the 14th August I mentioned
my intention of selecting a Collector of Customs for British 
Columbia.

I have now to state that I have appointed Mr Wymond Hamley to
Hamley, Wymondappointed collector of customs
Hamley, Wymondsalary of
this Office with a salary of four hundred pounds (£400) per annum. He
will proceed in the "Thames City" in the course of a few days. With
ShipsThames City
respect to Offices generally, which the public exigencies may compel you
to create, and for which selections should be made in England, I have to
observe that I consider it of great importance to the general social
welfare and dignity of the Colony that gentlemen should be encouraged
to come from this Kingdom, not as mere adventurers seeking employment,
but in the hope of obtaining professional occupations for which they
are calculated, such for instance as Stipendiary Magistrates or Gold
.*Gold commissioners
Commissioners. You will, therefore, report to me at your early
convenience, whether there is any field for such situations, and
describe as accurately as you can the peculiar qualifications which
are requisite in order that I may assist you by making the best
selections in my power. It is quite natural that the servants of the
Hudson's Bay Company should, from their knowledge of business, their
abilities, and services, have a very fair claim to consideration and
share in the disposal of the local patronage. But caution should be
observed against yielding to any appearance of undue favor or
exclusiveness to the servants of that Company. You will carefully
remember that the public interests are the first consideration; and
that it should be known that employment in the public service is as
open and fair in British Columbia as in every other of the Queen's
Colonial Possessions. For these reasons it is still more desirable
that careful appointments should be made in England.

7 [8]. I have to thank you for the Newspaper from Victoria. It
Newspapersinformation about colony
furnishes useful and interesting intelligence and I shall be glad if
you will occassionally transmit to me any other newspapers which contain
matter worthy of attention. You will not fail to write to me fully
by each Mail as Her Majesty's Government
wish to know everything that passes of importance in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD03.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to
Royal Engineersarrangement for stores
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th
inst,

respecting the Stores about to Accompany the Royal Engineers
proceeding to British Columbia; and to acquaint you, for the
information of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, that the necessary steps
have been taken accordingly.



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FILE: 1858-09-16_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE01.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General
has been authorized to issue the sum of £800 to Col. Moody
on account of the expenses of a party of 12 Royal Engineers
who are to proceed to British Columbia via Panama under the
charge of Capt. Grant R.E.



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FILE: 1858-09-17_Cadell_to_Lytton_B586C10.txt
================================================================================

Cadell to Lytton

I beg to enclose a report with reference to information
conveyed to the Colonial Office connected with the preliminary
operations of British Columbia, through which I have solicited
the favor of an Official Communication to Governor Douglas, in
my favor, with an order for passage for the Government Steamer
"Archer" for Vancouver, which I trust you will consider but
a reasonable request, to compensate for my prompt attention to the
subject.



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FILE: 1858-09-17_Lansing,_Starr_and_Co._to_Lytton_B586L01.txt
================================================================================

Lansing, Starr & Co. to Lytton

Lansing Starr & Co. present their compliments to Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton and beg through him to invite the attention of Her Majesty's
Government to their new important through transit route to the new
Colony of British Columbia as set forth in the enclosed circulars.
They would respectfully suggest to Sir E.B. Lytton that the line
they represent is the only route under present circumstances by
which either passengers or freight can depend on any certainty of
transit to Vancouver or Frazer River without the risk of detention
on the way.

Should Lansing Starr & Co be honored with the confidence of Her
Majesty's Government for the transmission of any of Her Majesty's
Privates or Officers, or of freight or Government dispatches to the
Colony in question they can offer the most satisfactory assurances
for their prompt and safe arrival at destination.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-17_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587023.txt
================================================================================

No. 23

I have to acquaint you that the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel have selected the Reverend James Gammage to officiate amongst the
mining population of British 
Columbia.

I have provided Mr Gammage (who will be paid by the Society)
with a passage in the ship "Thames City" which is about to take out the
party of Royal Engineers to British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-18_Bradford_to_Lytton_B586B03.txt
================================================================================

Bradford to Lytton

I am the conductor of an Educational establishment and a Commission
Agent. I have had considerable experience in managing business and
correspondence in and connected with the British Colonies.

I am interested for Miners and others desirous of proceeding
to British Columbia. We read with great admiration and hearty
concurrence the sentiment laid down in your very excellent
despatch to the Governor General of the Leeward Islands:

the excessive importance of raising and maintaining from local resources,
and by local efforts, such a military force as will by its presence
guarantee the safety &c of the Colony.
Land grantsfor militia in BC
Militia in BC

This applies with ten fold force to the new Colony of British 
Columbia and we are convinced there is a method by which it can be
adopted and applied to it even more easily than to an old colony.

Every Englishman proceeding to the new Colony goes there deeply
impressed with the necessity of going there competent to his own defence
and eager to unite with the authorities in the common defence. Many
would therefore gladly enrol themselves for that purpose, and on their
arrival in the Colony place their services at the disposal of the
Government to receive military instruction provided that when not wanted
like a disbanded militia, they could push their fortunes at the diggings
and after a term of servitude receive a grant of Land on the same
principle as that given to the Royal Engineers.
Royal Engineersland grants for

I should feel much honoured by your instructions and happy to
forward any other suggestions made by practical men on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-09-18_Tennent_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TA01.txt
================================================================================

Tennent to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Lords of The Committee of Privy Council for Trade desire me to
call the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to certain
circumstances in connexion with the New Settlements of Her Majesty on the
Western Coast of North America, which as they threaten to retard the
commercial prosperity of New Columbia, and to place British interests
in a disadvantageous position in the important Department of shipping;
point to the expediency of a renewed attempt to induce the Government of
the United States to relax the existing policy in relation to her
coasting trade.

The sudden impulse which has directed a current of immigration to
the Frazer River and to Vancouvers Island necessitates a large resort of
shipping, not alone for the Conveyance of passengers, but for the import
of the manufactured necessaries of life, and the transport of the
products of New Columbia. The present probabilities point to an
increased demand of this nature, and the future prosperity of the Colony
will mainly depend on the prompt and continuous supply of means of
communication with Europe, and the great Sea-bordes of the Pacific and
Atlantic.

The maritime policy of the United Kingdom, whilst in 1854 it threw
open unreservedly the Coasting Trade of Great Britain to the flags of all
Nations, observed a due consideration for the independent action of the
Colonies, by reserving to their respective legislatures, the power of
retaining their own coasting trade exclusively for the British Flag, or
of throwing it open when they should deem it expedient to the shipping of
all nations. The latter course has been taken, by some of our Colonies
east of the Cape of Good Hope; but generally speaking, the Colonial
Coasting trade; including that of Vancouver's Island and New Columbia, is
still to be regarded as closed against all but British Vessels.

On the recent development of enterprize in these settlements, and
the unexpected influx of Colonists to which it gave rise; neither British
nor Colonial Shipping was to be found in their Ports, adequate to meet
the emergency. Hence, as My Lords are informed, the Officer
administering the Government has adopted the expedient of permitting
American Ships to take part in the Coasting Trade on condition of
their seeking a licence from the Colonial Authorities.

In the propriety of this course their Lordships entirely concur; as
tending at once to assist the independent rights of the Colonists, and at
the same time to provide for the commercial requirements of the period,
by facilitating the temporary access of foreign shipping upon ascertained
conditions.

But although this state of affairs cannot be regarded as permanent,
and it is naturally to be hoped and expected, that British enterprise
will exhibit its wonted energy in the new British Colonies; and that
within a reasonable time the British flag will make its appearance in
these waters; it has been forcibly represented by the Shipowners
Association of
Liverpool,

and My Lords cannot but concur in the apprehension expressed by them,
that for some time to come the Shipping interest of Great Britain will
take up its position under circumstances so disadvantageous as compared
with their American rivals, as seriously to discourage the resort of our
own flag to the Frazer River.

The grounds of this apprehension are connected with the geographical
position of California, the nearest organized State on the route between
Europe and New Columbia. American shipping on the Californian Coast can
with ease and profit extend its operation as far north as Vancouvers
Island; and should it on this line encounter opposition from British
Ships, it will exhibit the preponderating advantage of being privileged
to supplement its trade, by touching on its northward voyage at every
American Port in succession from San Francisco to the Frazer
River—whilst a British Ship on the same track would be confined to a
single departure, and excluded by American
Law

from all trading operations at intermediate stations. A Competition,
carried on under circumstances so unequal, presents few attractions to
British Shipowners, and it is to be feared that without some concessions
on the part of the United States, the shipping of that Country may for
some time to come enjoy a practical monopoly of the carrying Trade in
Goods to and from one of the most promising British Colonies.

My Lords direct me in further elucidation of this case to call to
the attention of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton an aggravation of the
difficulty arising from the severance of New Columbia, and its erection
into a distinct Colony apart from Vancouvers Island. By the existing
laws of the United Kingdom, a voyage from one British Colony to another,
however contiguous, is not held to be "coasting", so that at present
there is nothing in the legislation of the two Colonies, to impose any
restriction on American Ships trading between the Island and the main
land, a voyage which is at this moment the most important in that region.
But it is important to remember that by the 328th Section of the
16th & 17th Victoria
C107

it seems to be competent for Her Majesty by Order in Council on joint
addresses from the Legislatures of any two or more neighbouring
possessions, to place the trade between them on the footing of a Coasting
trade.

My Lords have brought these circumstances to the notice of the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view of suggesting to Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton the propriety of considering in conjuction with the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the best mode of renewing with
the United States, the communications opened in 1854, with a view to some
relaxation in their laws regarding Coasting. In March in that year the
Earl of Clarendon, on the occasion of the passing of the law by which the
Coasting trade of Great Britain was thrown open to Foreign flags,
addressed a Circular
Despatch

to Her Majesty's Ministers abroad, calling their attention to the fact,
and directing them to invite the various Governments to which they were
severally accredited, to reciprocate the advantages yielded on our part
unconditionally. Sir J. Crampton in his approaches to the Ministry at
Washington, was met by Mr Marcy who was their Secretary to the
Treasury, in a spirit, which although unfavourable as to the prospect of
immediate action, was not without encouragement as regarded the hope of
future results. Mr Marcy stated that so far as his "own individual
opinion went, he concurred in thinking that the reciprocal throwing open
of the Coasting Trade in both Countries would be mutually beneficial,"
but he added that "he would be misleading Sir J. Crampton were he to say
that there was any reasonable chance of the measure being adopted by
Congress at this time. We shall come to it (said Mr Marcy) I have no
doubt, and perhaps sooner than is generally expected; but not now, as
there would be a great majority in both houses against such a measure."

Some months later in September 1854 Sir John Crampton acquainted
Lord Clarendon that during the negociation of the Reciprocity Treaty, a
Member of the Senate was strongly in favour of embracing that opportunity
to throw open the Coasting trade of the United States to the British
flag; and was only deterred from proposing it formally, from the fear of
checking, by premature defeat, a feeling which was gaining ground in
America, and especially in the Southern States in favour of such a
measure.

From that time to the present My Lords have received no further
communications on this subject in relation to the United States, but it
will be for Her Majestys Government to decide on the propriety of
resuming the negociation, provided any reasonable grounds exist, for
believing that the progress of opinion predicted by Mr Marcy has not
been impeded by any subsequent events.

My Lords would suggest, that however averse the American Government
might be found to entertain the proposal in its entirety, of removing
every impediment from the Coasting Trade of the States universally,
motives might possibly be applied that would induce them, even partially
to relax, the stringency of their present legislation.

The immediate object of solicitude is the Coasting Trade of the
Pacific, and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility, that the
legislature of the United States, finding that by

law *

they are excluded from the rising trade of New Columbia, and are admitted
to it pro tempore only on sufferance, might be disposed in return for a
free participation in it, so far to relax their own prohibitory system as
to admit the British flag to the Coasting trade of California. It would
also be well that the Government of the United States were made aware
of the existing law to which I have before adverted, by which it would be
competent for Her Majesty, on addresses from New Columbia, and Vancouvers
Island, to place the trade between these two possessions on the footing
of a Coasting trade; and thereby to exclude the Americans from
the voyage from the Island to Frazer River.

Should the Government now or hereafter evince a disposition to yield
in this matter, the Coasting trade of the States, on the Atlantic would
be no disproportionate equivalent for that of Canada, the St. Lawrence,
and the Lakes.

I am further directed by their Lordships to call to the attention of
Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, a point, which in the absence of official
information, is involved in some uncertainty—namely; how far the
carriage of passengers coastwise is comprised in the Statute Law of the
United States, which prohibits the Coasting trade in
Goods.

**
By the Constitution of the States, the Supreme Government at Washington
exercises the right of framing laws, "to regulate commerce with foreign
nations and amongst the several States." But it appears to have
been held that Persons, not being subjects of commerce, and not
being imported Goods; they do not fall within the meaning founded upon
the constitution of a power given to Congress, "to regulate commerce."
(See
Peters Public Statutes at large of the U.S. of America. Vol 1 p.
13.
w.)

Hence the question arises, although by the Navigation
Act of the United States, (Ibid Vol. III p
351)

it is enacted "That no goods wares or merchandize shall be imported
under penalty of forfeiture thereof from one Port of the United States to
another Port of the United States in a Vessel belonging wholly or in part
to a subject of any foreign power" whether this prohibition extends to
the carriage of passengers or whether there is any other law of the
States for so extending or construing it.

The importance of this enquiry, in connexion with the Stream of New
immigration now flowing in the direction of New
Columbia,

***

will be apparent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and in
bringing the subject under the consideration of the Foreign Department,
specific information on this point should be solicited through Her
Majestys Minister at Washington.



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FILE: 1858-09-19_Bullock_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585MI03.txt
================================================================================

Bullock to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I beg to acknowledge with sincere thanks the introductory
letter

which you have kindly sent to be delivered by the Rev.
J. Gammage to the Governor of British Columbia.

I have seen Mr Gammage this day, & placed [it] in his hands.



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FILE: 1858-09-20_Fitzgerald_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO01.txt
================================================================================

FitzGerald to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to my Letter of the 18th
Ultimo,

Licensesgoldrequirements for
Cass, Gen. Lewis
Malmesbury, Earl ofNapier, Lord
enclosing Copy of a Despatch from Her M's Minister at Washington,
reporting a conversation which he had had with General Cass relative to
the question of imposing a License Duty on Miners in New Caledonia, I am
directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you, for the
information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, a Copy of a further
Despatch from Lord Napier enclosing a copy of an unoffical Letter which
he had received from the Assistant Secretary of State on the same
subject.



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FILE: 1858-09-20_Itter_to_Secretary_of_State_V586I02.txt
================================================================================

Itter to Secretary of State

I have relations residing at Vancouvers Island in the employment
of the Hudsons Bay Co and have a desire to join them there.
Should you have any place in your gift for that Colony will
you kindly allow me to offer myself to your notice. I have been
for some years employed as Clerk in a London Banking house and
can furnish first class references. I should not object to any
situation there, provided there was an opportunity of promotion
and would pay my own passage out. My age is 28.

Apologizing for troubling you.



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FILE: 1858-09-20_King_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586K02.txt
================================================================================

King to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of 17th
King, Edward H.
inst and to thank The Right Honbe the Secretary of State for the
Colonies for the documents which accompanied it. Altho' it appears
that he has not at present selected me for any situation in British 
Columbia I trust the fact of my having proceeded to that Colony at my own
expense will not deter me from employment should an opportunity offer.

Having a family and small means it is a matter of serious importance to
me to obtain employment and I should be deeply indebted should I be
honored by being selected for any situation under Government for which my
former services may be considered to qualify me.



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FILE: 1858-09-20_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M07.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to request that the Lord Commrs of Her
Majesty's Treasury may be authorized to place to my credit at
Cox & Company the sum of £3000 three thousand pounds as a first
installment, for the payment of stores authorised to be purchased
for the British Columbian Expedition, such stores not being
obtainable from the Tower.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-21_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M08.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I am informed that the Staff Asst
Surgeon

who accompanied
the Expedition to British Columbia is to receive the colonial pay
of a Subaltern viz £250 per annum. I have the honour therefore
to request this same may be likewise included in the list forwarded to
you on the 15th
instant

for the advance of 120 days pay and
that it may be credited into the same at Messrs Cox & Co.



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FILE: 1858-09-21_Rowlandson_to_Lytton_B586R02.txt
================================================================================

Rowlandson to Lytton

On the departure of the last mail from this City I took the liberty
of addressing to you a letter containing some remarks incidental to
the prospect of the new Colony of British Columbia accompanied, by
an application that desired an appointment suited to my capacity,
on the staff of the governor which related to the management of the
lands & minerals of that country and also if requisite a connexion
with its tidal rivers, the appointment of cities and attention to
their engineering hygiene requirements and commercial aptitude.

For my capacity to fill such an office I respectfully forward a
copy of testimonials and references.

In my last letter which was rather a hasty melange I alluded to
some topics which might most probably appear rather utopian or
bordering on the hyperbole.

I have therefore in order to strengthen my position on such points
taken the liberty of forwarding to you some San Francisco newspapers
*
which contain references to some of the objects which I alluded to.
The first "the Bulletin" of the 6th instant where in the
commercial article it is mentioned that a company is about to be formed
for prosecuting the woolen manufacturing in California. I was
under the impression that the same paper contained a notice of
several rich Chinese having purchased several acres of land at
Vancouvers Island in order to erect Wharves for the convenience of
their own ships (that is chartered British & American Vessels).
[Marginal note: I find I am in error the paragraph must have
appeared in some other paper.] A reference also to the article in
the same paper of the 20th instant "On the breaking up of Chinese
exclusiveness" will offer pretty good evidence that the bulk of
Mongol immigration will make its way to the British Possessions.

Incidental to this subject I may allude to the fact that the
British Ship Carribeean sailed from here yesterday with thirteen
Japanese who were picked up at sea by Captain Winchester, who is
about to try to get them restored to their Country, and tomorrow
one Joseph Hui a most intelligent Japanese one of a crew similarly
picked up by an American vessel about eight years ago is to depart
on the U.S. Surveying Schooner "Fennimore Cooper" the Captain of
which has instructions to put him ashore as near as possible to his
native place (about 300 miles from the only port open to foreign
Vessels in Japan).

Had Lord Clarendon when an officer chosen, this gentleman "Joseph
Hui" might have been most usefully employed as interpreter &c to
Lord Elgins Japan Expedition, he may yet be made of great use to
British interests in Japan.

I allude to these matters because it will be seen by others on
reading the article and notice (what is well known to English
residents here) that the Americans will make desperate efforts to
obtain the Chinese & Japanese trade; the English will have proven
the best choice—owing to the facilities that can be made for this
intercourse in British Columbia.

In conclusion I trust I have shown that I have an earnest desire to
promote the interests of my country and I flatter myself I am not
devoid of the mental capacity for doing so if placed in a situation
such as I seek, whilst my local knowledge will necessarily prove
advantageous.



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FILE: 1858-09-21_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE02.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 17th
Instant,

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, that they have instructed the Paymaster General
to issue to Messrs Cox & Co. the sum of £800 being for
advance of pay to the Royal Engineers proceeding to British 
Columbia, and to charge the same, for the present, to the
Treasury Chest account, as well as the sums previously directed
to be issued for the Engineer Officers proceeding to British Columbia.

As soon as the remainder of the force has been despatched,
and the amount of the requisite advances can be ascertained,
Their Lordships will be glad to receive Sir E. Bulwer Lytton's
opinion upon the proportion that should be charged to Army Funds*[1],

and the amount for which it may be necessary to submit
to Parliament an Estimate [2], for those charges which may properly
be considered as Civil Expences of the Colony, to be defrayed,
in the first instance, from Imperial Funds.

In the mean time it appears to Their Lordships to be
desirable that these advances should be made to, and accounted
for by, Colonel Moody, in preference to making separate
issues to the Officers employed under his orders [3].



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FILE: 1858-09-22_Heinke_to_Lytton_B586H05.txt
================================================================================

Heinke to Lytton

Permit me to bring to notice our patent diving apparatus.

I supply the Royal Engineers at Chatham. They would be found
invaluable in British Columbia. The entire work at the new
Westminster Bridge foundations are done with our diving
apparatus. They have entirely superseded the Diving Bell.

I should be most happy to furnish Your Excellency with further
information if required.



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FILE: 1858-09-22_Kingscote_to_Lytton_B586K03.txt
================================================================================

Kingscote to Lytton

May I venture to inquire whether any facilities will be granted to
a set of young active men who are anxious to go out to British 
Columbia? From several causes there is great distress among the
Deal Boatmen. The use of Steam Tugs—the improved science that is
brought to bear upon navigation &c &c has caused much suffering
among these fine gallant fellows—who have saved hundreds of lives
of their fellow Creatures—& many thousand pounds worth of property.
They can no longer get a living on the Beach—& very many of
the Young Men are most anxious to get away—especially to British 
Columbia. Might I request to be informed whether the Government
can favor their views in any way? If so—I should be most pleased
to give any further information.



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FILE: 1858-09-22_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD04.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having received a
letter dated the 25th
Ultimo

from Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton respecting the establishment of a
Vice Admiralty Courtauthority to establish
Court of Vice Admiralty in the Colony of British Columbia, I am commanded
by my Lords to acquaint you for the information of Sir Edward Lytton that
they have this day addressed a Memorial to Her Majesty in Council for the
powers necessary to enable them to establish this Court.



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FILE: 1858-09-22_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE03.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to transmit, for the consideration of
Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, the enclosed copy of a Report
from the Commissioners of Customs, dated the 7th
Septr/58 on the subject of the appointment of Officers
of Customs in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-23_Campbell_to_Lytton_B586C13.txt
================================================================================

Campbell to Lytton

I beg to lay before you my application for an appointment
in the Cape Constabulary force or in the corps about to be
formed in British Columbia. I have to plead the services of my
family for many generations and my own desire to be employed in any
capacity in any of our Colonies. The development of the resources
of our Colonies and their defence have for many years engaged my
attention, and some years ago I laid before the Right Honourable
Sir G. Grey a plan for colonising the frontiers of the Cape upon
a defensive scheme which though considered at the time impossible,
was carried out in part at the close of the Crimean War with
the German Legion. Having a considerable practical knowledge of
the Natural Sciences such as Geology, Botany and their kindred,
I could in addition to my duties turn these to advantage to the
Colony. All my family are Military, my education has been Military
and I have served in the French Dragoons, the Leicestershire Militia
and the [one word off microfilm]
Irregular Cavalry during the Crimean War. Trusting
some appointment may be found for me however humble, in the Colonys,
where a thorough knowledge of French, a good acquaintance with
Italian, Spanish, German, Turkish may be useful.



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FILE: 1858-09-23_Colvile_to_Lytton_B585MI04.txt
================================================================================

Colvile to Lytton

In the absence of the Deputy Governor, Mr Berens,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Earl of Carnarvon's letter dated the 10th
September,

enclosing copies of a Correspondence between the Colonial and Foreign
Offices relative to the right of Great Britain to navigate the River
Columbia, together with a Report from Her Majestys Advocate General on
the same subject, and requesting that the Company would transmit to you
any observations they may wish to offer with a view to the opinion of the
Law Officers of the Crown being taken as recommended by the Queen's
Advocate.

In compliance with your request, I have now the honour
to submit the following observations.

The question submitted to the Queen's Advocate was raised by Lord Napier in his Despatch of the 30th July 1858, in which his Lordship
suggests that "if the trading monopoly of the Hudson's Bay Company be
abrogated, it might be contended (by the United States) that the right of
Great Britain to navigate the River Columbia, which rises
in British Territory, is
lost."

In order to enable the learned gentleman to form his opinion on this
question, the only documents, or other information which appear to have
been laid before him were Lord Napier's Despatch of the 30th July, and
a copy of the Treaty concluded between Great Britain and
the United States on the 17th July 1846.

Now I respectfully venture to express the opinion, that, in order to
form a correct judgement on this subject in all its bearings, Her
Majesty's Advocate General might not only to have had the state of the
property in question presented to him, as it actually stands, but have
had his attention drawn to the origin and Earlier history of the
"possessory rights" belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company within the
Territory of the United States. Had this been done I am inclined to
believe that he would hardly have come to the conclusion that the rights
of the Company in American Oregon, which rights are reserved by a Treaty
between the two Countries, are in any way dependent on the termination of
the "Exclusive License of Trade" granted to them within the British
Territories of North America. He seems to have proceeded upon the
supposition (a supposition in which Lord Napier participates) that by the
withdrawal of the "Licence of Exclusive Trade with the Indians," the
Hudson's Bay Company will cease to exist, but it is hardly necessary
that I should inform you that the Company existed for a Century and a
half before it obtained the License of Exclusive Trade, beyond the limits
of the Charter, and that it will continue to exist, even if that License
were altogether withdrawn.

Without troubling you with unnecessary details of the early history
of the Company's Establishments in the Oregon and Washington Territories,
I may be allowed briefly to state that the property in those Districts
belonging to the Company, and which has since given rise to so much
discussion, was possessed by them for some years before the Crown License
of Exclusive Trade with the Indians was granted to them. Those rights
were not created by the Treaty of 1846; they were merely confirmed by it.
At the period when the Establishments were formed, and for many years
afterwards, it was a matter of doubt, whether the districts now called
the Washington and Oregon Territories, belonged to Great Britain, or to
the United States. The Country was, in a manner without an Owner, the
first comers took possession and in this respect, the Hudson's Bay
Company had no exclusive privileges, nor any rights which did not equally
belong to every British Subject, or American Citizen who chose
to "squat" in those remote regions.

At length a Convention was concluded between Great Britain and the
United States and signed at London on the 20th October 1818,

the 3rd article of which is to the following effect.

It is agreed that any Country that may be claimed by Either party on
the North West Coast of America, westward of the Stony Mountains, shall,
together with its harbours, bays, and creeks, and the navigation of all
rivers within the same, be free and open for the term of ten years from
the date of the signature of the present convention to the vessels,
Citizens and Subjects of the two powers; it being well understood that
this agreement is not to be construed to the prejudice of any claim which
either of the two high Contracting parties may have to any part of the
said Country, nor shall it be taken to affect the claims of any other
power, or State, to any part of the said Country; the only object of the
high Contracting parties, in that respect, being
to prevent disputes and differences among themselves.

In 1827 when the Convention of 1818 was about to expire, another
Convention was Entered into, and signed on the 6th August of that
year,

by which the provisions of the 3rd Article of the former Treaty were
indefinitely extended and continued in force. These two Conventions
were the only securities which the subjects of either Country had for any
possessions they might acquire within that Territory, and it was on the
faith of them that the Hudson's Bay Company (as any other British Subject
might have done and, as in fact, some other British Subjects actually
did) established posts, erected buildings, cleared ground, cultivated
land, and carried on trade with the Natives. But in 1818, the Hudson's
Bay Company had no exclusive rights of trade beyond the limits of its
Charter, and only became possessed of such exclusive right in the
district known as the Indian Territory belonging to Great Britain
in 1821, on the 5th December of which Year, they obtained
a Crown Grant of exclusive trade with the Indians in certain
parts of North America for a limited period.

But within the limits of what is now American Territory
and in which they occupied Lands which were secured to them
by the Conventions above referred to, the Hudson's Bay Company,
as far as I am aware, never claimed, and certainly never
enjoyed any exclusive privileges of trade whatsoever. They
continued to hold and improve their property until the date
of the Treaty signed at Washington on the 17th July 1846,
when the Sovereignty of the whole of the Territory to the
South of the 49th parallel of Northern Latitude was made
over to the United States, at the same time that the Possessory
rights of the Hudson's Bay Company were reserved.

Among these Possessory rights, an especial clause
stipulates for the free navigation of the Northern Branch of
the Columbia River, in favour of "the Hudson's Bay Company, and
all British Subjects trading with the same," the free and open
navigation of that river being in fact necessary for the Company
with Reference to its trade, as it possessed then, as it does
at the present day, establishments on the Upper Columbia to
which it could not otherwise obtain access.

From this brief sketch of the possessions of the Hudsons
Bay Company within the Territory of the United States, I hope
it will be clear to you that their Possessory Rights, Stations
and trading Establishments, and consequently the right to the
free and open navigation of the Columbia River, are antecedent
to, and entirely independent of the rights conferred by the
Licence of Exclusive trade with the Indians, granted originally
in 1821, and which had reference only to Indian Territories
within the British dominions not previously belonging to the
Company.

These "Indian Territories" I need hardly remind you are
adjacent to, but not included within the possessions held by
the Company under the Charter of Charles II, and a main object
of the Government in granting the right was to enable the Company
to extend the regulations which had been found beneficial as
applied to their Chartered Possessions, to the neighbouring
districts occupied by the Aboriginal Tribes. I therefore beg
respectfully to submit that no right belonging to the Company,
and through the Company to Great Britain within the Territories
of the United States can be weakened by the withdrawal of the
Exclusive License of Trade.

I have ventured to make these observations in the absence both of my
Colleagues in the direction, and of the Solicitor of the Company, because
I was unwilling that a case of this importance should be laid before the
Law Advisers of the Crown in an imperfect shape.

Having made them I have merely to add that I have no objection to
offer to the course recommended by the Queens Advocate General, vizt
that a full "case" or Memorandum on the question should be prepared and
submitted to the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-23_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587021.txt
================================================================================

No. 21

Referring to my despatch No 20 of the 16th
instant

I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, a Warrant under the Royal
Sign Manual authorizing you to pass Letters Patent under the public Seal
of British Columbia appointing Mr Wymond Thomas Ogilvy Hamley to be
Collector of Customs.



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FILE: 1858-09-23_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587022.txt
================================================================================

No. 22

Referring to my Despatch No 7 of the 2nd
Instant,

I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a Warrant under the Royal
Sign Manual authorising you to pass Letters Patent under the Public Seal
of British Columbia appointing Colonel Moody to be Chief Commissioner of
Lands and Works.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Greene_et_al_to_Lytton_B586C16.txt
================================================================================

Greene et al to Lytton

We the undersigned having been given to understand that
Mr Charles Enderby (whom we have known for very many years)
is seeking to obtain an Official Appointment as a Magistrate
in British Columbia or Van Couvers Island, beg to express
our firm belief That he is well qualified for such an Office,
and That he will not only fulfil the the duties Thereof with
credit to himself, but with satisfaction to Her
Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587024.txt
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No. 24

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [Vancouver Island]
Despatch, No 32 of the 25th of July
last

reporting that you had authorized Captain Prevost
to announce to the Companies of Her Majesty's Ship "Plumper" and
"Satellite" that they would receive an allowance from the local Revenue
equal to their rate of pay from the Crown, and I have to acquaint you
that I approve, under the circumstances, of the course you have taken.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-24_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587025.txt
================================================================================

No. 25

You will have observed that the Letters Patent which appoints you
to be Governor of British Columbia contemplates the appointment also of
a "Lieutenant Governor" or other Officer commissioned by Her Majesty to
administer the Government of the Colony in the event of your "Death,
incapacity, removal, or absence, from the said Colony."

The position and experience of Colonel Moody point him out as the most fitting person to hold the dormant Commission of Lieutenant
Governor, and I have, accordingly, advised Her Majesty to confer that appointment upon him.

I enclose for your information Copy of the Commission which has
been given to Colonel Moody.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-24_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587324.txt
================================================================================

No. 24

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [VI] Despatch, No. 32
of the 25th of July last reporting that you had authorized Captain Prevost to announce to the Companies of Her Majesty's Ship "Plumper"
and "Satellite" that they would receive an allowance from the local
Revenue equal to their rate of pay from the Crown, and I have to
acquaint you that I approve, under the circumstances, of the course
you have taken.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M09.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to submit it is extremely desirable before
the two vessels the "Thames City" and the "Briseis" chartered for
Victoria in Vancouver's Island leave this country, that an
additional contract be entered into with their owners by the
Admiralty by which it would be at the option of the Government to
send both vessels forward from Victoria to the Frazer River,
proceeding as far up that River to land the men and Stores as may be
deemed necessary by me.

Provision should also be made empowering
me if I found it necessary, to detain the Vessels at the final
place of anchorage in the river for a period not exceeding 35 days
(15 days beyond the usual latitude before charging for demurrage)
at some fixed rate now to be agreed upon.

To discharge the men and stores at Victoria and to re-engage other vessels to carry them
on would be exceedingly expensive and create great delay.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M10.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I venture to request you will do me the favour to draw the
attention of the Secretary of State to the circumstance that the
additional rate of pay of the British Columbian Detachment of Royal
Engineers is authorized to commence on the day of embarkation, but the
usual rates of working and extra Pay received by officers and men of
the Corps of R.E. while employed has been withdrawn by the War
Department from the date of appointment to this service. As all,
especially the officers, have been actively employed on duty, I am
quite sure the Secretary of State does not contemplate they should
suffer any "loss" during the interval.

When Lt Col. Hawkins R.E. and his party of officers and men
(North American Boundary Commission now in B. Columbia) were similarly
situated—and they did not embark for three months after date of
appointment—their special pay was accorded to them from such date
of appointment, that is to say the pay of the officers was full
allowance (being most em ployed) and that of the men half allowance.

I venture to hope in consideration of the expenses in London
and the nature of the service the Secretary of State may be disposed
to accord a like remuneration in this case.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M11.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to request that Communications be made with
the Transport Board to cause arrangements to be made on board the
"Briseis" to receive one non Commissioned officer of Artillery and
four of Royal Engineers with wives & children as per margin
margin

also for one Officer's servant (mine) not yet provided for. They are at
present at Chatham and the arrangement should be made as speedily as
possible.



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FILE: 1858-09-24_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M12.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to request that a Volunteer Hospital orderly
be obtained from the "Medical Staff Corps" to accompany the
Detachment of Royal Engineers proceeding to British Columbia. It
is hoped that great care will be taken in the selection as only
one is requested.

There is no man in the Detachment of RE suitable for the
situation. He should receive orders to embark in the "Thames City."



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FILE: 1858-09-25_Cooper_to_Lytton_B586C07.txt
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Cooper to Lytton

I most respectfully beg to inform you that I have secured a passage for Myself and family by the Royal Mail Steamer
"Africa," leaving "Liverpool" on the 2nd of October, Saturday next, I shall be
in London on Tuesday & Wednesday next and will call at the Colonial
Office to receive any further instructions connected with my appointment.



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FILE: 1858-09-25_Hart_to_Secretary_of_State_B585MI05.txt
================================================================================

Hart to Secretary of State

I am directed by the Committee of the Colonial Church and School Society
to inform you that the most urgent appeals have been made to them from a
variety of quarters to send Clergymen forthwith to British Columbia, in
order to minister to the spiritual necessities of the English speaking
population, who are now emigrating to that Colony by thousands.

Although the funds of the Society for the current year had been
previously appropriated, yet the Committee have been unable to resist
these applications, and have therefore ventured forthwith to send one
Cleryman and to provide him with a stipend of £300 per annum.

The Committee understand that it is not the present intention of Her
Majesty's Government to send out an Army Chaplain with the force about to
proceed to British Columbia; whilst therefore the primary object of this
Clergyman will be to minister to the general population of the Colony,
they are anxious that the military force which may be stationed there,
should benefit by such spiritual supervision as it may be in
his power to bestow.

Considering the circumstances under which the Committee have adopted
the course in question, they are induced to hope that Her Majesty's
Government will be pleased to forward the object they have in view by
sending the Clergyman about to be appointed (as well as a second, should
the funds at their disposal enable them to send two) to the new Colony of
British Columbia free of expence.



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FILE: 1858-09-25_Stephenson_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE04.txt
================================================================================

Stephenson to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of yesterdays
date,

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized to pay to
Messrs Cox & Co on account of Col Moody RE the sum of £3,000 for
Stores authorized to be purchased for the party of Royal Engineers for
Service in British Columbia, which were not obtainable from the Tower.



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FILE: 1858-09-27_Brew_to_Lytton_B586B04.txt
================================================================================

Brew to Lytton

I have the honor to inform you that I was unable to take My
Brew, Chartresdeparture for BC
Royal Mail Steam PacketWest Indian line
passage from England in The West India Royal Mail Steam packet
which Sailed from Southampton on the 2nd Instant but anxious
to carry out your wish that I should arrive in British Columbia
to enter as soon as practicable on the duties of my Office,
I proceeded to Southampton and embarked for New York on the 4th
Inst in the Steam Ship
Austria,

calculating on reaching New York
ShipsAustrialoss at sea
ShipwreckAustria
in quite sufficient time to proceed by the Steamer which was to
sail for Panama on the 20th Inst. If I had been successful in
taking this route I should have overtaken at Havannah the party
which left England on the 2nd Inst. The Cabins of the Austria
were full but as I was determined to go I contrived to get on Board
and hired for the Voyage the Cabin of the Ships Surgeon. We
sailed from Southampton Water on the 5th Inst at 4 A.M. and
from the Moment the Ships Head was laid on her course we had Most
unfavourable weather, the wind right ahead and a high sea till
the 12th when the weather became Moderate and we made a good
days passage. On the 13th the speed of the Vessel increased
to 11 knots an hour and all on board were in high expectations
of arriving at New York at farthest by the 18th but we were
doomed to be for all sadly and for many fatally disappointed.

About 2 oclock P.M. on the 13th a fire broke out in the
Brew, Chartresshipwrecked
Steerage situated in the fore part of the Ship. In a few
Minutes it was evident to all that nothing could save the Ship.
I was on the Quarter Deck with a Number of other passengers at the
time and remained there till forced by the Flames to get into the
Sea.

In at the utmost half an hour after the Fire commenced
every Soul on the poop was either burned or driven by the Fire
to plunge into the Sea. Only four of the 1st Cabin passengers
and one of the 2nd Cabin passengers were saved. All the
Ladies in both Cabins were lost. As the Vessel was under way all
or nearly all the time her decks were burning the Boats that
were lowered were instantly swamped and all that were in them
drowned. I fortunately got on one of the swamped Boats and
after a hard struggle having been five hours up to my Shoulders
in the Water I was taken on Board a French Ship—The Maurice
ShipsMauricerescues Austriassurvivors
Renaud, Capt. Ernestrescues Austriassurvivors
of Nantes, Captain Ernest Renaud.
 The Fire was seen from this
Ship almost immediately it broke out and it bore up for the
burning Vessel but owing to the light wind was unable to get
near till 5 P.M. Sixty seven of the crew and passengers
were saved by the Maurice and a few more but only a few may
have been picked up by a Swedish ship which sailed up during
the night. The Captain of the Maurice acted most kindly by
the Sufferers several of whom were severely burned. He was
nurse and Surgeon and his tenderness and delicacy in dressing
the injuries of three women who were rescued but much burned
showed that he possessed a refined and feeling nature. It
was estimated that there were over 600 on Board the Austria so
that more than 500 perished.

The Maurice was bound for the Island of
Bourbon

and at 7 A.M.
Bourbon, island of
on the 14th the day following that of the Fire she sailed
away from the still burning Austria nothing living being on
her at the time. Captain Renaud decided on proceeding to [Fyal?]

the Western Isles and there leave the rescued passengers. About
2 oclock P.M. on the 14th we fell in with the Ship Lotus
ShipLotusrescues Brew
of Yarmouth Nova Scotia Captain Trefry bound for Halifax.
Trefry, Capt.
Brew, Chartresreaches Halifax
I went on Board her and as I was anxious to stand on British
territory and desirous of getting nearer to my destination
instead of farther away from it Captain Trefry kindly gave
me a passage in his Ship. Although not abundantly supplied with
provisions he also took on Board eleven other Survivors of the
Austria who wished to get as soon as possible to America. I
lost all my papers Money and property and arrived at this port
on Yesterday evening with nothing but a coat the French Captain
gave me and the other torn clothes in which I escaped from the
Austria. I immediately proceeded to call on the Governor but
His Excellency was not at home. Through the kindness of Lady Mulgrave I was enabled to put up at an Hotel and on this day
Mulgrave, Lord
Mulgrave, Lady
I saw Mr Bullock the Governor's Secretary. I represented
Bullock, Mr., secretary
to him the position in which I was placed and my anxiety to obtain
funds to enable to me to get on to British Columbia. Mr
Bullock brought me before the Executive Council of the province
and on being satisfied of my identity they advanced me £100.
I gave my receipt for the Money and hold myself accountable for
it as a loan to me.

I shall leave Halifax for New York on tomorrow and intend
to Sail for Colon Panama by the Steamer which will leave New York
on the 5th proximo. As my letter of appointment and the despatch
which I had for Governor Douglas were lost in the Austria I
Douglas, Jamesdespatch for
trust you will be pleased to cause duplicates of them to be
forwarded to the Governor as I can scarcely expect that he can
acknowledge my appointment until he receive[s] them. The loss I have
suffered is to me a heavy one. I must try and meet it as I
Brew, Chartresloss suffered by
best can, but I am sure I shall receive from the Government
every reasonable Consideration.

I omitted to say that nearly all the passengers in the
Austria were Americans or Germans. A few persons went on Board
at Southampton they are all lost and I am the only British Subject
saved.



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FILE: 1858-09-27_Canterbury,_Archbishop_of_to_Lytton_B586C01.txt
================================================================================

Canterbury, Archbishop of, to Lytton

I have the honor to acquaint you that in consequence of the
Canterbury, Archibishop ofrecommends establishment of bishoprick
importance that is likely to belong to the colony of New Columbia, & the
expediency of providing for the spiritual instruction of the population
assembling there, Miss Burdett Coutts has empowered me to propose the
Coutts, Angela Burdett.see Burdett-Coutts
Burdett-Coutts endowmentofSeeofColumbia
Church of Englandendowment of See of Columbia
appointment of a bishop there, who may take the oversight of the Clergy &
superintend the religious interest of the country & people; and for that
purpose she is prepared to furnish an endowment of the See, to the amount
of £15,000.

I am in hopes that Her Majesty's Government may consider
this so desirable a measure, as to consent to the creation of
the See; & have the honour to be, Sir,



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FILE: 1858-09-27_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M14.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to request that the necessary instructions
may be given by the Transport Board for the "Briseis" as soon as
she has taken in her cargo, to proceed to Gravesend and there
receive the men that are going out in her to British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-27_Parsons_to_Lytton_B586P02.txt
================================================================================

Parsons to Lytton

I have the honour to report the arrival of my Detachment of
the Royal Engineers at Panama on 25th inst.

There being no Ship of War in Port I endeavoured but could not
obtain permission to embark at once from the railway station on board
the American Mail Steamer for California; permission was afterwards
granted to embark two days before the time of sailing, this I take
advantage of and will proceed on board tomorrow.

I have to request that you will be pleased to reconsider
the pecuniary arrangements made in England for my transit to
Victoria. One thousand pounds were placed at my disposal.

The Railway expenses across the

Isthmus of Darien amounted to £221.11.6

The passage money to California is 973. 2.0

From San Fransisco to Victoria about 250. 0.0

Other incidental expenses such as pay advanced to Men in England,
Quarters and Messing at Panama, transfer of Baggage &c have to
be added; so that if you will kindly cause Drafts of mine to the
amount of £600 in addition to be honored by H.M. Paymaster General
(whose blank bills I have been supplied with) I shall feel that funds
will not be wanting in case of casualty or unforseen delay in
providing a passage from San Fransisco.

In proceeding to San Fransisco the men will be provided with
second class accommodation as in British Contract Steamers. I
cannot incur the responsibility of putting them in the Steerage,
though the passage money would be less, as large numbers of
Steerage Passengers have to sleep on the deck with only a canvass
awning to protect them from very variable weather for 14 days,
and exposed to the prejudicial influences of the damp night air
of the tropics. I need not mention in addition, the class of persons
with whom my men would be constantly associated.

The Steamers running North from this place have latterly been
carrying from 1200 to 1500 through passengers to San Francisco &
Victoria.

I beg to assure you that every precaution will be taken to
diminish expenditures and to procure cheap transit. Should a
British Ship of War be at San Fransisco I will communicate with her.

I have received every assistance from the British Consuls
at Colon & Panama, from Signor Hurtado, the Intendente of Panama
& from his Brothers the Agents of the British West India Mail Steamers.

I am happy to add that the health of men is good and that they
have adjusted themselves to my satisfaction. We expect to be in
Victoria about 21 October.



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FILE: 1858-09-27_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD05.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your Letter of the 23rd
Instant,

with its Enclosures from the Governor of Vancouvers Island, I am
Extra payfor shipscrews
ShipsSatelliteextra pay for crews
ShipsPlumperextra pay for crews
commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that
they quite approve of the Increase of Pay granted to the Crews of Her
Majestys Ships Satellite, & Plumper, and my Lords trust a similar grant
will be made for the Crews of any of HM Ships, which may arrive at
Vancouvers Island, during the period of their detention there.

My Lords request that you will move Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton to
favor them with his opinion as to this request in sufficient time to
enable them to write to the Commander in Chief on the Pacific Station by
the next Mail.



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FILE: 1858-09-28_Baird_to_Lytton_V586B01.txt
================================================================================

Baird to Lytton

On the faith of the accuracy of the information contained in the
public Newspapers, that it is the intention of the Government to
open a Banking Establishment in Vancouver's Island. I take the
liberty of respectfully laying the following few remarks before
your Lordship in the hope that their tenor may lead to the object
of this communication, viz of obtaining an appointment in the
Institution purposed

to be established.

I am 31 years of age. Until the last 5 1/2 years 
I was engaged
in general commerce and notably
as confidential clerk in Mercantile Houses of good standing.
Since 1853 I was, firstly during two years in the Accountants
department, Teller & Sub Agent in the City of Glasgow Banks
Branch in this City, and secondly, for three years in the Bank
of British North America in Canada (Six months in St. John N.B.
and 2 1/2 years in Montreal having been removed from one Branch
of the Bank to another in the respective "cities") from whence I
returned a few months ago on private affairs.

During my residence in British North America I acquired a
thorough knowledge of the system of Banking as it is conducted
in these Provinces and likewise a practical knowledge of
Exchanges betwixt England and the U. States as well as
intercolonial exchanges.

If your Lordship deems it advisable that I 
Should prosecute this
endeavour to attain the object in view it shall afford me much
pleasure to accord to the usual and customary mode of remitting
my application with testimonials and references and agreeably to
the stipulated regulations of which may I request the favor of
being apprised.

It would be of much advantage were I also informed of the nature
of the appointments with the contemplated emoluments and
allowances and scale of advancement.



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FILE: 1858-09-28_Brown_to_Lytton_B586B14.txt
================================================================================

Brown to Lytton

I take the liberty of writing you this letter to ask a
few questions respecting the New Colony of British Columbia.
I observe from a pamphlet issued by Messrs Effingham & Wilson
of London that inducements are held out to Emigrants of a
better class than those who of late years left our shores
for the other Colonies. May I therefore ask at what rate per
acre land can be purchased within easy distance of the sea either
on the mainland or on Vancouvers Island; does the whole price
of the land require to be paid before possession is got
or can part of it remain [out?] for a term of years
and is there a limit to the purchases of each individual.
Apologising for this intrusion.



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FILE: 1858-09-28_Cadell_to_Lytton_B586C11.txt
================================================================================

Cadell to Lytton

With reference to the Communications & Report which I
transmitted to your address at the Colonial Office on the 16th
Inst. soliciting in a very particular manner the favor of a
Comn to Governor Douglas with an Order for passage per one of
the Government Steamers to Vancouvers Island, with the few of enabling me
to proceed to British Columbia with a fair prospect of obtaining
employment connected with the Government on my arrival there,
I beg to request that you will be kind enough to take the matter
into consideration at your earliest convenience, either in the
manner set forth or in any other way you may consider more expedient.

I could make myself extremely useful in British Columbia at
the present period, connected with the opening up of the Country in
the Interior, or the Head Waters of the Frazer River, where the
dry diggings are situated, a movement which I would advise Her
Majesty's Govt to encourage, in a particular manner, by affording
every facility for productive operations on the dry diggings,
which comprehend the beds & banks of the Creeks, Ravines
Gulches & Flats in their immediate neighbourhood, through which
old washed channels or gravel beds are found, but where no water
exists, except during the raining season, & consequently not
available for immediate production, but which can be soon made
very productive by the introduction of permanent supplies of Water,
for the most improved practice of Placermining, diverted from the
permanent
streams by means of Aquaducts after the usual [Lunur?] operations

have been accomplished for obtaining facility of access,

I propose to accompany Col Moody to British Columbia, & place
myself in a position of general usefulness with reference to the
Col's preliminary operations, I shall trust therefore to the favor
of your early attention.



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FILE: 1858-09-28_Hart_to_Secretary_of_State_B585MI07.txt
================================================================================

Hart to Secretary of State

The Committee of this Society feel very grateful for the kind offer
of a free passage in the "Thames City" for the Clergyman they propose to
appoint to British Columbia.

In consequence of the previous appropriation of the funds at their
disposal the Committee were unable to proceed to the immediate
appointment of a clergyman though the appeals made to them were very
urgent. Had they been in a position to do so they would have been able
to accept the offer of a passage by the "Thames City" and would have gladly done so, but inasmuch as they have not yet actually appointed a
clergyman, and he could not possibly be ready to leave England so soon as
Thursday next, they very much regret that they are quite unable to avail
themselves of the present opportunity.

The Committee have made strenuous efforts to provide a salary of
£300 a year for the gentleman whom they are on the eve of appointing and
they trust that in consequence of the difficulties which they have had to
encounter Her Majesty's Government will be pleased to aid them by a
grant, and thus enable them to send their clergyman and his wife to the
new Colony viâ New York and Panama in October.

The Committee fully understand that in the event of the Clergyman to
be appointed being attached to the Royal Engineers, the fact of his being
so attached will not be held to confer any claim or title on a future
occasion either to employment or pension or compensation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-28_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M13.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to state, it would be of very great advantage
to the Service and a material saving in expense if the Secretary
of State would be pleased to authorize Twelve Months more Rations
being supplied from Admiralty Stores at Deptford at the same rate
(in quantities) as before but substituting Flour entirely for Biscuit.

The above to be shipped on board the "Briseis" now in the
London Docks.



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FILE: 1858-09-28_Stephenson_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE05.txt
================================================================================

Stephenson to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 27th
Inst;

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has
been authorized to pay to Messr Cox on account of
Col Moody the sum of £82.3.10 as an advance for 120
days on the pay of the Staff Assistant Surgeon attached
to the Expedition to British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-09-29_Bond_to_Lytton_B586B12.txt
================================================================================

Bond to Lytton

I beg most respectfully to ask you to favor me with your
patronage, to procure some appointment in any suitable capacity
to proceed to British Columbia, a Colony for which I believe
I am well adapted, having resided several years in the United
States. I am strong, active and energetic, 35 years of age and
married, and at present employed by an Estate and House agent
in this district—am a pretty good practical Mechanic, well
aquainted with American agriculture, can make Drawings and
Sketches to scale, and can speak some French.

I have testimonials of the highest character of my
antecedents, and can refer to a party (known to you) as to
my present moral and business character.

My utmost ambition would be realized if I could get to
British Columbia, as a permanent resident, but I should also
feel extremely grateful for any other employment, here or
elsewhere that would tend to improve my present position,
from which (for want of capital) I can never hope to rise
above a small weekly Salary, nor does it develope half my capabilities.

With the most respectful apologies for addressing you
without an introduction.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-29_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58040.txt
================================================================================

No. 40

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your [Vancouver
Island] Despatch of the 1st of July marked
"Confidential"

transmitting copy of a letter addressed to the department over which you
preside, by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty informing you of
the steps they proposed to take in consequence of the gold discoveries in
Fraser's River, and you are pleased to add for my particular information
that the officers commanding Her Majesty's ships at Vancouver's Island
would be directed to give me the fullest support, should the civil power
require a force to maintain order among the adventurers resorting to the
gold fields.

You also recommend caution in employing such force on account
of the obvious danger of the desertion of the men.

2. I have on this occasion to assure Her Majesty's Government that
Douglas, Jameswill exercise power judiciously
the considerable powers so placed in my hands will not be misapplied nor
rendered subservient to the promotion of any interests other than those
which with unbounded confidence they have intrusted to my charge.

3. Though so long and intimately connected with the Hudson's Bay
Company, I have uniformly striven during my administration of the
government of Vancouver's Island to dispense equal justice to all its
inhabitants, and to avoid even the suspicion, so allowable in the
circumstances, of undue influence being used on my part in favouring the
objects of the Hudson's Bay Company, I was cautious even about enforcing
the Laws in respect to the rights of that association, which has in fact
exercised no right nor enjoyed any privilege of trade or otherwise, in
this Colony that was not equally shared by every free-holder in
the country.

4. Her Majesty's Government may also rely upon a proper and
discreet use being made of the military and naval force at my disposal,
and that it will not be called into action except in cases of extreme
necessity; and also that all claims and interests will be rendered
subordinate to the great object of peopling and opening up the new
country; and consolidating it as an integral part of the British Empire.

5. I have given full consideration to your suggestion of
inducing by conciliatory advances such of the American immigrants,
as appear to be respectable, and to possess influence with their fellow
countrymen to co-operate with me, in preserving order; and I shall
gladly avail myself of such aid should it be at any time attainable.

6. The feeling of the American population is however not in
Americansprefer British rule
favor of their own countrymen; they object as strenuously as do
the British Subjects here to the appointment of Americans as Magistrates;
or to other offices under the Crown.

The general feeling is in favor of English rule in Fraser's River,
the people having a degree of confidence in the sterling uprightness
and integrity of Englishmen, which they do not entertain for their
own countrymen.

7. I beg further to remark that I feel under great obligations
to Captain Prevost of Her Majesty's ship "Satellite" and to Captain Richards, commanding the "Plumper," for their cordial and unflinching
support in every emergency and you will confer a great favor, by
causing this testimony of their zeal, to be communicated to the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.



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FILE: 1858-09-29_Locke_to_Lytton_B586L02.txt
================================================================================

Locke to Lytton

I shall be obliged if you will inform me if H.M. Government would
sanction the formation of a Corps of Emigrants for British 
Columbia, they would form a nucleus for a Police or Militia force;
I could raise one hundred young and able bodied men good Artisans
and workmen to be placed in the first instance under Military
discipline and settled in one shot.

I am perfectly independent a Magistrate and Landowner of this
Country, have served in H.M. 67th Reg and as Major of the 2d Reg
B. [Italian?] Legion. I have also held two temporary Government
appointments in this country and should H.M. Government entertain the
proposal I have made the details can easily be completed and I can
refer to all under whom I have served for testimonials as to my
conduct and capability.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587324A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I write this Despatch to introduce to you Mr James Cooper whose
appointt to the Office of Harbour Master at Esquimalt I notified to
you by my [British Columbia] Desp No. 15 of the 2d Inst.

Mr Cooper proceeds to Vancouver's Island via New York by the
Mail Steamer of the 2d Proximo.



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FILE: 1858-09-29_Moody_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586M15.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In connexion with the letter I had the honor to address to you
on the 24th Inst respecting the Pay of the Officers and Men of
the British Columbia Expedition it occurs to me it might be
desirable to state more explicitly that the pay referred to by me
is not the Regimental Pay, properly so called, but, what is known
as the Extra pay and allowances. I wish also to explain this
ceases as a matter of course according to the Queens Regulations
when not employed on War Department duties. It does not arise
from any special withdrawal of pay in the individual case of the
British Columbian Expedition, and I trust my letter may not have
conveyed that idea, because I have received the greatest possible
consideration and prompt assistance from the War Department throughout.
It is my duty to mention this.

The case stands thus, from the dates of receiving their orders,
the Officers have all been employed on Colonial Service, and not
on Military Service and therefore I have ventured to suggest their
position might be deemed parallel with Col: Hawkins and his
expedition when their Services were transferred from Military to
Foreign Office Duty.

I should feel greatly obliged if the above observations could
be brought to the notice of the Secretary of State in connexion with
my former letter on this subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-29_Richards_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD06.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I beg to acquaint you with reference to my Letter of the 15th
Instant
Hamley, Wymondtravel arrangements
ShipsThames City
that Mr Hamley, Collector of Customs may embark on board the Freight
Ship, Thames City of 557 Tons, lying at Gravesend for passage to British 
Columbia on the 2nd of October.

The chaplain and his wife may also embark on the above date.
Gammage, the Rev. Jamestravel arrangements



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-29_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE06.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster
General has been authorized to pay to Mr James Cooper
appointed Harbour Master of Esquimalt, Vancouver's Island,
the sum of £150 for the expenses of his passage thither,
as requested in your letter of the 28th
Inst.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58041.txt
================================================================================

No. 41

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 3 of the
16th of July last conveying your approval of the course taken
by this Government in declining to deliver up the Soldiers,
charged with robbery who had deserted from the
United States.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-09-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58042.txt
================================================================================

No. 42

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No 4, of the 16th
July.

2. In the midst of the varied cares and anxieties that press upon
me in the present conjuncture, it is no small consolation to learn from
your Despatch that Her Majesty's Government feel assured of my zeal in
the public service, and offer their firm support, in the performance of
the arduous duties consequent on my present position, and I beg
leave to say that I feel the value of that support, and deeply
grateful for the confidence reposed in me.

3. I observe with satisfaction that Her Majesty's Government
were engaged in conducting through Parliament, a measure for
Governmentbill for the establishment of
the establishment of regular government in the gold
country,

and were devising means for affording me the
 support of a military force.

4. I have perused your remarks defining the extent of the Powers
Governorpowers of
conferred on the Governor of Vancouver's Island by the Royal Commission
and observe that you approve of the appointment of a revenue officer, to
prevent the landing of prohibited articles in Fraser's River, and
instruct me to maintain the principle that the navigation of Fraser's
River itself, above the mouth, is open to British vessels only, and that
American or other foreign vessels if admitted to navigate that river
should be required to take out a license; your instructions on those
points being in strict accordance with our present regulations.

5. I observe also from your Despatch, that the rights of trade made
HudsonsBayCompany exclusiverightslimitedtoIndians
over to the Hudson's Bay Company are limited to the trade with the Indian
Tribes.

We have always hitherto given a more extended application
to those rights, believing from the circumstance of the country,
being inhabited by Indians alone, and from its not being open
for settlement to white men, that the intention of Parliament
in granting the License, was to make over the whole trade of the
country to the Hudson's Bay Company.

6. That construction of the rights of the Hudson's Bay Company was
strengthened by the following passage in His Grace [the Duke] of
Newcastle, Duke ofcited
Newcastle's Despatch No 12, of the 22nd of October
1853,

on which the proclamation issued on the 8th of May last was based.

With regard to the third subject, the traffic of the Americans with the
Indians, you are of course aware that the Hudson's Bay Company are
legally entitled to this trade, to the exclusion of all other persons,
whether British or Foreign, you are therefore clearly at liberty to take
such steps as may have the effect of punishing persons who infringe their
rights. But I am of opinion that it would be prudent previously to issue
a proclamation warning all persons against the consequences of such an
infringement of the Hudson's Bay Company's rights, and also apprizing
foreigners that they are precluded from fishing within three miles of the
shore.

7. We shall however in future act upon your instructions,
abrogating and amending without delay all existing regulations
repugnant thereto. The proclamation of the 8th of May was
Proclamationestablishing customsdutiesdisallowed
in fact virtually abrogated by later
regulations,

Sufferance
permitting in the first place, the entrance of boats and vessels under
sufferance, and afterwards allowing the importation of all kinds of goods
into Fraser's River, on the payment of an ad valorem duty on the
goods of 10 per cent, as mentioned in the 11th paragraph of
my Despatch No 39 of the 9th of
September.

8. The object of that Proclamation which from the pressure of
business my despatches have but imperfectly explained to Her Majesty's
Government, was not solely to protect the interests of the Hudson's Bay
Company, for in the circumstances of the country, that was a simple
impossibility, but I sought to establish thereby a legal control, over
the multitude of foreigners who were entering the country, and who
notwithstanding our precautions to the contrary, have been with
difficulty restrained from taking possession of and occupying as
squatters all the valuable land on Fraser's River. I felt that a step of
that kind could not be legally carried into effect in my position as
Governor of Vancouver's Island, but while holding that position and
representing, at the same time, the Hudson's Bay
Company

I fancied that important public measure would violate no law, and
therefore from its evident necessity meet with your approval and support.

9. The arrangement with the Pacific Mail Steam Ship
Pacific Mail Steamship Company
Company

of which you disapprove, was never carried into effect; but the other
foreign vessels employed on Fraser's River were likewise bound by the
same conditions offered to that Company. Those regulations have by
subsequent changes fallen into disuse, in so much as they are connected
with the privileges or tend to promote the interests of the Hudson's Bay
Company.

10. We shall forthwith discontinue the regulation requiring
the pre-payment of mining licenses and head money on persons going
to Fraser's River, in consequence of your instructions to that
effect, and in all other respects we shall conform strictly to
the instructions contained in your Despatch.



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FILE: 1858-09-30_Fitzgerald_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO11.txt
================================================================================

Fitzgerald to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 26th ultimo relative to
the claim of Governor Douglas on the United States' Government
for the repayment of a Sum of Money advanced by him in 1856 to
the Authorities of Washington Territory, I am directed by the
Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you for the information of
Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, a copy of a despatch from
Her Majesty's Minister at Washington reporting the steps he has
taken in the Matter of Mr Douglas' claim.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587026.txt
================================================================================

No. 26

I transmit to you herewith some copies of the Colonisation Circular
issued by Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, containing information
for persons desirous of emigrating to the Colonies. Any particulars
respecting British Columbia, which you can supply of a similar
character, I should be glad to be furnished with.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-01_Sanders_to_Lytton_B586S03.txt
================================================================================

Sanders to Lytton

My Nephew Mr Edward Howard Sanders, informs me, that he has
made an application to you for an appointment in the Mounted Police
of British Columbia.

The purport of this communication is to state as briefly as
possible that as the claims I had on the Government for services on
the Gold Coast were never satisfied, altho' acknowledged, that you
will perhaps kindly take into your consideration the case of my
Nephew, as I shall never urge them for myself.

In 1850 (Feby) I was appointed Civil Commandant of H.M.
Fort & Settlement of Dixcove, Gold Coast Western Africa, and was
also a Magistrate for the Colony. As the duties to be levied on the
Coast were not realized, I only received three months pay and after
remaining in the Settlement until July 1851 recovered my arrears in
England but received no passage money either to or from the Gold Coast.

In Decr 1851 on my application to Earl Grey for a Magistracy
in Jamaica, I received a reply stating his inability to assist me,
as there was no vacancy.

As you have the character of being just, may I ask you to take
my past services disappointments and losses of health & money into
your kind consideration and give my Nephew the situation he is so
well adapted for as an Officer and a Gentleman.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-01_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA03.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of the 17
ulto

in which it is suggested that an arrangement should be entered into with
the Owners of the "Thames City" and "Briseis," engaged for the conveyance
of the Detachment under order for British Columbia, to send those vessels
forward to the Fraser River in the event of its being found desirable to
do so, I am directed to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a Memorandum
from the Comptroller of Transport Services stating the additional expense
which will thereby be incurred.

Major General Peel would wish to be informed whether Sir E.B. Lytton
is of opinion that the rates proposed, which the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty state that they consider very high, should be accepted.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-02_Broun_to_Lytton_B586B05.txt
================================================================================

Broun to Lytton

Preparatory to asking you, as Colonial Minister, to do
me the favour to grant me an interview with you—or a Deputation
from the Promoters should you rather prefer it—I have had the
accompanying compilation on my scheme for European & Asiatic
intercourse via British Columbia, by means of a main through
Trunk Railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific, put into type.
RailwayAtlantic to Pacificproposal for

You will see from the Correspondence which the Pamphlet contains,
that upon several occasions during the past 13 years, I have
obtained from your predecessors in Office promises of
encouragement & support in carrying out this great national
undertaking—& the time has now come, when with your assistance
as Colonial Minister, these promises will, I trust, be made good.

Waiting the favour of your reply,



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD07.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 30th
Ultimo

requesting that arrangements might be made on board the Freight Ship
ShipsBriseisaccommodations for passengers
"Briseis" for the reception of a party of NonCommissioned Officers of the
Royal Engineerstravel arrangements
Royal Artilerytravel arrangements
Royal Engineers & Royal Artillery, with their Families, together with an
Officer's Servant, for conveyance to Vancouver's Island—I am commanded
by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the
information of Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer, that orders for the
accommodation of the persons referred to were given upon a requisition
from the Horse Guards, received on the 30th
Ultimo.



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD08.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 26th June
last

Navyman of war requested for BC
Baynes, Rear Admiral Robert L.to proceed to Esquimalt
requesting that a Vessel of War might be sent to Vancouver's Island to
support the Civil Authorities and protect British Interests—I am
commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for
the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer, that Rear Admiral
Baynes has reported that he would proceed from Callao to Vancouvers
Island without delay, in his Flag Ship the "Ganges."
ShipsGanges

The Rear Admiral intended leaving Callao on the 28th August.



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Corry_to_Merivale_V585AD14.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith for the information of Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, an Extract from a letter dated the 27th August last, No 120, from Rear Adml Baynes reporting the arrival at Vancouver's Island of the Detachment of Sappers & Miners to be employed in the Survey of the Land portion of the Oregon Boundary.



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD09.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you that, in compliance with the request
contained in your letter of the 30th
Ultimo,

ShipsBriseissailing orders
the necessary orders have been issued for the "Briseis"—as soon as all
her stores are on board—to proceed to Gravesend, there to embark
the men, &c, she is to convey to Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Sanders_to_Lytton_B586S01.txt
================================================================================

Sanders to Lytton

I have the honor to submit to you verified copies of Testimonials
both as to my services in Austria and in England; and venture
again to solicit some direct appointment from the Home Government—or
that you will be pleased to recommend me in such a manner to the
Governor of the Colony, that I may
rely with some certainty upon obtaining, on arrival, some suitable
appointment, equivalent to the position I hitherto occupied—being
entirely without means, I should be running very great risk by
going out on the mear

chance of obtaining an appointment.

Hoping that the enclosed Testimonials may be found
sufficiently satisfactory and that you will be pleased to take
my application into your most favorable consideration.



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FILE: 1858-10-02_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA04.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to request
that you will acquaint Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton that a
communication has been made to the Admiralty to the effect suggested
in your Letter of yesterday's
date

regarding the proposed extended employment of the freight ships "Thames
City" and Briseis.

With respect to the surprize expressed in your Letter that
these Vessels have not been chartered to proceed beyond
Vancouver's Island, I am to observe that M. General Peel is not
aware that this Office ever received any official notification
or request that the Ships to be taken up for this service, were
to convey the detachment of Royal Engineers to the Frazer's
River. On the contrary he always understood that in accordance
with the design announced in your Letter of the 15th
July,

the detachment was to proceed to Vancouvers Island and there form
a depôt and make the necessary arrangements connected with their
duties inland under the directions of the Governor. I am to
add that it is scarcely possible to conceive that Colonel Moody
who is known to have been in constant communication with the
Shipowners and other parties engaged in the service, was not
perfectly aware that the Ships were only chartered for
Vancouver's Island.

M. General Peel much regrets to find that there should have
occurred any such misapprehension on the subject; but he
must repudiate the mistake, if mistake there be, being
attributed to any want of care or attention in this dept.



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FILE: 1858-10-04_Berens_to_Lytton_B585MI08.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's letter of the 27th
Ultimo,

transmitting a copy of a correspondence between the Governor of
Vancouver's Island and the Captains of Her Majesty's Ships "Satellite"
and "Plumper"; and also of a despatch from the former, in which he
announces that he has authorized a temporary addition to the pay of the
crews of those ships out of the territorial revenue of the Colony.

I beg on the part of the Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company to express their acknowledgements for that communication.



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FILE: 1858-10-04_Bull_to_Lytton_B586B16.txt
================================================================================

Bull to Lytton

Being desirous of obtaining a situation under Government
in one of the Colonies, I take the liberty of requesting your
interest for an appointment.

Presuming it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government
to send out Surveyors to British Columbia induces me to ask
this favour as I have been in practise in that profession on
my own account for the last 5 years at 16 Holles Street
Cavendish Square and should you favour Me with an appointment
I shall have no difficulty in satisfying you that I am fully
qualified to perform the duties required.



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FILE: 1858-10-04_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58042PR.txt
================================================================================

Private

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches
Douglas, Jamesterms of appointment as governor
marked "Confidential" of the 16th and 21st of July
last,

and I can hardly find words to express how grateful I am for your kind
notice of my public services, and I would also thank you for the cautions
given in respect to my public acts while connected in business with the
Hudson's Bay Company.

2. I observe the intention of Her Majesty's Government, to appoint
a Governor for British Columbia, and that it was their desire to appoint
me at once to that office in the usual terms of a Governor's appointment,
namely for six years at least, and that this Government was to be held
for the present in conjunction with a separate Commission as Governor of
Vancouver's Island. That offer being made subject to one condition, that
I should give up on receiving the appointment thus offered, all
connection with the Hudson's Bay Company, either as its servant or a
share holder, or in any other capacity, as well as relinquishing directly
or indirectly all connection with the Puget's Sound Company. I observe
also that you made that proposal with the acquiesence of the Governor of
the Hudson's Bay Company, who had seen your despatch of the 16th of
July.

3. On those conditions, and with the consent of the Hudson's Bay
Company, I place my humble services unhesitatingly at the disposal of Her
Majesty's Government, and I will take early measures for withdrawing from
the Company's service, and disposing of my Puget's Sound Stock, trusting
Douglas, Jamessalary of
that the allowances as to salary from Her Majesty's Government will be
adequate to my support, in a manner worthy of the position I am thus
called upon to fill. The sum mentioned in your
letter

for British Columbia, admitting that a separate and larger allowance was
made for Vancouver's Island, is manifestly insufficient for that purpose,
in this very expensive country; where food, clothing, servants wages, the
price of labor, and in short of every necessary of life, so far exceeds
the standard of those values in England.

4. The sum of £5000 per annum including the salaries for both
Governments, would be no more than sufficient to cover the actual
expenditure of that position, a suggestion made merely for your
information; as I feel assured you wish me to maintain the dignity of the
office; and my own fortunes impaired by the almost unrequited tenure of
office in Vancouver's Island, cannot afford the outlay, otherwise I
should be independent in point of means, and in a measure indifferent
about the emoluments of office; which I only wish to be equal to the
respectable representation of Her Majesty's Government in this country.

5. I take the liberty of making those suggestions with the more
confidence, as I feel assured that the resources of the country can
afford the expense of maintaining a respectable government, and I shall
do every thing in my power to develop those resources, and to bring the
Colony rapidly into a self supporting condition.

I shall take immediate steps to inform the Hudson's Bay
Company of my present decision.

Awaiting your further instructions.



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FILE: 1858-10-04_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD10.txt
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Richards to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you that the "Thames City" sailed from
ShipsThames Citydeparture for Gravesend
Deptford

on Saturday last, for Gravesend; 10 Lay Days having been consumed by her
at the former place, in the shipment of the Stores.



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FILE: 1858-10-04_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA06.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to
acquaint you, for the information of Sir E. Lytton,
that in compliance with the request contained in your
Letter of the 28
ulto

the Officer Commanding the Medical
Staff Corps has been instructed to select a competent
Hospital Orderly to accompany the Party of Royal Engineers
about to proceed to British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-10-05_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD11.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by my Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty to request
you will state to Secretary Sir Bulwer Lytton that in accordance with the
ShipsThames Cityrenegotiations with owners
ShipsBriseisrenegotiations with owners
suggestions contained in your letter of the 1st Instant to the War
Department,

My Lords have endeavoured to arrange better terms with the owners of the
Royal Engineersdelivery of supplies to mainland
Thames City and Briseis for landing the Royal Engineers, and stores at,
Fraser's River instead of at Vancouver's Island; but by a communication
(copy of which is enclosed) from the Brokers, it appears that they are
unwilling to submit to any reduction of their previous reward, and
require that such additional services be absolute, and not conditional on
arrangements out in British Columbia. Under these circumstances it is
for the Secretary of State to decide whether the offer be definitively
accepted at once; or the removal of the Men and Stores from Vancouver's
Island, be left to the means which may probably be afforded by Her
Majestys Ships, several of which it is anticipated will be in the
neighbourhood by the time the two arrive.



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FILE: 1858-10-05_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [Vancouver
Island] Despatch No 33 of the 13th of August
last,

enclosing copies of your correspondence with the House of Assembly from
the 16th June, to the 10th of August.

I have read with great regret the painful disclosures as to the
state of the Prison in Vancouver's
Island

which are contained in the report of the Committee appointed to enquire
into that subject, and I earnestly hope that through your energy and the
favorable disposition of the Assembly measures will not only
be proposed but carried out to remedy so great an evil.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-05_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587327.txt
================================================================================

BC No. 27

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [VI] Despatch No. 33
of the 13th of August last, enclosing copies of your correspondence
with the House of Assembly from the 16th July, to the
10th of August.

I have read with great regret the painful disclosures as to the
state of the Prison in Vancouver's Island which are contained in the
report of the Committee appointed to enquire into that subject, and I
earnestly hope that through your energy and the favorable disposition
of the Assembly measures will not only
be proposed but carried out to remedy so great an evil.



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FILE: 1858-10-05_Storks_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B585WA05.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to
acquaint you for the information of Sir E. Lytton that in
compliance with the recommendation contained in your Letter
of the 30th
Ulto

the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty have been requested to ship on board the "Briseis"
twelve months additional Rations for the use of the
Detachment of Royal Engineers under orders to proceed to
British Columbia, and to cause Flour to be
substituted for the Biscuits.



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FILE: 1858-10-06_Broun_to_Lytton_B586B06.txt
================================================================================

Memo, Broun to Lytton

Sir Richd Broun presents his compliments to the Colonial
Minister; & he has now the honor to enclose a perfect copy of the
RailwayBrounsscheme
Pamphlet.



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FILE: 1858-10-07_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE07.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information
of Sir E.B. Lytton, that under the circumstances stated
in the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 30th
Ultimo,

Their Lordships will not object to the Officers and Men
of the Royal Engineers, composing the British Columbia
Expedition, being allowed to receive their extra pay and
allowances from the day on which they were appointed to
the Colonial Service to that of their Embarkation.



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FILE: 1858-10-08_Colonial_Church_and_School_Society_to_Colonial_Office_B585MI10.txt
================================================================================

Colonial Church and School Society to Colonial Office

The Committee have, in compliance with the most urgent appeals,
appointed the Rev. W.B. Crickmer, curate of Marylebone, to the mission in
British Columbia. They are anxious to send Mr Crickmer and his wife to
the new Colony with Colonel Moody. The expense of passage for one person
will be about £120 and it would be a great favor if the Government would
give the Society a grant in order to defray the expenses
of Mr & Mrs Crickmer.



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FILE: 1858-10-08_Trutch_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586T01.txt
================================================================================

Trutch to Carnarvon

Being informed that it is the intention of Government to
obtain a correct survey of the Colony of British Columbia with a
view to the allotment of lands to settlers and purchasers, I
venture to offer my services in carrying out such a survey. I
have been for 7 years employed by the U. States Government on a
similar survey of the adjoining Territories of Washington and
Oregon, the result of which experience is the belief that the system
there practised of rectangular surveys by the Solar Compass or
some modification of such system is peculiarly adapted for the New
Colony, the requirements of which are materially the same as of
Washington & Oregon; the nature of the country, climate &c being similar.

By this system under which the public surveys have been
executed on Contract by sworn surveyors at a rate not exceeding
three pence per acre, an allotment of the public lands has been
obtained, with most desirable despatch, mostly in advance of the
settlement and so correct as to prevent any litigation as to
boundaries—full particulars as to nature of soil, quality of
timber and general values of lands being also furnished. In the
execution of these surveys the Solar Compass was found indispensable,
the local attraction being so great as to render the Magnetic
Needle quite unreliable; in fact without the Solar Compass these
surveys would have been practically impossible. Many other advantages
belong to this system of Land Surveys, which however cannot be
explained in this application.

As to my capability for carrying out such a survey I refer your
Lordship to my Map of Oregon & Washington executed by me whilst in
the U. States Land Office, also to testimonials from the gentlemen
under whom I was employed in those Territories, and from the late
Chief Commissioner of the U.S. Land Department herewith
included.



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FILE: 1858-10-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587028.txt
================================================================================

No. 28

With reference to your [Vancouver
Island] despatch No 22 of the 17th of May
last

last respecting the repayment of a sum of money advanced by you in 1856
for the purchase of commodities supplied to the authorities of
Washington Territory, I transmit to you for your information the copies
of a Correspondence which has passed with the Foreign Office on the
subject.



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FILE: 1858-10-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587328.txt
================================================================================

BC No. 28

With reference to your [VI] despatch No. 22 of the 17th of May
last respecting the repayment of a sum of money advanced by you in 1856
for the purchase of commodities supplied to the authorities of
Washington Territory, I transmit to you for your information the copies
of a Correspondence which has passed with the Foreign Office on the
subject.



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FILE: 1858-10-09_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M16.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to enclose a letter I have received from
the Brokers of the Briseis conveying stores to B. Columbia.

It is paramount that all parts of the Temporary Houses now
in the Lighters alongside must be taken on board, no subdivision
of parts in reference to them should be allowed on any account. And
while on board doing all in my power to remove difficulties
I satisfied myself this is impracticable except either by
arrangements which would not be sanctioned by the Rules of the
Admiralty and Horse Guards or else by transferring to the
"Euphrates" (referred to in the enclosed letter) the few men it
was contemplated to send in the Briseis.

I would recommend this course and beg that the Admiralty
may be communicated with to sanction it. I would also recommend
that the Twelvemonths Rations and reserve Ammunition be sent by
that Vessel, the authorities at
Woolwich

constructing on board the
proper magazine for the latter.

It is probable that the quantity of stores to go in the Euphrates may amount to 250 tons. I cannot
state the exact quantity until the Briseis is filled.

In the above I am assuming that the Admiralty
Surveyor will approve of the "Euphrates."

The short delay in receiving these particular stores,
Twelvemonths' Provisions and Reserve Ammunition, will be an advantage
as we shall be better prepared to receive and house them. I should
not like the delay to exceed one month. On board the Thames City
I have shipped 6 months Provisions and a fair proportion of ammunition.

May I request an early sanction of the above arrangement as I
am most anxious to get away the "Briseis" with the Temporary Houses
immediately.



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FILE: 1858-10-09_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M17.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I happen to be aware that there are two of "Boydell's Patent
Traction Engines" at Woolwich in the War Department Stores. It
is not improbable that the immediate object for which they were
first purchased has been attained and that one of them could be
spared as a loan to the B. Columbian Expedition.

It would be of
advantage to the Military Service to subject such an Engine to a
trial in the rough commencement of that Colony and I anticipate I
could gain much service from it in various ways, seeing that
Coal is abundant on Vancouver's Island.

If the War Department would be disposed to loan the lighter of
the two to us I would recommend its being shipped on board the
Euphrates after one of my Sargeants shall have been somewhat
instructed in its management.



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FILE: 1858-10-11_Arbuckle_to_Lytton_B586A02.txt
================================================================================

Arbuckle to Lytton

I have the honor to request that you will be pleased
to [take late?] your favourable consideration this my
application for any sort of civil employment that you
could kindly offer me in British Columbia or elsewhere.
I beg to state that I have served for Five years in
Her Majesty's service in the West Indies, Crimea &
Canada, at the end of which time I found my
prospect of promotion by purchase so bad, that I
retired from the service and I did so without
[illegible] much reflection and now I have to regret
that I did so, for I am without any occupation;
and am most desirous of getting some employment,
and would prefer going to British Columbia, as it seems a good field
for a young man and I have a small sum of money wh: I have
no doubt I could turn to good account there
besides which I am acquainted with many
of the Engineer Officers who are either gone
or going to that part of her majesty's dominions.
I have also in contemplation marrying and I
could not afford to live in London even
should I be able to get employment there. And
this is another great reason why I would like
to go to service of Her Majestys Colonies.

I may add that I can produce testimonials
from every Commanding Officer under whom I have served.

I trust that the services of my Father Colonel
V. Arbuckle on the retired list of the Royal
Artillery and of My uncle General Wylde C.B. also
of the Royal Artillery may have some weight in
influencing you in my behalf, should you be so
kind as to take my claim [or retnr?] my application
into your favourable consideration and be
able to give me employment of any sort and anywhere
that it is in your power.

Sincerely hoping that you will be able to give me a
favourable answer to this my earnest appeal



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FILE: 1858-10-11_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD12.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 9t
Inst

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you
for the information of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, that orders have been
Royal Engineersdelivery of supplies to mainland
Navyto assist transport of supplies to mainland
ShipsThames City
ShipsBriseis
given to the Senior Officer of HM Ships at Vancouver's Island to afford
every facility to the party of Engineers which are about to be conveyed
to that Island in the Vessels "Thames City" and "Briseis," to reach
British Columbia, with their Stores, in one of Her Majestys Ships of War.



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FILE: 1858-10-11_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58043.txt
================================================================================

No. 43

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No 6 of the 31st of July
last,

communicating the views which you entertain upon various topics of
Governmentestablishment of
importance bearing upon the present situation of affairs and the
establishment of a regular government in British 
Columbia.

2. Though I regret that the pressure of public business, the want
of efficient aid, and irregular mail facilities have prevented me from
Douglas, Jamesdefends past policies
communicating so fully with you as the position of affairs required, it
is very gratifying to my feelings, to discover from the communication of
those views in your despatch, that the measures which have been adopted
with the view of raising a revenue for defraying the expenses of
Government in that Country, co-incide so closely as they do with those
recommended in your Despatch.

3. In consequence of the unexpected force of the immigration
from the United States, and the pressure of the masses, we were
compelled in the emergency, by a stern necessity, either to take
the initiative, and to give a direction to the masses, or to submit to
their dictation, as to the measures which the government had to pursue.

4. For that reason, I had to act in many cases without delay,
and without distinct legal authority, except that discretionary
power derived from my Commission as Governor of Vancouver's Island,
which I believe applies to all cases affecting the public interests
not provided for in Her Majesty's instructions.

5. In asserting the dominion of the Crown over the gold region, and
the rights of the Crown over the precious metals, I felt that I was
acting clearly according to constitutional law and usage, but I did not
feel equally certain about the expediency, or the power of enforcing
those rights by levying the Licence duty on miners, in a remote and
almost inaccessible country.

6. Being in urgent want of money to meet the unavoidable increasing
expenditure of Government, consequent on the influx of people, I
conceived it would be only proper to make them bear the cost of that
expenditure, and that circumstance suggested the idea of levying a
month's licence in advance, on every person entering Fraser's River, with
the condition, however, that the certificate of such payment would be
received in compensation of the first month's mining, on the claim
assigned to the party holding it in Fraser's River; a measure which was
immediately carried into effect, with the satisfactory results of
creating a fund to meet our immediate expenses, and securing the support
of a large body of miners, who having paid the Crown dues, insisted that
any such person as had evaded that payment, should either comply with the
Government regulation, or relinquish their mining claims, thus lending a
prodigious moral power to the Government, while enforcing the mining
duty.

7. I have, however, from the first doubted the expediency of
levying the duty on mining licences, which will always be an unpopular
tax, besides being arduous and expensive to levy in a country so
extensive and difficult of access as Fraser's River, I therefore much
prefer to that tax, the adoption of the views entertained in your
despatch, as a means of raising a revenue; that is, levying moderate
duties in Beer, Wine and Spirits, and other articles subject to taxation,
Customs duties
this being in fact continuing the import duty of 10 per cent ad valorem,
at present levied on all goods imported into British Columbia.

8. The disposal of public lands and also of Town lots as suggested
in your despatch, will I think prove a prolific source of revenue;
besides having the effect of opening the country for permanent
settlement. In my late excursion to Fraser's River, of which I will soon
forward an account, the most urgent appeals were made to me by intending
settlers, on the prospect of approaching winter, for the purchase of Town
lots at Fort Yale and Fort Hope, but having no legal authority to make
Governorauthority to grant land titles
sales of land, or to grant sufficient titles, I could only meet their
wishes by giving leases of the desired lots, at a monthly rent, of 41
shillings, to be continued, with a pre-emption right to the holder, until
the land is finally sold.

9. Since the arrival of your despatch, I have sent Mr Pemberton, Joseph D.to survey town sites Pemberton, the Surveyor General to lay out three several town sites
on Fraser's River, namely at

Old Fort Langley

Fort Hope

Fort Yale

there being a demand at each of those places for Town lots, in
consequence of their position at important trading points of the
River, which gives them a peculiar value in the estimation of the public.

10. The Surveyor has advertized a public
sale,

at this place, of Town lots 64 x 120 feet, in extent at old Fort Langley,
for the 20th of this month, October, the upset price to be 100
dollars for each lot of that size, and not to be sold for less than the
upset price. Though this is not a propitious time for the disposal
of Town lots; it is expected that the Government will realize a
considerable sum from that sale.

11. We also look forward to raising a considerable sum through
Licensesliquor dealers
the duty on licenced Ale and Beer houses, and also on trading
Licences, should it be considered judicious to continue such taxes.

12. I am anxious to save the present Mail and will therefore
leave the subject of revenue, until I can prepare a digested report
on the subject, and have an opportunity of ascertaining, as you again
have suggested, the sense of the immigrants upon so important a matter.

13. I will not fail to keep steadily in view the fact, that the
Imperial Parliament will expect that British Columbia shall be self
supporting as soon as possible and that it is the desire of the
Mother Country that representative institutions and self-government
should prevail in that Colony, as soon as the material for those
Institutions are shewn to exist, and to that object, we shall as
you recommend, aim and shape all our policy.

14. I observe also your intention of despatching a party of Royal
Royal Engineersrole of
Engineers for British Columbia and the particular objects for which that
force is to be despatched; the manner in which it is the wish of Her
Majesty's Government that Force should be employed, and the Government of
British Columbia be carried on, are important subjects to which I will
give all the consideration which their vast importance requires.

15. I also observe your intention of sending out an experienced
Policeinspector of
Inspector of Police to assist in the formation of a police force, and I
am convinced that he will be of great service to the government though we
have already organized a force of that description, and also sworn in a
number of Special police, consisting of the inhabitants of Fort Yale, to
be employed on emergencies in keeping the peace.

16. I shall not fail to give the fullest scope to your humane
Indiegous peoplescolonial policy towards
considerations for the improvement of the native Indian Tribes and
shall take care that all their civil and agrarian rights be protected.
I have in fact already taken measures as far as possible to prevent
collisions between those tribes and the whites, and have impressed
upon the miners the great fact that the law will protect the Indian
equally with the white man, and regard him in all respects as a fellow
subject. That principle being admitted will go far towards the well
being of the Indian tribes and securing the peace of the country.

17. I shall also by every means in my power endeavour to
secure the confidence of the inhabitants of British Columbia, and to
attach them by the ties of interest to the existing Government.

18. I regret that time does not permit me to report to you
more fully on this occasion, as the mail
steamer

has just arrived from Puget's Sound and will leave at an early hour
tomorrow; but Her Majesty's Government may rest assured that the
instructions I have received will be fully carried into effect, and that
all our measures will be framed upon those instructions.



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FILE: 1858-10-11_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587029.txt
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No. 29

With reference to my Despatch No 4 of the 2nd
Ultimo,

I have to inform you that Mr Begbie's Salary as Judge of British 
Columbia is fixed at Eight hundred Pounds (£800) per annum, payable from
the Revenues of the Colony.



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FILE: 1858-10-11_Moody_to_Irving_Junior_Clerk_B586M18.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Irving (Junior Clerk)

Will you kindly take an opportunity of mentioning to Lord Carnarvon that on my return to this office I find that under any
circumstances the balance of the ammunition and 3 or 4 boxes of
Books for the men (the whole a trifle of tonnage say 5 or 6 tons
quite at the outside) must go with the men in the Euphrates. I
have left instructions that if anything beyond the Provisions would
have to be left out of the Briseis
it must be left behind altogether,
and to provide for such a contingency I have ordered
that the 2 Pontoons (small) with their apparatus shall be
selected for that purpose.

I hope sincerely that the twelvemonths provisions may not have
to be left behind. Experience has taught me the grave importance
of having Provisions in advance well secured—we ought to keep a
twelvemonth ahead. Security of food is of the first importance
in all enterprises.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Berens_to_Lytton_B585MI09.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

I now avail myself of your permission to address Her Majesty's
HudsonsBayCompany anteriorlandclaims
Government upon the subject of the possessions of the Hudson's Bay
Company around their Forts in British Columbia which were occupied by
them long before the influx of Miners into that district.

Up to the period of the Treaty between this Country and the United
States in 1846; the Hudson's Bay Company carried on their trade and
intercourse throughout the Interior of that vast Continent by way of
the Columbia River, when however the Country South of the 49th
parallel of Latitude and consequently both the shores of the Columbia
River, were ceded to the United States, the Company foresaw that
HudsonsBayCompany navigationrightsontheColumbia
difficulties might arise, and expences be incurred, by navigating the
waters of a Foreign Power, although the Free Navigation was confirmed to
them; they therefore endeavoured to find another route through British
Territory, and commenced their operations of Discovery from Fort Langley,
a Post on Fraser's River which had long previously been
established.

*

After much trouble, danger, and expence, they completed their exploration
HudsonsBayCompany brigaderoutetointerior
HudsonsBayCompany occupationofinterior
by the route of Fraser's River which has since been adopted as the way of
communication throughout the Interior of the Country, and to Hudson's
Bay.

As all the communication was carried on by small boats, and horses,
it became necessary to establish relays of Posts where the Brigade could
find provisions and supplies, and further, where the large Bands of
Horses could be foddered and pastured.

The Officers of the Company fixed therefore upon those spots which
were most convenient for their purpose, and in order to render each Post
as far as possible selfsupporting and independent of imported provisions,
a certain quantity of land was squatted upon for the purpose of raising
potatoes and grain, and also for pasturing and foddering the Cattle.
The Company did not fence off this land as there were no neighbours to
fence against, but now that so large an influx of strangers is taking
place, of a class proverbially unscrupulous, it becomes necessary to
guard against the infringement of the Company's property, and I would
request Her Majesty's Government through your Kind intervention to
instruct Governor Douglas that he should take a liberal view of these
possessions, and define their extent, taking as his basis the land
occupied and pastured by the cattle of the Company before the influx of
the Miners into that
Country.

**

The Company possess the same title to these lands that they do to
HudsonsBayCompany landtitlesinOregon
those in Oregon, which title has been fully recognized by Her Majesty's
Government, and by the Government of the United States by the Treaty of
1846, and which will of course be recognized in the present instance.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58001.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

I have the honor of forwarding herewith for your information
Proclamationrestricting sale of alcohol
a Proclamation issued by me on the 6th day of September
last,

prohibiting the gift or sale of intoxicating drinks to the native
Indiansand alcohol
Alcoholand Indians
Proclamationagainst unauthorized sale of land
Indians of Fraser's River; and also a Proclamation issued at Fort Yale on the 15th day of the same
month

warning all persons against occupying or disposing, without proper
authority, of Crown Lands in Fraser's River, a proceeding rendered
necessary in consequence of an attempt made by James Ray, and other
Ray, James
parties, to take possession of certain valuable Crown Lands in British 
Columbia, and as reported, to make collusive sales of the same;
and also a
notice

of the intention of Government to survey the land in the vicinity of Old
Old Fort Langleytown site at
Fort Langley and to lay it out in blocks and town lots, which will be put
up for public sale on or about the 20th of the present month.

I am not certain about the form of Title usually issued on
the sale of Town lots, or of other Crown lands in Her Majesty's
Landform of title
Colonies, and will feel obliged by your directing forms of such
deeds to be forwarded to me without delay.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58002.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No. 5 [Vancouver Island] of the 30th of July
last,

announcing the intention of Her Majesty's Government to send to British 
Columbia, by the earliest possible opportunity an Officer of Royal
Engineers, and a company of Sappers and Miners made up to one hundred and
fifty non-commissioned Officers and men, and at the same time conveying
Royal Engineersreception of
Sappers and Minerssee Royal Engineers
your instructions that I should make such arrangements in the Colony for
the reception of that party, as may be deemed necessary and suitable, and
also intimating that the Officer in command would be provided with
general instructions for his guidance, of which a copy will be sent to
me.

2. I shall not fail to attend to those instructions with as little
delay as possible, but I have not yet decided on the point where it would
be advisable to station that force, though I am now of opinion that their
presence will be of more advantage to the public service at Fort Hope,
Royal Engineersto be stationed at Fort Hope
than elsewhere, that being a central position from whence they can
operate rapidly on any part of Fraser's River, and at the same time it is
accessible to the steam vessels plying on Fraser's River, a circumstance
which would be a great convenience, and a saving of expense in
the transport of provisions and stores.

I will however consult Major Hawkins, and ascertain his opinion on
Hawkins. Maj. John S.
that subject before coming to a decision, and also with respect to the
extent and plan of buildings required to provide the party with
accommodations.
Royal Engineersaccommodations for

The expense of those works will be considerable, and I will be under
the necessity of drawing upon you for funds to meet that outlay.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58003.txt
================================================================================

No. 3

1. I take the liberty of submitting for the information of Her
Majesty's Government, a report on my observations on the state of public
Gold fieldsconditions at
Douglas, Jamesinspection of gold fields
affairs, during a late visit to Fraser's River, necessarily brief, as my
time is engrossed not only with the Executive duties of Government, but
also in attending to all the details of inferior departments, which must
hereafter devolve on other officers.

2. I was accompanied in that expedition by a force of Thirty-five
ShipsSatellite
Prevost, Capt. James C
Hawkins, Maj. John S.
Jones, Lt. Howard S.
non-commissioned officers and men, kindly furnished by Captain Prevost of
Her Majesty's Ship "Satellite," and by Major Hawkins Her Majesty's
Boundary Commissioner, the military force being under the command of that
active and zealous officer, assisted by Lieutenant Jones of the
"Satellite."

3. The party was conveyed to Point Roberts, at the entrance of
ShipsOtter
ShipsUmatilla
Fraser's River, by the Hudson's Bay Company's Propeller "Otter," and was
there transhipped into the Stern wheel river Steamer "Umatilla." We
disembarked at Fort Langley on the evening of the second day, after
leaving Victoria, and in two days more we arrived by the same steamer at
Fort Hope, the River though much abated in force from being less swollen
Fraser Riverhigh water
Fort Hopeconditions at
than it was in summer, still running at some points, with a force and
impetuosity almost insurmountable by the power of the steamer.

4. Our tents were pitched, and a regular camp formed near Fort
Hope, it being here that the work of organization was to begin.

5. My first attention was devoted to the state of the Indian population. I found them much incensed against the miners; heard
all their complaints, and was irresistibly led to the conclusion
that the improper use of spirituous liquors had caused many of the evils they complained of. I thereupon issued a
proclamation

Proclamationagainst sale of alcohol
which I have transmitted a copy, warning all persons against the
practice, and declaring the sale or gift of spirituous liquors to
Indians, a penal offence, and I feel satisfied that the rigid
enforcement of the proclamation will be of great advantage both
to the whites and Indians.

6. I also received at Fort Hope visits from the Chiefs of
Thompson's River

to whom I communicated the wishes of Her Majesty's Government on their
behalf, and gave them much useful advise for their guidance in the
altered state of the country. I also distributed presents of clothing to
the principal men as a token of regard.

7. My attention was then attracted to the state of the white
Populationat Fort Hope
Fort Hopeconditions at
population. Upwards of three hundred persons engaged in trade and other
pursuits, were living about the Fort, in tents and unseemly comfortless
huts, all desirous of settling in the country, provided land could be
acquired under a legal title. Not being invested with legal powers to
Governorauthority to sell land
grant Titles, I hit upon an expedient, which without an undue assumption
of authority, met the difficulty.

8. Having just ascertained from your despatch of the 1st of July
last, that it was the wish of Her Majesty's Government to colonize the
country, and develop its resources, I proposed to the inhabitants of the
place to lay out certain lands as a town site, and to grant a right of
Fort Hopelease of lots
Fort Hopelaying out of
Pre-emptionof lots at Fort Hope
occupation for town lots, under a lease terminable at the pleasure of the
Crown, and to be held at a monthly rental of 41s/8d sterling,
payable in advance, and with the understanding that the holder would be
allowed a pre-emption right of purchase when the land is sold, in which
case the sum of monthly rent paid, would be considered as part of the
purchase
money.

9. The people gladly assented to the terms, and having fixed
upon a town site near Fort Hope, Mr Commissioner Travaillot, assisted
Travaillot, Oswald J.survey of Fort Hope
Fisher, Corp.survey of Fort Hope
by Corporal Fisher, Royal Engineer, was immediately employed in surveying
the site, and laying out town lots, the principal streets running
parallel, and the cross streets at right angles with the course of
Fraser's River. The size of town lots is one hundred and twenty by sixty
six feet, and the price to be paid is £20.16.8. for each lot.

10. The next object which claimed my attention was the regulation
Alcoholregulation of
of the sale of ardent spirits in Fraser's River. There being no means of
preventing its introduction into the country, it appeared to me that the
wisest policy would be to regulate the trade, by granting licenses for
the sale of spirits to certain parties of respectable character, who
might open houses for the entertainment of the public. Two spirit
licenses were accordingly issued at Fort Hope, for which the holders paid
the sum of six hundred dollars each, being twelve hundred dollars
in all into the public
treasury.

11. My attention was then directed to the administration of
Justiceadministration of
justice. A considerable staff of public officers is necessary
at Fort Hope, to consist of a Magistrate, Sheriff, and constabulary
force, but the expense would have been so great, owing to the high price
of labour, that I thought it proper to consult you on the subject before
incurring the expense. No man of worth will accept employment, at less
than three and a quarter dollars, or thirteen shillings and seven pence,
a day, the men however in that case, finding their own board and lodging.
I however made the following appointments. Robert Smith, a native of
Smith, Robert T.JP and revenue officer
Scotland, to be Justice of Peace and Revenue Officer. Robert Ladner to
Ladner, Robertconstable at Fort Hope
Fort Hopecourt house at
Court houseat Fort Hope
Jailat Fort Hope
Fort Hopeconditions at
be Chief Constable. A Court House and Jail are much wanted at Fort Hope,
but they cannot at present be put up for less than £5000, and for the
same reason, that is the great expense, I did not make any arrangements
to provide those indispensable buildings, for want of funds and authority
to pay by drafts on Her Majesty's Government.

12. A Court was held for the trial of petty offences, and sat every
other day, during our stay at Fort Hope, and I issued a Commission
appointing a Court for the trial of criminal offences in which Mr
Pearkes, Georgepresides at trial
Fraser, Donaldassists in trial
Smith, Robert T.assists in trial
Pearkes, Crown Solicitor of Vancouver's Island presided, assisted by
Donald Fraser Esquire, a gentleman of high legal attainments, who
accompanied me from Vancouver's Island, and Mr Justice Smith.

13. One case only was brought before the latter court, the
trial of William King, for the murder of William
Eaton,

King, Williamtrial of
Eaton, Williammurder of
on a mining bar in the upper parts of Fraser's Riverr. The defendant was
found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to transportation for life.
Transportationsentence of
It was reported to me when the court was about to open for the trial of
King, that a large body of miners, then present, intended to rescue the
prisoner, but whatever may have been their intention, it was not carried
into effect, as the proceedings went off quietly, and were in no stage
interrupted by any riotous demonstrations.

14. After a week's sojourn at Fort Hope, employed in the
settlement of those affairs we proceeded on our journey up Fraser's
River in three large boats.

Though the distance to Fort Yale, does not exceed 15 miles, it
Fort Yaleconditions at
Fort Yalepopulation at
occupied two days, as we travelled slowly, walking nearly the whole way,
attended by the boats, and stopping at all the mining bars on the River
for the purpose of seeing the numerous bodies of miners working there.
We estimated that about 3000 persons are engaged in gold mining on the
banks of that part of the River.

I entered into conversation with the miners, enquired into their
wants, heard their complaints, explained to them the views and intention
of Her Majesty's Government, the reason and object of the regulations
which had been established, and ascertained that their daily earnings
were from five to twenty five dollars to the man, working with cradles or
rockers.
Miningmethods

15. I was much struck with the healthy robust appearance of the
miners who were generally living in canvas tents or log huts,
exposed to many discomforts yet all seemingly in perfect health,
pleased with the country, and abundantly supplied with wholesome food.

16. The whole course of the river exhibited a wonderful scene of
enterprise and industry. I was particularly struck with the ingenious
Sluices
contrivances for distributing water, wherever the natural was not
convenient, small streams had, in such cases, been diverted from their

course, and conveyed in skillfully graded ditches, even from a distance
of 3 miles, and led along the higher parts of the mining bars for sluice
washings. The owners of the ditches, charging a certain sum per inch,
for the water supplied to the sluices. The sluice is far inferior as a
means of washing gold out of the soil, to the cradle, and is a
wonderfully labour saving machine.

17. To give an idea of the sums produced by sluices, and the
advantage of that mode of working gold, I will here relate the
information received from persons who employed those useful machines
on their claims; for example a Mr Cushing, who had 5 hired men
Cushing, Mr., miner
employed on his sluice at wages ranging from 5 to 8 dollars each a day,
received in one week a yield of £2,500 dollars. Another person named
Cade, George, miner
MiningbarsHills
George Cade, who owns a sluice on Hill's Bar, and constantly employs four
hired men at wages of five dollars a day, averaged during the six days
preceding our arrival, 400 dollars a day; and Martin Gallaghar makes
Gallaghar, Martin, miner
Miningreturns
about 32 dollars a day to the man out of ground already washed by the
cradle, to the depth of 18 inches. Those were the greatest instances of
mining success which we met with, in our progress, elsewhere the mines
are not so productive, ranging as before stated, in the deeper and more
developed workings, from 7 to 25 dollars a day. The river was then
Fraser Riverwater level falling
falling rapidly and claims were daily being taken up by new comers
wherever a bit of dry beach could be found, and even those surface claims
were yielding from 2 1/2 to 5 dollars to the hand with the rocker. That
yield however is not considered wages by the California miner, nor any
other sum under six dollars a day.

18. We found a large assemblage of people at Fort Yale,
expecting our arrival, with some anxiety, in order to ascertain
the views of Her Majesty's Government.

19. According to their earnest request I met them the following
day at a public meeting and delivered a short address, in which I
announced the instructions I had received from Her Majesty's
Government, as contained in your Despatch of the 1st of July
last, and the tidings were received with
satisfaction.

20. The same process of organization was gone through here as at Fort Hope, the Indians were assembled, and made no secret of their
dislike to their white visitors. They had many complaints of
maltreatment, and in all cases where redress was possible, it was granted
without delay; one small party of those natives laid claim to a
particular part of the river, which they wished to be reserved for their
own purposes, a request which was immediately granted, the space staked
off, and the miners who had taken claims there, were immediately removed,
and public notice given that the place was reserved for the Indians, and
that no one could be allowed to occupy it without their
consent.

21. A town site was also marked out at Fort Yale, and leases of
Fort Yaletownsite
Fort Yalelease of town lots
Town lots issued to all persons desirous of settling and building
there, upon the same conditions, and at the same charge as the town
lots disposed of at Fort Hope.

22. Several spirit licenses were also issued to check the
profuse and illegal sale of ardent spirits.
Alcohollicensing sale of
Licenseliquor
Liquor.see Alcohol
Fort Yalesale of alcohol

23. Mr Solicitor Pearkes, opened Court, and heard all cases that
Pearkes, GeorgeCourt at Fort Yale
were brought before him, none of them were however of a very serious
nature.

24. Fort Yale is the head of Steam boat navigation and the ascent
of the River beyond that point is exceedingly dangerous at all seasons of
the year, and impracticable during the summer freshets, in consequence of
a succession of rapids which occur in the defiles of the Cascade
mountains, through which the river passes for a distance of 13 miles. A
road, from that point is therefore carried over the mountains by Douglas' Portage,

on which I have lately
Douglas Portagemule trail
RoadsDouglas Portage
authorized a good mule road to be made, and several bridges constructed
at the public charge, for the convenience of transporting
supplies to the upper mining bars, and interior of the country. From
the upper end of Douglas' Portage the country presents a succession of
steep rugged hills, as far as the Indian village of
Quaiome,

and it will take a large sum of money, if even practicable, to make any
better than a difficult mule track, through that District of Fraser's
River.

25. A number of enterprising adventurers have nevertheless
Mule trains
contrived to get several mule trains upon that road, and now transport
supplies for the miners to the forks of Thompson's River, a distance of
100 miles, at a freight charge of two shillings a pound, so that a pound
of flour delivered at the forks of Thompson's River including the price
of the article at Fort Yale, costs the miner exactly 2s/5 1/2d.

26. It was lamentable to hear of the fatal accidents that were
Minersaccidental deaths
daily occuring to miners, who to avoid the high rate of charge for
land transport were striving to make their way in boats and canoes
by the River through those perilous defiles. Seven men were drowned
through such accidents during the few days we remained at Fort Yale,
and there was also a great loss of property at the same time.

27. One of the first objects requiring the attention of Government
is to open up the country by a system of roads, as by the present mode
Roadsneed for
mode of access, the cost of transporting provisions to the interior will
absorb the miners whole earnings, and even at the present high prices of
transport, it will perhaps be impossible by this route to take in food
enough for the support of a large population. In order to colonize the
country therefore it is obviously necessary to make good roads.

28. We found about 2000 whites living near Fort Yale, chiefly in
Fort Yalepopulation at
canvas tents, though some few had just erected habitations of wood.

29. A saw mill 
was just finished, and leases of town lots having been issued, it was
Sawmillat Fort Yale
expected that buildings of a more substantial character would be erected
without delay, such being the generally expressed intention of the
persons who wished to make it their winter homes.

30. Fort Yale is the residence of Mr Hicks, Assistant
Hicks, Richardassistant commissioner of lands
Commissioner of Crown Lands, his office consisting of a simple canvas
Fort Yaleneed for public buildings
tent. Public buildings will be required without delay, say a residence
for the Commissioner, Barracks for the Police, a Post Office, a Court
House and Jail. I am almost afraid to say how much those buildings will
cost, as there is no doubt the expense will be something very large.

31. A regular Police
Police forceappointed at Fort Yale
force

consisting of, One Chief Constable @ 150 dollars a month, Five Policemen
@ 100 dollars each a month, were appointed during my stay at Fort Yale.
This is a very high rate of pay but no men worth having will serve for
less.

32. I caused a body of 14 special policemen to be sworn into the
Police forcespecial police at Fort Yale
civil service at Fort Yale, selected from those persons who had received
leases of town lots, and intended to make that place their permanent
residence; no dependence can be placed on many of the other inhabitants,
who are as yet merely birds of passage, and have no views in Fraser's
River except the one idea of making their pile of gold and leaving the
country. It is that roving class that are likely to give trouble to the
Government.

33. Before I left Fort Yale, Mr Commissioner Hicks, made a
Hicks, Richard
Trading licensesat Fort Yale
Licensestrading
Licensesmining
successful beginning of collecting Trading Licenses from all persons
doing business at Yale. I also directed him to issue mining licenses to
miners holding remunerative claims, but to no others; my immediate object
being to call in the certificates of mining duty, paid in advance by
intending Miners at Victoria, according to the regulation advised in my
Despatch No 28 of the 19th June
last,

it being understood that those certificates would be taken in payment of
their first months mining, from all parties holding such in their
possession, lest after mining successfully they should come forward and
reclaim their money.

34. He accordingly visited the several bars, accompanied by Justice Perrier, George Perrier, and two Policemen, marked out and defined the boundaries of
claims, settled all cases of disputed lines, and collected upwards of 500
certificates, for as many mining claims.
Mininglicenses
Licensesmining

35. I left him on my return to Victoria, in the midst of
that occupation, and after I had ascertained that the several
regulations established for the purposes of providing a public
revenue were being quietly carried into effect.

36. Information was received from Victoria, during my stay at Fort
Squattersat Old Fort Langley
Fort Langleysquatters at
Old Fort Langley
Yale, that some speculators taking advantage of my absence had squatted
on a valuable tract of public land near the mouth of Fraser's River
commonly known as the site of Old Fort Langley, and employed Surveyors at
great expense to lay it out into building lots, which they were offering
for sale, hoping by that means to interest a sufficient number of persons
in the scheme as would overawe the Government, and induce a confirmation
of their Title. To put the public upon their guard, and to defeat a
swindling scheme, which if tolerated would give rise to other nefarious
transactions of the same kind, I thought it necessary to issue a
Proclamation of which a copy is transmitted warning all persons that the
Crown Lands in that part of the country had not been alienated or in any
way encumbered, that any persons making fraudulent sales of land,
appertaining to the Crown, would be punished as the law directs, and
persons holding such lands would be summarily ejected. That Proclamation
was immediately forwarded to Victoria, and
published

with so decided an effect on the public mind, as entirely to break up the
scheme, and we are now laying off the site of Old Fort Langley in Town
Fort Langleysurvey of townsite
Lots, to be sold for account and for the benefit of the public revenue.

37. I am highly pleased with Major Hawkins R.E. who commanded
Hawkins, Maj. John S.
the escort in my journey, having received much assistance from
that active and zealous officer.

38. I will here bring this despatch to a close having thus
briefly described the measures taken, and narrated the chief events
of an excursion of nearly a month's duration.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Gosset_to_Lytton_B586G03.txt
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Gosset to Lytton

1. Obliged, as I beg you to believe me, for your
Gosset, Capt. William D.insufficiency of salary
communication of yesterday's
date,

I must trespass further on your courtesy, by requesting that the
following remarks may be filed with the previous correspondence for the
purpose, (reasonable I trust to demonstrate) of possible reference a
future day. Were my income derivable from Official salary alone it would
be out of my power to accept the offer you have been kind enough to make
me, of transfer to an appointment in British Columbia on a salary of 500£
a year. Such a salary, in a country where by last accounts the wages of
a couple of servants would absorb 300£ of it, being apparently
insufficient to procure an officer more than the necessities of life,
certainly too limited to afford him the power of keeping up that ordinary
appearance of respectability, the exactions of society almost
render it one duty of an officer to maintain.

Means from other sources however, enable me to adhere to the
resolution, (formed when I was first consulted by Colonel Dawson on the
Dawson, Col. Robert K.
question of a Government for British Columbia) of placing my services
"unreservedly" at the disposal of Her Majesty's Government, with a firm
trust, that the matter of salary may be reconsidered so soon as the
condition of the New Colony may warrant attention to such subjects.
Admitting the necessity for extreme caution in all financial arrangements
for a Colony about to commence existence with a debt to the Imperial
Government, the Colonial Legislature would doubtless desire to liquidate
without delay; yet, as the prime ratio established between salaries, may,
on any general revision, influence future propositions, I deem it justice
to myself to express, (in no captious spirit, nor as scrutinizing your
award, but to place it on record now, lest present silence should be
misinterpreted a future day) my inability to recognize in 500£ a year,
that that remuneration, which a comparison of the duties and pecuniary
responsibilities attaching to each of the various offices in
the New Settlement, would have led me suppose, might have been
relatively awarded to the Chief Officer of Finance.

2. Adverting to the allocation of those other duties, named in your
letter under acknowledgement, I beg to repeat my readiness to give them
my best attention, and to add, that should economical considerations
suggest the idea of placing the inter-colonial audit, in the first
instance, under the same direction as the Treasury, I will be happy to
take the charge and responsibility of arranging the combination so that
it shall work satisfactorily.

3. To your expectations as regards my departure by Novr
Gosset, Capt. William D.departure for BC
11th, I have I hope responded as you will approve, by this day
securing accommodation in a vessel advertized to sail on the 30th
of this month.



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FILE: 1858-10-12_Leach_to_Secretary_of_State_V586L01.txt
================================================================================

Leach to Secretary of State

A few enterprising men with families having an idea of
emigrating are desirous of knowing on what terms Land can be
obtained and what inducements the Government feel disposed to
hold out to parties actually settling in Vancouvers Island.



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FILE: 1858-10-13_Corry_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD13.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request
you will state to Secretary Sir Bulwer Lytton that agreeably with his
request

ShipsBriseisto take stores instead of men
Royal Engineersto go by Euphrates instead of Briseis
ShipsEuphratesto transport Royal Engineers
Shaw, Savill & Co.
arrangements have been made for the withdrawal from the "Briseis" of the
party of Royal Engineers intended to be conveyed in that Vessel to
Vancouver's Island, and for their passage thither in the Euphrates, (now
under survey), in which Vessel, the Brokers (Messrs Shaw Savill &
Co) have offered to convey them as well as such government stores as
the Briseis may be unable to receive.



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FILE: 1858-10-13_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58044.txt
================================================================================

No. 44

1. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch of
the 16th of August 1858, No. 10, transmitting to me copy of a
letter to Lord Derby, with a Petition to the Crown, from a
gentleman named Nias, residing at San Francisco, California.

2. As you have thought it proper to submit this letter and
Petition for my report, on account of the great importance of
the 
subject, I have to offer the following remarks in respect to
the Petition.

3. Mr Nias says that

James Douglas Esqre has sold large numbers of Town lots in said
City of Victoria, and large tracts of suburban lands in vicinity
of said City to Capitalists and Speculators without annexing
conditions to said sale, requiring such Town lots and Suburban
tracts to be improved with substantial improvements within a
reasonable time. That said lots had been sold 50 and 60 to one
person, at the Government price £5 and £10 per lot; and in
reality worth from £50 to £1000 and upwards in some instances;
and are now held at from 20 to 200 times the first cost.

4. The allegation contained in this part of Mr Nias' Petition
has, I presume, application to my public acts as Governor of
Vancouver's Island for the Crown, and Agent of the Hudson's Bay
Company, my signature in the latter capacity being attached to
all Town lot Deeds, and has, I suppose, no application to any of
my acts as a private individual, otherwise it is utterly and
totally untrue, as neither directly nor indirectly has one acre
of land been sold for me, or in my behalf on Vancouver's Island.

5. All public land in Vancouver's Island is sold by the
Colonial Surveyor in the public offices of the Colony at the
fixed Government price of 
20 shillings an acre, and no change
has, up to this day, been made; neither has the Governor any
authority to alter that standard price.

6. In no instance have Town or Suburban lots been sold by the
Colonial Government, for the reason that the colonization law of
Vancouver's Island, provides that no grant of land shall contain
less than 20 acres.

7. Tracts of different sizes have been offered for sale by
individual proprietors of land in this Colony; and the Hudson's
Bay Company to meet the public demand have sold a few suburban
and a great number of Town lots near Fort Victoria, where they
hold about 1200 acres of land 
belonging to their Fur Trade
concern. The Hudson's Bay Company have always sold suburban
lots, consisting of 5 acres of land, at the rate of £25 for each
lot; and Town lots measuring 120 X 60 feet, at first sold for
£10.8.4, have now risen to £20.16.8 a lot.

8. The Petition states that such Town lots and suburban tracts
have been sold at the Government price £5 and £10 per lot, and
are now held at from 20 to 200 times "the first cost," a
statement that is evidently incorrect as respects the actual
sale price; and is equally so as respects their present value,
the Government land being still sold at 20 shillings an acre and
thousands of acres being in the market for sale without a
purchaser and any number of Town lots may 
now be bought at the
original price of £20.16.8. There was a time last summer when
private sales of small parcels of land in good situations were
made at the rate of £100 an acre, but that unhealthy inflation
was temporary and met with no countenance from Government, and
that price could never as a rule be quoted as the value of land
in Vancouver's Island.

9. We have always endeavoured to check the operations of
capitalists who purchase land merely for re-sale at a profit,
though it is not clear to my mind that, if practicable, it would
in all cases be desirable to prevent such operations. Without
however entering into that question at present, I will remark
that 
Vancouver's Island has enjoyed a remarkable freedom from
the speculations of Capitalists. The only large tract of land,
about 6000 acres, sold in one lot, was purchased by the Hudson's
Bay Company for their coal works at Nanaimo. In some few other
instances the lots have rather exceeded 500 acres, but generally
speaking, lots have been of moderate size, and purchased solely
with the view of actual settlement.

10. The following synopsis of sales of Town lots and
agricultural land effected since the commencement of this
present year made up from a return received from the Colonial
Surveyor will further show that Her Majesty's Colony of
Vancouver's Island has not fallen 
into the hands of Mr Nias'
dreaded American "Land Grabber," and also the incorrectness of
the assertion, in the Petition, that as many as 50 and 60 lots
have been sold to one person.

The total number of Town lots sold is 1142, equal to an area of
190 1/3 acres, excluding, of course, the spaces retained for
streets.

These 1142 lots were purchased by 434 individuals, which will
give but 2 5/9 lots or 70 17/100 perches, or about 2112 square
yards of land to each purchaser.

These facts alone would suffice to answer Mr Nias' assertion,
but to place the subdivision in a clearer light, it may be
stated that as many as 203 of the lots were sold 
singly to 209
different purchasers, a few of such single lots having been
purchased by more than one person on joint account.

Another illustration of the very general subdivision of property
is afforded by the fact that for the limited number of 8 of the
lots there were as many as 17 purchasers.

On the other hand, some single individuals did purchase more
than one lot and probably for good reasons. Practically a Town
could not have been established had every individual purchaser
been limited to the acquisiton of one lot of 60 X 120 feet, for
so small a quantity of land would not have sufficed for many of
the 
domestic and business purposes for which the purchases were
made.

Besides, such a limitation would have banished Capital entirely
from investment in Town land.

Agricultural lands, sold at £1 per acre

Saanich Disct 47 Purchasers of 38 sectns formg together
11,210 acres

Cowitchin do 34 " 27 " " 14,620 "

Lake do 2 " 2 " " 450 "

Sooke do 8 " 8 " " 2,040 "

Victoria &c do 35 " 35 " " 1,894 "

___ ___ _____
Total 126 " 110 " " 30214 "

which gives a result of nearly 239 acres, certainly a very
moderate quantity to each purchaser.

11. The Petition however, respects a subject of great
importance. I will therefore take the liberty of making some
remarks on the system recommended by Mr Nias for effecting
sales of land. There is in my opinion no 
objection to the
system which has always been a favorite theory of my own. The
only question is whether that system could be enforced in all
cases with advantage to a country in the condition of
Vancouver's Island.

12. On the rush of emigration to this Colony last summer, I
greatly feared that the operations of land speculators might
prove detrimental to the rising interests of Victoria, and as
mere speculative purchases of land are repugnant to the whole
system of colonization established in Vancouver's Island, I was
prompted by my own views on the subject to make it a rule, as a
condition necessary to perfect title, 
that "substantial
improvement" should be made within a reasonable time on all Town
lots held in the Town of Victoria; but I was restrained from
taking that step, by considerations as to the probable influence
of such a measure in checking the progress of legitimate
settlement, and I will here submit a few of those reasons for
your information.

13. After striving for many years without much success to
attract a population to this Colony, it struck me on reflection
that it would be absurd to place a check on emigration, by
imposing onerous conditions on purchasers of land, the very
instant that people began to come into the Country; with
thousands of square miles 
of uninhabited wilderness containing
as good land as any in the District of Victoria, and equal in
all other natural advantages, it seemed an excess of caution to
guard the District of Victoria with such jealous vigilance. It
also occurred to me that the value of land like that of other
property is regulated by the law of supply and demand, and that
with so much waste land as there is in this Colony, a high
speculative price could never be long maintained. And also,
that every person investing Capital in the purchase of landed
property, becomes interested in the prosperity of that Country,
where his Capital is invested, and is naturally led 
from motives
of self interest, to seek its advancement and also that the
phrase "substantial improvement" is a vague term, which may be
evaded in many ways, a fence or a log hut may, for instance, be
legally defined as "substantial improvements," it being in short
exceedingly difficult to enforce the observance of any
regulation, militating so directly as that would, with public
opinion and convenience; neither would its enforcement be in all
cases judicious—a laboring man, for example, is desirous of
investing his savings in the purchase of a Town lot, but he is
told no, you cannot have a Town lot unless you have enough money 
to build a house also, and not being possessed of sufficient
funds, he goes his way disappointed, and the Town loses probably
an honest and industrious inhabitant, who under a lenient system
might have become a useful member of society. The scarcity and
exorbitant price of building materials and labor might, as
happened, at one time here last summer, absolutely put it out
of the power of a poor settler, to undertake immediate
improvements.

14. Arguments in short appeared to multiply in favor of the
unfettered sale of land, and I in consequence gave up the idea
of imposing any restrictions, presuming, moreover; that every
one 
would consult his own interest, and do what was best for the
improvement of his property. To take any other steps appeared
very like killing the Country by over legislation.

15. I would here also remark that there is a remedy against
speculative purchases of Town or other land, which may be
applied whenever such purchases interfere with the progress of a
country, or the convenience of the inhabitants, which is to
impose a tax on all unimproved land.

16. The evils that have arisen in Oregon, from the conditions
attached to the pre-emption law, are very great, having caused a
vast amount of perjury and unsettled Titles. 
To explain this, a
person is required there to take oath, that he intends to reside
upon and improve his claim, or in other words, to make it his
home. He receives on those terms 160 acres of land, and
forthwith sells it, making his sons perhaps perjure themselves
in the same manner. I have been told that in consequence of
that law, there is scarcely a good title in Oregon, as few
persons have complied with the conditions of residence and
improvement; questions of title are therefore constantly coming
before the Courts of the Country, and the utmost uncertainty and
confusion prevails.

17. Having hurriedly thrown together these remarks on the
subject of land sales, I may further state, that the rapid
growth of the Town of Victoria has been remarkable, and if the
number of houses can be considered as such, I do not think any
system could be attended with a greater amount of substantial
improvement, than the system we have hitherto followed.

18. I have in conclusion to remark that Her Majesty's
Government may rest assured that I will not fail to protect the
public interests, and to prevent as far as lies within 
my power,
any wasteful or partial dealings with the public land of this
Colony or British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-10-13_Gosset_to_Lytton_B586G02.txt
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Gosset to Lytton

I have the honour to request that Colonel Moody may be instructed
Gosset, Capt. William D.shipment of baggage
to ship my baggage in the Euphrates, there being ample space he
informs me notwithstanding the late alteration in arrangements.



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FILE: 1858-10-14_Barnard_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585AG01.txt
================================================================================

Barnard to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to transmit to you for the information of
Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, the copy of a letter addressed to me
by direction of the Secretary of State for War respecting the
payment of the Pension of
Michael Kelcher, in Vancouver's Island
from the 1st of April next and the stopping of ten shillings
from the first issue of such Pension.

I am therefore to request that the necessary instructions may be
given for carrying into effect the wishes of Secretary Major
General Peel.



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FILE: 1858-10-14_Hamber_to_Lytton_B586H01.txt
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Hamber to Lytton

A Company has been formed for the purpose of establishing Steam
Communication between Victoria or the Harbor of Esquimalt, in
Vancouver's Island and the Fraser River.

The route proposed will be from Victoria and other ports in
Vancouver's Island, to Albert City at the mouth of the Fraser
River, British Columbia, thence to Fort Langley and onwards to the
Falls at Fort Yale on the same river and to such other places as
may hereafter be agreed upon.

When the River Traffic has been fully established it is intended to
organise Mule Trains for continuing the passengers and goods
traffic from the Company's boats to the chief Mining Districts.

Previous to an immediate application to the Public it is deemed
advisable to consult the wishes of the Government and to ascertain
to what extent the Company may be able to calculate upon its
countenance and support.

The establishment of this Company was suggested by persons on the
spot, well acquainted with the country, before the receipt by the
Government of the despatch of Governor Douglas of the 8th of May
last, in which his Excellency states:

To effect that object it will be requisite to facilitate by every
possible means the transport of passengers and goods to the
farthest navigable point on Frazer River, and the obvious means of
accomplishing that end is to employ light Steamers in plying
between and connecting the port with the falls of Frazer's River,
distant 130 miles, from the discharge of that river into the Gulf
of Georgia those falls being generally believed to be at the
commencement of the remunerative gold diggings and from thence the
Miners would readily make their way on foot, or, after the summer
freshets, by the river, into the interior of the Country.

By that means also the whole trade of the gold regions would pass
through Frazer's River and be retained within the British Territory
forming a valuable outlet for British manufactured goods and at
once creating a lucrative trade between the mother country and
Vancouver's Island.

Subsequent reliable advices tend to confirm these views and
establish the importance of the gold discovery, and the necessity
for keeping open the navigation of the Frazer River.

With this view I am desired also respectfully to request that I may
be favored on behalf of the Company with an appointment of a time
when it will be convenient for you to receive a deputation from
them upon the subject.

The names of the Gentlemen forming the deputation will be
previously forwarded in accordance with what I believe is the usual
practice.



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FILE: 1858-10-14_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587029A.txt
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Confidential

I have to acknowledge your Despatch of the 30th of
August,

enclosing copies of the regulations issued for the management of the
Gold Fields, and a Proclamation establishing Harbour Regulations, &c.

The latter I have transmitted to the Lords of the Committee of
Privy Council for Trade, with a view of obtaining their Lordships'
opinion; but the former relate to so important a branch of the
administrative duties with which you are now charged, that I prefer very
briefly calling your attention to some points which have suggested
themselves to me, rather than postpone all communication on the subject
till the next mail.

I am sensible of the difficulty of criticising in England the
details of those regulations which, from an experience of local
circumstances and requirements, you have laid down for the guidance of
the Gold Commissioners and miners in British Columbia.

I feel also that rules which have been established in the Australian
Colonies with good effect may be qualified by conditions in North
America, which from a necessarily limited information on the subject I
am unable to take into account. I am not, therefore, prepared to give
you any definite instructions, or to insist upon any modifications which
at first sight might seem desirable.

But whilst, therefore, on these grounds, and from a reliance on
your judgment and discretion, I am desirous of giving you full freedom
of action, I feel it right to place before you the impressions made upon
me by a perusal of your regulations for the gold fields.

On the Instructions to the Assistant Gold Commissioners and to the
Police I have no objection to offer. They appear to me in both cases to
meet the objects which are to be had in view.

Taking, however, first, into consideration the rules prescribed in
the case of alluvial gold, the regulations provide that licences at
21s per month shall be taken out by each miner, such licences
conferring a claim to the following spaces, viz., 25 feet of the bank of
the river, 25 feet of each bank of a creek or ravine, or 20 square feet
of table land.

Such arrangements may be on the whole most congenial to the
dispositions of the American miners whom you may have to consider; but I
cannot forget that it was the system of enforcing from time to time the
licence fee which created in Victoria so much dissatisfaction, and
ultimately led to the Ballarat riots, and to the adoption of new rules.
The Victorian system was in the main the same as that which you have
apparently adopted. It exacted a licence fee of 1£ from each miner per
month, and, as Sir Charles Hotham says, in a Despatch of 21st November 1855 to Sir William
Molesworth,

"The great and primary cause of
complaint which I found was undoubtedly the licence fee."

Every miner was required to produce at a moment's notice the
licence which authorized him to dig. No excuse was admissible.
Theoretically, nothing could be more just than that the man who profited
by the gold should pay a proportion to the Crown for the right of
extracting it, but practically nothing could be more unsound.

Even if he were rich enough to pay it, he often could not spare
the time to go to the Government Office and obtain his licence. Thus a
general antipathy to the licence system was engendered, and men's minds
prepared for any measure which might wash away the annoyance.

It was then decided that the monthly licence fee should be
abolished, and be replaced, independently of royalties, first, by a
miner's annual certificate of 1£; secondly, by the payment of 10£ per
annum on every acre of alluvial soil; and, thirdly, by and indirect tax
in the shape of 2s6d export duty on the ounce of the gold.

Experience seems, as far as we yet know, to have justified this
change in Victoria. Discontent, with its attendant dangers, has been
removed, and by the present system, which appears to be acquiesced in by
all parties, a larger revenue is obtained than ever was the case under
the earlier arrangement. I observe, indeed, by the last Victorian
returns for 1856, that the duties on the export of gold amounted to
more than 376,000£.

It is, I doubt not, expedient to maintain a distinction between the
search for gold in alluvial soil and its extraction by means of
machinery from quartz rocks, and I conclude that the object which you
have mainly had in view in your regulations on this branch of the
subject has been to attract men of capital to the Colony. At the same
time, I would request you to consider again with care the expediency of
requiring so large a sum as 2,000£ security from any individual entering
upon this particular field of speculation.

In Victoria, the royalty is not to exceed one-twentieth of the
gross produce, instead of being as high as one tenth, and the payment
exacted from the miner (1£ per yard) is probably less felt, and more
remunerative in the long run, as it is in proportion to the work which
he achieves, than would be the introduction of capital to the extent of
2,000£, which it must be further borne in mind is nugatory if
subsequently invested in other objects of speculation, and burdensome
to the individual giving the security if it is to lie idle.

I do not question the correctness of your decision in assigning
three years as the period when such a licence must be renewed, though
there might be cases where the erection of expensive machinery would
require some latitude to be allowed in enforcing the rights of the
Crown; but the condition that 20 men shall be simultaneously employed
upon the claim is one which, under certain circumstances, might press
somewhat hardly upon the miner.

The seizure as Crown property of gold of any kind which has been
procured without due authority is a question the propriety of which
would be governed by the particular circumstances of the case, and the
means possessed by the local functionaries for enforcing the rule.

I observe with satisfaction the foundations laid in these
regulations for the creation of local tribunals, the attributions of
which will enable them either to dispense a ready and simple justice, or
to settle disputes by an arbitration on the spot and accessible to all.



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FILE: 1858-10-15_Grant_to_Lytton_B586G07.txt
================================================================================

Grant to Lytton

I do myself the honor to inform you that the Dett of R. Engineers
Grant, Capt. John M.arrival at Colon
under my command arrived at Colon on the morning of the 9th inst and
through the courtesy & assistance of Captn Hole of the R.M.S.P.
Medway

ShipsMedway
Hole, Capt.
and the agents of the Co Messrs
Hurtado,

was enabled to cross the Isthmus with the men & stores by the 8 1/2
am train.

We reached Panama at 1 o'c, when I immediately called
Bidwell, Charles T.
upon the acting Consul Mr Bidwell and arranged with him for
quartering the men for the night & with his assistance & through
the prompt attention of Commander Pearse of H.M.S.
Alert

ShipsAlert
Pearse, Commander
I was enabled to embark them on board his ship at 8 a.m. the following
morning.

The American Mail Steamer is not expected to leave for San
Francisco before the 17th and I am thankful that during this
period the men will be under proper restraint & kept out of harm's way.

I beg to express my sense of the great zeal and assistance
afforded by the gentlemen I have named, and which enabled me
without trouble to take measures to save expense and ensure as
far as possible the health & discipline of the men.



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FILE: 1858-10-15_Grant_to_Lytton_B586G08.txt
================================================================================

Grant to Lytton

I trust you will forgive the liberty I take in writing to you
Grant, Capt. John M.requests extra travel grant for wife
on a matter which concerns me individually, and on a point which is
much opposed to my feelings, but, as it is a case of necessity I do
not hesitate to represent to you that the sum of £100 given me
towards my wife's travelling expenses I now find to be most inadequate.
I had no idea of the delays & expenses of travelling on this side
of the world, and I trust that if in your power, you will kindly
reconsider the matter and authorize the payment of an additional
£50, more particularly as it was stipulated that 3 officers wives
should receive assistance, and only one is actually going out.

The expenses of an outfit to so peculiarly placed and distant a
Colony as British Columbia, were necessarily large and I confess to you
that my want of private means, alone, now prompts me to trouble you,
at the same trusting you will excuse me, I beg to subscribe myself



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FILE: 1858-10-15_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD14.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for
Colonial Affairs, the Copy of a letter dated the 31th August last,
Prevost, Capt. James C.provides escort to governor
ShipsSatellite
Mining disturbancesFraser River
No 6, from Captain Prevost of H.M.S. Satellite—& of its enclosures
reporting his proceedings at Vancouvers Island and upon the subject of
the disturbed State of the Mining Districts in Fraser's River.



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FILE: 1858-10-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587030.txt
================================================================================

No. 30

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [Vancouver Island]
Despatch No 34, dated the 19th of
August

containing further reports of the progress of affairs in
British Columbia, and urging the importance of your being provided with
a Military force. The information which this Despatch affords me as to
the amount of Military aid which you consider would be sufficient to
enable you to provide for the maintenance of order amongst the large
population which is being so rapidly attracted to the Country by the
reports of its auriferous wealth, induces me to recapitulate to you the
steps which I have taken to support your authority and to explain to you
the considerations by which I have been influenced in the various
measures I have adopted to aid you in the arduous task of organizing the
Government of the Colony.

2. I trust that long ere this date your anxiety with respect to
the presence on your Coasts of an adequate Naval force will have been
allayed. Even before the act which constituted British Columbia into a
Colony had received Her Majesty's assent, I had urged upon the First
Lord of the Admiralty the necessity of sending a Frigate or Man of War
for the preservation of order in that
district.

In consequence of my representations, the Lords of the Admiralty directed
that Her Majesty's Ships on the Pacific Station should be reinforced, and
instructed Admiral Baynes (since the time at which he addressed to you
the letter that you have forwarded to me with your present Despatch) that
the presence of a force in your waters was to be considered by him as a
more pressing and important Service than any other on his station. By
the last
advices

I was informed that Admiral Baynes would himself leave
Callao for Vancouver's Island on the 28th of August in his Flag Ship
the "Ganges." He will therefore have arrived at the Island long since;
and I confidently rely upon the Admiral, according to his Instructions,
providing for all adequate Naval support to this important part of Her
Majesty's Dominions. Indeed the First Lord of the Admiralty assures me
in reply to a letter I addressed to him, that Admiral Baynes "will be
followed as quickly as possible by two Frigates from China," adding,
"this was the quickest mode of reinforcement we could possible adopt,
and in one case I sent a new Captain overland to take the command of a
Ship in China which had become vacant, and proceed at once to the
Pacific." I request that you will report to me what Vessels at the time
this Despatch is received may be actually in your Harbour, designed
for the special support of the Civil Government. And should you deem a
still larger force to be requisite for the purpose, your representation
to that effect shall have my immediate attention.

3. With regard to your demand for a Military force, it is
gratifying to me to learn, from your Statement that "the affairs of the
Government might be carried on smoothly with even a single Company of
Infantry," that I had anticipated and indeed exceeded your requirements
by directions given at the earliest moment for sending to the Colony a
party of 150 Royal Engineers. The superior discipline and intelligence
of this force, which afford ground for expecting that they will be far
less likely than ordinary Soldiers of the line to yield to the temptation
to desertion offered by the Gold fields, and their capacity at once to
provide for themselves in a Country without habitation, appear to me to
render them especially suited for this duty, whilst by their Services as
pioneers in the work of civilization, in opening up the resources of
the Country by the construction of Roads and Bridges, in laying the
foundations of a future City or Sea Port, and in carrying out the
numerous Engineering Works, which in the earlier Stages of Colonization
are so essential to the progress and welfare of a Community, they will
probably not only be preserved from the idleness which might corrupt the
discipline of ordinary Soldiers, but establish themselves in the popular
good will of the Emigrants, by the Civil benefits it will be in the
regular nature of their occupation to confer.

4. I regret that this force has been delayed in its departure
notwithstanding the unceasing care and pains I have devoted to the
hastening of the necessary preparations, but owing to arrangements with
the different departments of Government, the necessity for due care in
the selection of the Officers and men for the expedition, and the time
required for preparing the Vessels for Sea, a delay unavoidably occurred
that must have caused you an anxiety in which I fully sympathize.
Instalments however of the force consisting of Twenty and twelve men
respectively under Captain Parsons and Captain Grant were despatched to
the Colony
viâ Panama on the 2nd and 17th September. With the first of
these Detachments I forwarded your Commission as Governor having
immediately on the return of the Queen from the Continent obtained Her
Majesty's Signature, and taken your Commission myself on board the
Vessel in which the instalment of Engineers under Captain Parsons sailed
from Southampton. I am glad to be able now to inform you that the
"Thames City" has recently left England having on board 119 men of the
Expedition. This Vessel will be followed in a few days by the "Briseis"
laden with Stores &c belonging to the party; and a small number of men
and some additional stores will be sent in the "Euphrates" which is
expected to sail in about a month's time. Colonel Moody who commands
the expedition will proceed to British Columbia
viâ Panama on the 30th
Instant, to be in readiness to receive the main body of Engineers on
their arrival.

5. Having thus received the Military Assistance which I have
afforded to you it only remains for me to indicate the policy to be
observed in the employment; and particularly to explain to you more
fully the objections which I pointed out in my recent [Vancouver
Island] Despatch No 20 of the 16th
Ultimo

to the use of this force in the collection of Revenue.

6. The employment of a Royal Military force for the purpose of
compelling the payment of taxation would in itself be undesirable and
fraught with danger even in ordinary cases, and amidst the most docile
population. And it seems to me that objections to such an employment
are still stronger in the case of an impost like a license for Gold
digging which would become so odious as to necessitate abandonment, if
it led to disputes between the adventurers and the Military which might
terminate in bloodshed and loss of life.

A military force should be
considered primarily as intended for the purpose of resisting Foreign
aggression. Its employment in the internal control of the community
must be regarded as strictly subsidiary to the ordinary means of
enforcing obedience to the orders of the Civil power, and should be
resorted to only when those means have through unexpected circumstances
been found insufficient. The Governor of the Colony should on these
principles use every endeavour to render the authority of the Civil
Government independent of his Military force, and thus be in a position
to feel the full advantages of the moral support, which the Military
afford to legitimate authority in proportion to the rarity of their
interference. On the other hand, nothing is so important to the peace
and progress of the Colony, as a well organized and effective Police.
And I find that a Police is always feeble in Colonies that have been
accustomed, in every disturbance to rely upon Soldiers. It is by the
establishment of this Civil Constabulary with a sufficient staff of
Stipendiary Magistrates, that I would wish the Colonists to cooperate
with the Government in the requisite protection to life and property.

Hence I have sent to you the most experienced and trustworthy person I
could select amongst the Irish Constabulary, (a body of men peculiarly
distinguished for efficiency) to serve as Inspector of the Police,
and to carry out your instructions for the formation of a Civil force
of that character.

You will not however suppose from the above observations that armed
force, where required for its legitimate duties, will fail to the
defence and security of this new part of Her Majesty's Dominions. A
naval display of the protection that Great Britain affords to the
Settlers is no doubt, while I write already in your Harbour, and, in
sending to you a Military force, more than that which you state as
sufficient. I have to add that should the chance of collision with the
Indians or other elements of danger need in your judgment additional
reinforcements and you can discern the means by which mere Soldiers of
the line can be kept from desertion, and rendered securely serviceable,
your wishes will not fail to meet with earnest and ready consideration.

7. Colonel Moody however agrees with me in assuming that in a
population of Gold diggers there will be always enough disappointed
adventurers in the prime of life, who would enlist at need under the
British flag, and that, having secured able Officers, recruits could
thus be raised on the spot more rapidly and economically than Military
aid could be sent to you from England. With this view (on the
correctness of which I should be glad of your opinion) I have sent to
you under Colonel Moody a few practised and skilful men for Cavalry and
Artillery drill, who are intended to form a nucleus and framework in the
Colony itself for such additional Military force as may be required.

8. It is my object to provide for, or to suggest to you, how to
meet, all unforeseen exigencies in the Colony as they may arise, but my
views are based on the assumption that the common interest in life and
property will induce the Immigrants to combine amongst themselves for
ordinary purposes, and that when danger, needing Military force arises,
they will readily gather round and swell the force which will thus
expand in proportion as circumstances require. From England we send
skill and discipline, the raw material, (that is the mere men) a Colony
intended for free institutions, and on the borders of so powerful a
neighbour as the United States of America, should learn betimes, of
itself to supply.

9. With the scanty information which Her Majesty's Government
possess of the nature of the climate of British Columbia in the Winter,
in the absence of any experience as to the amount of population which
may remain during that Season at the diggings, they are unable to judge
what degree of activity in mining operations may then prevail; what
consequently may be the chance during the Winter months of armed frays
or collisions, and to what extent revenue and Colonization may be then
making progress. But they are led to anticipate that in the Winter
there must be that pause in Immigration and its concomitant difficulties
which may allow the preliminary settlement of questions of law and
police, and enable you to communicate to them the probable wants and
probable resources of the Colony; so that when, at the return of Spring,
Immigration and activity recommence, all suitable preparations may have
been made and the safety and developement of the Colony fully and
deliberately provided for. It will be very essential for this purpose
that you should instruct Her Majesty's Government by the best conjecture
that you may be able to arrive at of the probable revenue on which to
calculate; since in proportion to that revenue must be the rapidity with
which the Home Government can aid in the growth of the Colony.

10. Referring to the laudable co-operation in the construction of
the road which has been evoked by your energy from the good sense and
public spirit of the miners, I rejoice to see how fully that instance of
the zeal and intelligence to be expected from the voluntary efforts of
Immigrants uniting in the furtherance of interests common to them all,
bears out the principle of policy on which I desired to construct a
Colony intended for self government and trained to its exercise by self
reliance. The same characteristics which have made these settlers
combine so readily in the construction of a road, will I trust under the
same able and cheering influence which you prove that you so well
know how to exercise, cause them equally to unite in the formation of a
police, in the establishment of Law, in the collection of Revenue, in
short in all which may make individual life secure and the community
prosperous. I trust you will assure the hardy and spirited men who have
assisted in this preliminary undertaking how much their conduct is
appreciated by Her Majesty's Government.

11. I feel thankful for the valuable services so seasonably and
efficiently rendered by the "Satellite" and "Plumper."

12. I cannot conclude without a cordial expression of my sympathy
in the difficulties you have encountered, and of my sense of the
ability, the readiness of resource, the wise and manly temper of
conciliation which you have so signally displayed.

I doubt not that you will continue to shew the same vigour, and the
same discretion in its exercise, and you may rely with confidence on
whatever support and aid Her Majesty's Government can afford to you.



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FILE: 1858-10-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587030A.txt
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Private

Though I think that you must be in complete possession of my views
in respect to the Employment of the Royal Engineers who have been
despatched to British Columbia I desire nevertheless, and for fear of
any possible misunderstanding on your part to mention that to Colonel Moody and his men do I look for the performance of all the surveying
duties in the Colony and therefore to caution you against accepting the
services of other Surveyors or Assistants whose employment would add so
much to the heavy expenses which the colony at its outset is called upon
to defray.



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FILE: 1858-10-16_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD15.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 11th
Instant,

I beg to acquaint you for the information of the Secretary of State, that
ShipsEuphratesto transport men and some stores
ShipsBriseis
the "Euphrates", having been surveyed and approved, has been accepted for
the conveyance to Vancouver's Island of the party of non-commissioned
officers and their families therein referred to, together with such
Stores as the "Briseis" may be unable to receive.

The "Euphrates" will probably be ready to receive her passengers
about the Middle of November, but a further communication will be made to
you as to the precise date at which they may embark.



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FILE: 1858-10-18_Bandon_to_Lytton_B586B07.txt
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Bandon to Lytton

Lord Bandon presents his Comps to Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton & ventures to recommend to him John [Bobs Suggin?]
Esq as a person who might be usefully appointed to the Police
Force which is at present organizing for British Columbia.
Lord Bandon can testify to [illegible] high character &
fitness for such an
Employment as he is an officer in Lord B's regiment the Royal Cork
Artillery Militia & gave him great satisfaction.



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FILE: 1858-10-18_Disraeli_to_Lytton_B585MI11.txt
================================================================================

Disraeli to Lytton

I have received your letter of the 14th
inst,

on the subject of a difference, which has arisen between the War Office
and yourself, with respect to the regimental pay of the Officers and Men,
of the British Columbian Expedition.

It was understood that the
regimental pay of the detachment of Royal Engineers, sent to British 
Columbia, should be paid by the War Office, and that the
working, or extra, pay, although advanced from imperial funds,
should be repaid by the Colony. This arrangement is in accordance with
previous practice, and appears to me to be reasonable and just, for
military protection ought, at any rate, in the first instance, to be
given by the Mother Country.

An increase in the Corps of Royal Engineers, equal to the detachment
ordered to the new Colony, having been sanctioned by the Treasury, in
anticipation of a Parliamentary Vote, I am unable to understand the
grounds, upon which the War Office has appealed to you, to charge your
Department with an expenditure, for which provision has already been
made. The War Office cannot be entitled to the double payment by the
Treasury and the Colonial Office, which it demands, and I have,
therefore, no hesitation in expressing my concurrence in the view,
which you have taken of this claim.



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FILE: 1858-10-18_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO02.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to request that
HudsonsBayCompany navigationrightsontheColumbia
you will suggest to Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, with
reference to your Letter of the 12th
Instant

relative to the right of certain subjects of Great Britain to navigate
the River Columbia, whether it might not be desirable, in the first
instance, to request the Hudson's Bay Company to prepare a full Statement
of the grounds on which they consider the claim to navigate the Columbia
River after the expiration of their trading monopoly is to be maintained,
and after the cession to the United States of their Possessory Rights, if
an arrangement for such cession should be made.



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FILE: 1858-10-19_Bond_to_Lytton_B586B13.txt
================================================================================

Bond to Lytton

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your very condescending
reply to my application for an appointment in British Columbia,
and respectfully beg to say, that should any opening occur in
either a public or private capacity, at a future time, for which
I may be deemed eligible, I shall be most happy to fill it in
that Colony.



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FILE: 1858-10-19_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO03.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you,
Booker, William L.report from
Populationnumber of emigrants from San Francisco
for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, a
copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco,
reporting the departure of Emigrants and Merchandize for Fraser River.



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FILE: 1858-10-19_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587032.txt
================================================================================

No. 32

I enclose for your information a Copy of a letter from the
Archbishop of Canterbury announcing to me the munificent endowment
offered by Miss Burdett Coutts for the foundation of a See in British 
Columbia, together with my reply to that communication.

I have as you will perceive by the correspondence gladly accepted
this noble contribution to the cause of Christianity, and I rejoice to
think that the service and ministrations of the Church will not be
wanting to the early stages of Colonial life.



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FILE: 1858-10-21_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58004.txt
================================================================================

No. 4

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No. 7 [Vancouver Island] of the 14th of August
last,

transmitting to me copy of an Act, providing for the Government of
British Columbia; and
Governmentact providing for
Governordelay in forwarding commission and instructions
mentioning that there had not been time by that mail to furnish
me with the order in Council, Commission, and Instructions as
Governor, which are necessary in order to complete my legal
powers.

You nevertheless are pleased to authorize me to act, during
the brief interval before their arrival as I have hitherto done,
as the authorized representative of Her Majesty's Government, in
the Territory of British Columbia, and to take such steps as I
may deem absolutely necessary for the Government of the Territory,
and as are not repugnant to the principles of British Law, and
as are in conformity with the directions you have transmitted to
me, on several subjects, in your despatches No. 8, and 9 of the
14th of August
last,

and in such others as I may receive from
you hereafter, and I have in reply to assure you that your
instructions on every subject respecting the public duties I
have to perform, will be implicitly obeyed.



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FILE: 1858-10-23_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58005.txt
================================================================================

No. 5

With reference to my despatch No. 1 of the 12th of
instant,

requesting that forms of Titles, as usually issued, on the sale of
town lots or other Crown lands in Her Majesty's Colonies, might be
Crown landssale of
furnished to me without delay, I have the honor to forward herewith
a form of Title for town lots, which we propose to issue on all
Town lotstitle for
sales made of such property in British Columbia, until I receive
your instructions on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-10-23_Elphinstone_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA07.txt
================================================================================

Elphinstone to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Colonel James, Royl Engrs, Director, desires me to send you
the following, for which your Receipt is requested opposite: viz
3 Colored Plans of British
Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-10-23_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M19.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I would respectfully request that a communication be forwarded
at once to the Admiralty not to allow any stores whatsoever to be
received on board the Euphrates except such as may be named by myself
with your authority.

In a subsequent letter I will explain further, but I am
particularly anxious the above communication should forward immediately.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Cooper_to_Lytton_B586C14.txt
================================================================================

Cooper to Lytton

The accompanying Memorial has been sent to me as one of
the Representatives of this County to forward to you. I
am well acquainted with the gentlemen whose testimonials
accompany the Memorial, and they have no doubt that Mr Williams's conduct, if appointed, will justify their recommendation.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Gosset_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586G04.txt
================================================================================

Gosset to Under-Secretary of State

Naturally apprehensive, without assurance to the contrary,
Gosset, Capt. William D.hopes for future preferment
lest the salary of my office should be regarded as an index to
my station, in British Columbia, or that His Excellency The
Governor, if vested with discretionary power, might exclude
me from his Council, from ignorance of my past experience in
Colonial legislation, I have the honour to express a hope, that
some definition may be given me of my future position in the
Government, or, if this should be productive of embarrassment in the
present stage of arrangements, that such intimation may be conveyed
to His Excellency as shall secure me that consideration, upon which,
(judging from the constitution of the Ceylon Government) I have
Gosset, Capt. William D.experience in Ceylon
relied, when accepting the post of Treasurer or Chief Officer of Finance.

2. And, valuing my services in Ceylon, (as not to do, would
be ungrateful on my part, towards His Excellency Sir Henry Ward
Ward, Sir Henry
& towards the people of Ceylon, European & Native, whose good
opinion both in my place in Council & as Surveyor General, it was
my great fortune to experience), I beg that the date of my entry
into Colonial Service may be quoted to the Governor of British 
Columbia, by which, the continuity of that service, may be
recorded, and preserved to me.

3. The peculiarities of a New Colony, requiring spécialtés
in the preparations, I have, at considerable expense, provided
myself with a house; unless however enabled to erect it, this
provision would be wasted; to secure therefore the reasonable
consideration of a roof over my head, I trust that it may seem
proper to you to direct, that thirty or 40 acres of land be granted
Gosset, Capt. William D.seeks consideration for land grant
me, should I be desirous of obtaining them, and on my paying for them
the upset price, whatever that price may be in the locality selected.

This I earnestly request, in order that I may be saved from
ruinous competition with speculative bidders, or spared the
discomfort and indignity which would accrue from being
compelled to retire from public Contests I might not be able to
maintain. The Commissioner of Lands and Works & his Military Officers
have been provided with houses at Government expense, which will
doubtless be erected on Government property: with me a Civil
officer the case is unfortunately different, yet in my humble opinion
private houses should stand in private grounds for the prevention
of doubts or disputes a future day.

4. By the custom of the Commissariat Department, the officers
acting as Commissaries are entitled to certain privileges in the
Gosset, Capt. William D.privileges as commisary
matter of rations for their families, horses &c &c; perhaps, as the
Governor of New Columbia may be unversed in such trifles, it may be
advisable that he should be apprised of my claims in this respect.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587033.txt
================================================================================

No. 33

I transmit to you herewith the Copy of a letter which I have
received from Mr John Miles, residing in Canada, applying for the
grant of a certain Gold Quartz vein in British Columbia, together with
a Copy of the answer which I have returned to him through the Governor
of the Province.

Mr Miles appears to found his claim on priority of discovery and
I think that any application which he may address to you for permission
to work the mine to which he alludes should be favorably considered,
subject of course to existing local regulations and conditions.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M20.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to the communication I have had the honour to
receive

in reply to letters from me respecting the extra pay of the
Officers, myself included, I fear my letters have not rightly
expressed the request I desired to submit.

Namely—That the Officers may receive their Colonial pay from
the dates of commencing here to do service for the Colony and that
the men may receive the same amount as what was granted the men of
Lt Col. Hawkins party. In short that precisely the same
arrangements sanctioned for Officers and men of that expedition may
be sanctioned for this.

Probably at the Treasury the details could be at once referred to.

The principle is so reasonable in itself that I venture to
submit it to the favourable consideration of the Secretary of State.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M21.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

The Secretary of State was good enough to sanction
£300.0s.0d
being granted towards defraying the expenses of three officers
wives accompanying the Expedition to B. Columbia. Captain Grant
received 100.0.0 for Mrs Grant. I shall feel obliged by 100.0.0
being now placed to my credit at Messrs Cox & Co in aid of Mrs Moody's passage.

This will leave an unexpended balance of 100.0.0 for this
Service.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M22.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to the mode in which my Salary may be paid to
me, I have the honour to request that the Lords Comms of H.M.
Treasury may be moved to cause the amount (Civil & Military inclusive)
to be paid over periodically—say quarterly—to my agents Messr
Cox & Co. This will be so very great a convenience to me that I hope it
may meet with the approval of the Secretary of State and of the Lords
Commissioners of H.M. Treasury.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M23.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I solicit instructions may be given for me to receive (paid to
my agents Messrs Cox & Co) the passage allowance for myself and
two Servants to B. Columbia via New York and Panama. I find on the
best authority that the actual cost in the most narrow and restricted
style (not including sundry unavoidable expenses on route) will
not be less but probably exceed £250.0s.0d. I venture to
hope the Secretary of State will sanction such amount being granted
to me in aid of my actual expenses. I would go out in a manner
befitting a Military command and the position of honour and trust
generally of which he has done me the honour to deem me worthy.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M24.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honour to request that the sum of
£3400.0s.0d
may be placed to my credit at Messrs Cox & Co. to defray the
remaining expenses on acct of authorized stores obtained by me.

I would respectfully solicit that this may be done as early
as possible as it is of the greatest importance I should complete
the payments and forward the accounts and Vouchers before I leave
England. I sail from Liverpool on Saturday morning next.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M27.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honour to state that the amount of my travelling
and other incidental expenses such as Postage telegrams and
cab hire chargeable to the Colonial Service upon which I have
been engaged since the 17h August amount to
£58.5s.4d and
I shall feel obliged by its being paid to my credit at Messrs
Cox & Co. Charing Cross. In this I have not included the personal
allowance per diem as I do not think it should be asked for if the
Colonial pay be sanctioned from the date of commencing to do duty
vide my letter of this day's date.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Munro_to_Lytton_B586M36.txt
================================================================================

Munro to Lytton

In the course of last session of the Imperial parliament I sent
your lordship a letter through my friend Lord Goderich which I
trust you duly received. In that letter I informed you that I was
resident in York, connected with the public press, and in my
literary labours I wrote prize essays in connection with the
working Men's essay on the Sabbath question, and to better my
family, left England in October 1854, so that I am now resident in
this country now nearly four years.

Ever since my entrance into Canada I have ever taken a deep
interest in the opening up of the Hudson's Bay Territories, and
have exerted myself in placing information before the public mind
of England and also in high quarters where I believed it would be
acceptable. Since you were honoured with being Colonial Secretary,
I have
weekly sent you copies of the Globe newspaper, the most
reliable deliverer of information in Canada in covering all matters
relating to the welfare of this Province—it is in fact the most
energetic and reliable paper on this con=tinentcontinent, even in the most
simple and trivial matters.

Believe me, Sir, my heart is with you in the great and good work in
opening up the Hudson Bay Territory and I am glad to find that to
you has been Providentially granted the important enterprise of
founding a new colony in the distant part of Her Majesty's dominions
and that all that has already been done has met a world-wide approval,
thus showing that literary habits do not disqualify any gentleman
from grasping great and mighty schemes for the welfare of mankind.

In my letter to you, I expressed a wish and determination to locate
in some part or other of Vancouver's Island, or British Columbia,
or in the Sascatchawan Valley. I wish to know the terms of
settlement and price of land in British Columbia. As a British
subject—and a son of a father who fought nearly 33 years in the
battles of his country—and as the father of a son now in the
100th Regiment in Thorncliff Camp—I feel that the terms of
settlement is one important item in the establishment of a colony,
and every way bearing on its peace and general prosperity. I told
you that the great cause why hundreds and thousands of emigrants
as soon as they land at Montreal and Toronto and elsewhere pass
quickly on to the Western States of America, is owing to the heavy
price of land in Canada and the great toil, hardships, and length
of time before they can get a comfortable and good return for all
their pains.

My mind would be much satisfied if you could also inform me as to
what is to be done with the Sascatchawan Valley. The Imperial
Parliament Committee decided that it should be reserved for
colonization. Do you propose to speedily act upon it in the same
manner as you are now doing with British Columbia, making every
effort to open it for settlement? Myself and many others would be
willing to go up and settle there, if assurance could be given that
no molestations from Hudson's Bay Company or others would be
experienced. Do you purpose to send a portion of British soldiers
and other preventive means to assist in the settlement of the
Sascatchawan Valley? No doubt hundreds of loyal British subjects
would be willing to go up from here to the Sascatchawan for
perpetual residence and as your humble servant I shall be most
happy to harmonize in any scheme which your judgment may decide.

If you can inform me by return of an early English mail, you would
be doing me and many others a good service.

I shall continue to send you Canadian newspapers of the most
reliable stamp, which I trust will be acceptable to you.

I am well known in England to Sir W.M.E. Milner, Bart; Ald Meek,
York; Ald Jas Meek, jun, York; Ald. Evers, York; and hundreds
others. To satisfy you, I send one of my latest literary
productions, cast up in my leisure moments, which I trust will not
be overlooked by you, a gentleman of good taste and feeling.



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FILE: 1858-10-25_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD16.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of
ShipsBriseisdeparture for BC
State, that the "Briseis" sailed from Deptford on the 23rd Instant,
having on board the Stores she is engaged to convey to Vancouver's
Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-26_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58006.txt
================================================================================

No. 6

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No. 8, [Vancouver Island,] of the 14th of August
last,

and it is with feelings of indescribable satisfaction that I observe that
my administrative acts in this Country continue to meet the approval of
Her Majesty's Government.
Douglas, Jamesadministration of
British Columbiaconditions in

2. I have no reason to regret the several appointments, which were
before reported, of Revenue Officers and Justices of the Peace in
Revenue officersappointment of
Justices of the Peaceappointment of
Fraser's River, as those persons have continued in the faithful discharge
of their duties, greatly to my satisfaction.

3. I am truly glad to learn, that it is your intention to send at
the earliest moment, an Officer authorized to act as Judge, and as you
Judgeto be sent to BC
Law enforcement
are pleased to say that you await my intimations as to the wants and
means of the Colony, in this sudden rise of social institutions, in a
Country hitherto so wild, in order to select such law advisers, as the
conditions and progress of immigration may more immediately require. And
as it is your wish that all legal authorities connected with the
Government should be sent from home, and thus freed from every suspicion
of local partialities, prejudices, and interests, I have requested Mr Pearkes, a native of Canada, whom I lately appointed Crown Solicitor for
Pearkes, Georgecrown solicitor for Vancouver Island
Judiciaryestablishment of
Vancouver Island to draw up a scheme for establishing a Judiciary in
Fraser's River, and I now submit the same for your consideration and
approval.

4. The plan is I conceive well adapted for the Country. The number
of Judges and inferior Officers to be employed will be required as
settlement and population increase, but a modified number will answer for
the present time. The Judicial buildings for holding the several courts,
and a common Jail in each District are urgently and pressingly wanted,
particularly the latter, as we are now for want of Jails in British 
Columbia, under the necessity of sending criminals to Vancouver's Island.
Seals of Office, the Imperial statutes and law
Books

Jailsneed for
Sealsneed for
Lawneed for Imperial statutes
Law booksrequest for
Statutesrequest for
are wanted for reference, in the several law courts of the Colony, and
for the guidance of Justices of the Peace, I would beg you to send at
least 20 sets of that useful work, "Burns
Justice."

Burns Justice

5. I shall not fail to give full effect to the philanthropic views
entertained by Her Majesty's Government, for the well-being of the native Indian Tribes. My late despatches will inform you of the measures
Indiansprotection of
adopted for their immediate protection, and I will hereafter, when time
permits, endeavour to arrange some plan by which their interests will be
permanently guarded, and the race rescued from destruction.

6. The Customs duty of 10 per cent ad valorem, now levied on all
Customs duties
goods imported into British Columbia; and the levying of License fees,
has also I observe met with your approval, and you further leave it
discretionary with me to change the latter mode of taxation for an export
duty. You will have observed by my despatches, that no distinction is
made between British and foreign subjects who are placed on a perfect
equality as to the amount per head of the License fee required, and that
License
my Proclamation of the 28th December
1857,

asserts the principle that it is raised simply in virtue of the
prerogative of the Crown to raise such revenue as it thinks proper, in
return for the permission to work minerals on Crown Lands.

7. I observe your remarks as to the limit and extent of the rights
HudsonsBayCompany tradingrights
devised by the Crown to the Hudson's Bay Company, and I have to advise
Her Majesty's Government, that the Hudson's Bay Company no longer enjoys
any exclusive rights of trade
whatsoever,

and is placed in all respects, in the same position as other
British subjects on this coast.

8. I will take the liberty, which I feel satisfied, you will under
the circumstances excuse, of correcting an erroneous impression which
appears to pervade the public mind in England. I allude to the
often-asserted statement that the Hudson's Bay Company have made an
unjust and oppressive use of their power in this Country, a statement
HudsonsBayCompany allegationsagainst
which I can assure Her Majesty's Government is altogether unfounded. On
the contrary, it would be an easy matter to prove that they have been of
signal service to their Country, and that the British Territory on the
North West Coast is an acquisition won for the Crown entirely by the
enterprise and energy of the Hudson's Bay Company, for on commencing
business operations in this quarter, the whole coast was held by
foreigners, and it is only since the year 1846, that the Hudson's Bay
Company have derived any real protection from the Licence of trade, as
until that epoch, the trade was open to all citizens of the United States
United Statestrade
in common with the Hudson's Bay Company. Perhaps you will excuse my
saying so much, as a sense of justice leads me to exert the little
influence I possess, in protecting from injustice, men who have served
their Country so faithfully and so well. At this moment I am making use
of the Hudson's Bay Company's establishments for every public office, and
HudsonsBayCompany assistancetocolony
to their servants, for want of other means, I commit, in perfect
confidence, the custody of the public money.

9. An Abstract showing the amount of public revenue collected up to
Revenue
this date, for British Columbia, at the Custom House of Victoria, and the
Custom house,at Victoria
VictoriaCustom house at
Revenue vesselat mouth of Fraser
Revenue vessel anchored at the mouth of Fraser's River, under the several
heads of Mining Licences, Customs, Head money &c, is now herewith
Head moneyto HudsonsBayCompany
forwarded for the information of Her Majesty's Government. The sum
44,717 Dollars is small, but it will serve to cover a part of the
necessary expenditure incurred in opening the communications of the
Country.
Communicationsexpense of

10. I have not received Mr Commissioner Hicks' accounts, but his
Hicks, Richardcommissioner
present collection will not add materially to the sum in hand, until the
certificates of the whole sum prepaid for mining fees, as per Abstract
No. 2 has been withdrawn by the issue of mining Licenses.

11. I cannot yet furnish an account of expenditure, but that will
Public accountsexpenditures
be supplied in due time.

12. The road into the interior of Fraser's River by the Harrison
valley, so indispensably necessary, for the transport of food and
Harrison-Lillooet route
supplies, for the numerous bodies of miners, who have pushed, reckless of
consequences, and badly provided with food and clothing, into the
Interior, is an expensive undertaking, and will absorb a great part of
the present revenue.

13. I am exceedingly anxious to establish that communication
thoroughly before the winter sets in, to remove all cause of complaint
Roadsdemand for
against the Government, and to save British Columbia from becoming a bye
word and a reproach.

14. The Government will have to grapple vigorously with the arduous
and expensive operation of opening a great system of roads, and providing
Roadsneed for
access to the remote settlements of British Columbia, before its mineral
resources can be developed, and become a fruitful source of revenue.

15. The whole sea coast of British Columbia from the American
Boundary on the 49th parallel of Latitude up to the Russian
Possessions, exhibits continued chains of mountains, broken and
penetrated only by the valley of Fraser's River, which drains the great
central plateau that stretches eastward from the coast range to the Rocky
Mountains.
Fraser River,access to interior

16. The other rivers debouching directly into the sea on the coast
of British Columbia, take their rise in the coast range, so that Fraser's
River is the only great artery of the Country, and the only River, which
traversing the whole extent of the Colony, affords the least difficult
access to the remoter valleys of the interior.

17. To accomplish that great object of opening up a very
inaccessible Country for settlement, by the formation of roads and
Roadsneed for
Bridgesneed for
bridges, immediately and pressingly wanted; to provide public buildings
Public buildingsneed for
for the residence of the Officers of the Crown; for the use of the
Judiciary, for offices of Record; and in short, to create a great social
organization, with all its civil judicial, and military establishments in
a wilderness of forest and mountain, is a Herculean task, even with all
the appliances of wealth and skill, and it must necessarily involve in
the first place, a large expenditure, much beyond the means of the
Country to defray.

18. I will however, do everything in my power to make the Colonial
revenue, meet as large a portion of the public expenditure as is
Revenueand expenditure
consistent with its means and early development, but more than that, I am
sure it is not the wish of Her Majesty's Government to require.

19. My own opinion of the matter is that Parliament should at once
Parliamentary grant,request for
grant the sum of £200,000, either as a free gift, or a loan to be repaid
hereafter, in order to give the new Colony a fair start, in a manner
becoming the great nation, of whose empire it forms a part. The
acquisition is worth the sacrifice which will soon be largely repaid by
the power and influence and wealth to be derived from the new possession.

20. In the meantime, until the Colony is in a position to afford a
sufficient revenue to defray the expenses of its government, I have to
beg your instructions as to the payment of the salaries of the public
Salaries,of public officers
officers, and of the cost of public buildings; I presume the necessary
Public buildingspayment of
funds will be provided, and that I am authorized to draw on the Colonial
Department for such sums as may be wanted for the public service.

21. I have not yet taken advantage of the authority granted in your
letter,

to appoint a treasurer, nor have I established a gold escort, nor
commenced giving Government receipts in lieu of deposits of gold, and for
Treasurerappointment of
Gold escortneed for
the reason that I have not been able to secure the services of Officers
to whom I could entrust the execution of those important duties.

22. In proposing to establish a gold escort, I had no other object
in view than to confer a substantial benefit on the Miner, by providing a
secure means of transport from the mines to Victoria, where the gold
would have been deposited in the public treasury, until called for by the
owner; and the whole expense of transport was to be defrayed by a charge
on the deposits; I also felt that the proper influence of a Government is
confirmed and extended by such useful services. I was afraid however, to
undertake the measure without the aid of efficient Officers, as it was
adding to the labour and responsibilities under which I have been so
often almost ready to sink, having for the last six months discharged,
unaided, the whole functions of two distinct Governments.

23. We have arranged a postal system on a small
scale,

which provides for the present wants of the Country, and the receipts
Mailestablishment of postal system
of Postage pay the whole expense of the Department.

24. I shall not fail to attend to your instructions in respect
to the employment of the public Surveyors who will begin to operate
Surveys employment of private surveyors
on the soil of British Columbia, with as little delay as possible.

25. I shall also give careful attention to your instructions on the
important subject of future government, and will reserve its
Governorcommissionn and instructions
consideration for a future and separate despatch, after receiving the
additional directions which it is added in your Despatch, are to be
forwarded with my Commission.

26. I lost no time in attending to your instructions and have now
the honor of transmitting herewith, a report on the Harbours of
Vancouver's Island, prepared by Captain Richards, Commanding H.M.
Harboursreport by Richards
Richards, Capt. George H.report on harbours
ShipsPlumper
Surveying Ship "Plumper," which contains a great deal of useful
information on the subject treated. I will procure and forward further
information by every opportunity.

27. I will moreover, as you have considerately suggested, not enter
upon any act of general legislation until I am fully authorized thereto.

Having thus replied to the several points in your despatch,



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FILE: 1858-10-26_Gosset_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586G05.txt
================================================================================

Gosset to Under-Secretary of State

As Commissary for British Columbia, and I presume therefore
Gosset, Capt. William D.duties as commisary
Gosset, Capt. William D.experience in Ceylon
Commisarysupplies for
(as in Ceylon) responsible for the supply of rough and sawn timber
to the various Departments, I beg to suggest that the skeleton
gear of a powerful water wheel and the machinery of a circular
sawing mill be forthwith provided & sent out without delay.
There is no one article, I deem more necessary, or more economical,
for a Colony, where wood abounds, where labor is so scarce that "a
Carter

earns 10£ a day", and where sawn timber will be required for innumerable
purposes of general utility, to an extent which will repay the cost of
this simple & not costly tool, even were the Colony to last but a couple
of years.

2. On the same principle of saving manual labor in an
expensive labor market, though in an infinitely less degree than
above, I would suggest the supply of a lithographic press for the
Lithographic pressrecommended
production of such forms and documents as are likely to be
required from the Commissariat for the general purposes of Government.

3. Being ignorant of the amount of provisions transmitted with the
force which has proceeded to Vancouvers Island, it is out of my power to
offer any suggestions on this head.



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FILE: 1858-10-26_Hardy_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585HO01.txt
================================================================================

Hardy to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Mr Secretary Walpole to transmit
to you the accompanying Memorial to the
Queen

from a number
of persons belonging to different Trades and Occupations
in the City of Glasgow and its Neighbourhood, offering to
serve Her Majesty for five years as a Militia or Police
Force or Pioneer Band in the new Colony of British 
Columbia; And I am to request that you will submit the
same to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.



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FILE: 1858-10-26_McCulloch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585MI12.txt
================================================================================

McCulloch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 22nd
Instant

in regard to Stationery required for British 
Columbia;

*
and I beg to state with reference to this matter for the information of
Sir Bulwer Lytton.

That I have not seen Captain Gosset, to whom reference is made in
your letter, and that consequently no steps have yet been taken in the
matter.

I observe that you desire me to send an Estimate of the cost of the
articles to be sent out, for Sir Bulwer Lytton's approval. I presume
however, that this paragraph must have been inserted in your letter by a
mistake. No such Estimates have been supplied by this Office for many
years past. And I have already had occasion in my letter to Mr
Barnard of the 30th June
last,

to bring the subject under Sir Bulwer's notice, and to show the entire
worthlessness of such Estimates, and the time, trouble, and expense
needed for making them out. I, therefore, take it for granted that the
preliminary Estimate will not be required. It is enough surely, if only
necessary articles be ordered, to know that they are supplied at the
lowest prices at which they can be obtained, under a system of fair
competition. I beg to add that there is not a Clerk here who could be
spared to make out such Estimates.



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FILE: 1858-10-26_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M25.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

In connection with my letter of the 28th Inst I find the
instructions from the Admiralty for the conveyance of stores by
Euphrates are
"that she is to take the stores shut out from the Briseis and in this
is included the twelvemonths Provisions asked for in my letter of
the 28h Septr."

I respectfully request your "authority" for the above stores being
granted. Permit me to add it is a great satisfaction that this
additional years supply of provisions are being sent. It relieves my
mind of considerable anxiety on many important grounds.

I take this opportunity of mentioning arrangements have been
concluded by which I am able to reduce the quantity of compressed
hay first asked for by me and authorized.



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FILE: 1858-10-26_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M26.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

You have been pleased to sanction the principle that the
Baggage of the Judge and Treasurer of B. Columbia should be
conveyed in the Vessel taking out Government Stores to that
Colony provided it did not displace any of the Public Stores.

I regret to say it was not in my power to carry out your
favourable disposition in this matter either in the Thames City
or in the Briseis the space in both vessels being extremely limited.

In the Euphrates conveying the few men and a small quantity
of Stores there is ample room and I beg to be informed whether
this meets with your sanction for the baggage referred to being
received on board and also whether it is to be included in the
general amount of tonnage taken up by the Government for B. Columbia.

Such I believe to be your desire but an authority upon which
I can act to that effect is necessary.



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FILE: 1858-10-26_Sanders_to_Lytton_B586S02.txt
================================================================================

Sanders to Lytton

In reply to my application of the 1st
September,

you were pleased to offer to furnish me with letters of introduction
to the Governor of the Colony of British Columbia on my submitting to you
satisfactory testimonials—should those I forwarded warrant your doing so
I should be very thankful, Sir if you would provide me with a letter to
the Governor, as it is my intention to proceed to British Columbia with
as little delay as possible.



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FILE: 1858-10-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58007.txt
================================================================================

No. 7

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
No. 9 [Vancouver Island],
of the 14th of
August,

and I hasten to attend to your
requisition for information on the subject of the disposal of land
Landssale of
in British Columbia, to Companies or private individuals.

2. In order to meet your instructions more fully on that
subject, I directed Mr Surveyor Pemberton to draw up a report
Pemberton, Joseph D.
describing in a general manner the existing arrangements for the
sale of land on Vancouver's
Island,

and the proposed arrangements
Landdisposal of
for the sale of land in British Columbia. That report I have now
the honor of herewith transmitting to you. It embodies my own views
on the subject of land sales, except on one or two points.

3. Mr Pemberton for instance suggests that the system of
Pemberton, Joseph D.
Crown landspayment for
receiving payment for Crown Lands by four annual instalments; instead
of immediate payment, should be abandoned, on account of the trouble
and difficulty of collecting the instalments, but reasons equally
cogent may be urged in support of the existing system, such as the
benefit and relief it gives to poor settlers, and I am therefore of
opinion that the same system may be extended with advantage to
British Columbia in all sales of country lands exceeding 50 acres,
but not in sales of Town Lands, which are always paid for on
Town landsand title deeds
receiving the Title Deeds.

4. We propose to sell country land in Fraser's River and
Fraser Riversale of land on
other mining Districts at the fixed price of £1 per statute
Mining districtssale of land on
acre, and Town Land according to the public value of the site.
I think however, it might be advisable to adopt a lower selling
price than £1 per acre, in purely Agricultural Districts, where
Landagricultural, sale of
no minerals are found, for the purpose of encouraging early
settlement. That however is an arrangement which may be reserved
for further consideration.

5. I propose for the present to reserve all Mineral Lands,
Mineral lands
which are generally speaking unproductive under cultivation, for
the purpose of revenue, such as a great part of the narrow belt
of table land, extending from the River to the mountains, on the
banks of Fraser's River, between Forts Hope and Yale.
Fraser Rivermining land
Fort Hopemining land
Fort Yalemining land

6. A series of meteor[o]logical observations would no doubt
be highly interesting to the public and we propose to have them
taken at the Surveying Office as soon as they are established,
Surveying office
Meteorological studies
and we are supplied with the proper instruments.

7. With those few observations I will close my remarks on
Mr Pemberton's report.
Pemberton, Joseph D.report of

8. I beg also to assure you that we shall attend to the
instructions contained in your said despatch, concerning the
disposal of land; preventing persons from squatting on the
Landdisposal of
Squattersprevention of
 Public lands; keeping separate accounts of all Revenue derived
Revenuefrom land sales
from the sale of land, and its applications at present to the
purposes of survey and communication, and the necessary accounts
will be furnished from time to time after the public lands are
brought into the market.

9. I shall also not fail to give effect to your views in
regard to the naturalization of foreigners, and you may rest
Foreignersnaturalization of
assured that there will be no just cause of complaint, for
favors shewn to the Servants of the Hudson's Bay Company; and that
HudsonsBayCompany favoursinsaleofland
every precaution will be taken to repress speculation and
Landspeculationcontrol of
land-jobbing, and to protect the public interests committed to my care.



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FILE: 1858-10-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58008.txt
================================================================================

No. 8

I have the honor of forwarding a requisition of various articles
referred to in the 4th paragraph of my despatch of yesterday's date.
Law courtsrequisition for
Public officesrequisition for
for the use of the Law Courts and other public office[s] in British 
Columbia, and also in the 6th paragraph of my despatch No.7 of even
Meteorological observations
date, for making meteorological observations in the same
Colony.



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FILE: 1858-10-27_Hamber_to_Lytton_B586H02.txt
================================================================================

Hamber to Lytton

I am desired by the Promoters of The Vancouver's Island and Fraser
River Steam Navigation Company limited, most respectfully to
solicit an answer to my letter dated the 14th instant.



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FILE: 1858-10-27_Hawes_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585WA01.txt
================================================================================

Hawes to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to forward,
herewith, for the information of Mr Secretary Labouchere copies
of a letter and enclosures which have been received from the
Governor of Vancouver's Island, regarding certain buildings
which have been erected, under his orders, for the accommodation
of the North American Boundary Surveying Expedition.



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FILE: 1858-10-27_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE08.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster
General has been authorized to pay to Messrs Cox & Co
on behalf of Col Moody the sum of £3,400 on account of
the Expenses of Stores for the British Columbia Expedition
as requested in Mr Elliots Letter of yesterdays
date.



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FILE: 1858-10-28_Falk_to_Lytton_B586F01.txt
================================================================================

Falk to Lytton

In submitting the annexed to you and asking for your patronage, I
do so upon public grounds, the Company has been formed by steady
active men of Business in this City, who wanting no money assistance
think it would be of the last importance for the permanent success
of the undertaking to have the sanction of a statesman of your
enlightened views and who from his official position must be well
acquainted with the subject.

I happen to know a good deal of this distant region from a time
when Californian Gold was not thought of and I feel satisfied that
now when the Fraser River Gold discoveries are bringing population
to develop the resources of the country, its progress will be even
more rapid than that of California and it will be a sweet
reflection for the Statesman who has given a helping hand to the
infant Colony to see it in perhaps 10 years hence already one of
the brightest gems of the British Crown. If you wish for any
further information I shall be most happy to afford it. I have at
this moment a ship of my own loading here for Vancouvers Island
with general Cargo and in which I propose taking from Columbia a
Cargo of Deals and Spars to China, this will show you just how soon
a Trade is opened.

All what my Friends and myself ask is to have the patronage of
yourself in either private or official capacity for an undertaking,
which deserves well and ought to have the support of every well
wisher of the Colony.

Wishing the favor of a reply at your convenience.



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FILE: 1858-10-28_Gosset_to_Lytton_B586G06.txt
================================================================================

Gosset to Lytton

The later date at which I received your decision, in regard to
Gosset, Capt. William D.
Commisarysupplies for
the safe scales, dies & stationery, which I ventured to consider
necessary for the security of the Public from loss or fraud; has put it
out of my power to visit the Stationery Office to select books & papers
&c; but the Comptroller of the Stationery Office would no doubt send out
"a suitable collection of posting ledgers, cash, day & memoranda
books and other ordinary articles of banking or Treasury use for
organizing a new office" if requested in these general terms to do so.

If registration of assurances be contemplated (and on this point
yr letter makes no reference to my memorandum) some quires of a larger
sized (folio) paper of the most durable kind should be added to
the supply. And as you have decided against dies, perhaps you may
approve of sending out stamps of various
values from 1d upwards both receipt and bill &c.



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FILE: 1858-10-28_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M28.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I do not know, whether it may be in the power of any
department to furnish the enclosed list of Parliamentary Blue Books
for H.M. Service in British Columbia, but I beg to submit that if
such a boon could be granted, it would be of very great service
in the Colony. Much useful information could be extracted from
them, which would be of material assistance, and they would form
the commencement of a Legislative Council Library.

Possibly they could be supplied on the Secretary of State's
order, from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

They should be packed in a box addressed to me "B. Columbia"
per Euphrates immediate and sent to the care of Richard
Eaton Esq. Military Store Keeper, Tower.



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FILE: 1858-10-28_Parkin_to_Secretary_of_State_B586P01.txt
================================================================================

Parkin to Secretary of State

Her Majesty's Government having appointed a Chief Commissioner of
Lands in Columbia, with a Staff to settle and adjust boundaries &c,
permit me respectfully to submit to your consideration the
importance of adopting concurrently therewith, a system of
registering the title to Lands, so as to obviate the difficulties
with which Estates in this Country are encompassed.

It is now an admitted axiom, that a Registration of Assurances
would give increased security and simplicity to titles to land, and
remedy the evils which call for a protection against the
suppression of documentary evidence of title. Such a system exists
in America; and the value and importance of deviating the
difficulties, incident to a more advanced state of Society, by at
once according to this view, and adjoining country like advantages,
will be apparent.

Not necessarily to burthen an infant Colony, it is submitted that
the duties of Crown, or Legislative Council Solicitor, and
Registrar of Deeds, could be united in one Individual, and I beg
respectfully to solicit and tender my Services for such appointment.

Twenty five years experience in country, London, and parliamentary
practice, during which I have been engaged professionally in
carrying out large public Undertakings, will fit me, I trust, by
knowledge and experience, to aid in, and advise on every measure
needful to the development, and security of the resources, and
rights, of a newly founded Colony.

Prepared to furnish any testimonials of fitness for, or a  statement
of the duties, and advantages of the proposed offices, that may be
required.



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FILE: 1858-10-28_Romaine_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B585AD17.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have received and laid before the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty your Lordship's letter of the 27th
instant

ShipsEuphrates
ShipsBriseis
Royal Engineersshipment of stores to BC
enclosing one from Colonel Moody, R.E. respecting the Supply of
Provisions to be shipped in the "Euphrates" for British Columbia.

Orders were given originally for twelve month's supply of Provisions
to be shipped in the "Briseis," and upon that Vessel proving unable to
convey them, the "Euphrates" was engaged under Colonial Office letter of
the 11th
instant,

to convey those Provisions and such War Office Stores as
could not be shipped in the "Briseis."

I am to add that the necessary orders on the part of
the Admiralty, have been already given.



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FILE: 1858-10-29_Arbuckle_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B586A03.txt
================================================================================

Arbuckle to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 28th Instant informing me that there
is no situation vacant in British Columbia, to which the
Secretary of State could appoint me. May I beg that
you will kindly inform me, in case of any appointment
falling vacant there, I might look forward with sanguine
expectations of being employed there.



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FILE: 1858-10-29_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58045.txt
================================================================================

No. 45

The arrival of the Mail Steamer from San Francisco, at Esquimalt,
with the detachment of Royal Engineers, under the command of
Captain Parsons, has just been announced, and though I have not
yet heard from Captain Parsons, I believe they are in perfect
health. I have despatched an Officer to hire boats for the
removal of the detachment to this place, 
where I have provided
comfortable quarters, for their accommodation, until they can be
removed to British Columbia. Your despatches have not yet been
landed, and I write this hasty note, to save the mail, as the
Steamer leaves almost immediately.



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FILE: 1858-10-29_Douglas_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B58008PR.txt
================================================================================

Private

I have received 'The printed Scheme of Hong Kong
Papers'

and the report of the Commission of
1855

on the state of the
Gold fields in Victoria, which you have kindly forwarded with
Gold fieldsconditions at
your private note of the 1st of September, and you have
my cordial thanks for that and former considerate attention.

I am at present in great perplexity for want of efficient
help, having neither the assistance of a Colonial Secretary,
Douglas, Jamesneed for assistance
Colonial secretaryneed for
Treasurerneed for
Accountantneed for
Treasurer or Accountant, while it would require a full staff
of efficient Officers, to perform the duties that now devolve
upon me alone, a misfortune for myself and the Country, as
both suffer in consequence of that want.

The class of men who are mining in Fraser's River are
Minersnature of
composed of all nations, some of them no doubt, respectable, but
when I landed at Fort Yale in my late journey to Fraser's River,
Fort YaleDouglas at
it struck me that I had never before seen a crowd of more ruffianly
looking men, than were assembled on that occasion.

About 3000 were present, and to add to the horror of the
scene, many of them were drunk; things however, wore a better
appearance next day, and after saying a few kind words to them,
they were profuse in acclamations, and did, at my command, give
three cheers for the Queen, but evidently with a bad grace. There
is a strong American feeling among them, and they will require
MinersAmerican feeling among
constant watching, until the English element preponderates in
the Country. Let me therefore have the assistance of Officers,
Officersneed for
capable of managing the subordinate departments, of drafting
dispatches and so forth, so as to leave me time for the executive
functions of Government which are more than enough to occupy my
attention. Pray be kind enough to let me know in what way I can
serve you, as I am sure it will give me infinite pleasure to do so.

I have received your note enclosing a Copy of a private letter
from Mr Begbie, and much regret that gentleman's illness, which
Begbie, Matthew B.illness of
I trust will not be
protracted.



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FILE: 1858-10-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587030B.txt
================================================================================

Private

By an official letter of this date I have granted an introduction
to you in favor of Mr Joseph Trutch, a gentleman who has been engaged
in surveying in Oregon under the government of the United States.

I have been so impressed with the capabilities and professional
skill of Mr Trutch that I wish to recommend him more particularly to
your notice in the belief that should an opportunity occur of employing
him, I shall render you service in mentioning him as a person who I
think would be likely to afford you useful assistance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587031.txt
================================================================================

No. 31

I have to acquaint you that I have appointed Captain Gosset R.E.
who has recently held the office of Surveyor General of Ceylon, to be
Treasurer of British Columbia.

I annex for your information and guidance a copy of the letter in
which I have notified to Captain Gosset the terms of his
appointment.

I have not been able to obtain the Queen's signature to the Warrant
for this appointment in time to forward it to you by the present mail
but it shall be transmitted by the first opportunity and I have to
instruct you in the meantime on the authority of this Despatch to
appoint Captain Gosset to the office of Treasurer and to recognise him
in that capacity on his arrival in the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587034.txt
================================================================================

No. 34

I transmit to you herewith the Copy of a letter from the Colonial
Agent General, with its enclosures, respecting the payment in Vancouvers
Island of the pension of Michael Kelcher an Army Pensioner
and I have to request that in compliance with the wishes of Major General Peel, you will give directions for the payment of this pension
from the Colonial Treasury, and that you will send to this Country the
Vouchers necessary to recover repayment from the War Department as
pointed out by the Agent General.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-10-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587334.txt
================================================================================

BC No. 34

I transmit to you herewith the Copy of a letter from the Colonial
Agent General, with its enclosures, respecting the payment in Vancouvers
Island of the pension of Michael Kelcher as army Pensioner
and I have to request that in compliance with the wishes of Major General Peel, you will give directions for the payment of this pension
from the Colonial Treasury, and that you will send to this Country the
Vouchers necessary to recover repayment from the War Department as
pointed out by the Agent General.



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FILE: 1858-10-29_Reep_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B585MI13.txt
================================================================================

Reep to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

In consequence of the anxiety you expressed that nothing should be
left undone to insure the speedy conveyance to Van Couvers Island of the
party of Engineers who proceeded out per La Plata from Southampton on the
2nd Ultimo, I wrote in addition to the Official instructions, of which
you were furnished with a copy, a private letter to our Agent at Panama
on the subject, and I have now much pleasure in transmitting for your
Lordships information a copy of the Agents reply.

I am much gratified to find that no delay occurred on the Isthmus of
Panama.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587034A.txt
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[Separate]

I have much pleasure in enclosing to you the copy of a letter which
I have received from Captain Shepherd recommending to my notice the name
of Colonel Plowden who has recently retired from the Service of the
Royal East India Company. Feeling entire confidence in Captain Shepherds judgment, I beg to say, that I shall be prepared to confirm
your selection of Colonel Plowden for any appointment in British 
Columbia in which you may consider that his services can be most
advantageously employed for the benefit of the Colony.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M29.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor to state it has been desirable by the
War Department that the purchase of Forage (Oats & a small
quantity of Hay) obtained for B. Columbia by Mr Eaton H.M.
Storekeeper Tower should be defrayed by me instead of paying
through their Accounts as the other Stores will be. I did not
contemplate this when I made my last demand.

I think it would facilitate matters if you would sanction
the above and move H.M. Treasury to place the sums required—viz

George Kean for Oats 174. 8. 3

S.H. Whitboard for Hay  8.14.10

 183. 3. 1

 to my acct at Messrs Cox & Co.

May I request your decision to be sent under cover to
Captain Elphinstone R.E. 4 New Street Spring Gardens.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M30.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I would respectfully request that the decision of the
Secretary of State respecting my application for Passage
allowance and also my request in regards to Colonial Pay while
employed on Colonial Service (involving much responsibility) in
England, may be intimated to Messrs Cox & Co. when concluded.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M31.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

Before leaving England I venture on the liberty of bringing
to your notice the great assistance I have received from Corporal Spackman R.E. lent to me from Chatham to assist in the office
matters relating to B. Columbia. He is so well acquainted with
all the details and would be so valuable in the Colony that I
would solicit him being sent out in the Euphrates as a
Supernumerary Corpl sent on Special Service and attached to the
Expedition.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M32.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor to report that in carrying out all the
authorized arrangements respecting Stores, finding minor
alterations were either unavoidable or desirable none of them of
sufficient moment to address the Secretary of State upon at the
time, but it is very necessary these alterations should receive his
final authority. I therefore beg to enclose an Amended List
which will be found to "tally" with the accounts & vouchers, & which
I would propose to forward with them to the Commissioners of Audit,
together with the one Covering Authority from the Secretary of State.



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FILE: 1858-10-30_Tennent_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585TA02.txt
================================================================================

Tennent to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I am directed by The Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd
instant

transmitting by direction of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton for their
opinion, copy of a proclamation issued by the Governor of Vancouvers
Island on the 25th
August

establishing Harbour regulations in the Ports of Victoria and Esquimalt
and also Regulations for Boats and other small craft employed on the
Coasts of the Island.

In reply I am to request that you will state to Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton that the Harbour Regulations appear to My Lords to be usual and
proper for the purpose of preserving order and regularity in the mooring
and berthing of Vessels and for security against fire, and that the
coast regulations seem calculated to secure the efficiency of the Boats
and to prevent smuggling.



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FILE: 1858-10_Cotton_to_Lytton_B586C15.txt
================================================================================

Cotton to Lytton

It is with much diffidence and indeed reluctance that I
venture to trouble you on a matter connected with the high
office which you hold under Her Majesty, but I have received
a letter from a Gentleman settled in Canada who has done so
much good in his District (Canada West) where he has been
settled for years, when his assistance was required, requesting
me to have his application laid before you, one who seems from
his statement which I have the honour to enclose so well
qualified from various circumstances for the duties of such
an Office as he is seeking, that I venture to be the medium of
submitting that Statement to your consideration.

I feel sensibly how utterly destitute I am of any claim
upon your attention, in this or any other matter if only on
the ground of the difference of position, and of my being an entire
Stranger. It may however happen that Mr Keating's Qualifications
may be considered by you to be such as to make him appear a party well
suited to the Office which he is so anxious to obtain.

From having been near 50 years a Solicitor in this
locality I am generally well known in a large circle and I can
give you the most satisfactory references as to the integrity
of any Statement from myself. To that extent, but expressly
premising that I do not use his name in any manner or degree,
as party to this application, and indeed that I have no authority
whatever so to do, I feel that I may safely venture to add that
I am well known to the Rector of Knebworth with whom I have been
intimately acquainted for many years and that I have been for
a very long time and now an the Solicitor for him and for his
Family but in so doing I must repeat that I merely mention his
name as a Gentleman to whom I am well known and who I am sure
would not be offended by my so doing for that limited object.

I take the liberty to enclose a copy of Mr Keating's
Letter and of one addressed to him by Sir George Simpson the Originals
being in my possession and



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FILE: 1858-11-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587035.txt
================================================================================

No. 35

With reference to my Despatch, No 22, of the 23rd September,

I transmit herewith for your information, a Copy of the Instructions
which I have addressed to Colonel Moody on the eve of his departure to
assume his duties in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-01_Reep_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585MI14.txt
================================================================================

Reep to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am desired to transmit to you herewith for the information of Her
Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, Copy of a letter from the
Agent of this Company at Panama, dated 8th October, reporting the
departure thence for San Francisco of Captain Parsons and the detachment
of Royal Engineers, who left Southampton on the 2nd September last for
Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1858-11-02_Berens_to_Lytton_V585MI24.txt
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Berens to Lytton

In compliance with your request, as conveyed to me in Mr Merivale's letter of the 4th September, on the subject of the
compensation due to the Hudson's Bay Company for expenses
incurred by them in connection with the colonization of
Vancouver's Island, I have now the honour to transmit an amended
account of the Sums claimed by the Company under that head,
drawn up in Strict conformity with the principle laid down by
the Earl of Carnarvon in his letter of the 28th of July last.



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FILE: 1858-11-02_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO04.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by The Earl of Malmesbury to request that
Navycrimping of sailors
Crimping of sailors
you will state to Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, that His
Lordship has been informed by Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at
Lima

that he has reason to believe that certain Parties
lately engaged in a system of crimping
sailors

at Callao have left that Port for the Fraser River in New Caledonia.

Lord Malmesbury considers that it may be useful that
Sir Edward Lytton's attention should be called to this
subject as the system carried on by these persons has been
productive of much inconvenience at Callao.



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FILE: 1858-11-02_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE09.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information
of Sir E.B. Lytton with reference to his letter of the 19th
Ultimo,

that My Lords have authorized the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to
repay to Mr P. Smith, Chief Clerk in the Colonial Office, the sums of
£75, being the Stamp Duty on the Letters Patent, dated the 2nd
September 1858, for erecting British Columbia into a Colony and
appointing James Douglas Esqr to be Governor thereof, and £50 being
the Stamp Duty on a Warrant appointing Mr Begbie to be Judge of the
Colony.

My Lords have also authorized the Paymaster General to pay to Mr P. Smith the sum of £39.17.4, in repayment of the advance made by him on
account of the expenses of issuing the above Letters Patent, charging the
amount to Civil Contingencies.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Barker_to_Lytton_B586B08.txt
================================================================================

Barker to Lytton

Having seen in the Times that Government is sending out
Clerks to "New Columbia" I take the liberty of forwarding the
enclosed Copy of a Certificate (The Original one from
Somerset House having unfortunately been lost by Lady Palmerston)
and humbly entreating you Sir to grant me a nomination.

I speak and write perfectly French and Italian (The first
like a Native, having been educated in Paris) and have passed
a Successful examination before the Civil Service Commission.
I am also happy to be able to add, that I have always given
perfect satisfaction to My Superiors during the two years I
was employed in Somerset House as a Temporary Clerk, and can
obtain from them any further Certificate, Should it be necessary.

I have a family wholly dependent upon my exertions for support,
and therefore most sincerely trust Sir that you will kindly
pardon the liberty I have taken in applying to you.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58009.txt
================================================================================

No. 9

1. I have the honor of submitting the following remarks on
the subject of establishing a sea-port Town for the Colony of
British Columbia.

2. The Colony of British Columbia possesses an extent of
about 500 miles of sea coast, stretching from the point where the
49th parallel of Latitude first strikes the sea coast to the
line of the Russian Possessions in Portland Canal.

3. That circumstance obviously suggests the necessity of
establishing in British Columbia for the convenience of trade
more than one seaport Town, where vessels may enter with cargoes
of foreign goods.

4. One sea-port town, and that of the greatest present importance
should be established at the entrance of Frasers River, and another
in some convenient and accessible harbour, on the Coast of British 
Columbia north of Vancouvers Island.

5. There is unfortunately no convenient harbour for shipping
at or in the near vicinity of Fraser's River, that is to say
between the boundary of the United States in the 49th parallel
of latitude to Point Grey, at the entrance of Burrard Canal.

6. Extensive sand banks, sweeping five miles from the land
into the Gulf of Georgia, and reaching from Point Roberts to
Point Grey, form an open unsheltered anchorage, but there is no
harbour on that section of the coast.

7. The ship channel into Frasers River, winds in a somewhat
tortuous and narrow passage through those sands, and has a depth
of water sufficient for vessels drawing 18 feet.

8. Beyond the sands the river increases in depth and the
current in force and velocity. The banks for the first ten miles
are low being only a few feet above the water level, and there is
a wide extent of wet marshy country on both banks of the River,
intersected by creeks and covered with sedge willows and coarse
grass.

9. The low wet District passed, the country presents a new
aspect being more elevated and covered with Pines and other forest
trees.

10. That is the point where the sea port Town can be established
to the greatest advantage, and for this reason that it is accessible
to sailing vessels, which owing to the lofty banks on both sides of
the River, beyond that point, can rarely depend upon a fair wind, or
ascend further without using the warp, or by the help of steam.

11. The "Port of Entry" for all ships entering Fraser's River for
trade, should be established somewhere about that point, known as
H.B.C. Tree, 
the first explorers of the River having marked a
tree with those letters, and the point has ever since retained this
name, while for the convenience of general trade, and to prevent
the risk and delay consequent on entering the River, a Customs
House Officer might be stationed at Point Roberts, or at some more
convenient point on the sea coast, outside of Fraser's River, to
enter ships bound to other Ports in the Gulf of Georgia, north of
Fraser's River.

12. The accompanying Chart shewing the character of the country
near the mouth of Fraser's River, and the point where it is here
proposed to place the sea-port Town, will be found useful for
reference.

13. I would propose another plan which is however open to
adoption only, should Vancouver's Island be incorporated with British 
Columbia,

and this is that the safe and accessible harbour of Esquimalt
Vancouver's Island should be made the Port of Entry to sea going
vessels for both Colonies, leaving the navigation of the Gulf of
Georgia and other inland waters for a class of steam vessels
calculated to do the work with safety and despatch. This latter
plan is very popular with the property holders of Vancouvers Island,
who are generally desirous of having the sea port Town of British 
Columbia at Esquimalt or Victoria, where it now is, but if that
plan should appear objectionable to Her Majesty's Government, then
there will remain the alternative of selecting the point before
described, about ten miles from Point Pelly

up Fraser's River,
where the land is level, dry and otherwise well adapted as a town
location.

14. One of those two places will I apprehend have to be adopted
in fixing upon the site of the sea port Town of British Columbia.

With reference to the accompanying
Chart.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58010.txt
================================================================================

No. 10

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch
No 6 of the 2nd September
1858,

acquainting me that Her Majesty's Ships Tribune, Pylades, and
Amethyst,

had been ordered
from the East Indies to Vancouver's Island, and that the former
Ship would convey as many Supernumerary Marines as she can carry
and as Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour can spare, and I beg to
offer you my thanks for this very satisfactory
information.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58011.txt
================================================================================

No. 11

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch
No 11 of the 2nd September last, acquainting me that you
have appointed Mr Chartres Brew to be Chief Inspector of
Police in British Columbia, and enclosing to me the Testimonials of that
Gentleman.

2. I have to offer my best thanks for your considerate attention
in sending out Mr Brew to British Columbia. The instructions you
have communicated respecting Mr Brew's pay and allowances have
been noted, and will be duly attended to.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58012.txt
================================================================================

No. 12

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch
No 5 of the 2nd September 1858, forwarding to me copies of
a correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Board of
Admiralty, of the dates as per margin, on the subject of
affording Naval assistance to British 
Columbia.

2. I glean from this correspondence the just appreciation
you have formed of the importance of the Service referred to,
and I feel truly grateful for the great interest Her Majesty's
Government have taken in the protection and advancement of
British Columbia, as is evidenced by the nature of the instructions
which this correspondence has caused to be given to the Commander
in Chief of Her Majesty's Naval Forces in the Pacific.



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FILE: 1858-11-03_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58013.txt
================================================================================

No. 13

In reply to your Despatch of the 2nd September last
No. 10,

forwarding to me an extract of a letter from Dr P.M. O'Brien, Port Physician at Port Townsend, stating that
miners proceeding up the River to British Columbia are compelled
to purchase their tools from the Hudson's Bay Company, though
previously provided with such articles, and instructing me to
report whether this statement is founded on fact, and to furnish
you with any information which I may have it in my power to give
upon the subject. I beg to assure Her Majesty's Government that
the allegations of Dr O'Brien are entirely unfounded.

2. From the first period of the gold discoveries in Fraser's
River much petty jealousy has been exhibited by the inhabitants
of Port Townsend, and other little Towns in Washington Territory,
which thought proper to feel ag[g]rieved at the prosperity of
Victoria, and commenced a crusade against British interests in
general, and against the Hudson's Bay Company in particular, and
the American Press in that quarter, has teemed with Articles of
the most absurdly fabulous character.

The letter of Dr O'Brien is a specimen, though indeed but
a mild one, of the invective that has been indulged in, and of
the fabrications that have been spread abroad; and the Press of
California, with scarce an exception, has adopted a similar strain
with the obvious purpose of deterring emigration from that state.

3. As a direct proof of the little truth, in the assertions
of Dr O'Brien, I may mention that, at the date of his letter,
the Hudson's Bay Company had no Mining tools for sale in their
stores at Victoria, consequently they could not have compelled
the miners to purchase them, and in refutation of the remainder
of his letter, it is sufficient to state that the trouble he so
confidently predicts has not come to pass, and that as a body,
the American Miners, are not dissatisfied with the treatment
they have received since their arrival in the British Possessions.



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FILE: 1858-11-04_Bennett_to_Lytton_B586B11.txt
================================================================================

Bennett to Lytton

As I believe it is customary to appoint a Colonial
Surgeon on the formation of a New Colony, I venture to
bring myself to your Excellency's Notice as a Candidate for
that appointment in British Columbia.

My Medical education was received in London and Paris and
my qualifications are as follows. In the year 1840 I was admitted
a Member of the Medical Society of Paris—in 1841 I passed the
examinations of the Apothecaries Hall of London—in 1842 that of
the College of Surgeons. I then engaged in general practice at
Hailsham in Sussex—in 1848, I graduated at Kings College
Aberdeen and obtained the Diploma of M.D. For the last eight
years I have been a resident in this Country during which time
I have been in practice in this City.

I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of a private
testimonial from the late Archdeacon Hare to shew my social
standing while I was living in England and one from the British
Consul of this place as a guarantee that I am not unworthy of
soliciting the appointment.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-11-04_Canterbury,_Archbishop_of_to_Lytton_B586C02.txt
================================================================================

Canterbury, Archbishop of, to Lytton

I had the honor of receiving a letter from you on 7th Octr
last,

Burdett-Coutts, Angela Gendowment of See of Columbia
in which you were so good as to express your approbation of Miss Burdett
Coutts liberal offer to endow a bishopric for the new colony of Columbia.

May I now take the liberty of mentioning the Revd George Hills as
Canterbury, Archbishop ofrecommends Hills as bishop
Hills, the Rev. Georgeappointment as bishop
a person recommended to me as being eminently suited to such a position,
and who has also the advantage of Miss Coutts' confidence. He is an
honorary Canon of Norwich, & Incumbent of Yarmouth where his ministry for
the last ten years has been remarkably successful.

I hope that I am not trespassing upon your indulgence in offering
this nomination,



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FILE: 1858-11-04_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58014.txt
================================================================================

No. 14

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 8 of the 2nd of September last, referring to your Despatch No
6

in which it is mentioned that the detachment of Royal
Engineers which Her Majesty's Government have taken measures to
send to British Columbia would be maintained at the Imperial cost
for only a limited period, and that the Colony would afterwards
have to defray the expense thereof, but that the more recent
intelligence received, since the date of your despatch No 6 of
the prospect of raising a large and early revenue in the Colony
had caused an alteration in your view, with respect to the first
charge for the Engineer Party, and that Her Majesty's Government
now expect that British Columbia shall be self supporting, and
that the first charge upon the Land sales must be that of defraying
all expenses which this Engineer party shall occasion, and directing
me to make suitable provision to re-imburse the British Treasury
for any expenditure incurred on this account, as soon as the
circumstances of the Colony permit.

I shall not fail to attend most carefully to those instructions,
without, however, entertaining much hope of being immediately able
to meet the expense of the military establishments of the country,
or of roads, surveys, public buildings, and other indispensable
outlay, which must be incurred before the country can possibly
become a fruitful source of revenue; like a nurseling it must for
a time be fed and clothed, yet I trust it will before many years
re-imburse the outlay and re-pay the kind care of the mother
country, with interest.



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FILE: 1858-11-04_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58015.txt
================================================================================

No. 15

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 7 of the 2nd September
last,

transmitting copies of a
correspondence between the Colonial Department and the War Office,
on the subject of the measures which had then been taken for sending
a detachment of the Royal Engineers under the command of a Field
Officer to British Columbia, and stating that . had
been appointed to the command and to the office of Chief Commissioner
of Lands and Works in British Columbia, and transmitting a copy of
the instructions which had been addressed to that officer, with
reference to the discharge of his duties in that capacity, and
specifying the amount of Regimental pay and Colonial allowances,
to which he and the Commissioned and non-Commissioned officers of
the Detachment are
entitled.

I further observe the arrangements made for the conveyance
of the larger portion of this Detachment by Cape Horn, and for
the despatch of Twenty men and an Officer by the way of
Panama.

2. I have no remark to make in reference to those arrangements
except to observe that in your instructions to Colonel Moody, and
correspondence with the War Office, every difficulty appears to
have been forseen and provided for.

3. Colonel Moody's appointment to the office of Chief Commissioner
of Lands and Works will relieve me of much responsibility, and I
look forward with satisfaction to the period of his arrival and
the commencement of those useful labours which will tend so much
to the advantage and development of the new Colony.

4. The revenues of the country will not be immediately capable
of defraying the expenses of this detachment and I shall be under
the necessity of drawing upon the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury, according to the implied authority in Mr Merivale's
letter of instructions to Colonel Moody, until the new Colony is
in a position to meet that expenditure.



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FILE: 1858-11-04_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE10.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster
General has been authorized to pay to Messrs Cox & on behalf of Col: Moody the sum of £100 on account
of the passage of Mrs Moody to British Columbia, as
requested in Lord Carnarvon's letter of the 28th
ulto.



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FILE: 1858-11-05_Brown_to_Lytton_B586B15.txt
================================================================================

Brown to Lytton

Thomas Brown of Her Majesty's L.I. corps is willing to Voulinter
his service to Sir E.B. Lytton to serve her Majesty, in
British columbia. My discharge is good for my Service in the
C[r]imea And my privet carecter from Captin Grace that was
commanding Officer for 12 Months in the c[r]imea.

If Sir E. B. Lytton will have the goodeness to appoint to some
post that I can be of Service to her majesty I will Think
it my duty to serve her In British Columbia or any of colonies.
I am equail to store keeping To the Commisartt or I would Willing
join Mr Brew in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-05_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58016.txt
================================================================================

No. 16

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No 9 of the 2nd September,

and have to thank you
for transmitting a copy of a correspondence between the Treasury
and the Colonial Office on the subject of the Postal arrangements
between England and British Columbia, a subject deeply interesting
to every person connected with this
country.

2. I observe by that correspondence that it was proposed
to extend the present mail service by the way of Halifax and
Nassau to
Colon,

at a probable expense of £25,000 per annum,
apparently with the view of facilitating postal communication
between Vancouver's Island and Canada; already accomplished via
New York.

3. From Panama to Victoria, Her Majesty's Government would
be inclined to establish a line of British Postal Steamers but
for the great expense say £100,000.

For the present therefore, it is proposed to enter into
arrangements with the Postmaster of the United States for the
carrying of mails from Panama to San Francisco, and to invite
tenders for their conveyance thence to this place; not being
aware probably that the mails are already conveyed to Pugets
Sound and this place by the United States Mail Steamers.

It is also proposed to request the Postmaster of the United
States to re-consider the time of departure of the United States
Mail Steamers from Panama so as to suit the Royal Mail Company's
Steamers.

4. By existing arrangements we receive our mails once a
fortnight and have not much reason to complain. From England
to Colon two routes are open, vizt via New
York,

and by the
Royal Mail line. The former is the more certain of the two
for letters, and the one generally adopted by business men, as
it connects with the line between Panama and San Francisco. The
last named could hardly alter their periods of departure without
confusion on the Atlantic side.

If Her Majesty's Government carry out their views and establish
a line from Nassau, we should thus have three lines arriving at
Colon. As there will probably, be a weekly line soon from Panama
northwards, there would appear to be little gain by interfering
with present arrangements between San Francisco and New York,
Canada and England.

5. A detention of sometimes a week occurs at San Francisco,
not necessarily but from want of arrangement on the part of the
American Authorities. The Steamer conveying the mail northward
frequently calls at the Columbia River, where she is liable to
detention, and also frequently does not deliver our Mail till her
return voyage from Olympia at the head of Puget's Sound, occasioning
a loss of two days, and giving us no time to reply to letters
received by the same mail.

6. The only detention and irregularity therefore which we
would wish to see remedied lie between San Francisco and this place,
and this could easily be effected by an arrangement with the
Pacific Mail
Company,

or perhaps by the preferable mode of
inviting tenders for the service.

7. It would be advisable to stipulate, in any such arrangement
that the Steamer leave San Francisco for Victoria direct within
12 hours after departure *

of the Atlantic Mail at San Francisco,
and leave Victoria on her return trip to San Francisco, in time to
overtake the next succeeding mail. The voyage either way ought to
be performed in about four days, thus allowing six days to reply
to letters from Europe.

8. When the resources of the Colony are more fully developed,
a line of British Postal Steamers from Panama to Victoria would
be the most satisfactory and advantageous to British interests in
this part of the world. This line might touch at San Francisco
and Ports in Mexico, from whence treasure is largely exported, in
all of which there are large British interests and between which
there is a large passenger traffic.

9. Trusting that those remarks may not be found irrelevant,



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FILE: 1858-11-05_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58017.txt
================================================================================

No. 17

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 12 of the 2nd of September last, transmitting to me a copy
of a letter from the Aborigines Protection Society, invoking the
protection of Her Majesty's Government on behalf of those
people.

2. While you do not wish to be understood as adopting the
views of the Society, as to the means by which that may be best
accomplished, you express a wish that the subject should have my
prompt and careful consideration, and I shall not fail to give the
fullest effect to your instructions on that head, as soon as the
present pressure of business has somewhat abated. I may however
remark, that the Native Indian Tribes are protected in all their
interests to the utmost extent of our present means.



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No. 18

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No 1 of the 2nd Septr
 transmitting to me the Queens Commission under the Great Seal, constituting and
appointing me to be Governor and Commander in Chief in and
over the Colony of British Columbia, and its dependencies,
with instructions under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet
for my general guidance in the administration of the
Government of the Colony, and I have to beg that you will
lay before Her Majesty my humble thanks for this
distinguished mark of confidence.

2. I enter upon the office with diffidence, and with
a deep sense of my own deficiencies; but with a humble
dependence on Divine help, and a firm determination to
exert every faculty in the service of my Queen and Country.



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No. 19

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch marked private of the 2nd of September,

informing me that in consequence of the Great Seal 
for
the Government of British Columbia, not being completed
in time for the mail, a small seal bearing the Royal
Arms, had been forwarded to be used in sealing the public
Documents of British Columbia, until a larger Seal can
be supplied. I beg in reply to inform you that the seal
has been received and will be made use of according to
your instructions.



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FILE: 1858-11-05_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58020.txt
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No. 20

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatch No 15, of the 2nd
September,

apprizing me of
the appointment of Mr James Cooper, to the office of
Harbour Master of Esquimalt, at a Salary of £400 per
annum, to be defrayed out of the local revenues of
British Columbia, and that for reasons stated you had
left it to me to issue his Commission in such style as
I should think proper. I have to assure you in reply
that your instructions on that head will meet with
every attention and be fully carried into effect.



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FILE: 1858-11-05_Scott_to_Higgins_Private_Secretary_B586S04.txt
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Scott to Higgins (Private Secretary)

A friend of mine Mr H.P.P. Crease, a barrister, is anxious to be
appointed Stipendiary Magistrate in British Columbia. Enclosed is
his application, together with a copy of testimonials.

If you can assist Mr Crease, by causing his application to be
brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for the Colonial
Department I shall be very much obliged to you.



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FILE: 1858-11-06_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58021.txt
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No. 21

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch
of the 2nd September 1858, No
17

transmitting for my information copy of correspondence between the
Colonial Office and the Foreign Office, of the dates as per
margin

touching certain queries addressed to Her Majesty's Minister
at Washington by the Secretary to the Pacific Mail Steam Packet Company.



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No. 22

I have duly received your (Despatch No 13) of the 2nd September
last,

acquainting me that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel propose
to send one or two Missionary Chaplains to British Columbia with as
little delay as possible.

2. I am glad to learn that such is the intention of this Society,
and I shall be most happy to render every assistance in my power to the
Clergymen when they arrive. They will find there is an extensive field
open to Missionary enterprise, as well amongst the white population as
amongst the native Indian Tribes.

3. The recent immigration into the British Possessions in these
parts has consisted mainly of Foreigners, and bearing this in mind, with
the local position of the Territory, and the influence that may be
exercised by the Ministers of Religion over a people, it appears to me
very desirable that there should be but little opening for the
introduction of any Foreign Clergy; and for these reasons alone, merely
as a matter of policy and without entering into higher considerations, I
esteem it of some importance that every encouragement should be given
to promote the emigration to this Country of English Clergymen.



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No. 23

In acknowledging receipt of your Despatch of the
2nd September 1858, No 3, transmitting to me the
Queens Revocation of the Crown Grant of the 30th May
1838, to the Hudson's Bay Company, in so far as relates
to the Territories comprized within the Colony of
British Columbia, I beg to acquaint you that the
necessary Proclamation upon this subject will be made
in the course of a few
days.



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FILE: 1858-11-06_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE11.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the 30th
Ultimo,

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of
Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords will not object to the issue,
quarterly, of Colonel Moody's Civil and Military pay, as
Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works in British Columbia, to
his Agents Messrs Cox & Co, but They consider that
that Officer should transmit periodically to the Secretary of
State the usual Certificate of his Existence, required in similar cases.

An advance of 120 days pay has already been made to
Colonel Moody and other officers of this Expedition, which
pay Their Lordships presume will commence from the date
when They ceased to receive pay from the War Department,
as sanctioned by the letter of this Board of the 7th
Ultimo.

I am to request that you will move Sir E.B. Lytton to cause
Their Lordships to be informed of the above date.



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No. 24

In reply to your Despatch No 4 of the 2nd of September last
announcing the appointment of Mr Mat[t]hew
Begbie

to the office of Judge for the Colony of British Columbia, and
instructing me to deliver the Commission enclosed in the original of your
Despatch forwarded per Mr Begbie after entering the same on the
records of this Government, I have to state that your instructions shall
receive attention immediately on Mr Begbie's arrival at this place.



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No. 25

In reply to your Despatch No 14 of the 2nd of September 
*

transmitting copy of a letter which you addressed to Colonel Moody on the
subject of granting land, on certain conditions to the Non Commissioned
Officers and men of the Royal Engineers who are to be employed in British 
Columbia, and instructing me to report to you my opinion whether it would
be desirable to grant
remissions

on the purchase of land—to retired Officers of the Army and Navy, as was
formerly the custom in many of the British Colonies—I have the honor to
state, that without having had opportunities of acquiring information on
the subject of your Despatch, I am strongly biased in favor of extending
the system of locating retired Officers of the Army and Navy in British 
Columbia, and of making grants to the men of the Royal Engineers, of
small portions of agricultural land, on condition of residence and
military service within the Colony, if called upon.

2. I think it especially desirable to introduce the remission
system into British Columbia, for the purpose of adding a respectable
British element to the population, and thereby infusing and encouraging
sentiments of attachment and loyalty to the Crown. I think the
advantages greatly outweigh any inconvenience that may in future arise to
the Colony from the introduction of the system, seeing as suggested in
your Despatch, that the privilege of granting remissions on the purchase
of land to retired officers, might for a time be secured to Military
settlers, even should the Crown lands be hereafter made over to the
Colony.

3. I now submit a list of the officers for civil situations
immediately required in the New Colony—feeling assured however, that
circumstances will soon render it necessary to allow a complete civil
staff.

4. Mr Begbie will as you have so kindly arranged lend his
general aid for the compilation of the necessary laws and other legal
business, properly coming within the range of duties discharged by the
Attorney General, but as he cannot engage in conducting suits on the part
of the Crown; it is obvious that the appointment of a Law Officer for the
Crown is immediately required. I would thus suggest the following
appointments

An Attorney General

A Colonial Secretary

A "
Treasurer

**

A "
Accountant

***

The pay of those officers must necessarily be regulated by the expense of
living in the Colony. A gentleman may live in England on an income of
£1000 a year, with far more comfort than an income of £1800 would command
in this Country.

5. As the Attorney General and Colonial Secretary will
hold offices which should be filled by gentlemen of the best
education and ability, I think that such men may not be disposed
to accept of a less valuable appointment and perhaps the
Treasurer,

****

who will have to find heavy securities, may be included in the
same category.

6. The pay of the Accountant may be regulated by the pay
allowed to the higher appointments, and probably about
£700 a year, may be considered a fair compensation for that official.

7. I will take the liberty of addressing you further
on the wants of the Colony as they occur.

8. The want of efficient assistance, the multiplicity of the duties
devolving on me, and the journeys I have been compelled to make into the
gold regions—for the enforcement of law and order—must plead my excuse
for not addressing you more frequently on the affairs of the Colony,
though the reports of my two journeys to Fraser's River, embody almost
the whole amount of reliable information that can yet be given in respect
to the value and extent of the gold fields.

I will however hereafter prepare a brief report on that subject by
every mail.



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No. 26

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of the 1st September last, marked
"Separate",

introducing Captain Parsons of the Royal
Engineers, who arrived here on the 29th Ultimo, by
the Mail Steamer Panama from San Francisco, with the
Detachment under his command in perfect health.

2. I have, according to your instructions,
provided House accommodation for Captain Parsons and
the detachment at this place, and I will afford him
every possible assistance in my power towards providing
for the arrival of Colonel Moody; and, further, should
temporary accommodation for the party be required at
any of the Hudson's Bay Trading Posts, I will take care
that such accommodation be afforded.



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No. 27

1. I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of
your Despatch No 16 of the 2nd Septr
last,

explanatory of the legal position which I now fill in the
Colony of British Columbia and the nature of the forms
and duties demanding my immediate attention.

2. The instructions contained in your Despatch in
reference to the discharge of those duties will receive
early attention; and with that view I purpose to proceed
in a few days hence to British Columbia to make formal
proclamation of the Act of Parliament under which the
Colony is to be governed. I feel exceedingly obliged
to you for your kindness in explaining the necessity
and consequences of that formal proclamation of the Act,
and of the proclamation of indemnity which I shall
afterwards issue, in protecting myself, and my subordinate officers from legal proceedings.

3. I shall also not fail to attend to your
further instructions respecting the establishment of
Courts of justice; defining miners rights by
positive regulations, instead of allowing them to
grow up by mere custom or accident and the
establishment of a Police Force; which as you will
observe by my previous communications have been, to
some extent, already executed, but will be more
perfectly carried into effect, upon the arrival of
Mr Begbie, an event which I anticipate with
satisfaction, as affording a prospect of relief from
the burthens now borne by the Executive alone.

4. In another communication
herewith,

I
mentioned my intention to proclaim the revocation of
the Hudson's Bay Company's License of Trade in a
few days, though practically it has already ceased to exist.

5. The extensive powers which Her Majesty's
Government have intrusted to me, will be used
discreetly and with moderation, and you may rely
that every thing in my power shall be done to
prove that Her Majesty's Government have acted
judiciously in taking such measures for the
protection of the country, in circumstances unusual,
and of the greatest possible difficulty.



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No. 28

I have the satisfaction of announcing for your
information the arrival yesterday at this place of
Captain Grant with the detachment of Royal Engineers
under his
command,

and also of Mr Chartres Brew,
Inspector of Police, by the same Steamer. Judge
Begbie had arrived safely at San Francisco, and is
expected here by the next Steamer.

The detachment of Royal Engineers will be moved
to British Columbia, as soon as we have completed two
wooden houses in frame, which will occupy two days more,
for lodging the detachment, on their arrival at Fort
Langley. The officers and men are in the mean time
provided with comfortable quarters at this place and
are all in perfect health.



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No. 29

I have received your communication of the 2nd
September last marked
"Separate,"

alluding to a report
sent by Captain Richards to the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, and suggesting the appointment of Gold
Commissioners with the powers of Magistrates, and the
establishment of a Police Force at the diggings.

It was highly satisfactory to learn that in respect
to those measures, I had only anticipated your wishes and
I may add that with respect to the Hudson's Bay Company,
they no longer possess rights or enjoy any privilege that
is not equally shared by all Her Majesty's subjects in those Colonies.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58030.txt
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No. 30

1. Having just received a report from Mr Commissioner
Hicks,

I beg to communicate the particulars of the same for your
information.

2. This report refers chiefly to that part of the Fort Yale
District, situate between that place and Cornish Bar

four miles
below Fort Hope. It appears that satisfactory progress is being
made in the development of the resources of that District. Twenty
one Canal or "ditch companies" have been formed for conveying
water to the different mining bars. Thirteen of those works are
finished and in full operation; seven are in progress and nearly
finished, and permission to form the last has just been granted.

Those works are of vast utility in washing for gold, enabling
the miner to carry on operations with more success and economy
and to work soils that would not yield a remunerative return
without the aid of those labor saving machines.

3. There are also several water
companies

engaged in making
water courses on the table lands in the vicinity of Fraser's River,
their object being to erect flumes that will supply more than
1000 mining claims with water. As it is by such undertakings
that the country will be fairly prospected, every encouragement
is given to the enterprizing men who undertake them.

4. An extensive table land on the right bank of Fraser's
River four miles below Fort Yale, and at least 60 feet above the
highest water level which I have named "Prince Albert's
Diggings"

was lately discovered to be highly auriferous. Extensive
preparations are now being made for opening mining shafts there,
and it is reported to be extensive enough to give employment
to 4000 men, allowing to each 25 feet frontage, and 500 feet in
depth.

This being the first dry diggings discovered in the Fort
Yale District, the mining claims were laid off on a much larger
scale than the regulation
quantity;

as Mr Hicks was desirous
of encouraging the miners who were looking forward with confidence
to reaping a rich harvest in return for their labour. There is
however no water at a convenient elevation in the vicinity, several
companies have therefore been licensed to convey water from the
neighbouring mountains; a work which will probably take about six
weeks to accomplish.

5. It was lately reported that silver was discovered near
Fort Yale, in a quartz lead, but the specimens brought here have
proved
valueless.

6. Hill's Bar is reported to be worked out and the miners
have now turned their attention to the banks of the River, which
are found to be very rich, and they are now conveying water, at
their own charge, for sluice washing from a distant source at a
cost of about £800.

7. The Miners on American and Santa Clara
Bars

were also
waiting for a supply of water, which is being conveyed by means
of a canal from a lake, about two miles distant at a cost of
over £1100.

8. Very few claims can be worked to much advantage with
the rocker on Cornish Bar, and the Miners are engaged in bringing
in water for sluicing, so that they will shortly be able to carry
on operations with a better prospect of success. In the
operations of fluming and sluicing where the dirt only pays a
penny to the pan, a man can earn ten dollars a day, in places,
where with the rocker he could not save more than one dollar a
day, the gold being so fine that it is almost impossible to save
it without the aid of quicksilver.

9. Very little mining is carried on between Fort Yale and
the upper end of Douglas Portage, the rain and cold weather
together with the high price of provisions having compelled the
miners to relinquish their occupation for the season.

10. On the table land directly opposite to Fort Yale
several shafts have been sunk, and good mining ground discovered.
It was proposed to lay out that table land in twenty acre garden
lots, for sale, but we shall now reserve the land for mining purposes.

11. A shaft was lately sunk for the purpose of testing the
ground, on which the town of Fort Yale stands, and good diggings
of coarse gold were found, which caused so much excitement that
the miners could hardly be restrained from opening works in the
very heart of the little town.

12. Another discovery was lately made on a large extent of
flat land, opposite to Strawberry
Island,

which appears to contain rich deposits of the precious metal, yielding as much as nine
pence to the pan, at a depth of eight feet from the surface. A
licensed company has undertaken to bring water to the flat from a
distant Creek, but it will take some time to complete the
operation.

13. Mr Commissioner Hicks in continuation of his report
proceeds as follows.

I have given your Excellency some idea of the mining
prospects which cannot be but most gratifying to your
feelings, especially with regard to Prince Albert's Flat,
above the rock named Albert Head,

at least one mile of
frontage on the river, [which] I intend to survey off into claims
of twenty five feet frontage. Your Excellency will perhaps
feel much surprised at the depth allowed for each claim, the
stripping of the top dirt does not pay within eight feet
of the surface, it would not pay men to go to the great
expense of fetching in water so long a distance unless more
extended privileges were granted, therefore it was to open
these mines, and encourage the men, that induced me to comply
with their wishes, there is plenty of ground that pays even
up to the foot of the mountain, about one and a quarter mile
back. I trust you will confirm the action I have thus taken.

I have very many difficulties to contend with, especially
with regard to Water grants, men are almost at times out of
their senses, and are determined to infringe on the privilege
granted to others. I was compelled to issue Injunction
notices to Messrs Williams, Burns, and six others, to
restrain them from carrying a ditch from Santa Clara Creek
on to the bar and flat, and very much interfering with other
operations in progress.

14. The mining claims are not in all cases remunerative,
and there is much expense in bringing them into working
condition, so that Miners are frequently from actual poverty
unable to pay the license fee. For that reason, in making the
first collection of mining fees, in the month of September, no
less that 881 mining claims were found in the possession of
persons in that condition, on whom necessarily no Fees were
levied. Such merciful consideration for the destitute, opens
a wide door for evasions and complaint on the part of those
who pay the tax.

That consideration and the great expense of collecting a
monthly Fee; owing to the extent and inaccessibility of the
country; its effects in exciting feelings of irritation and
dislike of the Government, and provoking antagonism to the
public officers, naturally suggest a reduction of the license
fee, or perhaps its discontinuance, and the substitution of
some other less obnoxious mode of taxation. Probably that
adopted in Australia from the report of the Commission appointed
to enquire into the condition of the gold fields of Victoria
might be altered and successfully adapted to the circumstances
of British Columbia, a subject which I reserve for further consideration.

15. The miners on Hill's Bar have I understand lately
exhibited dissatisfaction on account of their claims being
limited to the River Bar, and I understand they lately held a
meeting to petition me on that subject, and that the petition
was to be forwarded through Mr Nugent, Special Agent of
the United States, but the document has not yet been presented,
and I presume Mr Nugent would consider it bad taste to
meddle with a matter of purely local law, and into the settlement
of which, no question of nationality could possibly enter.

16. A considerable public Revenue may be raised from the
grant of water privileges, which it is proposed to tax, to the
amount of five dollars a month for each sluice or flume, and
it is expected that in course of another year more than 2000
of these sluices will be in operation in the Fort Yale District.

17. Mr Hicks gives no idea of the miners general
earnings, which it is at all times difficult to ascertain from
their own statements.

18. One, among other more cogent, reasons for the
establishment of a gold escort is the facility, it will give of
ascertaining with something like accuracy, the real export of
gold from the country. Mr Hick's accounts exhibit a very
trifling collection for the last month; but it was sufficient
to meet the expenditure, and he had not made the monthly
collection of mining fees.

19. Mr Commissioner Travaillot whose district extends
from the Forks of Thompson's River to the Fountain had time to
do little more, than to report his safe arrival at the Forks,
where the Town site of "Lytton" was laid out, and now contains
50 houses and a population of 900 persons.

20. Some trouble had arisen between the Miners and Indians,
which was however fortunately arrested after a loss of several
lives on both
sides.

21. The banks of Fraser's River above the Forks are said to
afford good dry diggings as far as the upper Fountain, and sluices
yield at the rate of 20 dollars a day to the hand.

22. Many of the miners are leaving the country on account
of the want and high prices of provisions, flour being now sold
at the Forks at the rate of 4s/2d per pound, and other
articles of food being equally high priced, arising from the cost
of transport, and the inaccessibility of the country; the land
route between the Forks and Fort Hope and Fort Yale being now
rendered impassable through the depth of snow in the mountain
passes, though the level country still exhibits the appearance
of early autumn.

23. The mining population in Fraser's River may be estimated
as follows.

From Cornish Bar to Fort Yale 4,000

Fort Yale 1,300

Fort Hope 500

From Fort Yale to Lytton 300

Lytton 900

From Lytton to the Fountain 3,000

Port Douglas & Harrison's River  600

Total 10,600

24. I herewith forward a reconnaisance of Fraser's River
by Lieut. Colonel Hawkins, R.E. which shows the mining Bars of
Fort Yale District and places referred to in this report, as well
as the general character of the
country.

25. I have the satisfaction of announcing that the great
work of the season the route by Harrison's River, to a point on
Frasers River, beyond the mountains, about eight miles below the
upper Fountain is now completed; and a number of mule trains
are upon the road about to engage in the transport of provisions
and other supplies for the mining population of "Lytton," and
the mining districts beyond that
Town.

It is, in fact, to that
route that we must ultimately look for a convenient communication
with the interior of the country. This has been an arduous undertaking
and the cost will be about £10,000, which I feel assured Her Majesty's
Government in view of the great importance and urgency of the work,
for the transport of food in winter; its bearing on the future
development of the country, and above all looking to the fact that the
Revenue collected already in the country is to defray the whole expense,
will sanction by their approval.

The difficulties encountered in the process of this undertaking
were more serious than anticipated arising in a great measure from
the want of experienced conductors; but I think the work could not be
done under any circumstances at a cheaper rate.

26. I herewith forward for your information a hastily prepared
sketch of the Harrison's River
route

showing its connection at both
ends with Fraser's River, a table of distances and a descriptive
statement of bridges constructed on the road. I beg to remark in
explanation that the only reliable part of this sketch is the
tracing of Harrison's River and road, the latter in red ink, with
the connecting Lakes, the Compass directions and distances having
been accurately determined by the road Surveyor.

Harrisons River and Lake are navigable for River Steamers,
which ply as far as Port
Douglas;

from that point the road is cut
through the forest in the valley of Harrison's River a distance of
33 3/4 miles to Lake Lilooett; the water communication between these
points being dangerous and expensive, except at the lowest stage
of the River. The passage of Lake Lilooett 13 miles in length,
and with depth of water sufficient for large vessels is effected
by means of large sized boats constructed for the purpose. From
Lake Lilooett to Lake Anderson a distance of 24 3/4 miles, a road
traced on the sketch in red ink is carried over land. Lake
Anderson 15 miles and Lake Seton 16 miles in length, both having
a great depth of water are traversed in large boats. A road 1 1/2
mile in length connects those two Lakes, and from Lake Seton a
road four miles in length leads to the terminus on Fraser's River.
The whole distance from thence to Port Douglas being 108 miles in
the course of which there are 62 substantial wooden Bridges, varying
from 12 to 90 feet in length.

27. The comparative cost of transport by this and the Fort Yale
route is as follows.

Fort Yale to Lytton 1s.11 1/4d for each pound weight

Port Douglas to terminus of
road 35 miles beyond Lytton 9d for each pound weight

Thus shewing a saving in
transport expense by the
Harrison's River as compared
with the other route of 1s.2 1/4d

28. A great number of miners have left Fraser's River and
returned to California and Oregon. The course of immigration has
ceased for the present, and will probably not be resumed till the
spring. There is still however a large foreign population at
this place, and the Town is continually on the increase.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO05.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you, for the
information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, a copy of a despatch
Parsons, Capt. Robert M.arrival at Panama
Bidwell, Charles T.reports progress of Parsons
from the acting British Consul at Panama, reporting the arrival at that
place of the detachment of Royal Engineers, referred to in your letter of
the 25th of August
last,

and their subsequent departure for San Francisco on their way to British
Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO06.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to
Bidwell, Charles T.reports progress of despatches
you, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton,
a copy of a Despatch from the acting British Consul at Panama,
stating that he had received the bag of Despatches forwarded
to him from the Colonial Office, for transmission to the
Governor of British Columbia, and reporting the steps taken
by him to ensure their reaching their destination.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587036.txt
================================================================================

No. 36

With reference to my despatch of the 14th of
October,

I have to inform you that the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade have reported to me that the Harbour Regulations which you have
promulgated appear to them to be usual and proper for the purpose of
preserving order and regularity in the mooring and berthing of vessels
and for security against fire, and that the Coast regulations seem
calculated to secure the efficiency of the Boats and to prevent
smuggling.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587336.txt
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No. 36

With reference to my [VI] despatch of the 14th of October, I have
to inform you that the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade
have reported to me that the Harbour Regulations which you have
promulgated appear to them to be usual and proper for the purpose of
preserving order and regularity in the mooring and berthing of vessels
and for security against fire, and that the Coast regulations seem
calculated to secure the efficiency of the Boats and to prevent
smuggling.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Parsons_to_Lytton_B586P03.txt
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Parsons to Lytton

I have the honor to report my arrival with the 20 Engineers
under my Command, at this place on 29 October.

I had the honor of communicating with you from Panama on
27th Septr requesting larger funds to be placed at my
disposal, and mentioning the arrangements I proposed making for
the progress of my Detachment towards Victoria. There was no
other conveyance from Panama northwards than the United States Mail
Steamer "J.L. Stephens" which sailed from Panama for San Francisco
on 1st Octr and from my experience during the transit I feel
fully justified in having incurred the expence of the second
Cabin accommodation for my Men, alluded to in my former letter.
There were 1240 passengers and a crew of about 160 on board the Steamer.

On 16th October the Detachment was landed in San Francisco
as British Soldiers, but without their Arms, and they were quartered
together in an Hotel until 20th October when I embarked them on
board the U.S. Mail Steamer "Panama" proceeding to Victoria;
after running up the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, landing
at Fort Vancouver & Portland &c, the ship anchored in Esquimalt Harbour, 3 miles by land from Victoria, on 29th October.
Finding Coll Hawkins R.E. the Boundary Commissioner at
Esquimalt, I reported my arrival and encamped the Detachment
with the portion of his party that were with him.

I sent the bag of Despatches entrusted to me to the Governor
on the day of my arrival, and waited on him the following
day with the letter you gave me.

The Governor had provided a house for the Detachment
in Victoria but conferring with Coll Hawkins, I thought it
better to remain encamped with the Boundary Engineers for a
period on our first arrival.

Captn Grant R.E. arrived at Victoria yesterday with 11 men
and takes command of the Columbia Party, he will doubtless report
his proceedings as early as circumstances permit, he is now occupying
the house taken by the Governor in Victoria.

With regard to our
movements, it is the Governor's wish that we proceed with him up
the Frazer River when he proclaims the Queen's Commission in British 
Columbia, and that we remain at or near Fort Langley.

As the time does not admit of my making an Inspection of
the locality near Fort Langley for the purposes of providing due
accommodation for the Troops, our removal probably taking place this
week, the Governor intends placing a Schooner at our disposal in
which we shall be housed until the portable buildings we take up
the River shall be erected.

I beg to add that I am receiving valuable advice and
assistance from Coll Hawkins R.E. and his knowledge of the
localities on the Frazer River enables him to assist me materially
in securing proper accommodation for the Men.

Captn Grant R.E. my Senior Officer will report our further
proceedings.



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FILE: 1858-11-09_Parsons_to_Lytton_B586P04.txt
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Parsons to Lytton

I have the honor to inform you that on my arrival at Esquimalt
I learned from the Ships of War in Port that instructions had
been received from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty dated
in 1856 directing the payments of Ship's Crews on the Pacific
Station to be made at the fixed rate of 4s/- per American Gold
Dollar irrespective of the rate of Exchange.

Not being aware of any Regulations on the subject having been
made for the payment of Troops, I propose being guided by the
Admiralty instructions to their Paymasters, and as the present rate
of Exchange here is 4s/2d per dollar, the loss on the payment of
the men shall be shown in my accounts.



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FILE: 1858-11-10_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587037.txt
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No. 37

I transmit to you herewith, the Copy of a Letter which I have
received from Captain Gosset on the eve of his departure from this
Country, and I request you will communicate to him a Copy of this
Despatch in
answer.

I have no hesitation in mentioning to you that Captain Gosset has
performed the duties of the Office of Surveyor General of Ceylon with
credit to himself and to the great advantage of the Colony, and
considering the Colonial experience which he has acquired I am of
opinion that, subject always to your discretion, he would appear a very
proper and useful person to introduce into the Council whenever the
proper time for forming such a body arrives.

2. At his request, as you will observe, I have to state that
Captain Gosset entered the Civil Service of Ceylon on the 14th September 1855.

3. With respect to his third request, though all public Officers
in British Columbia must in the acquisition of land stand on the same
footing as the mass of the community I feel assured that Captain Gosset
will obtain from you all reasonable opportunities for the purchase of
the land which is necessary to his personal comfort or to the efficient
discharge of his Official duties.

4. With respect to Captain Gosset's claim to rations &c on
account
of his performance of the duties of the Commissariat Officer, I have to
state that subject to yours and Colonel Moody's concurrence I shall have
no objection to facilities being accorded to him in that respect provided
they are of a reasonable and moderate nature. It is manifest that on
the small scale on which this Military Force has been sent to British 
Columbia it would be out of the question to grant Captain Gosset
indulgences which his rank in the Army, if he were in the Field and
performing Commissariat duties might otherwise have strictly entitled
him to; and I hope he will only prefer a claim on this account which you
and Colonel Moody may feel it right and compatible with the Financial state of the Colonial Revenues to comply with.



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FILE: 1858-11-10_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE12.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the 20th
Ultimo,

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information
of Sir E.B. Lytton, that a Bond has been executed by Captain W.D. Gosset, himself in £2000, and two sureties in
£1000 each, for the performance of the duties of Colonial
Treasurer of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-10_Tully_to_Lytton_B586T02.txt
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Tully to Lytton

I venture to solicit the honor of an interview on a subject of
great importance, the laying down [of] a Submarine Telegraph between our
New Colony of Columbia & the City of San Francisco in California,
there being well-grounded reasons to expect in a very short time,
that a telegraphic communication will be effected between San
Francisco & the Atlantic Ports of the United States.

Should Her Majesty's Government sanction and grant its aid to the
undertaking, by conceeding the privilege of laying down a
Telegraphic Cable from Victoria, Vancouver Island & such points of
our territory as may be required, and to land the Cable at San
Francisco, I shall be prepared to present to Her Majesty's
Government Contractors of the highest responsibility to execute the
work and Capitalists under a reasonable guaranty, to supply the
requisite Capital.

The United States have no sufficient interest involved to extend
an electric Line in the Pacific further north than San Francisco:
so that without aid from Her Majesty's Government, our Colony of
Columbia will be cut off from early telegraphic intercourse with
England.



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FILE: 1858-11-11_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587038.txt
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No. 38

I have to acquaint you that I have received from Mr Brew, the
Brew, Chartresindemnified for loss
Chief Commissioner of Police in British Columbia, a letter dated Halifax
Nova Scotia, 27th Septr 1858,

reporting his arrival in that Colony after
escaping from the Steamer "Austria", destroyed by fire on the voyage to
New York; and that the Lieut. Governor of the Province has reported to
me that an advance of £100 has been made to Mr Brew from the Colonial
Treasury to enable him to continue his journey to British Columbia.

I request that you will state to Mr Brew that I have received
with much regret the account of the disaster which he encountered in
proceeding to assume his duties in British Columbia, and that you will acquaint him that under the peculiar circumstances of the case, Her
Majesty's Government have granted to him this sum of £100 in order to
reimburse him for the losses he has sustained.

The Lords Commissoners of the Treasury have accordingly repaid the
advance of £100 to the Treasury of Nova Scotia, and charged the amount
to the account of advances made from the Treasury Chest for the service
of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Austin_to_Lytton_B586A04.txt
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Austin to Lytton

I beg leave most respectfully to bring under your notice
the enclosed statement of my grievances. I think that you will
own that it contains within a short compass as startling
a [rainaused?] and as painful a tragedy as the annuls of real
life afford. I am sure Sir that to a Gentleman of your great
tallants

and unrivalled force of Character it will be unnecessary
for me exalted though your position is, to
apologize for intruding upon your valuable time by a detail
of the grievances of the humblest of Her Majesty's
subjects—while those grievances are yet [Inudiable?].
And now Sir presuming that you have already had my
extraordinary tale, the first question that will naturally
suggest itself to your mind is—Is this man an impostor?
or are his intellects perfectly sound? With regard to
the first enquiry I beg to refer you to the enclosed
copies of the certificates of Chief Justice Lefroy
Mr A. Lefroy, M.P. [and] to Richard Leavings M.P. as to
my Character & Respectability. With regard to the
second I have little to say but that I have given the
fullest information as to the dates and other particulars [of]
the transactions and that I court the fullest inquirys
to everything connected with it. Nor could I reasonably ask you to interfere in the matter without applying for
information about me to the Lord Chancellor the Chief
Secretary for Ireland (to both of whose private Secrs I
am now well—too well—known). And now Sir to the
point without further delay under a pressure of
[accumulate?] wrong and outrage which would induce
most men to harbour very dark thoughts towards
my persecutor, I have thank God, been enabled
to keep myself perfectly free from all illegality
or violence, knowning that if I were even to strike
Mr Tuite I would be heavily punished and
my story of unexampled oppression would not be
listened to for a moment in a court of justice. But
right is crippled for life—and
Starvation seems [to] be staring us in the
face—my boy has no apparent
prospects for the future & in the [frince?] of
Manly vigor I have [no?] employment.
All I want is the means of earning my bread
& that is everything which I cannot pro[cure]. You will
see by the letter of Lord Nass private Secretary that
my misfortunes have excited his Lordships Sympathy
but with no further good to me. The editors of the
most influential journals in Dublin are aware
of my story and would gladly publish my case
Keeping clear of the names of the parties: and
it has been suggested to me to print my statement
and send copies of it to the leading independent
Members of Parliament on [sounse?] of whom I can
[two words cut off microfilm] for bringing the whole case before
the House. But to what end? The exposing of Mr Tuite
at the bar of Public opinion would answer no purpose
but the gratifications of a revenge, which I
can heartily say I do not feel; and I shrink from
the meaning of becoming an object of public compassion
and having subscriptions lists opened for me in
the newspapers. Under these circumstances I would
humbly appeal to those sympathies which must
attack such a bosom as yours to procure
me a situation in the Colony of New Columbia.
In reference to my present qualifications I have
only to say that I am 42 years of age upwards of
6 feet high strong build and blest with uniform
health & strength. Any of the Gentlemen I have
mentioned will I am sure certify this much for me and
in conclusion I am sure I do not over estimate your
sense of humanity and justice when I express my
conviction that without condemning me to resort to
the last desparate step of publicity You will exert
your high influence to aid one who has been so long
trampled under the iron heel of magisterial ignorance.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58046.txt
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No. 46

In reply to your communication of the 2nd September marked
confidential, in allusion to Lord Napier's favorable mention of
Mr Nugent, the Special Agent of the United States, 
and of his
friendly disposition towards this country, I have the honor to
inform you that Mr Nugent who arrived here in my absence, was
received with friendly attention on my late return from British 
Columbia.

2. He has since paid a visit to Fraser's River, and brought
before me, several cases of reported private wrongs to persons
said to be American citizens; but as none of those cases could
be considered in the light of national questions, I told him
that the parties must look for their remedy to the Law Courts of
the Country.

3. Mr Nugent has since made an effort to procure admission for
Members of the American Bar to plead before the Courts of this
Colony, but without success, as I will not tamper with, nor do I
conceive that I have authority to alter the rules of the Law
Courts of the Colony.

4. My first letters to Mr Nugent were couched in terms of
excessive civility, which probably induced him to address me a
second communication, to which I gave a decided rejoinder;
showing that the statements made in his letter were not founded
on facts. I herewith transmit 
a copy of that correspondence and
trust my proceedings may meet with your approval.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58047.txt
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No. 47

In reply to your confidential despatch of the 21st of August,
requesting me to furnish a report as early as practicable, on
the subject of the disputed line of water boundary between
Vancouver's Island and the 
American Territory on the mainland; I
beg to state that I shall not fail to do myself that honor, as
soon as the present great pressure of business has somewhat
abated.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587039.txt
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No. 39

I transmit to you herewith for your information the copy of a
letter which I have received from the Foreign Office, stating that
certain persons engaged in a system of crimping sailors are believed to
have proceeded to the Frazers River from
Callao.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Parsons_to_Lytton_B586P05.txt
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Parsons to Lytton

I have the honor to forward a statement of the expenses incurred by
me on the Public service while proceeding with a detachment of the Royal
Engineers from Southampton viâ Panamá to Victoria, Vancouver
Isld.

The Receipts I obtained for many of the Sums
expended, are not forwarded with this Statement, my instructions
from Coll Moody being that they should be submitted to him.



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FILE: 1858-11-12_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE13.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the 4th
Instant,

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of
Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords are of opinion that the
circumstances of the case justify the grant of £250 to
Colonel Moody, for the passage of himself and two servants
to British Columbia, and They have directed the Paymaster
General to issue that amount to Messrs Cox & Co
on his account, charging the same to the Treasury Chest,
as an advance to be repaid from the votes to be proposed
to Parliament in the next Session.



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FILE: 1858-11-13_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58031A.txt
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No. 31[a]

With reference to my Despatch of the 8th Instant No
25

upon the subject of the appointment of Officers to civil situations in
the Colony of British Columbia, I would beg to state to you that I should
much desire, if it could be arranged, that Mr William A.G. Young, of
the Royal Navy, should be appointed to the office of Colonial Secretary.

2. Mr Young is on the spot, and is at present filling the office
of Secretary to the Commission for ascertaining the boundary between
Vancouver's Island and the Territories of the United States on the
Continent of North America, and as Mr Young was selected for this
service by the Admiralty, and appointed thereto by the Foreign Office,
the consent of their Lordships and of the Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs must necessarily be obtained before he could be removed from it.

3. Mr Young has belonged to the Royal Navy for nearly Eighteen
Years, and he has served as Secretary to several Flag Officers upon
different Foreign Stations. His last appointment as Naval Secretary was
with the "Captain of the Fleet" in the Baltic, and I forward to you
herewith a Copy of a Testimonial shewing the appreciation entertained of
his Services by that Officer. The whole of Mr Young's Testimonials
throughout his entire service are of the highest order, but I think
it unnecessary to trouble you with more than the one I enclose.

4. Mr Young has already rendered me some assistance, and I
consider him to be qualified both by ability and character for the Office
of Colonial Secretary, and I trust you may be pleased to appoint him to
it, and also to obtain the necessary permission from the Departments I
have mentioned to enable him to enter upon it, as without such permission
it would not be possible for him to accept the appointment.



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FILE: 1858-11-13_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO07.txt
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Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to request that
Moody, Col. Richard C.consuls to assist travel
you will acquaint Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton that,
in compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 6th
Instant,

Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco, and the acting British Consul at
Panamá, have been instructed to afford every assistance in their power
to Colonel Moody who is proceeding to British Columbia viâ Panamá.



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FILE: 1858-11-15_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587040.txt
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No. 40

I have to request that you will inform Captain Parsons that I have
received his letter of the 27th
September.

reporting his arrival at Panama and the steps which he had taken for
conveying his party to their destination.

You will state to him that I approve of the course he took for
securing second Class passages on board the Vessel which was to convey
his men to San Francisco, and that I have recommended the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury to honor his Bills to the extent of Six
hundred pounds (£600) in addition to the One Thousand Pounds (£1000)
placed at his disposal previous to his leaving this Country.



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FILE: 1858-11-15_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585WA02.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to a correspondence between this Department, the
Foreign Office, and the Governor of Vancouver's Island, on the
subject of the cost of the Buildings which have been erected
under the order of the latter, for the accommodation of the
North American Boundary Surveying Expedition, I am directed by
Major General Peel to request that you will move Secretary Sir E. Lytton to instruct Governor Douglas to take steps, so soon as
the Services in which Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins is employed
shall have been completed, 
for disposing of the Buildings in
question to the best advantage, and remitting the proceeds to
this Country to be carried to the credit of the Foreign Office.



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FILE: 1858-11-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587041.txt
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No. 41

With reference to my Despatch No 31 of the 29th October
last

have to acquaint you that a bond has been executed by Captain W.D. Gosset himself in two thousand pounds and two Sureties in One thousand pounds each for the
performance of the duties of Colonial Treasurer of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587042.txt
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No. 42

I enclose a Copy of a letter of the 12th October from the Deputy
Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company with respect to the possession of
land which had been occupied by the Company previous to the recent
Immigration of Gold Miners. I also enclose a Copy of the answer
returned to the
Company.

I am not prepared at this moment to return a definite answer to
the request of the Company, as I am wholly without information as to the
extent of Territory which would be included in their claim, and the
relation which in parts of British Columbia it may bear to the Gold
Fields. I further am prepared to draw a considerable distinction
between land which has been subjected to cultivation or has involved
outlay on the part of the Company, or is necessary to the maintenance of
their existing Stock or establishment, and land which has served the
more occasional purpose of affording pasturage to herds or beasts of
burden.

You will therefore at your earliest convenience be good enough to
inform me as accurately as you can of the extent and character of the
land claimed by the Hudson's Bay Company around their Forts, adding at
the same time any suggestions which your experience and local knowledge
may enable you to furnish.

Meanwhile you will understand that it is the wish of Her Majesty's
Government to take a liberal view of the claims of the Company,
consistently, of course, with what is due to the public interests of the
Colony, and that wherever a fair title to property can be made out by
them, Her Majesty's Government are ready to afford their support and
countenance for the protection of that property.



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FILE: 1858-11-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587043.txt
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No. 43

With reference to my Despatch, No 16, of the 2nd September, I
transmit herewith for your information the Copy of a Despatch from Her
Majesty's Consul at San Francisco containing some particulars respecting
the Mining Laws in operation in the State of
California.



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FILE: 1858-11-16_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE14.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to Mr Elliots letter of the 11th
Instant,

transmitting copies of two communications from the Treasurer
of British Columbia, asking for a supply of Stationery and
other articles for the use of his Department, I am commanded
by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
acquaint you, for the information of Sir E. Bulwer Lytton
that they have desired the Comptroller of the Stationery
Office to furnish, for the use of the Department in question,
a supply of Ledgers, Cash, Day, Memoranda Books and other
articles suitable to a Treasurer's Office, together with a
supply of large-sized folio paper of the most durable kind,
required for the purpose of Registration of Titles to Lands.

Their Lordships have informed the Comptroller of the
Stationery Office that the "Euphrates" will shortly sail
for British Columbia and that it will be desirable that
these articles should be forwarded by that Vessel.

As regards the supply of Stamps for the Colony, My
Lords have thought proper to request the Commissioners of
Inland Revenue to advise them as to the arrangements which
it will be most advisable to make and have transmitted
copies of Mr Elliot's letter and enclosures to the
Commissioners for that purpose.



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FILE: 1858-11-17_Burdett_Coutts_to_Lytton_B586C08.txt
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Burdett Coutts to Lytton

I am sure you will feel my interest in British Columbia to
Burdett-Coutts, Angela G.
be so natural, that you will at once accept it as an
apology for my writing to you upon the following subject. The Chaplain
General,

an old friend of mine dined with me, yesterday, and in speaking of this
Colony he mentioned that one of the Military Chaplains, was a great
friend of the Revd Mr Hills and that if he could obtain the
Hills, the Rev. George
Royal Engineerschaplain for
Religionneeds in BC
permission of General Peel to send out a Chaplain for the troops there,
he hoped this gentleman, (whose name I forget) would go. The Chaplain
General said he was well suited for a Missionary especially in such a
Colony, and that he had great hopes of General Peels consent; for
although the number of troops sent was small, yet they would hold a most
important position, and without a Chaplain of their own, would
be left utterly without religious instruction or means of worship
whilst they would be surrounded with peculiarly demoralizing
influences, and as the formation of the native Militia will I
suppose devolve hereafter upon these men, their example and their
principles will probably tell greatly for good or for evil on the
Colonists. The Stations may be rather far apart, but this seems
to me rather an additional reason that there should be a
Chaplain, who would not only serve them, but work amongst the
population laying round & about the stations & who will be keeping
the spirit of religion & Moral feeling alive. However, the authorities
appear weighing the matter and if you would side with the Chaplain
General I think it would secure a great boon for the Colony as well
 as the Army, which is also concerned so deeply. Our troops everywhere
are pioneers of Christianity & civilization [and] it is always to me
one of the most striking distinctive features of our Army that
they move about the World not for war purposes but for
peace—the mere discipline & order of our troops must carry some
germ of good and the corrupting even of a small number is a great evil;
for in time this small body will carry the germ of evil elsewhere,
and in British Columbia it seems likely that an unusual variety of
bad influences will surround them. It is clear either they must impress
their character on the peculiar population around or be impressed by
them, more so than in more heathen Countries whose habits separate
us from themselves & whose language alone places a bar[r]ier of
intercourse which will not exist in the same degree in the Gold
Diggings of Columbia. I have been detained in London by a variety
of sad causes but I hope to go to
Torquay

next week. Mrs Brown whom you probably better remember as Miss
Merideth, Miss.see Brown
Meredith in days long past at my dear Fathers in St James
Place

has been & is still very delicate and this may delay our departure. It
would therefore give me much pleasure if you could call any day as you
have kindly proposed before Thursday the 25th. If you would let
me know I would be at home.



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FILE: 1858-11-17_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58045PR.txt
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[Private]

I left Victoria last night on my way to British Columbia, and
met the mail steamer from San Francisco at eight o'Clock P.M.
and she will leave on her return early tomorrow morning in order
to catch the Panama mail Steamer which should leave San Francisco on the morning of 28th of Instant, tho' I fear the
attempt is hopeless.

I have received your private note of 16th September. Mr Nugent's character and antecedents are well known in this
country and I was on my guard with him. The correspondence
forwarded will shew all that has passed between us, except one
note which I have not time to copy at present, but I have sent
copies of the whole correspondence to Lord Napier, with cuttings
from the two numbers of the Victoria Gazette which are herewith
forwarded. The articles to which I wish to direct your
attention are marked thus +. Will you be kind enough to inform
Sir Edward Lytton of those circumstances and that I will not
fail to send him the Victoria 
Gazette by every opportunity.

Mr Nugent leaves to day for Washington. I omitted to mention
in my public Despatches the arrival of Admiral Bains [Baynes]
with H.M.S. Ganges at this Port.



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FILE: 1858-11-17_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587044.txt
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No. 44

Referring to my Despatch No 31, of the 29th
Ultimo,

I have the honor to transmit to you herewith, the Queen's Warrant for
appointing Captn Gosset to be Treasurer for British Columbia.

You will obtain from Captain Gosset the Sum of 30% 
which has been advanced for the Stamp on his Warrant, and remit the same
to Mr Smith, the Chief Clerk of my Office.



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FILE: 1858-11-17_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE15.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 9th
Inst;

enclosing a letter from Capt Gosset, the Colonial Treasurer of British 
Columbia, requesting that a Skeleton Gear of a powerful water wheel and
the Machinery of a circular Mill, and also a Lithographic press may be
sent out to him, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords will not object to these Articles being supplied
for the service of the Expedition to British Columbia, provided that the
Cost does not exceed £200, and on the understanding that the amount will
be repaid from Colonial funds.



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FILE: 1858-11-18_Moody_to_Carnarvon_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B586M33.txt
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Moody to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

In reply to your Lordship's letter of the 18h
Ultimo

desiring an explanation of the causes which led to the
employment of the three Vessels named in the
margin 

exclusive of the passages via Panama afforded to the detachments
under Captain Parsons and Captain Grant R.E.

I have the honor to report that previous to my appointment,
the Thames City had been engaged and I am unable to state with
certainty how it was she was selected, but I am under the impression you
will find on further investigation (if necessary) at the Admiralty the
War Office and the first movement of the question at the Colonial Office
that it arose somewhat in the following way.

It had been determined to send out to B. Columbia a large
detachment of Officers and Men of the Royal Engineers in number
about 150 and the service being urgent communications were at once
made to War Office and Admiralty for the men and for a passage to
be provided. It was natural to assume they would proceed in the
ordinary way like other troops going out to the Colonies taking
with them only their baggage with arms and ammunition. For this
purpose the Thames City would have been sufficient. After my
appointment when the nature of all our various duties came to be
discussed more at length, and in detail, and the circumstances of
the Colony considered from the further intelligence received, It
was represented to the Secretary of State by myself and others
that to expedite the pressing duties for which Royal Engineers in
particular were selected it was necessary they should be
accompanied by sundry stores and a supply of provisions.

The size of the Thames City was not adequate for this purpose
and it was contemplated at one time by the Secretary of State
to reject her altogether remunerating the owners for the
non-fulfillment of the Contract.

From the enquiries I made I found that the payment would
probably have to be very large and that the loss of time would
be considerable, and being aware of the views of the Secretary of
State under both considerations, Economy and Expedition, I ventured
to recommend that the Thames City should go forward as at first
determined conveying with the men a selection of the most
immediately necessary stores and that another Vessel should
follow with the remainder as quickly as possible.

The Briseis
was at once available and her charges for freight comparatively
low and if we could fill her there would be no delay. She was
accordingly chartered.

In stowing her the Government Goods being all light, and she
having no private heavy goods in her, it was found desirable to
alter the arrangement of sending in her the few men intended to
accompany the stores and to load the space which would have been
taken up for their berths and cabin with stores. I was assured she
would have been unseaworthy otherwise.

Finally provision was made for conveying these five men with
their families in the Euphrates (a vessel advertised to sail for
B. Columbia) together with the ammunition which as a Government
regulation could not have gone in the Briseis without troops.
In consequence of my urgent request to the Secretary of State
it was further determined to send in the Euphrates an additional
supply of Provisions. It was rather an advantage that the Euphrates
with this supply should arrive sometime after the other two vessels.

With respect to the small detachments under Captains Parsons and Grant via Panama. They formed merely an advanced
party and the cost of sending stores with them (beyond their
immediate wants) by that route would have been extremely costly.

With the greatest of deference I beg to submit the above
arrangements under the circumstances were not only unavoidable
but perhaps I may add the best which could have been adopted,
I having made a selection of Stores for the Thames City so that
no practical inconvenience I trust will arise if the period
between the arrival of the T. City & the Briseis does not exceed
a month or 6 weeks. Beyond that time the inconvenience might
be some delay in getting to work efficiently and even the
possibility of this I now fully expect to be able to guard
against by arrangements I shall make in the Colony where I
shall be three months before the arrival of either vessel.



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FILE: 1858-11-18_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE16.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized to issue
to Messrs Cox & Co on behalf of Col. Moody the sum of £183.3.1 for
forage purchased on account of British Columbia in compliance with the
request contained in Mr Elliot's letter of the 11th
instant.



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FILE: 1858-11-18_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE17.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized to issue,
to Messrs Cox & Co on behalf of Colonel Moody the sum of
£58.5.4 for the travelling and incidental expenses of
that Officer while superintending the departure of the
party of Royal Engineers for British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-19_Hills_to_Lytton_B586H06.txt
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Hills to Lytton

As future Bishop of British 
Columbia

Hills, the Rev. Georgerecommends military chaplain
Religionneeds in colony
Chaplainneed for
my attention is anxiously directed to the spiritual wants of the Colony.

2. I find that a considerable body of Engineers have been sent out,
and I venture respectfully to represent the great desirability of a
Military Chaplain being sent out also.

3. Such a body, numbering I believe 200, would in no place in
England be left without some spiritual care: much more is this necessary
in a country where there is at present no provision whatever even for the
inhabitants, and where for some time it must be scanty and dependant
upon voluntary effort.

4. In a new Colony composed of such peculiar elements it is highly
important that a good tone should be established at the first, whereas
the instance of troops sent out by the mother country without apparent
regard for their religious interest might encourage apathy upon matters
of highest civilization.

5. It is likely I presume there will be some other force, of a
militia kind, who will need the services of a Chaplain at stated periods
at least. The presence also of a Military Chaplain as an authority and
example of what is done at home may materially influence the
feeling of the Colony as to such arrangements afterwards.

6. The presence of no less than 50,000 Native Indians will require
Indianspopulation estimate
Populationnative
on the part of the white population a degree of forbearance and
consideration hardly to be maintained except through the frequent
inculcation of their principles.

Trusting this subject may be deemed worthy of your
attention, as it does most anxiously occupy my own.



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FILE: 1858-11-19_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587045.txt
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No. 45

I have to request that you will inform Colonel Moody, with
reference to his letter of the 25th
Ultimo,

that the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury will not object to the issue
quarterly of his Civil and Military Pay as Chief Commissioner of Lands
and Works in British Columbia to his Agents Messrs Cox & Co but
that it will be necessary that he should transmit to me a quarterly
Certificate of his existence for the information of their Lordships.

You will also inform him that their Lordships have intimated to me
that an advance of 120 days pay has been made to him and the other
Officers of the Expedition which pay will be considered as commencing
from the date when they ceased to receive pay from the War Department.



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FILE: 1858-11-20_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO08.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before The Earl of Malmesbury the Letter from
Tradecoastalnegotiations sought with the US
Coastal trade.see Trade, coastal
Tradecoastalexclusive rights of the US to
United Statesrights to coastal trade
Commerceregulation of coastal trade
Tradecoastallegislation effecting
the Colonial Office of the 9th
Instant,

on the subject of the discouragement to the employment of British
Shipping in the Trade with British Columbia which is stated by the Board
of Trade, in a Letter to Secretary Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer
dated the 18th of September
last,

to be occasioned by the more advantageous position of American Merchants
in consequence of their exclusive right to the coasting Trade of the
Pacific seabo[a]rd of the United States.

With regard to the suggestion of the Board of Trade that Her
Majesty's Government should renew their negotiations with the United
States with a view to obtain a relaxation of the American Laws which
regulate the coasting Trade, Lord Malmesbury desires me to request that
you will state to Sir Edward Lytton that he will instruct Her Majesty's
Minister at Washington to ascertain from the Government of the United
States their feelings at the present time with regard to the opening of
their coasting Trade, without entering upon those questions of possible
retaliatory measures, the mention of which Sir Edward Lytton thinks would
be inexpedient.

Lord Malmesbury observes that the Board of Trade suggest that even
tho' the Government of the United States should be averse to throwing
open their coasting Trade universally, they might be induced partially to
relax the stringency of their present legislation. But when, in the year
1852, Her Majesty's Government endeavoured to prevail upon the United
States to make such a partial relaxation of their laws in regard to the
Coasting Trade, as would allow British Vessels to trade between American
Ports in the Atlantic and American Ports in the Pacific, Her Majesty's
Minister at Washington, in a Despatch of which a Copy was sent to the
Colonial Office on the 14th of January
1853,

stated that the American Government were unable to accede to such a
proposal; not on account of commercial considerations, nor from any
unwillingness to respond to the liberal measures of the British
Government, but because the concession desired would be inconsistent with
Commercelegislation effecting
a provision in the Constitution of the United States

that no preference shall be given by any regulations of Commerce or
Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another, and that Vessels
bound to or from one State shall not be obliged to enter, clear, or pay
duties in another. The American Secretary of State stated that nothing
less than a revision of the Constitution would be required in order to
alter the provision above quoted, and this was out of the question.

Lord Malmesbury will also instruct Lord Napier to make
enquiry, as requested by Sir Edward Lytton, as to the Laws
of the United States in regard to the carrying of Passengers coastwise.



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FILE: 1858-11-20_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587046.txt
================================================================================

No. 46

I have to request that you will acquaint Colonel Moody that in
compliance with an application which he submitted to
me,

the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury have sanctioned the payment to
him of the sum of £250 on account of the passage of himself and two
Servants to British Columbia.

This payment will be included in the Vote to be submitted next
session for Services connected with British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-21_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587047.txt
================================================================================

No. 47

I transmit to you, herewith, for your information, the copy of a
letter which I have received from the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury.

shewing the steps which at my request have been taken for
furnishing a supply of Stationery for the use of the Treasurer's
Department in British Columbia, and for the issue of Stamps with the
view to the collection of Revenue.



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FILE: 1858-11-22_Berens_to_Lytton_B585MI15.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
Mr Elliott's letter of the 6th
Instant

transmitting the copy of a letter from the Foreign Office, suggesting
that this Company should prepare

a full statement of the grounds in which they consider the claim to
navigate the Columbia River after the expiration of their trading
monopoly is to be maintained, and after the cession to the United States
of their possessory rights, if any arrangement for such cession should be
made.

With regard to the first part of the question I beg to state that
this Company cannot discover any connection between the right reserved to
them by the Oregon Treaty to navigate the Columbia River and the
expiration of their trading monopoly, because the right to navigate the
Columbia River is reserved to them and to all parties trading with them
quite irrespective of the exclusive licence granted to them by the Crown.

This company traded in that part of the Oregon Territory which has
since been ceded to the United States long before they had any exclusive
License from the Crown; and therefore should they continue to hold their
property in that portion of the Oregon Territory for the purpose of Trade
after the expiration of the License it is perfectly clear that for the
purpose of such trade the right to navigate the river would be preserved
both to themselves and to any British Subjects trading with them. The
Article of the Treaty which reserves the right to this Company refers in
no way whatever to the exclusive License. In fact there is nothing to
lead to the supposition that the Government of the United States had any
knowledge of any such License. It had always been supposed that the
Territory in question belonged to Great Britain, and it was under that
assumption that this Company had been in the habit of trading there,
and in connection with that trade had erected forts and acquired other
rights and property, and it was for the purposes of their trade generally
that the reservation on the Treaty was introduced that the navigation of
the Great Northern Branch of the Columbia River should be free and open
to them and to those trading with them.

It appears obvious upon the face of the Treaty that the provisions
in those Articles which concern this Company were considered to be of a
permanent character, and not determinable at the expiration of the few
years when the License would expire.

I may mention that the suggestion that the right of this Company to
navigate the Columbia River had any connection with their exclusive
privilege in the Territory in question is altogether new to them, and
they are quite in the dark as to the grounds upon which such a suggestion
can have been brought forward.

The other part of the question proposed in the letter from the
Foreign Office appears to assume that this Company contend that, should
they cede to the United States the Possessory Rights which are preserved
to them by the 3rd Article of the Treaty, they would still be entitled
to navigate the Columbia River under the provisions of the 2nd
Article.

I beg to state that this view of the subject has never been taken on
the part of this Company, but on the contrary, they have always
considered that while the 2nd Article secured to them the navigation
of the Columbia River for the purposes of their trade, that Article would
become of no effect should they cede to the United States the Possessory
Rights secured to them by the 3rd Article. Those Possessory Rights in
point of fact represented the means by which the Hudson's Bay Company
carried on their trade in this Territory, and as they have always
considered that the navigation of the Columbia River had reference only
to the purposes of the trade they so carried on, the surrender of the
means of carrying on that trade would necessarily carry with it the right
to the navigation of the River, which was reserved to them solely in
connection with that Trade.

The correspondence which passed upon this subject in the year
1852

appears to have been overlooked. At that period a Treaty was in
negotiation for the transfer by the Company to the United States of the
Possessory rights secured to them by the Oregon Treaty, and, under date
the 1st September 1852, Captain Shepherd, on behalf of this Company,
transmitted to Lord Malmesbury a Memorandum upon the Subject, to which it
may be convenient that you should refer, and I have now the honour to
send herewith a copy of Captain Shepherd's letter and of the accompanying
statement.

At that period the only difficulty which appeared to arise in
carrying out the cession to the United States had reference to their
requiring a surrender in terms of the right to navigate the Columbia
River, as a consequence of the cession to them of the possessory rights
reserved to this Company. This Company considered that the United States
were clearly entitled to have those terms introduced into the Convention,
and Captn Shepherd's Letter of the 1st September had for its object
to support the view taken by the United States, and with the same
view Mr Colvile, the then Governor of the Company, addressed
a further letter to Lord Malmesbury, under date 28th October 1852,
of which I also send a copy herewith.

In reply to these communications Lord Stanley, the then Under
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, addressed to Mr Colvile a letter dated
6th November 1852, in which he fully recognized the conclusion come to
by this Company that the surrender of the possessory rights would have
the effect of putting an end to the right of navigating the Columbia
River, but he treated the insertion of any provision in the proposed
Convention to that effect as being superfluous, and as being calculated
to give the impression that the British Government were conceding
something, when in fact they conceded nothing, inasmuch as the right to
navigate the River would, in the view of all parties, come to an end with
the cession of the Possessory rights of this Company.

I send you with this a copy of the letter received from Lord Stanley
on this occasion, which you will find entirely bears out the view which
the Company take as to the effect of the cession of their rights. Should
the United States still desire that in the proposed Convention for
surrendering to them the Possessory rights of this Company a provision
should be introduced distinctly disclaiming any rights to the future
navigation of the Columbia River under the provisions of the Oregon
Treaty, I trust that it will be felt that there can be no objection to
the introduction of such a provision, as it would be very much to be
regretted that the present negociation should fall to the ground from a
refusal to consent to what is on all hands felt to be a matter of form,
and not of substance.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48

With reference to your [Vancouver
Island] despatch No 36 of the 27th August,

I transmit to you, herewith, the copy of a letter which I have received
respecting the cost of the Buildings prepared for the Royal Engineers
under Major Hawkins engaged in the survey of the American boundary, and
I have to request that as soon as the Buildings are no longer required
you will take steps for disposing of them, and remitting the proceeds
to this Country as proposed by Major General Peel.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587348.txt
================================================================================

BC No. 48

With reference to your [VI] despatch No. 36 of the 27th August,
I transmit to you, herewith, the copy of a letter which I have received
respecting the cost of the Buildings prepared for the Royal Engineers
under Major Hawkins engaged in the survey of the American boundary, and
I have to request that as soon as the Buildings are no longer required
you will take steps for disposing of them, and remitting the proceeds
to this Country as proposed by Major General Peel.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA08.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to
transmit to you for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, the enclosed copy of a letter from the
Admiralty, containing a list of the Provisions shipped
on board the "Euphrates," for the use of the Detachment
of Royal Engineers proceeding to British Columbia, with
a Statement of the cost of the several articles enumerated.

It being understood that the Colony is to defray all
expenses connected with the supply of Rations &c to this
Detachment, and that Colonel Moody is to render an account
thereof to the Governor, Major General Peel, conceives that
the Settlement of the claim in question, with any others
of the same nature, should be effected between the Admiralty
and the Colonial Office.

I am to add that the Lords of the Admiralty have been
informed that such is the view taken by General Peel of
the course to be adopted.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Thomas_to_Secretary_of_State_B585MI16.txt
================================================================================

Thomas to Secretary of State

The Committee of this Society have instructed me to state that in
compliance with the wish of Col. Moody, R.E. they sent the Rev. W.B.
Crickmer to British Columbia viâ Panama that he might arrive with the
Chief Commissioner and without unnecessary delay. This arrangement
involved the Society in considerable expenditure—and obliged Mr
Crickmer to leave many of his packages to be transmitted by the longer
route by Cape Horn.

Under these circumstances they hope the Government will permit Mr
Crickmer's boxes to be shipped, free of charge, in the "Euphrates" which
is about to sail within a fortnight from the Port of London; and venture
to solicit this favor from H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies.
These boxes could thus be conveyed with those of Colonel Moody & be
delivered without loss of time to the Missionary Clergyman. The
Authorities at the Admiralty have kindly intimated that there is room in
the Euphrates.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE18.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your Letter of the 18th
Instant

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
acquaint you for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton that
My Lords have transmitted to the Comptroller of the Stationery Office,
the copy of Colonel Moody's Letter with the enclosed
List,

and have desired that he will collect as many of the Parliamentary Papers
referred to as are immediately procurable, & transmit them to British 
Columbia in the manner indicated by Colonel Moody, & that he will report
to this Board to what extent he has been able to complete the order.



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FILE: 1858-11-23_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE19.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to transmit to you herewith a Letter from the Committee of the Privy
Council for Trade dated the 16th
inst,

with its enclosures consisting of a Petition which has been addressed to
Her Majesty in Council for the grant of a Charter to the Bank of British 
Columbia and Vancouvers' Island and a draft Charter accompanying the
Petition and I am to request you will move Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton
to inform My Lords whether he sees any objection to the Grant of
the proposed Charter or has any observations to offer on the subject.

I am directed to state that the names of the Petitioners appear to
My Lords to afford a guarantee of the bona fides of the undertaking, and
that as the Draft Charter is framed on the same principle as those of
other Colonial Bank Charters granted by Her Majesty. Their Lordships
would be disposed to recommend the Grant of the Charter as prayed for,
subject to such amendments of the Draft as may appear on strict revision
thereof to be advisable. Their Lordships are disposed to think that in
the present condition of the Colonies of British Columbia and Vancouvers'
Island the usual reference to the local authorities previous to the Grant
of Bank Charter may properly be dispensed with, as it is not likely that
the proposed Institution would interfere prejudicially with any existing
establishments and it seems to be desirable that these rising Colonies
should obtain the advantage, with as little delay as possible, of Sound
Banking Institutions based on British Capital.



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FILE: 1858-11-24_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO09.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 15th of September
last,

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you herewith, for
the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, a copy of a Despatch from
Mr Bidwell, the Acting British Consul at Panama, announcing the
departure from that place for San Francisco of Captain Grant and the
Party of the Royal Engineers who left Southampton on the 17th of
September last for British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-24_Richards_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585AD18.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 22nd
Instant;

Begbie, Matthew B.shipment of baggage
ShipsEuphrates
I beg to acquaint you that conveyance to Vancouver's Island has been
engaged in the "Euphrates," lying in the London Docks, for the Baggage of
Mr Begbie, Judge of British Columbia; and request that it may be
forwarded for Shipment, (carriage paid) to the care of the Captain
Superintendt at Deptford.



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FILE: 1858-11-24_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE20.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the 11th
Instant,

enclosing an application from Captain Gosset, the
Treasurer of British Columbia, for Stationery etc, I am
directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to transmit herewith Copy of a Report from the Commissioners
of Audit, with Copy of the printed Instruction of
1848,

and I am to request that you will move Sir E.B. Lytton to inform
My Lords whether it is intended that the general system of
Accounts prevailing in other Colonies, should be applied to
British Columbia, in which case My Lords will direct the
preparation of the Necessary Estimates, Warrants and other
forms required by those Instructions.

In the mean time, My Lords are of opinion that the Copy of the
printed Instructions of 1848 should be forwarded to the Treasurer of the
Colony, for his guidance, in establishing a good system of Account.

Sir E.B. Lytton will observe that the Forms of Cash
Book, Waste Book, Journal, and other Books are now being printed.

I am also to transmit herewith Copy of a Report from the
Commissioners of Inland Revenue, on Capt. Gosset's proposal that a supply
of Stamps for deeds &c should be sent out to British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-25_Hawes_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585WA09.txt
================================================================================

Hawes to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor by direction of Secretary Major General Peel to acquaint you for the information of Secretary Sir
Edward Bulwer Lytton, that directions have been given to
the Storekeeper at the Tower to receive the baggage of
Mr Begbie the Judge of British Columbia and ship it on
board the "Euphrates" as requested in your letter of 22nd
Instant.



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FILE: 1858-11-25_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE21.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the
15th
Instant,

enclosing Copy of a letter from Captain Parsons, reporting his arrival at Panama and stating the
actual and probable expenses of transporting his party to
British Columbia, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners
of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the
information of Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords have, since
the first advance of £540 to Captain Parsons, authorized the Paymaster General, by their letter
to him of the 6th Inst; to accept and pay a bill for
£823 drawn by Capt Parsons for the Passage of his
party of Royal Engineers from Panama to San Francisco,
and They will direct the acceptance of further Bills to
the extent of £277, which with the sum of £1323 already
issued, will make up the amount of £1600.



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FILE: 1858-11-26_Austin_to_Lytton_B586A05.txt
================================================================================

Austin to Lytton

I took the liberty of addressing you with a view that through
your Kindness I may be enabled to "vanquish violence by the
patient endurance of wrong" under which I am suffering And with my
wife [be desired?] to [want?] together with no apparent hope for our
Child urges me respectfully to ask if you received my communication
complaining of my misfortunes and praying your most favourable
Consideration of my case with a view to obtaining employment in
the Colony of New Caledonia under the Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-11-26_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58031B.txt
================================================================================

No. 31[b]

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, marked
private of the 1st September
last,

enclosing a copy of a memorandum drawn up by Captain R.B. Sinclair
containing suggestions on various subjects connected with the Colony of
British Columbia—and I shall not fail to give them, especially to the
marginal notes, which probably express the views of H.M. Government, my
serious consideration.



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FILE: 1858-11-26_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58032.txt
================================================================================

No. 32

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No 18 of the 4th September
last,

transmitting
at the instance of the Earl of Malmesbury Copy of a note
from the French Ambassador stating the Circumstances
under which the French Government are desirous that
Mons. Rousset should be recognized as French Consular
Agent at Victoria Vancouver's Island, and also
Conveying your instructions to recognize Mons. Rousset
in that Capacity on his arrival in the Colony.

I shall not fail to attend to these instructions;
especially as Mons. Rousset is personally known as a
Gentleman of character and respectability.



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FILE: 1858-11-26_Murdoch_and_Rogers_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V585LN04.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch and Rogers to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

We have to acknowledge your letter of 6th instant, enclosing
the further statement sent in by the Hudsons Bay Company of
their claim against the Crown on the resumption of Van Couvers
Island.

2. In March last the Company sent in Accounts showing a claim
against the Crown for the whole of the money expended by them in
Van Couvers Island and for the value of their property and
establishments amounting altogether to £225,699.9.11. On a
reference to the Law Officers they gave it as their opinion that
the Crown was only bound to compensate the Company for the sums
laid out by them on the Island as owners, and for the value of
their Establishments, property and effects thereon connected
with such ownership—which 
were substantially the establishments
and property got together in consequence of their Territorial
possession of the Soil and to facilitate the settlement and
Government of the Island. In the principle thus laid down the
Company expressed their acquiescence and the account enclosed in
your letter of 6th instant professes to be framed upon it.

3. That Account comprizes only three items—vizt
1. Balance due on 31st Janry last on account of expend=
=iture on public Works and Establishments £8.505.6.11.
2. Cost of sending out and maintaining Settlers £25,550.
3. Loss on searching for Coal at Fort Rupert &c £12.469.5.7.

4. To the first two items we see no objection in principle.
The items will of course hereafter be verified by the Treasury
and such vouchers as circumstances may admit be obtained. But
the charges appear to fall fairly within the description of
charges incurred 
by reason of the Company's territorial
possession & ownership of the Island.

5. But in regard to the third item, vizt the loss on searching
for Coal at Fort Rupert, we entertain great doubt. The Coal
Mine at Fort Rupert appears to us to stand upon precisely the
same footing as the Farms and Mills, and the Coal Mine at
Nanaimo, inserted in the first account, and withdrawn from the
present. That the expenditure has resulted in a Loss does not
make any 
difference. The Crown is bound to take over the whole
of the Company's property or none. There is no reason why the
property which has resulted in a loss should be considered as
attaching to the ownership of the Company more than that which
has resulted in a profit. The same principle must we conceive
attach to both and if the Company is to retain possession of its
valuable property it must also sustain the burthen of that which
is of no value.

6. We would suggest that before any further step is taken the
Company should be requested to state on what ground they draw a
distinction between their property in the Coal Mine at Fort Rupert and their other property on the Island.



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58033.txt
================================================================================

No. 33, Military

I have received your Despatch No 19 of 9th Septr
last acquainting me that the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury
had issued the sum of £500 to Capt. Parsons of the Royal
Engineers and had given him authority to draw Bills for a
further sum of £500, should he find it necessary to enable
him to reach his destination, with the Detachment of
Twenty men under his
Command.



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58034.txt
================================================================================

No. 34

I have the honor to communicate for your information,
ShipsSatellite
ShipsOtter
Governmentestablishment of
that I proceeded, on the 16th of instant, by Her Majesty's
Ship "Satellite" to Point Roberts, and from thence by the
Hudson's Bay Company's steamers "Otter" and
"Beaver"

to Fort Langley to proclaim the Act of Parliament providing
Fort Langleyproclamation of government
for the Government of British Columbia.

2. I was kindly accompanied by Rear Admiral Baynes,
Baynes, Rear Admiral Robert, L.attends inauguration of goverment
on that occasion, by Mr Cameron Chief Justice of Vancouver's
Begbie, Matthew B.attends inauguration of government
Begbie, Matthew B.arrival in colony
Island, and Mr Begbie the Judge of British Columbia, who
arrived from San Francisco on the Evening of the 15th
of instant, just in time to take part in the solemnity.

3. Capt Parsons with the first Detachment of Royal
Parsons, Capt. Robert M.attends inqauguration of government
Grant, Capt. John M.attends inauguration of government
Brew, Chartresattends inauguration of government
Engineers also accompanied me from this place, Captain Grant
with the second detachment and also Inspector Brew having
preceeded me by a few days.

4. The ceremony was performed at Fort Langley with
becoming solemnity on the 19th inst. in the presence
of these Gentlemen, Her Majesty's Troops, and the inhabitants
of the place, and the officers holding appointments from Her
Majesty were installed in the usual manner, and with the
accustomed forms.

5. Proclamations were then made
Proclamationsrevoking rights of HBC

1st of the Revocation by Her Majesty of all the
exclusive privileges of the Hudson's Bay
Company.

2nd Indemnifying the Officers of Government from
Proclamationsindemnifying officers of government
all irregularities previous to the proclamation of the
act.

3rd Proclaiming English Law to be the Law of the
ProclamationsEnglish law operative in colony
Colony.

6. Copies of those Proclamations are herewith transmitted
for the information of Her Majesty's Government.

7. I returned to this place on the 21st of inst. with
Rear Admiral Baynes and all the other Gentlemen who accompanied
me to Fort Langley, except Inspector Brew and Captain's Grant
and Parsons who were left with the Royal Engineers at old Fort Langley.



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58035.txt
================================================================================

No. 35

I have to communicate for your information, that I advised
Capt. Grant, the Officer commanding the Detachment of Royal
Engineers, who lately arrived here for the service of the
Colony of British Columbia, to proceed without delay to
Fort Langley Fraser's River and to put up buildings there for
the accommodation of his own party and of the other troops
expected from England, as by taking those steps I was of
opinion he would be carrying out to the letter the wishes
of Her Majesty's Government, the instructions of Col. Moody
his Commanding Officer, and my own views with respect to the
requirements of British Columbia.

2. Captain Grant coinciding with me in those views, it
was arranged that the whole detachment of Royal Engineers should
be transported with all their stores, provisions for four months,
and building materials for the construction of several wooden
houses of respectable size to Fort Langley, an arrangement which
was successfully, and at once, carried into effect.

3. I have further chartered the Hudson's Bay Company's
Brigantine
"Recovery"

used hitherto as a revenue-vessel, to
lodge the troops, until houses are erected for their
accommodation so that they are thoroughly protected from the
weather and made as comfortable as circumstances will permit.

4. The men are in high spirits and in perfect health.

5. I also made a requisition on Admiral Baynes for a
Medical
Officer

to remain with the troops.

Trusting these proceedings may meet with your approbation.



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58036.txt
================================================================================

No. 36

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the
margin.

*



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58037.txt
================================================================================

No. 37

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication No 20 of the 16th September
last.

2. It is to me a most satisfactory and encouraging
circumstance that Her Majesty's Government continue to approve of
my proceedings in administering the Government of British Columbia.
I feel truly grateful for your kind support, and in consequence
more capable of encountering the difficulties with which, though
in a lesser degree, we are still beset.

3. I have, with much pleasure, and according to your
instructions, conveyed to Captain Prevost and Captain Richards,
the officers commanding H.M.S. "Satellite" and "Plumper," your
acknowledgements for the cordial assistance which they have
rendered to this Government, whenever their services were required,
and they are gratified by the compliment.

4. Her Majesty's Government may feel assured that I will
endeavour to dispense as much as possible, with the use of
military assistance in administering the affairs of Government;
and I have no doubt that with time, and when there is a fixed
population, having vested rights, and interests at stake in
the Country; that a military force may, in a great measure,
become unnecessary; but until those changes take place, I would
strongly recommend the maintenance of a respectable military
or naval force, to represent the power and uphold the dignity
of Her Majesty's Government.

5. I would also take the liberty of suggesting the employment
of one or two Gun boats, of light draught, for the protection of
the public revenue, and also for conveying Government stores and
troops from one part of the coast to another, a service that cannot
be effected in country ships, without much delay and enormous
expense.

6. Those vessels will also be urgently required for the
protection of persons who may be induced by the revocation of
the Hudson's Bay Company's licence, to embark in the trade of
the coast, north of Fraser's River, with the numerous and
warlike Tribes of Indians, inhabiting that part of British Columbia, and who will not fail to demand the protection of
Government; so obviously requisite in the prosecution of their
commercial pursuits.

7. Rear Admiral Baynes, with whom I have conversed on
the subject, is of opinion that those Gunboats are also capable
of navigating Fraser's River, and it is certain that their
presence would have a powerful and salutary influence on the
foreign population of the Country.

8. The Rear Admiral is also of opinion that two of those
vessels might be detached without inconvenience from the fleet
now employed on the coast of China, a circumstance which I
submit for your consideration, and most earnestly hoping that
the suggestion may be favorably entertained.

9. It is perhaps unnecessary to occupy your time with
remarks concerning the privileges of the Hudson's Bay Company,
which have ceased to exist in British Columbia.

10. We have succeeded with difficulty in preventing the
unlawful occupation of the public domain, and I look forward
with anxiety for Colonel Moody's arrival to commence the survey
and allotment of land in British Columbia.

11. I observe the appointment of Mr W. Hanley [Hamley] to
the office of Collector of Customs for British Columbia, and that
he was to sail in the "Thames City," in a few days from the
date of your Despatch.

12. My own views entirely concur with your remarks—on
the great importance, to the general social welfare and
dignity of the Colony, that gentlemen should be encouraged
to come to this country by the hope of obtaining professional
occupation, as Stipendary Magistrates or in other respectable
public appointments; and there are really very few persons,
the officers of the Hudson's Bay Company excepted, qualified
to fill offices of trust and responsibility, and I would remark
in reference to the Officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, that
they are engaged in other pursuits, and have in no instance
been appointed to any office under Government nor do any of
them appear disposed to accept of any public employment.

13. I would for those reasons recommend that careful
appointments should be made in England. There is here a wide
field for such situations, and the qualities requisite are
integrity, sobriety, firmness, zeal, industry, implicit obedience
to orders, and a practical acquaintance with the nature of the
duties to be performed.

14. I shall most gladly attend to your wishes for any
newspapers containing matter worthy of attention, and shall
not fail to inform you of everything of importance that passes
in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-11-27_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE22.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury having
had under their consideration your Letter of the 16th
September
last

transmitting a copy of a Letter from the
Secretary to the Bank of British North America submitting
proposals for establishing a Bank in British Columbia and
Vancouver's Island, and requesting Their Lordships' opinion
and advice on the subject, I am commanded to acquaint you for
the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton that as
the Charter of the British Bank of North America empowers
that Corporation to establish branches "in any of the British
Colonies or Settlements in North America or adjacent to
British North America" there would appear to be no obstacle
to the proceeding contemplated by the Directors in the case
of Vancouver's Island and British Columbia, and My Lords are
of opinion that having regard to the advantage which those
Colonies would derive from the early establishment of well
conducted Banks supported by British Capital, proper
encouragement should be afforded to the undertaking. At
the same time Their Lordships' consider that it would be very
undesirable to give to this Bank any pledge in regard to
entrusting to it Government business or to such preference in any
respect as would give it the privilege or even appearance of
a monopoly. Some risk will no doubt, as represented in the
Letter from the Secretary to the Bank, attend the first
establishment of a Bank in a new Colony, but, on the other
hand, it is impossible to foresee the extent of banking
accommodation which may be soon required at either place, and
My Lords think that it may be safely left to Capitalists to
judge of the expediency of incurring the risk.

The interference of Her Majesty's Government should be
confined in the case of New Banks to the enforcement of
those requirements which the regulations for the establishment
of Banking Companies in the Colonies provide for the Security
of the Public and such Banks should not be detained from
fair competition by previous concessions to existing Banks.

The circumstance that a petition has been presented to
the Queen in Council for the Grant of a Charter to another
Company for conducting Banking operations in the Colonies
in question, apparently under creditable auspices, affords
additional ground for caution in regard to any pledge of
special favour to the Bank of British North America.



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FILE: 1858-11-29_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58038.txt
================================================================================

No. 38

1. The first operation disposing of public lands, in
British Columbia took place here on the 25th of Instant,
under the direction of Mr Pemberton, Colonial Surveyor
for Vancouver's Island.

2. The spot selected for sale was the site of a former
establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company, known as "Old
Fort
Langley",

on the left bank of Fraser's
River

*

about 28 miles
from its debouche into the Gulf of Georgia. The anchorage is
good and the River deep enough for ships close into the bank.
With a cheerful aspect, a surface well adapted for buildings
and drainage—it has the disadvantage of being in part low and
occasionally flooded by the River—the greater part of the site
is however a dry elevated Table Land, closely covered with bush
and lofty pine trees.

3. On the whole it is a place to which public attention was
strongly directed as being a very advantageous site for a
commercial town. I therefore directed that it should be surveyed
and laid out into convenient lots for sale. The main streets 78 feet
wide, are intended to run parallel with the River, connected by
cross streets at right angles with the former, the whole site
covering 900 acres of land, being divided into 183 blocks of 5 by 10
chains and each of those blocks being further subdivided into 18
building lots 64 by 120 feet in extent, forming in all 3294
building lots.

4. It was arranged that the upset price was to be $100.00 or
£20-16-8. There was a large assemblage of people on the morning
of the sale, and much competition for lots. The highest price
obtained for single lots was 725 dollars, and about 187 lots were
sold on the first day's sale and 155 lots on the second day, the
whole yielding a sum of about £13,000, on which a deposit of
10 per cent was paid down and the remainder is to be paid in course
of a month, or the lots will be
resold.

5. The sale is to be resumed on the 1st December and I will
further mention the result in a postcript to this letter, should the
Mail now daily expected, not leave before that date, and also forward
Mr Surveyor Pemberton's Report of the sale.

6. The result of this first experiment is highly satisfactory as
intimating the confidence entertained by the public in the resources
of British Columbia, and at the same time yielding a needful supply
of money for defraying the necessary expenses of the public service.

7. As much anxiety was felt by foreigners desirous of acquiring
property in British Columbia, with respect to the rights of aliens to
hold and transfer real estate under the British Crown, I issued a
note giving a brief exposition of the question and caused it to be
read before the crowd assembled at the sale, and generally circulated
for the information of the public, in order that no misapprehension
might exist on the subject, and I herewith transmit a copy of that
note for your
information.

8. I am now preparing a measure which proposes to secure to
aliens the full rights of possession and enjoyment of any lands which
they may purchase of the Crown for the space of 3 years, when they will
be required to become British Subjects or convey their rights to other
parties who enjoy that privilege by birth or naturalization. That
measure being in conformity with the spirit of your instructions
will I trust meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-11-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587047A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

In the early part of last September, on the representation of
various Gentlemen who vouched for his respectability of character, I
furnished Mr John Dewes [D'Ewes] formerly Police 
Magistrate in the Gold Fields at Ballarat, a Commissioner of Crown Lands and Deputy Sheriff in 
Victoria with a letter of Introduction dated the 11th Instant.

I am not aware whether Mr Dewes [D'Ewes]
has in accordance with his intentions, proceeded to British Columbia, and presented himself to you; 
but I feel it due to myself and to you, to place you in possession of information of which I
was at the date of my letter ignorant, but which may serve to guard against any misapprehension on your part. That information I regret to
say is by no means of a satisfactory character. It appears that Mr
Dewes [D'Ewes] about the time of the Ballarat riots laid himself open to
suspicion and comment upon the manner in which he discharged the duties with which he was entrusted, and my attention has been drawn to a Minute
of the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Charles Hotham, entered on the Notes and proceedings of the Legislative Council during 
the Session, 1854-5, which I enclose herewith.

I am not prepared to enter into the details of the case or to pronounce any opinion upon 
Mr Dewes' [D'Ewes'] conduct; 
but I feel bound to correct any error into which you may have been led by my letter of
Introduction accorded without the knowledge of these facts.

I have preferred to make this Despatch a confidential one, but you will be at liberty to make use of it, should the circumstances of the
case appear to require such a step.



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FILE: 1858-11-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58039.txt
================================================================================

No. 39, Judicial

Several murders having been committed in British Columbia, by white
men engaged in mining pursuits, and it having been found expensive,
not only to bring them to trial, which has nevertheless been in every
case accomplished, but also impossible to carry out the sentence of
the law in cases where criminals are sentenced to transportation for
life, for the reason that there is no penal settlement within reach,
and that I have no means of forming a settlement for that purpose on
this coast.

I am therefore much perplexed about the disposal of convicts of
that class, and wish to learn if Her Majesty's Government will permit
their removal to any penal settlement in Australia, and how the
expense of their removal is to be
defrayed.



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FILE: 1858-11-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58040.txt
================================================================================

No. 40

1. Since my last report on the state of the country of the
9th of
Instant,

there have been no decided changes or events
of much importance connected with British Columbia.

2. The exodus from Fraser's River continues at about the
rate of 100 persons a week. The reasons assigned by those persons
for leaving the country
are various, some having families to visit and business to settle
in California, others dreading the supposed severity of the climate,
others alledging the scarcity, and high price of provisions, none of
them assigning as a reason for their departure the want of gold.

3. There has lately been a great deal of rain at Fort Yale,
and the mountain tops are covered with snow, there has been
however no severe cold weather, neither is there any snow in the
valley of Fraser's River.

4. A considerable traffic with the Upper Fraser's River is
now being started by the Harrison's River road, which will
ultimately become the great commercial thoroughfare of the country.
An unexpected obstacle to the passage of Steamers into Harrison's
Lake has been discovered since the river fell to its lowest stage, in
a shallow rapid about half a mile in length which occurs near the
entrance
of Harrison's Lake. When that obstacle is removed and no exertion
should be spared to accomplish that desirable object; there will be a
free passage for River Steamers through Harrison's Lake and to Port
Douglas at every stage of the River.

5. A Mr Hovey called upon me this afternoon to report having
struck rich bank diggings in the left bank of Fraser's River, 125 feet
from the River, and about 8 miles below the confluence of Bridge
River.

He also states that a party of 10 men who are employed, in working an
adjoining bank have succeeded in bringing in a supply of water sufficient
to run four sluices, which lately yielded 148 ounces of gold in three
weeks. The gold found is not of the flaky sort, but of that description,
which is termed in California, "round shot gold" where it is considered
indicative of the richest placers. Mr Hovey is of opinion that all
the "River benches" or "Table lands" between the Forks of Thompson's
River and the Fountain will be found equally productive in gold.

Mr Hovey also reports having seen a specimen of pure copper
that was found near the same spot.

6. It has been for some time reported that several French
Miners have discovered gold in remunerative quantities on Harrison's
River, and that they are now at work, and making fair wages, a
report which wants confirmation though it is not at all improbable
as the soil in that District is known to be auriferous and it will
I trust become a profitable mining District.

7. I have not heard from Mr Commissioner Travaillot, since
the beginning of the present month. He reports the general want of
provisions among the Miners of the Fort Dallas District, and suggests
that supplies should be forwarded to that part of the country by the
Hudson's Bay Company, or by the Government.

8. The Hudson's Bay Company may act in that matter as they
think proper, but it would, for obvious reasons, be highly
injudicious to embark the resources of Government in commercial
undertakings, even to accomplish a public object.

9. In opening an accessible communication by Harrison's River,
the Government has discharged its proper duties, leaving commercial
objects entirely to private enterprise.

10. I have the honor of transmitting herewith the following
numbers of the Victoria Gazette, which may prove interesting.
25th November.
27th November.
30th November.

11. I have been at some trouble to ascertain the amount of
gold produced in British Columbia this season, and now submit the
following estimates and returns which without professing to be
absolutely correct, will serve to give an approximate idea of
the quantities of gold dust, exported and remaining on hand in the
country.

The quantities marked thus x are actual returns and their
correctness may be relied on; the estimates are made up from the
best information I could receive on the subject.

Wells Fargo &
Co

- exported 16,593 ounces x

Freeman &
Co

- no return but estimate 9,462 "

Ballou &
Co

- in deposit 6,250 " x

Hudson's Bay Co - exported 4,000 " x

36,305

Estimates

In the hands of private parties - exported 30,000 "

In the hands of Miners, in

British Columbia 40,000 "

70,000

Supposed production of Gold since

the month of June 1858 ounces 106,305

12. The actual produce of gold probably exceeds the quantity
I have stated, an impression derived from the official returns of
goods imported into Vancouver's Island for the quarter ending with
the 30th day of September last, amounting to the large sum of
£23l,376 Sterling, nearly the whole of which appears to have been
absorbed in supplying the demand of British Columbia, and paid for
in gold dust.

13. A cutting from the San Francisco Herald of the 20th
November last, which I have just received and now forward,
corroborates the statements in this letter, and gives a return
of $511,000 dollars as the amount of Gold received from Fraser's
River by the United States branch Mint and several mercantile firms
at San Francisco, and in making that return the writer has evidently
no desire to exaggerate the resources of British Columbia.

14. The whole return is satisfactory in as much as it shews
that a very considerable revenue may be raised from the duties now
levied on Imports as soon as that law can be strictly enforced.

15. The mail Steamer has I regret to say not yet arrived
here, and it is almost certain that our letters now ready for
transmission, will not arrive at San Francisco in time for the
mail Steamer, which leaves that Port on the 5th proximo for
Panama. Our last mail was not more fortunate, and would I fear
be detained at San Francisco for the Steamer of the 5th December.

16. I have just received letters from Mr Justice Smith of
Fort Hope, who reports the arrival of the first government
mail

from this place; that the Town is rapidly improving, and that
substantial buildings are being erected and that peace and
quiet reigns throughout the District.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-11-30_McNab_to_Lytton_B585MI17.txt
================================================================================

McNab to Lytton

The Directors of the Bank have received a communication
from the Treasury under date 25th
instant, with reference to which I am directed to ask the favor of your granting
an interview, on as early a day as may suit your convenience, to a deputation from their body.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Begbie_to_Lytton_B586B02.txt
================================================================================

Begbie to Lytton

I have the honor to inform you that having left Liverpool on the
Begbie, Matthew B.journey to BC 11th Sept. I proceeded from New York on the 7th Octr so as to
overtake the West India Mail [packet] of the 17th Septr at Panama
and proceeded thence with the mail to this place where I arrived on the
16th Novr ulto having arrived at San Francisco on the 31st Octr, the Mail, owing to detentions & circuitous route
adopted, not having been delivered here until the 18th day after its
arrival at San Francisco. I shod have had the honor of addressing
you earlier but that it was impossible to have overtaken the next mail
(viz) that wch left San Francisco on the 20th ulto. I therefore
determined, being summoned rather hastily by the Governor to attend him
into British Columbia the next morning, to defer writing until the next
mail; and now a similar irregularity having again occurred (for the South
Mail has not yet arrived) it will be impossible to be in time for the
mail of the 5th inst, and no communications can leave San Francisco
until the 20th inst.

Immediately after the arrival of the Steamer in Esquimalt I was
summoned as I have mentioned to attend his Excellency up Fraser's river
Begbie, Matthew B.attends inauguration of government
Proclamation,indemnification of officers
Proclamation,English law operative in BC
HudsonsBayCompany revocationofcharterrights
and on the 19th ulto the Act of Parlt the establishment of
English law in the Colony and the proclamn of Indemnity for the
interim Acts of the Officers here were duly proclaimed. Also the
revocation of the Charter of the Hudson's Bay Compy wch had been
previously published in Victoria.

His Excellency having considered that I could be of more
service at Victoria than on the main land for the present, I have
continued here, having returned with him on the 22nd ulto.

The cases for decision in British Columbia as far as I can learn are
not numerous or important, except two charges of murder wch I am anxious
to try as soon as possible. In relation however to these and all other
trials there is a great difficulty owing to the absence of any English
Lawyersshortage of
Lawyersaliens to practice in BC
barrister or attorney and the presence of one or two from Canada & one or
two from the United States. As it is impossible to prevent surreptitious
practice, if open practice be not permitted, and as it seems equally
impossible that any decision shod give satisfaction generally (which
I take to be a very important point in the present circumstances of the
Colony) I propose, subject to His Excellency's sanction to issue an
order of Court enabling all qualified Colonial & United States
practitioners to practice in British Columbia, under certain
regulations—the order only to continue in force for 6 months. It is
with great reluctance that I shall feel myself driven to pick a course,
but until English practitioners arrive some measure will probably have to
be taken from pure
necessity.

I have some doubts as to the nature of my commission upon
Begbie, Matthew B.nature of commision
the following points.

1. Whether my Court will be a Court of record—so
Courtnature of civil jurisdiction
Courtorder of
as to have power of fine & imprisonment in cases of contempt.

2. Whether I can act as a justice of peace in British Columbia.
In Canada I observed the style of the Court to be the Queen's
Bench.

If this Court were so styled there would be little doubt on these two
points—but it might raise a doubt as to the Equitable jurisdiction wch I
intend (until otherwise instructed) to exercise.

3. As to Admiralty jurisdiction.

4. As to ecclesiastical jurisdon in cases of wills
& administrations. I propose to assume the jurisdiction.

5. I have been interrogated since my arrival here whether I have
jurisdon in divorce cases. This I at present, & until otherwise
instructed, certainly do not propose to assume or exercise and if I may
express my views I shod be reluctant to be clothed with it.

6. No Seal of the Court is provided; nor any instructions
Sealof the Court
for making one. I shod feel much obliged if you think proper to have
one sent from home with suitable device & inscription. There is no means
of making an inscription & I shod hardly know what device or
inscription
[illegible]

I propose until further instructed to exercise on the civil side of the
Court all the authorities & jurisdon vested in Chief Justice Cameron,
Courtcivil jurisdictionmodelled on Vancouver Island
Cameron, David
in Vancouver's
Island,

under the order in Council of the 4th April 1856 (constituting
the Supreme Court of Civil Justice here) except as to the Seal.

This town seems extremely thriving. Roads are rapidly progressing
Victoriaprogress of
and there are good stores—all prices reasonable—the accounts of the
gold diggings unvarying. I have heard none suggest lower than £5 per
diem wch when provisions can be conveyed up country will pay the
miner very well.

All the neighbourhood here is as quiet by night & day as any other
country town in Her Majesty's dominions; at least that has been so
since my arrival.



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FILE: 1858-12-01_Berens_to_Lytton_V585MI25.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 10th Instant on the subject of the
property which is now and has been for many years past in the
possession of this Company in the vicinity of their
Establishments in various parts of Vancouver's Island and
British Columbia; and also of the Copy of the Despatch on the
same subject and of equal date addressed by you to Governor Douglas. On the part of myself and my Colleagues in the
direction I beg to offer you our best thanks for this obliging
communication.
Lord Carnarvon mentions that you would be glad
to be put in possession of any further details as to the nature
and character of the possessions thus claimed.

At present we have no such information, but I shall lose no time
in referring the matter to the officers in charge of the
Stations, and as soon as I receive their reports I shall have
the honour of again communicating with you upon the subject.



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FILE: 1858-12-01_Fraser_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585MI18.txt
================================================================================

Fraser to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company to transmit, for the information of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton,
the accompanying extract of a letter from Governor Douglas, dated 5th October 1858.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO10.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr FitzGerald's Letter of the
31st of August
last,

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you herewith, for the information
of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, a copy of a Despatch from
Mr Booker, Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco,
announcing the arrival of Captain Parsons and 20
Non-commissioned Officers and Men of the Royal Engineers
on their way to British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO11.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to
you herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, a copy of a despatch from Mr Booker, Her
Majesty's Counsul at San Francisco, stating that several
Thousand Californians who had gone to British Columbia
have returned from thence.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO12.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 28th of August
last,

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you
herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton
a copy of a Despatch from Mr Booker, Her Majesty's Consul
at San Francisco, stating that he had requested Captain Parsons
of the Royal Engineers to take charge of the Bag of Despatches
sent in August last to his care for the Governor of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587049.txt
================================================================================

No. 49

With reference to my Despatch No 40 of the 15th of
November

respecting the Bills drawn by Captain Parsons R.E. to defray the
expenses of the conveyance of the party of Royal Engineers under his
charge to British Columbia, I transmit to you herewith the copy of a
letter from the
Treasury

stating that £1323 has been already issued on this account and that the
Paymaster will be authorized to accept Captn
Parson's Bills for a further Sum of £277 which will make up the amount
of £1600 for which he has applied.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-01_Storks_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585WA10.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to transmit
to you, for the consideration of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, the
accompanying copy of a letter from the Admiralty, with its
enclosure from Messrs Shaw, Savill & Co, asking, for
the reasons assigned, permission to postpone until the end of
the present Month, the sailing of the "Euphrates," charged with
the conveyance to Vancouver's Island of the remaining portion
of the Detachment of Royal Engineers and Stores for British Columbia.

Major General Peel requests to be informed what answer Sir Edward Lytton would wish to be returned to this application.



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FILE: 1858-12-02_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58041.txt
================================================================================

No. 41

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the
margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-02_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD19.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
Prevost, Capt. James C.report on expedition to Fraser River
ShipsSatellite
you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for
the Colonies, a Copy of a Letter dated the 11thInstfrom Captain Prevost of Her Majesty's Ship Satellite, and Copy of its enclosure,
relating to the state of affairs at Vancouver Island, and
in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-12-03_Hamilton_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE23.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to state, for the information of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, with reference to your letter of the 2nd October
last,

that My Lords have been in communication with the
Postmaster General, and also with the Agent of the Panama
Railway
Company

on the subject of the Postal Service with
British Columbia.

My Lords are informed that considerable expense and
inconvenience might arise, in reference to the passage across
the Isthmus of Panama, unless satisfactory arrangements
should be made in the first place with the Railway Company
and with the Government of New
Granada.

The Agent of the Company undertook to procure from
his Company an undertaking that any arrangement made with
the Company by Her Majestys Government should cover any
demands made by the Government of New Granada, and secure
the Mail Service from the interruptions and inconveniences to
which the Mails of the United States have been subjected in
the passage of the Isthmus.

It was necessary, however, to refer to the Company in
America, and My Lords await the reply which the Agent expects
to receive shortly.

In the mean time an Overland Mail has been established
by the American express
Company

in connection with the Atlantic
Royal Mail Steam Navigation Company, which has now entered into
a monthly service to New York, and My Lords are disposed to
believe that a cheaper and more expeditious route could, at
least for the present, be established by this, than by any other mode.

The Postmaster General has recommended that the contract
vessels of the Royal Mail Steam Company from Southampton to
Colon should be used rather than the Contract vessels to New
York or Halifax, in order to save the expense of a new service
from Halifax or New York to Colon, but in either of these cases
the arrangements must, in the first instance, be completed for the
passage of the Isthmus of Panama, and a Steam Service instituted
between Panama and New Columbia, which will be expensive, and
require a considerable time in its preparation.

My Lords are, therefore, disposed to think that it would
be desirable, without further loss of time, to communicate
with the Atlantic Royal Mail Steam Navigation
Company,

who
represent themselves as the Agents of the American Express
Company, and as authorized to contract for the delivery of
goods and Passengers at New Columbia, and to ascertain whether,
and on what terms, they would contract for the delivery of
Her Majestys Mails for a limited period—say one year.

I am to request that you will move Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton to cause My Lords to be favoured with his views upon this subject.



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FILE: 1858-12-03_Storks_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585WA11.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 12th
November,

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to transmit
to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the Military
Secretary to the General Commanding in Chief, from which
it will be seen that independently of the objection taken
by Sir E. Lytton to a compliance with the application in
question from Colonel Moody, Corporal Spackman R.E. is in
a state of health, at present, which would preclude his
proceeding to join Colonel Moody in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-12-04_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58042.txt
================================================================================

No. 42

1. I have the honor of forwarding herewith for your information
copies of two Proclamations issued respectively on the 2nd and
3rd days of December instant.

2. The first relates to the conveyance of Crown Lands, and its
object is explained in the accompanying note from Mr
Begbie.

3. The other Proclamation issued yesterday is for the purpose
of imposing duties on Imports into British Columbia, to provide a
revenue for defraying the public expenses of the
Colony.

4. The ordinance is to remain in force for six months to test
its operation, and it will then be amended, or continued in its
present form as may appear expedient.

5. The Port of Victoria is for the present declared the Port
of Entry for British Columbia, until arrangements are made to
collect the duties at some point on Fraser's River.

6. Hoping that those proceedings may meet with the approval
of Her Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1858-12-06_Richards_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD20.txt
================================================================================

Richards to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 3rd
Instant,

Crickmer, the Rev. William B.shipment of baggage
I beg to acquaint you that the necessary directions have been given
for the shipment in the "Euphrates" for conveyance to
Vancouver's Island, of the baggage of the Revd W.B. Crickmer.



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FILE: 1858-12-06_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE24.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 6th
Ult:,

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords will not object to the Colonial
rates of
pay

to the Officers forming the Expedition to
British Columbia, being Computed from the dates on which
their services Connected with the expedition commenced
in this Country. They also approve of the additional
Rates of pay to the men employed on the Expedition as
recommended by Sir E.B. Lytton.

They will be prepared to direct a further transfer
to be made to the account of Colonel Moody on behalf
of the Officers, upon being informed of the amount
that may be due to Each, if Sir E.B. Lytton thinks it
advisable that such transfer should now be made to the
Agents in this Country.



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FILE: 1858-12-06_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE25.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to the Letter from this Board dated
23d
Ultimo,

I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
transmit to you, for the consideration of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton copy of a Letter from the Stationery Office dated 3d Instant,
relative to the supply of certain Parliamentary Papers for
the use of Her Majesty's Officers in British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-07_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58050.txt
================================================================================

No. 50

1. I have the honor of transmitting herewith copy of a
letter lately addressed to me by the Agents of the Hudson's
Bay Company residing at this place—setting forth the claims
of the Company to certain tracts of land connected with their
several Trading Establishments in British Columbia; which
they may have occupied for many years and improved by
settlement and otherwise at much
expense.

2. Her Majesty's Government may probably consider, that
the Hudson's Bay Company have acquired rights to the soil,
through permissory occupation and improvement, as well as by
the public services which the Company have rendered to the
Country, and may therefore meet their claims in a spirit
of judicious liberality, especially as the settlement of
the Company's possessory rights in Oregon, resting on the
construction of the third article of the Treaty of the 17th
July 1846 with the United States of
America,

will probably
be influenced by the decision of Her Majesty's Government
in allowing or disallowing the possessory rights of the
Company in British Columbia.



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FILE: 1858-12-07_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48

1. I beg to transmit for your information copy of a letter
which I lately received from Mr Edward Stamp, a person of
highly respectable character, who 
has resided in this Country
for some time past, and is now returning to England on business
connected with this Colony, his object being to induce English
Capitalists to join him in establishing suitable steamers for
the country trade.

2. He would gladly enter into a Contract with Her Majesty's
Government for carrying the Mails between this place and San
Francisco; and I beg to state for your information, that Mr Stamp is reported to have great 
experience as a Ship owner and
Master, and is generally considered to be a respectable and
perfectly trust worthy person.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-07_Godley_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585WA12.txt
================================================================================

Godley to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of 22nd
ultimo;

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to acquaint you, for
the information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, that the
Officers and Men composing the Detachment of Troops despatched
to British Columbia have not ceased to receive pay from this
Department. The Secretary of State, however, has made
arrangements for ultimately charging to the Funds provided for
the purpose by the Treasury as intimated in Mr Merivale's
letter of 18 August 1858,

all expenses connected with this expedition which come under the
cognizance of this Office from the dates of Embarkation.

A return shewing those dates is enclosed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-07_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587049A.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

I have to acquaint you that the Queen has been graciously pleased
to confer upon you the distinction of a Companion of the Order of the
Bath.

In recommending you for that mark of Royal Favor I have felt that
it was only due to you that your successful administration of the
Government
of Vancouver's Island should not pass unnoticed, and I beg leave to
assure you that in installing you in your new and more difficult Govt.
of British Columbia, I have personally felt much gratification from HMs
condescension in publicly marking your previous services with Her Royal
approbation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-07_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587348A.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

I have to acquaint you that the Queen has been graciously pleased to
confer upon you the distinction of a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

In recommending you for that mark of Royal Favor I have felt that
it was only due to you that your successful administration of the Govt.
of Vancouver's Island should not pass unnoticed, and I beg leave to
assure you that in installing you in your new and more difficult Govt
of British Columbia, I have personally felt much gratification from
HMs condescension in publicly marking your previous services with Her
Royal approbation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58043.txt
================================================================================

No. 43

I have to acknowledge the receipt of duplicate of your Despatch
No 21 of the 23rd of September last, acquainting me that you had
transmitted a Warrant under the Royal Sign Manual, authorising me to
pass letters patent under the Public Seal of British Columbia
appointing Mr Haniley [Hamley] to be Collector of Customs, and I beg
in reply to state that your instructions will be carried into effect
upon Mr Haniley's arrival in this
country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58044.txt
================================================================================

No. 44

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of duplicate of
your Despatch No 22 of the 23rd September last, transmitting
a Warrant under the Royal Sign Manual, authorising me to pass
Letters Patent under the Public Seal of British Columbia,
appointing Colonel Moody to be Chief Commissioner of Lands and
Works and I have to assure you in reply that those instructions
will be duly carried into
effect.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58045.txt
================================================================================

No. 45

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 23
of the 17th Septr last acquainting me that the Society for the
propogation of the Gospel, have selected the Revd James Gammage,
to officiate among the mining population of British Columbia that
you had provided Mr Gammage, (who will be paid by the Society),
with a passage in the Ship "Thames City which was about to take out
the party of Engineers to British 
Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58046.txt
================================================================================

No. 46

1. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 24 of the
24th of September

in which you kindly approve under the peculiar
circumstances in which I was placed, of the allowance of pay to
the companies of H.M. Ships "Satellite" and "Plumper", from the local
revenue equal to their rate of pay from the Crown.

2. That extra allowance of pay was made for three months up to
the 30th September last, when it was not considered necessary to
continue it for a longer time, and with the knowledge and approval
of Admiral Baynes, who concurred with me regarding the allowance as
unusual and forming a troublesome and inconvenient precedent, that
decision was made known to Captains Prevost and Richards, to announce
to their respective ships companies.

3. The charge for that quarter was as follows—

"Satellite" £2253.14.8

"Plumper" £1118.11.7

£3372. 6.3

4. I have already liquidated one third of that sum; I propose
to pay a second instalment very shortly, and the third will be paid
as soon as circumstances permit.

5. Had the extra allowance been limited to the ships companies,
the amount of pay would have been moderate; but applying as it did
to the Captain and Officers, the charge became an intolerable
burden on our limited income, and to me a source of ceaseless
trouble and anxiety.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58047.txt
================================================================================

No. 47

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
No 25 of the 24th September, enclosing a copy of Her
Majesty's Commission to Colonel Moody as Lieutenant Governor of
British Columbia, and I feel assured that his great Colonial
experience will be of the utmost service to the
Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
No 26 of the 1st October last, and to thank you for four
copies of the Colonization
Circular,

issued by Her Majesty's
Emigration Commissioners containing information for persons
emigrating to the Colonies and I shall hereafter endeavour to
furnish you with such particulars respecting British Columbia,
as may be useful to persons proposing to emigrate to that Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58049.txt
================================================================================

No. 49

I have received your despatch marked "separate"
introducing to me Mr James Cooper whose appointment to
the office of Harbour Master at Esquimalt was notified to
me in your despatch No 15 of the 2nd September
last.



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FILE: 1858-12-09_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587050.txt
================================================================================

No. 50

I have to request that you will communicate to Colonel Moody the
correspondence, of which I annex copies, with the War Department
respecting Corporal Spackman R.E. with reference to an application which
Colonel Moody addressed to me that this Corporal might be attached to
the Party of Royal Engineers in British 
Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-09_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE26.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to the letter of this Board of the
25th
ult.

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of
Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster
General has been authorized to accept and pay a Bill for
£40 drawn by Captain B.M. Parsons R.E. on account of
certain Royal Engineers proceeding to Victoria, Vancouvers Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-10_Harding_to_Lytton_B585LW01.txt
================================================================================

Harding to Lytton

I am honored with your commands signified in Mr Elliot's letter of the 27th November
Ultimo,

stating that he was directed to request that I would, at my early
convenience, prepare for your consideration a draft of an instrument for
erecting the New Colony of British Columbia into a Bishop's See, and for
appointing the Reverend George Hills to be the first Bishop of the said
See.

Mr Elliot was also pleased to state that the limits of this See
may be defined in accordance with the delimitation of British Columbia as
enacted by the 21st and 22nd of the Queen cap 99; and as by that
Act it has been made lawful for Her Majesty on receiving at any time
during its continuance a joint address from the two houses of the
Legislature of Van Couvers Island praying for the incorporation of the
same with British Columbia to annex the said Island to British Columbia,
I would consult His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury upon the question
whether it may not be expedient under present circumstances or until that
annexation is effected to give to the Bishop of British Columbia
ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Van Couver's Island, similar to that
with which the Bishop of Cape Town is invested over the Island of Saint
Helena. Mr Elliott also stated that it will be proper to give to the
New Bishop all the powers which are now usually given to Colonial
Bishops, and especially power to appoint his Cathedral Church.

In obedience to Your commands, I have prepared and herewith
transmit a Draft of an Instrument for this purpose.

I have not thought it necessary to set forth in express terms "by
Metes and bounds" the limits of the new See, inasmuch as the description
of "the Colony or Territory of Vancouver's Island as at present
established" will I apprehend, be legally sufficient and certain; the
latter words, applied to Vancouvers Island, are used in the sixth Section
of Stat: 21st and 22nd Victoria cap
99,

which defines the limits of British Columbia.

If however this description should be considered insufficient, then
I would suggest the necessity of a correct description by "metes and
bounds" of the Colony of Van Couver's Island being supplied.

I have (as instructed) consulted His Grace the Archbishop of
Canterbury upon the point suggested in Mr Elliot's letter,
and His Grace has been pleased to approve of the proposed
arrangement with relation to Vancouver's Island.

I have in other points attended to the instructions
contained in Mr Elliot's letter and have followed the precedent
of the Patent by which the Diocese of Ruperts Land was founded in
1849.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-10_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587051.txt
================================================================================

No. 51

I transmit to you herewith, for your information, the copy of a
letter from the Secretary to the Bank of British North America,
submitting proposals for the establishment of a Branch of that Bank at
Victoria, Vancouvers Island, and in British Columbia, and a copy of the
answer which I have returned on this
subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-10_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587052.txt
================================================================================

No. 52

I transmit for your information and guidance a copy of a letter
from the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury accompanied by a Report
from the Commissioners of Audit with a copy of printed Instructions to
Governors of Colonies regulating the mode of keeping and rendering the
accounts of Colonial Receipt and
Expenditure.

You will forward these Documents to the Treasurer of British 
Columbia, and instruct him to conform to the same in his financial
proceedings.

The Extracts and Warrants and other forms referred to in the letter
from the Board of Treasury will be transmitted to you as soon as they
are prepared.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-10_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587351.txt
================================================================================

No. 51

I transmit to you herewith, for your information, the copy of a
letter from the Secretary to the Bank of British North America,
submitting proposals for the establishment of a Branch of that Bank
at Victoria, Vancouvers Island, and in British Columbia, and a copy
of the answer which I have returned on this subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-10_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE27.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster
General has been authorized to issue to Messrs Cox & Co. as Agents for Captain Grant R.E. the further sum
of £50 to defray the expense of removing his family
to British Columbia as requested in your letter of the 3rd
Inst.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-11_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58049.txt
================================================================================

No. 49

I have the honor to report for the information and approval of
Her Majesty's Government, that I have made the following
appointments for the Colony of Vancouver's Island: and that
though 
several of those Offices were filled in the early part of
the season, when great numbers of people were entering this
Colony, I have not hitherto reported the same to you.

Appointments

Donald Fraser Esquire to be Member of Council.

Augustus Pemberton Esquire, to be Chief Commissioner of
Police and Justice of the Peace, Salary £300 per annum & fees.

George Pearkes Esquire, Crown Solicitor, Salary £300 per
annum.

Alexander C. Anderson Esquire, to be Collector of the
Customs, Salary £700 per annum and free house.

*

Alexander C. Anderson Esquire, Acting Postmaster, Salary
£100 per annum.

William Brotchie, Harbour Master and Pilot of Victoria,
Salary £100 per annum, besides fees.

Trusting that those appointments will meet with your approval.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-11_Douglas_to_Lytton_V58050.txt
================================================================================

No. 50

I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information, the
Custom House Returns of Imports for the quarter ending with the
30th day of September last amounting to the comparatively
large sum of £231.376 Sterling which shows the prodigiously
increased trade of this Port.

2. Another Return shows that the amount of fees collected at
the Custom House is $6486.56; a disproportionately small sum,
considering the amount of Imports, in consequence of no Customs
Duties being levied in this Port; but the sum collected will
nevertheless be sufficient to pay the salaries of the Officers
and to defray all the other expenses connected with the Custom
House, so that it will not be burdensome to the Colony.

3. There is also herewith forwarded Returns of British and
foreign vessels which have entered this Port up to the quarter
ending on the 30th day of September and to the 25th day of
November last.

4. I have also the honor of forwarding a statement of the
quantities of public land sold in this Colony from the 10th day
of October 1857 to the 4th day of November instant, as
exhibited in the series of tables numbered from 1 to 7, the
gross quantity in acres being a little over 30,924 acres.
*

5. A great part of that land especially in the Saanich and
Cowitchin Districts is not yet allotted, but you will observe
that the purchasers have all been required to pay an instalment
of 25 per cent on their respective lots as a necessary condition
of registration.

6. The sums of money collected during the year on account of
those land sales as shown by the tables referred to, amount to
£8586.9, including the sum of £664-17-3 received in payment of
land sold previously to the period embraced by those tables.

7. There is now due to the Colony a balance of £24,056-18-4, on
account of land sales, which the parties will be called upon to
pay as the instalments become due, with interest at the rate of
5 per cent per annum on their respective balances.

8. The following comparative table will show the quantities of
public land sold respectively in the years 1857 & 1858

Public lands sold in 1857 6303 105/160

do do " 1858 30,984 127/160

24,681 22/160 acres

giving an excess of sales over the previous year to the extent
of 24,681 22/160 acres.

9. There has been a remarkable increase this year in the
population of this Colony, in consequence of the discovery of
Gold in Fraser's River. Victoria from a village has grown up
into a town of considerable extent, and become the seat of a
large and growing trade, being still the only Port of Entry for
ships bound to British Columbia.

10. The Country has this year received an impetus, which, I
think, will lead to the regular and rapid development of its
resources. With reference to those tables



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-11_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587053.txt
================================================================================

No. 53

I have to request that you will communicate to Colonel Moody, with
reference to an application which he addressed to me for copies of
certain Parliamentary papers, the enclosed copy of a letter on the
subject from the Comptroller of the Stationery
Office.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-12_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO13.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Fitzgeralds Letter of the 30th of
September last, inclosing a copy of a Despatch from Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington relative to the claim of
Governor Douglas on the United States Government for the
re-payment of a Sum of Money advanced by him in 1856 to the
Authorities of Washington Territory, I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you a copy of a further Despatch
from Lord Napier inclosing a copy of the answer which he has
received from the United States Secretary of State upon the
subject of this claim.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-14_Burke_to_Lytton_B586B17.txt
================================================================================

Burke to Lytton

Mr. P. Cadell addressed a note to me, dated London Oct. 1858,
in which he intimated a wish, that I would write You a brief note
concerning his pursuits and standing, while in California.

Without being able to perceive very distinctly, that a letter
from me, upon this subject, will be entitled to much consideration
from You—Yet I have not stopped to ask myself "what will he do
with it," but have proceeded to comply with Mr C's request.

With sufficient regard to brevity, I can only say; that I
have been well acquainted with Mr C. since 1850. He was engaged,
the whole time of his residence in California, in active mining
operations, or in the investigation and developement of plans for
the more successful working of Gold Mining.

With a character for morality unimpeachable—Mr. Cadell
was well versed in the philosophy of Gold Mining.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-14_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58051.txt
================================================================================

No. 51

1. Since my report of the 30th of
November

on the state
of British Columbia there has been a change in the weather, from
mild to cold, the mercury fell, on the 5th of Instant, to 12o
Fahrenheit; there have been several falls of snow, to the depth of
ten inches, and Fraser's River from Langley to Point "Aitch Bee
Cee,"

is frozen over, and impassable for ships. The River above Langley
was by last accounts also frozen, and winter fairly set in, though
at an unusually early season of the year.

2. No accounts from Langley have, in consequence, of the
cold weather been received here, for the last week; but the weather
being now milder two Steamers are preparing to leave to day, with
freight and passengers for that place, and it is hoped they will
succeed in forcing a passage through the ice.

3. We have had no tidings from Fort Yale since the 25th
of November last, the weather was then mild but exceedingly wet,
and the miners doing little in consequence of the state of the
weather, others of that class were nevertheless still moving
onwards by the River with goods and provisions for the upper country.

4. The country was then generally in a state of tranquility.

5. The American Steamer
"Pacific"

left this place on the 4th
of Instant with 400 passengers principally returning miners,

for the Port of San
Francisco.

*

The export of Gold dust by that vessel was reported to be
ten thousand ounces, exclusive of a large amount in private hands.

6. An export duty on gold

would now yield a respectable
amount of revenue, and together with the duties levied on imports,
would probably yield an income of £100,000 per
annum.

**

7. With some assistance from Parliament in the outset,
either by way of loan or as a free grant, the Colony will soon
emerge from its early difficulties, and defray all its own expenses.

8. This has hitherto been accomplished without assistance from
any quarter, as I have not yet drawn upon you for any expenditure
incurred in the Colony; which have all, nevertheless, been paid.

9. I cannot however undertake immediately to defray the cost of
the detachment of Royal Engineers appointed for the protection of
the country; as a large sum must, this year, be provided for the
erection of the many public buildings so much needed, in British 
Columbia.

10. I propose building a small Church and Parsonage, a Court
house, and Goal immediately at Langley and to defray the expense
out of the proceeds arising from the sale of Town Lands there.

11. The Mail Steamer is expected in tonight, but will
probably leave again immediately afterwards for San Francisco,
allowing no time for replying to letters by the same mail.



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FILE: 1858-12-14_Whitman_to_Lytton_B586W01.txt
================================================================================

Whitman to Lytton

I have been requested by my brother in law Lord Bandon to ask you
if you will kindly give a letter of recommendation to the Governor
of British Columbia in favor of a Mr John Gaggin of the Royal Cork
Artillery who is about to emigrate.

The object is to certify that he is a respectable person and
Lord Bandon is prepared to state that such is the case.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-15_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD21.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
Seymour, Rear Admiral Sir Michaeldeparture from China
Supernumerary Marinesdeparture from China
to send you herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, a Copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, dated the 27 Octr, No. 369, reporting
his intention to dispatch Her Majesty's Ship Tribune from China to
Vancouver's Island with 150 Supernumerary Royal Marines on board.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-15_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587054.txt
================================================================================

No. 54

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your [Vancouver
Island] despatches of the numbers and dates noted in the
margin

and to convey to you my thanks for the satisfactory explanations which
they afford of your measures for establishing the Government of British 
Columbia, and for maintaining law and order in the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585FO13.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to my letter of the 24th
Ultimo,

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you herewith, for
the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton a copy of a despatch from
Mr Booker, Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco, reporting the
arrival at and departure from that Port for Vancouver's Island of Captain Grant and his Party of the Royal Engineers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587055.txt
================================================================================

No. 55

I transmit for your information a Copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Sir M. Seymour, dated Calcutta—27th of
October and addressed to the Secretary to the
Admiralty,

reporting his intention to despatch Her Majesty's Ship "Tribune" from China to Vancouvers Island with 150 Royal Marines on board.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587055A.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your private Despatch of the
4th of Oct announcing to me your acceptance of the Office of Governor
of British Columbia and your intention in consequence to take early
measures for withdrawing from the Hudson's Bay Company and disposing of
your Puget Sound Stock.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587056.txt
================================================================================

No. 56

With reference to my Despatch, No 49, of the 1st of December,

have to acquaint you that the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury have
authorised the Paymaster General to accept and pay a Bill for Forty
Pounds (£40) drawn by Captain Parsons, R.E. on account of the Royal
Engineers proceeding to British Columbia under his charge.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587056A.txt
================================================================================

Private

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your private Despatch of the
4th of Oct announcing to me your acceptance of the Office of Governor
of British Columbia and your intention in consequence to take early
measures for withdrawing from the Hudson's Bay Company and disposing of
your Puget Sound
Stock.

I have on former occasions assured you of the high estimation in
which I hold the vigor and ability you have displayed in the incipient
stages of a Colony that promises to be so noble an accession to the
Dominions of our Sovereign; and it gives me peculiar pleasure to find
that you are disposed to continue your assistance towards the
development of resources which were first brought to light under your
administration of Vancouver's Island. You state your belief that the
sum of one thousand Pounds a year would be wholly inadequate for the
befitting Salary of the Governor of a Colony in which the necessaries of
life far exceed the Standards in England. Since the date of the
despatch in which that sum was named, the information that has reached
me is, as you are aware, much less vague as to the value of the Gold
fields than it was when, immediately on my accession to office, I
foresaw that we should lose no time in securing Law and Government to a
district hitherto unknown to Civilization—and I hastened to offer to
yourself the post you have gratified me by accepting.

I should rejoice to see the Revenues of the Colony such as would
justify a considerable increase to the Salary I originally proposed.
But until those revenues are actually in operation and their results
unequivocally apparent, I should feel it equally impossible to obtain
from the British Parliament, and unfair to the Colony to apportion to
its earliest expenses such a Salary for the Governor as you suggest. It
is my duty to consult economy pushed to thrift until the Colony is
provided with the ways and means that justify a more liberal
expenditure. Whenever that happens I think on every principle of sound
policy that we should secure to its administration the zeal and talents
of the ablest public officers—and to stint the salaries of such men,
would be in my judgment, to retard the growth of the Colony.

But you have now large expenses to meet, including the services, at
least the Colonial pay of the British Engineers.

These last I trust the early Sales of Land will suffice to
cover—yet until the statements you promise me as to the next year's
revenue arrive, it is clear that I cannot form a judgment of the
expenses I ought to sanction.

I shall not at present be enabled to recommend to the Lords
Commissioners of the Treasury a higher Grant than Eighteen hundred
pounds a year for the Governor of British Columbia and Vancouver's
Island out of the Parliamentary Grant—and I hope that this will be the
only item, except by way of advance, in which the House of Commons may
be called upon to contribute to the Expenditure of the Colony. But I
shall certainly not object to a large increase of that Salary out of
local funds, if your accounts of the local Revenue are such as to
justify it.

The extent of such augmentation must obviously depend upon the
character and the extent of those Revenues considered with reference to
other local charges which must be defrayed, and to a reasonable
calculation of their productiveness hereafter. More than this I am
unable to say at the present moment, but I shall look for the further
information which you promise me upon the financial prospects of the
Colony, and to any future explanations which you may wish to give on the
subject before I can come to a definite decision.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587355.txt
================================================================================

No. 55

I transmit for your information a copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Sir M. Seymour, dated Calcutta—27th of October and
addressed to the Secretary to the Admiralty, reporting his
intention to despatch Her Majesty's Ship "Tribune" from China to
Vancouvers Island with 150 Royal Marines on board.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587355A.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your private Despatch of the
4th of Oct announcing to me your acceptance of the Office of Governor
of British Columbia and your intention in consequence to take early
measures for withdrawing from the Hudson's Bay Company and disposing of
your Puget Sound Stock.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-16_McNab_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B585MI19.txt
================================================================================

McNab to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In compliance with the invitation contained in your letter
of the 4th
Instant,

I beg respectfully to submit, that the object of the Directors in seeking
a personal interview with Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton was to explain to him
fully the purpose of their petition to the Queen of the 11th Novr
(referred by the Treasury to the Colonial
Office)

which petition was not for the grant of a new Charter, but simply that
Her Majesty would graciously exercise the power specially reserved to her
in the existing Charter, to continue, "by writing under her Sign Manual,"
its operation for a further term of ten years (or for such other period
as Her Majesty might think fit) from its expiry in April 1861.

The Directors would also beg most respectfully to submit that, in
the confidence that that power would be exercised by Her Majesty, they
have made arrangements for establishing Branches in the new Colonies of
Vancouvers Island and British Columbia, which, although calculated to
prove of great advantage to these Colonies, cannot be expected, for some
years to come, to yield much profit to the Bank, in return for the outlay
and risk incurred in their Establishment.

They would only beg leave further to remark, that the continuation
prayed for, would simply have the effect of bringing the termination of
this Banks Charter to the same period as the termination of the Charters
of the other Banks in Canada.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-17_Berens_to_Lytton_B585MI20.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Lytton

I have the honour herewith to transmit an Extract of a letter
addressed by Governor Douglas to myself and my colleagues on the
Direction of this Company, on the occasion of his acceptance of the
Office of Governor of British Columbia, under the
Crown.

In his letter to us Governor Douglas intimates that the office has been
conferred upon him on the express condition that he shall relinquish all
direct or indirect connexion with, or interest in the Hudson's Bay
Company; and in order to meet the wishes of the Government in that
respect, he tenders his resignation as an Officer of the Company, and
offers "an absolute sale to the Company of his actual and
prospective interests in the Fur Trade."

Upon this offer on the part of Mr Douglas to sell his retired
interest to the Company I feel it necessary to make an observation. It
has always been my wish, and that of my colleagues, to facilitate as far
as lay in our power a measure which we consider so advantageous to the
public service as the appointment of Mr Douglas to the government of
the new Colony; and we trust that the difficulty which has occurred to us
as to the disposal of Mr Douglas's retired interests, will not be
considered, on our part, as a change in that respect. By the
constitution of the Company, Mr Douglas, as a Chief Factor, is
entitled on his retirement to a small share
(1/85th)

of the profits of the Company for the six years ensuing; but he is, at
the same time excluded from all part in the administration of the affairs
of the Company, and he is not entitled even to ask for accounts. He is
consequently merely the recipient of a certain portion of the profits of
the Company, without any control on his part, and he is expressly
excluded from all voice in the management.

Now the difficulty which occurs to us is this. In the first place
it is utterly impossible for us, in the present circumstances of the
Company, to estimate the value of this retired interest to which Mr Douglas is entitled; and in the second place, even if an approximation of
value could be arrived at, the Directors feel that in the interests of
their Shareholders they would not be justified in adopting the unusual
course of purchasing that interest.

This being the case it seems to us that Her Majesty's Government
might safely abstain from insisting on the literal fulfilment of this
condition. Mr Douglas's position, as regards the Company, is merely
that of an Annuitant for six years, without any active part in its
concerns; and we feel satisfied from our own knowledge of his high
character, that he will not allow this slight connection (if connection
it can be called) to influence him in the performance of his duties to
the Government in the high office to which he is appointed. We make this
suggestion more particularly in the interests of Mr Douglas himself,
who if Her Majestys Government should insist, may find it necessary
to abandon his retired interests altogether.

Mr Douglas, in the latter part of his letter, puts in a claim,
under the separate Commission which he holds as Governor of Queen
Charlotte's Island, "to an additional sum of £300 per annum." We cannot
help feeling that this is a question, not for the Directors of this
Company, but for the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. The
Hudson's Bay Company were never proprietors of the Island; and if the
additional salary demanded should be granted, it can be so only with the
consent of the Government, and on the understanding that the money will
be refunded by the Government to the Company upon the Settlement of the
Colony accounts.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-17_Hammond_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585FO12.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you
herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, a
copy of a despatch from Mr Toup

Nicolas, the British Acting
Consul General in the Sandwich Islands, relative to the views
entertained by the English Merchants in those Islands as to
Victoria in Vancouver's Island being made a free Port.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-17_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587057.txt
================================================================================

No. 57

I have to request that you will acquaint Captain Grant R.E. that
in consideration of the circumstances which he has represented to me in
a letter dated from Panama, the 15th
October,

I have sanctioned the payment to him of an additional sum of fifty pounds (£50) to defray the
expense of removing his family to British Columbia, and that the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury have instructed the Paymaster General to
issue that amount to Messrs Cox & Co as Captain Grant's Agents.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-17_Tennent_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TA03.txt
================================================================================

Tennent to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th
Instant

transmitting for their information, by direction of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, a copy of a correspondence between the Colonial and Foreign
Departments with reference to the questions submitted in my letter to you
of the 18th September
last

on the subject of the disadvantageous position of British Ships in the
trade of British Columbia.

In commenting on the views of this Board conveyed in the above
letter My Lords observe that Sir E. Lytton states that he is not prepared
to recommend the surrender of the Coasting Trade of British Columbia as a
basis for renewed negotiations with the United States for a relaxation of
their prohibitory system, such a measure demanding, as he conceives,
"careful consideration not only in its relation to the interests of
British Commerce but especially as to its effects upon the future
progress and welfare of the Colony." But they observe that in a
subsequent part of Mr Elliot's letter to Mr
Hammond,

Sir E. Lytton objects to the policy of excluding Americans from the trade
between Vancouver's Island and British Columbia by rendering that trade a
Coasting Trade on the ground that "such a policy would be a return to the
old system of encouraging the British Shipowner by throwing difficulties
in the way of the Americans and would injure the Colonists by depriving
them of the advantages in the purchase of their commodities which they
would derive from the employment of American Shipping."

My Lords would only observe on this apparently conflicting
opinion

*

that considering that not only are United States Ships already in
practical possession of this trade but that British Ships are, for the
reasons pointed out in my letter of the 18th September, unable to
enter upon it under equal conditions. My Lords are at a loss to perceive
in what respects either British or Colonial interests could suffer by a
measure which would obtain for British Shipping access to a valuable
trade from which it is now excluded in return for the legal admission of
United States' Ships to a trade of which by license they already absorb
the principal share.

Sir E.B. Lytton appears to have misapprehended the views of this
Board with regard to the measures of retaliation to which I adverted in
my letter of the 18th September. My Lords in that letter did not
recommend, as is implied in Mr Elliot's letter to Mr Hammond,
that in the event of the Government of the United States refusing to
relax their present system, United States' Ships should be excluded from
the trade between Frazer's River and British Columbia; but they expressed
the opinion that it would be desirable that the Government of the United
States should be made aware of the provisions of British Law, which
render such an exclusion possible under certain contingencies. The
probability to which Sir E. Lytton adverts of the future union of the two
Provinces on grounds of general policy, appears to them to afford
additional reasons for the course which they indicated—as such a measure
would ipso facto occasion the exclusion of United States' Ships
from this trade and consequently afford to Her Majesty's Government a
legitimate argument in urging on the Government of the United States the
wisdom of securing themselves now against the possibility of such a
future result.

In conclusion I am to request that you will state to Sir E.B. Lytton
that the answer of the United States' Government in 1852 to a
representation from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington on the subject
of a proposed partial relaxation of their laws in regard to the Coasting
Trade, which is referred to in Mr Hammond's letter to Mr Merivale

does not appear to My Lords to afford adequate grounds for abstaining
from a renewal of similar proposals. Supposing that the article of the
Federal Constitution referred to upon that occasion is inconsistent with
the partial measure of reciprocity suggested in my letter of the 18th
September, it is competent for Congress, under Article V of the
Constitution, to make any modification of that article which is agreed
upon by two thirds of both Houses.

If the Government of the United States were to find Congress
indisposed to resort to this measure, it seems not improbable that the
discussion of the question might lead to a general relaxation of the
Coasting Trade Laws of the Union as a safer and more convenient
alternative.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-18_Corry_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD22.txt
================================================================================

Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Having laid before My Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty your letter of the 17th
Instant,

CourtVice Admiraltyestablishment of
transmitting the Queens letter Patent empowering their Lordships to
establish a Court of Vice Admiralty in British Columbia,
and requesting that the cost of these
letters

(twenty six pounds and six shillings) may be repaid to the Chief Clerk of
the Colonial Department; I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint
you for the information of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, that the necessary
orders have been issued to the Solicitor of their office to carry
that arrangement into effect.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-18_Hawes_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585WA13.txt
================================================================================

Hawes to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 2nd
Instant,

transmitting for the consideration of the Secretary of State for War, the
copy of a Letter from the Bishop Designate of British Columbia proposing
that a Military Chaplain should be sent out to that Colony: I am
directed by Secretary Major General Peel to acquaint you
that having carefully reconsidered the question, he is unable
to find any grounds for modifying the opinion expressed in
the letter from this Office of the 12 August
last.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-18_Romaine_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AD23.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Having laid before My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
your letter of yesterdays
date

Douglas, Jamescommission as vice admiral
Begbie, Matthew B.commission as judge of vice admiraty court
in which you request that a Commission of Vice Admiral for the Colony of
British Columbia may be issued to James Douglas, Esquire, CB, the
Governor of the said Colony, and also a Commission of Judge of the Vice
Admiralty Court to Matthew Baillie Begbie, Esquire, I am to acquaint you
for the information of Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton that My Lords have
issued the necessary Warrants for the appointments to be made by letters
Patent from the High Court of Admiralty, and the same will remain in the
Registry Office of the Court to be taken up in the usual manner. I am
further desired by their Lordships to transmit to you herewith five
copies of the Rules and Regulations for Vice Admiralty Courts
abroad made and issued in pursuance of the Provisions of the
Act 2 Willm 4 Cap 57
[51á

the same being for the use of the Officers of the said Court.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-20_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA14.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to
transmit to you, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, the enclosed copy of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins, R.E., Her Majesty's Commissioner for the Survey of
the Boundary between Her Majesty's Possessions and those of
the United States in North America, giving an account of a
recent Expedition made by him and a Detachment of his Party
to British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-20_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE28.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 10th
Inst;

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of Sir E.B. Lytton, that My Lords have informed the Commissioners of
Audit that, although no Legislative Council has been created
in British Columbia, Their Lordships are of opinion that the
Forms of Authorities from the Governor to the Treasurer, for
the issue of Money and for defraying Expenditure, together
with such other Forms as the Commissioners may consider
available under the present circumstances of the Colony,
beyond the Instructions herewith transmitted, should be
sent out for adoption by the Governor as soon as the state
of the financial arrangements may admit.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-22_Hawes_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA16.txt
================================================================================

Hawes to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of 15th
inst;

I am directed
by Secretary Major General Peel to acquaint you that the
ordinary extra-pay and allowances of the British Columbian
Detachment of Royal Engineers ceased from the respective
dates on which its several portions embarked. Information
regarding these dates was forwarded to your Office in the letter
from this Department of 7th
inst.

With reference to the latter paragraph of your communication,
I am directed by Secretary Major General Peel to acquaint you, that
an advance of one hundred and twenty days' Regimental pay has been
made to the Detachment by the Agents of the Royal Engineers,
under authority from this Office, in usual course. It is not
therefore understood under what circumstances, as stated by
you, "an advance of one hundred and twenty days' pay both
Regimental and Colonial, was made by the Treasury to these
Officers in September last."



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-22_Storks_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585WA15.txt
================================================================================

Storks to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Having laid before the Secretary of State for War
your letter of the 8th
instant,

I am directed to state
that Major General Peel concurs with Secretary Sir
Edward Bulwer Lytton in considering that the alterations
which have been introduced by Colonel Moody in the List of
Stores for the use of the Detachment under his Command should
be sanctioned.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-23_Cavan_&_Co._to_Lytton_B586C03.txt
================================================================================

Cavan & Co. to Lytton

As Agents in this country for the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company of New
York as well as of the Panama Railroad Company which forms one of the
links in the same chain of communication, we take the liberty of
requesting your attention to the advantages which would accrue to the new
Colony of British Columbia by forming a postal connexion with the line of
Steamers belonging to the first named company.

Its service now extends from Panama to Puget Sound, embracing
connexion with Ventosa Bay, the Columbia River and all ports on the coast
of California and Oregon, and with the American ports in Puget Sound.

The Company is at present under no obligation to extend its
service to the British Ports in the Pacific, but the advantages
which would accrue to them from being comprehended in the
ramifications of this extensive undertaking (especially as they
are not likely to be able to support an independent line of
communication with the Isthmus of Panama, and Europe for sometime to
come, are very apparent, and should the Government be disposed to
entertain such proposals we shall be prepared to submit for its
consideration on behalf of the Pacific Mail Company terms not only
for the conveyance of the Mails to and from British Ports and the
footing of a limited subsidy but also for the transportation, under
contract, of Government Officers, Troops and Stores.

The Steamers of the Pacific Mail Company with the Panama Railroad
and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company form a direct and continuous
line of communication between the British dependencies on the Pacific
Coast of North America and Great Britain. In the event of an arrangement
such as we have suggested being brought about, the arrivals and
departures on both sides might no doubt be so timed as to insure the
least possible amount of delay in the transmission of the mails.

Should you desire further information on this subject it will
afford us pleasure to wait upon you at any time you may be pleased
to appoint.

We may mention that we had the pleasure of furnishing Colonel Moody
R.E. with introductions to the President of the Panama Railroad and
Pacific Mail Companies, both of whom he saw at New York, and from
whom he will doubtless have acquired much valuable information,
respecting the different lines of communication.



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FILE: 1858-12-23_Edelman_and_Co._to_Lytton_B586E01.txt
================================================================================

Edelman & Co. to Lytton

We beg respectfully to enquire on behalf of ourselves and numerous
friends and constituents contemplating the formation of
mercantile establishments at Victoria and British Columbia, and
emigration thereto, with a view to Agricultural Pastoral or Mining
pursuits, whether grants or assignments of Lands in these Colonies
are subject to the same Rules & Regulations as are laid down for
the guidance of Emigrants to the Australian Colonies. Should such
not be the case may we beg that you will cause us to be informed,
under what conditions such grants are obtainable.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-23_Julyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585AG01.txt
================================================================================

Julyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In accordance with the instructions contained in your
letter to Mr Barnard of the 2nd
Instant,

I have now the honor to enclose estimates, amounting to £223, for
Commissariatsupplies for
Lithographic presscost of
the Mill gear and Lithographic Press, ordered by you on the
requisition of Captn Gosset the Treasurer of British Columbia.

These estimates have been obtained from Mr Fenn of Newgate
St

agreeably to Captain Gosset's suggestion, and they exceed by £23 the sum
authorized by your letters; but as Mr Fenn is not himself a maker of
Fenn, Mr.
Mill Machinery we may in all probability obtain it at less cost by going
direct to the manufacturer. I do not therefore write this with the view
of obtaining your sanction for the disbursement of the small additional
sum, but I feel called upon to point out what I consider the uselessness
of complying with that part of the demand which refers to the "Skeleton
gear of a powerful Water Wheel."

There are many varieties of the Water Wheel, both as regards size,
or power, and description. There is the Overshot, Undershot, Horizontal
&c, varying from 3 to 76 feet in diameter, but the requisition gives us
no idea of the fluid or size wanted in this instance, and I should infer
that Captain Gosset was himself in ignorance as to the requirements of
Gosset, Capt. William D.inappropriateness of requisition
the locality where the operation of sawing is to be carried out. Under
these circumstances I most respectfully submit that it will be a mere
waste of money to send out the Skeleton of a powerful wheel. I have had
some experience with Saw Mills in the Backwoods of America and I never
heard of the slightest difficulty occuring in getting a Water Wheel made
on the spot by an ordinary Carpenter, (that most commonly used is a small
horizontal wheel made almost entirely of wood) nor is there any
difficulty to be apprehended, in my opinion, in getting a similar wheel
made in British Columbia, if it be really required.

It occurs to me however that the Steam Carriage
(Boydell's)

Steam carriageunsuitability of for BC
already sent you with the Detachment of Royal Engineer's, and which most
practical men agree in thinking will not answer the purpose it was
intended for, in a new Country without roads; (it was found most
difficult to keep it in working order in Woolwich Yard) might with little
or no ingenuity be profitably employed to drive the Circular Saws which
Captn Gosset requires; and the adoption of this plan would entirely
supersede the use of Water power. But under no circumstances would it
appear necessary to send out the "Skeleton Wheel. I would therefore
submit for your consideration whether it will not be better to furnish
such things only as cannot be made on the spot, vizt Saws, Axles,
Pullies, and Driving Bands, with the Tools generally used in working
a Saw Bench, and a Lithographic Press.

I should have had some hesitation in making this proposal were it
Anderson, John
not that my views are acquisced in, and fortified by the opinion of,
Mr Anderson the Inspector of Machinery at the Royal Arsenal, a
practical Engineer of high standing to whom I referred the question and
whose reply is herewith enclosed.



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FILE: 1858-12-23_Tennent_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V585TA01.txt
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Tennent to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade to transmit to you, to be laid before Secretary Sir E.B. Lytton, the accompanying copy of a Despatch which they have
received through the Earl of Malmesbury from Her Majesty's
Acting Consul General in the Sandwich Islands expressing the
views of the English Merchants in those Islands with regard to
the creation of the Port of Victoria in Vancouver's Island as a
Free Port.

The question raised in this Despatch appears to this Board one
which in the interests of British Trade deserves the serious
attention of Her Majesty's Government and I am to request that
you will state to Sir E.B. Lytton that My Lords would be glad to
be favoured with his opinion as to the expediency of acting upon
this suggestion.



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FILE: 1858-12-24_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58052.txt
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No. 52

1. In consequence of the return of mild weather, the ice on
Fraser's River has broken up and vessels are again plying with goods
and passengers between this place and Fort Langley.

2. The Steamers "Santa Cruz"

and "Beaver" lately returned from
thence, with upwards of three hundred passengers from the mining
districts, and, as reported on good authority, 7340 ounces of gold
dust, exclusive of the sums in the hands of miners.

3. The passengers who arrived by those vessels suffered much
privation on their journey to Fort Langley, in consequence of the
freezing of the River, about forty miles above that place, where
they were detained by ice, and imprudently attempted to make their
way through the woods to Fort Langley without the precaution of
taking guides or food, or in short, providing in any manner for
their own comfort or safety. The poor fellows soon lost their
way, and after wandering for several days through the pathless
forest, were nearly perishing of cold and hunger, before they
could be rescued from their perilous situation.

4. Those people who were principally returning miners,
complain bitterly of the cold, and appear physically disqualified
by the enervating effects of a long residence in California, for the
more rigorous climate of British Columbia.

5. The reports from the upper Country are favorable; confirming
all our previous opinions of the great mineral wealth of the interior
of British Columbia.

The want of roads and difficulty of access, are still the great
impediments to the development of the mineral wealth of that region.

6. The Harrison's River road is, after an endless deal of
trouble and anxiety, from the want of honest and able men to carry
out the plans of Government, fairly open to traffic, and its
advantages will be of incalculable value to the country. We
have had a town site laid out on that road, at Port Douglas, and
have caused town lots of the usual
size,

to be issued under leases,
to all persons wishing to build there for the present winter, and
about seventy of those lots are occupied.

7. Some specimens of gold procured by sluicing on Harrison's
River, have lately come into my possession, adding force to the
opinion that the country in that quarter, is probably not greatly
inferior to Fraser's River itself, as an auriferous district.

8. Bridge River is now the favorite gold district: specimens
of copper and a small specimen of silver now in my possession having
recently been brought from that part of the
country.

9. Mr Commissioner Travaillot's last report from "Lytton"
(Forks of Thompson's River) is dated on the 7th of December.

There was then a very slender stock of food in his District,
and provisions were selling at a high price; but there was a prospect
of speedy relief, as supplies of flour and other articles of food
were beginning to arrive by the Harrison's River road.

10. Many of the white miners had nevertheless left the country
in despair of being able to get through the winter without suffering
much privation, and those who remained behind were peaceable and
well conducted. Their conduct towards the Indian population, and of
the latter to the whites had been good, and no serious difficulty
had occurred since the month of October.

11. The Police had in one instance, met with resistance on a
mining bar above Lytton, from a party of miners who sought to
protect a person named D. Brown, charged with a criminal offence;
but they succeeded after a hard fight, in capturing the criminal,
who with four of his friends, had posted themselves in a log house
for defence. Brown was severely wounded in the struggle and is not yet
recovered.

12. This is the first and only instance of open resistance to
the Law, that I have had to record in British Columbia, and I am glad
to say the Police did their duty faithfully on the occasion.

13. Mr Travaillot's statement of public receipts and
expenditures, exhibits a deficit of nearly £100 against his District,
and he remarks, that in the present state of things, a more favorable
result could hardly be expected. Food of all kinds has been scarce
and dear, and the sources of supply at a great distance from the mining
bars—the miners were therefore kept continually travelling to and
fro to procure subsistence thereby exhausting their money as well as
their physical energies, in extremely fatiguing journies over a
rugged country, carrying loads from 80 to 100 pounds on their backs.

And latterly, the cold weather—the Thermometer having fallen
to 10o Fahrenheit, had compelled the miners to suspend work
altogether. In such circumstances, the licence fees could not be
enforced with advantage to the public revenue.

14. There is nothing further of much importance to communicate
respecting the affairs of Mr Travaillot's District.

15. I have also lately received satisfactory accounts from
the district of Fort Yale. Mr Hicks, the Assistant Commissioner
having failed in carrying out his instructions for collecting the
Mining Licence fee, and being deficient in nerve for the position he
holds, it is my intention immediately to remove him, and to appoint
Mr Inspector Brew to the office he now holds—as Assistant
Commissioner of Crown
lands.

16. This arrangement will not interfere materially with
Mr Brew's other duties, while to me it will afford an
incalculable degree of relief, as I can implicitly rely on
Mr Brew's firmness and integrity.

17. I forward for your information three numbers
of the Victoria Gazette which contain the latest reports from
the mining Districts, and on that account may be found interesting.



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No. 58

With reference to my Despatch No 52 of the 10th of December I
transmit a Copy of a letter from the Board of Treasury enclosing their
Lordships Instructions to the Treasurer of British Columbia for keeping
the accounts of the
Colony.

In forwarding these Instructions to the Treasurer for his guidance
you will explain to him that the Forms of Authorities and the other forms
to which the Lords Commissioners refer will be supplied to you as soon as
the state of the financial arrangements may admit.



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FILE: 1858-12-24_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE29.txt
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Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to the letter of this Board of the 25th
ult,

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General
has been authorized to accept and pay a Bill drawn by Captain Parsons R.E. for the sum of £187.14. for the service of the
detachment under his command proceeding to Vancouvers Island.



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FILE: 1858-12-27_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58053.txt
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No. 53

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the numbers and dates noted in the
margin.

*



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No. 54

1. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
despatch No. 28 of the 9th of October last transmitting copies
of a correspondence which has passed with the Foreign Office on
the subject of the money advanced by me in 1856 for the purchase
of commodities supplied to the authorities of Washington
Territory, on the requisition of Governor Stevens, and I feel
truly obliged to you for the great trouble you have taken in
this
matter.

2. I regret to observe that the United States Government
have not repaid the money due to me on that account, a want of
good faith which I must confess has called forth in my mind a
feeling of pain and surprise. This is however not the only
instance in which I have suffered in consequence of relieving
the distress of United States Citizens who have applied to me
for assistance, and I therefore certainly trust that such
instances may not often occur hereafter during my tenure in office.



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No. 55

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 29
of the 11th of October last, communicating for my information that
Mr Begbie's salary as Judge of British Columbia is fixed at £800
per annum payable from the revenues of the
Colony.



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No. 56

1. Your Despatch No 30 of the 16th October, I have perused
with the greatest interest and
satisfaction.

2. I acknowledge with gratitude the effective steps which you
have taken to support my authority and the various measures which you
have adopted to aid me in the arduous task of organizing the
government of the Colony.

3. In a former communication to you I mentioned the arrival in
this Colony of Admiral Baynes in his Flag Ship the "Ganges," and I
recall with pleasure the cordial and hearty manner in which he
entered into my views and lent to their execution all the support in
his power.

4. He remained in this Colony upwards of two months and, sailed for Valparaiso

on the 22nd of Instant; the "Tribune" and "Pylades,"
ordered from China to this station being then daily expected here, though
the two latter vessels have not yet arrived.

5. I have therefore in obedience to your instructions in reference
to this point to report to you that H.M. Ships "Satellite" and "Plumper"
are the only Queen's Ships at present in this harbour and that as yet
no ships designed for the especial support of the civil government
have arrived here.

6. That statement is not made with the view of urging any
complaint of neglect, as you will observe by my correspondence with
Admiral Baynes before his departure, that with the force at my
disposal, I did not apprehend any immediate danger of the authority of
Government being set at naught, especially as the "Tribune" and
"Pylades" were known to be on their way to this Colony; at the
same time I represented to him the great importance of having a
respectable naval force collected here in Spring, when a very large
immigration for British Columbia may be looked for, and I rely on
his taking the necessary measures to assemble that force in this
neighbourhood before the emergency presents itself.

7. My anxiety to avoid making exaggerated demands on you for
military assistance has probably led me into the opposite extreme
of asking for too small a number of troops, and I admit the wisdom
of the course you have taken in completing the present military
force intended for the service of this Colony to 150 men instead
of the number suggested in my
letter.

It is certainly advisable in the actual state of the country
to err on the safe side, and to maintain a respectable military
force, in order that the power as well as the dignity of the
British Government may be represented.

However effective an
undi[s]ciplined civilian force may be found in a well regulated
community, of persons, bound to their country and institutions by
the ties of early association and affection; the same force would
I apprehend prove insufficient to maintain law and order in
British Columbia, among an alien population composed of all nations.

8. I gratefully appreciate the unceasing care and pains which
you have devoted to the hastening of the necessary preparations for
the departure of the main body of troops and of the instalments of
20 and 12 men under Captains Parsons and Grant, who I am glad to
say are in good health, and spirits, and busily engaged at this
present time in erecting houses for themselves and the main body
of Engineers at Fort Langley.

9. I have perused with great attention your remarks indicating
the policy you wish to be observed in the employment and explaining
the objections to the use of a royal military force in the collection
of revenue, and as my own views on those subjects accord in all
respects with the instructions in your Despatch, I will not fail in
carrying them fully into effect. In no instance have we resorted to
the employment of a military force, except when the civil power was
found insufficient to ensure obedience to the Law, and even in those
cases, it was regarded as subsidiary to the ordinary means of
enforcing obedience.

10. It was in fact our constant policy to keep this small
military force in the Colony withdrawn from view, in order that its
strength might be measured by the imagination more than by the reason
of the stronger populace.

11. I have had much communication with Mr Brew, on the
subject of forming an effective Police for service in British 
Columbia; he proposed that a force of 150 men should be immediately
raised and disciplined; but on making an estimate of the expense,
assuming as data, a rate of wages below what is given to ordinary
labourers in the gold Districts; the expense appeared to be so large,
that I withheld my assent until I should have time to consult and
receive your instructions on the
subject.

12. With the small police Force, which has been hitherto
maintained in British Columbia, we have succeeded through the blessing
of God, and with the aid of the well disposed inhabitants, in
bringing all offenders to justice and in maintaining a remarkable
degree of quiet and good order. It is therefore unnecessary for the
purposes of security to increase that force until the increase of
population in Spring, and thus it becomes a question whether in the
meantime, it would not be advisable to request Her Majesty's Government
to send out at once a body of the Irish constabulary force, furnished
with their proper arms and equipments, and who would thus be ready for
service the moment they arrived in the country.

The advantages of that plan are important, as it would in the
first place lead to a great saving of expense in the pay and
equipment of the force; and secondly the force would be perfectly
reliable in every emergency; with that body of men as a nucleus,
and spare arms and equipment for 100 more, the police force could be
recruited in the country, though with a less reliable element, to
any desirable extent. I will request Mr Brew to state his opinion on
that subject, and will forward the same to you with any suggestions
relative thereto that may occur to him. I trust that the plan may meet
with your approval, and that you will direct it to be carried into
effect.

13. There is every reason to believe that a well constituted
constabulary force, with a sufficient staff of Stipendiary Magistrates,
supported by the co-operation of the well disposed inhabitants;
the military force intended for the country; and the naval force on the
sea-coast; will furnish, in all ordinary cases, the requisite
protection to life and property. Should there be reason to alter that
opinion either in consequence of the deportment of the white population,
or of collision with the Indians, I will not fail to ask for additional
re-inforcements, but for the present, provided we have the means above
described, I think such unnecessary.

14. I would hardly venture to give a decided opinion on the subject
of recruiting a regular military Force, from the Gold Diggers of the
Colony, as the men taking service would probably be composed of the
idle and worthless classes, but to secure the service of the active
adventurers I fear a very high rate of pay not less than 12 shillings
a day, including rations, would be an indispensable condition, in the
outset; and the great expense of such a force, together with its
unreliable character, could be an almost insuperable objection to
maintaining it in the field.

15. The practiced and skilful men for cavalry and artillery drill
sent out with Col. Moody, and who are intended to form a nucleus for
such additional military force as may be required and formed in the
Colony, will be of the greatest possible service, should any such
contingency arise.

16. I have further to state in reply to your communication that I
have carefully perused your instructions providing for and suggesting
how to meet the unforseen exigencies in the Colony as they may arise,
and shall attend to those instructions.

17. We shall also endeavour to settle all preliminary questions of
law and police, and to make all suitable preparations for the expected
immigration in Spring and for the safety and development of the
Colony; and forward any further information we may arrive at of the
probable revenue on which we may calculate.

In my letter No 51 of the 14th of Instant, * I estimated the
revenue for the coming year at £100,000 Sterling, assuming that the
Import duty on goods would yield the sum of £80,000, and a proposed
export duty on gold about £20,000, in all £100,000 per
annum.

The sale of public land will also I trust yield a considerable
revenue as well as mining and other fees, so that I am in hopes
of being able, after the first of the year, to pay all our own
expenses.

18. Your approval of the great enterprise of the year, the
opening of the Harrison's River road is exceedingly gratifying to
me. The real impediment to the development of the mineral region
of British Columbia is no doubt the difficulty of access to it.
Passable roads and means of cheap transport would soon work a
wonderful revolution in the state of the country. I have done
everything in my power to remove the obstacles of route and to
improve the access to the mineral regions, but much remains to
be done. A road through the valley of Fraser's River from the sea
coast to the Forks of Thompson's River, is urgently wanted; to open
the country for settlement; for land travel, when the river is
either flooded or impassable from ice in winter, and for driving live
stock of all kinds to and from the sea coast and interior country.
That great work is in part accomplished, through the co-operation of
the inhabitants, and with your approval we may finish it before the
close of next summer.

19. Other routes into the remote interior may be opened by
Howe's Sound, explored last summer by Mr McKay, and by Jarvis'
Inlet, where I also sent an exploring
party,

some months ago, but who
failed in crossing the mountains which were covered with snow, and
they were compelled to return unsuccessful.

In conclusion I beg to assure you that I deeply appreciate the
extreme kindness of your closing remarks and you may rest assured
that I will not fail in exerting every faculty to carry out the
views of Her Majesty's Government and in the mean time, I shall
rely with confidence on your aid and support.



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No. 54

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No
28 of the 9th of October last transmitting copies of a
correspondence which has passed with the Foreign office on the
subject of the money advanced by me in 1856, for the purchase of
commodities supplied to the authorities of Washington Territory,
on the requisition of Governor Stevens, and I feel truly obliged
to you for the great trouble you have taken in this matter.

I regret to observe that the United States Government have not
repaid the money due to me on that account, a want of good faith
which I must confess has called forth in my mind a feeling of
pain and surprise. This is however not the only instance in
which I have suffered in consequence of relieving the distress
of United States Citizens, who have applied to me for
assistance, and I therefore certainly trust that such instances
may not often occur hereafter during my tenure of office.



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FILE: 1858-12-27_Moody_to_Lytton_B586M35.txt
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Private, Moody to Lytton

I venture on the liberty of writing a few private and
confidential lines to say that my first and second interviews
with Governor Douglas are full of promise the most satisfactory.
I have entirely disarmed him, of all jealousy and neutralized
any little mischevious attempt to introduce a wedge between
us. He clearly understands that I have had the honour to be
selected and placed at his disposal by you to aid and assist
in every way not only in command of troops & Surveys and works
but in any other way he may be disposed to think my Counsels
and Services may be of value to him. I have assured him I understand
my instructions to be that I am entirely under his orders
and that he will find me support him loyally, that
where I may venture to offer him an opinion and even
to urge it when Such opinon may entirely differ from his own it
will be urged in a spirit of duty to himself & not of
opposition, that when such opinion of mine may be rejected by
him, he will find me carry out his instructions as cordially
in every respect as if they had originated with myself. We
gave each other a grip of the hand most significant of the
understanding between us, & my prayer to God is for grace and
wisdom to do my duty heartily always and cheerfully in a spirit
which you will I trust approve of to the last. I will do
nothing "by halves."

It will of course be most desirable that all my opinions
should be recorded and also I think that you should know them.

I am anxious you should be made aware early of the following
points that will most probably come before you in an official
form from the Governor before long. Perhaps he has already
submitted some of them to you.

The immediate necessity for a Mint, and Assay office. For
want of a Mint the Colony is losing a very large annual amount
of wealth. This will be explained—4 per cent on all gold raised
is lost at all events.

The raising a large Mounted Police force and that it is
probable regular Forces will not be immediately required.

The reconsideration of the site of the principal town on
the Fraser. I believe the Governor has not committed himself
to the adoption of Langley, but I fear I shall have the
misfortune to differ as to the site. He may give way and I
trust my reason will bring about that happy result.

The grave importance of the British obtaining Point Roberts.
Captain Prevost of the Satellite and Col. Hawkins R.E. do not
at all attach the same importance that I do to this matter
and I may be wrong, but I would beg you to obtain an opinion
from Sir John
Burgoyne

and from some other experienced General
after I shall have written, an explanatory private letter to
Sir John Burgoyne. This question is one out of my province,
but still perhaps I ought not to withhold my opinion on the
subject, as it certainly does affect the future defence of B. 
Columbia and I cannot but think in a very material degree.

Sir John will however give you a most valuable opinion,
after I shall have sent him a Military Report.

The Mail is just leaving and I must conclude in haste.

I am thankful to say my family have borne the journey well
and we are all most cheerful.

It was an auspicious event arriving on Christmas Day with
Peace & Goodwill in our hearts toward everybody. Captain Parsons has just come in from Langley. All well, and working
hard. Gold abundant.



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FILE: 1858-12-27_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B586M34.txt
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Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honour to inform you of my arrival at Vancouver's
Island the day before yesterday.

Immediately on anchoring I proceeded round in a boat to
Victoria and reported myself to the Governor, by whom I was most
kindly welcomed. We had a long and interesting interview.

As soon as I have settled my family in Victoria I hope with
the Governor's permission to proceed at once up the Fraser River
to join Captains Grant and Parsons R.E.



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FILE: 1858-12-27_Morton_to_Lytton_V586M02.txt
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Morton to Lytton

Several families (from England & from my own native Country,
Scotland) residing in this State, & belonging to the Baptist
Church, of which I have been for the last Seven years pastor,
are desirous of removing with me to the Co[a]st of the Pacific,
and we would feel under obligations to you, for any information
you may have it in your power to give about "Vancouver Island".
Our object is a quiet, healthy, home, where we may live by
industry, & gather round in an intelligent & religious community.
Besides any information you may be able to give concerning the
climate & the adaptation of the Soil of that Island, for farming
purposes, will you have the kindess to inform us, how much land
Her Gracious Majesty will be pleased to grant to each family
settling there, to each family, as a homestead; & to each child,
as a home to them, when they come of age? For it will be a long
& very expensive journey. We shall have to take cattle with us
from the States, & to put up with, at first, many hardships, yet
for the Sake of our families, we are willing to undertake, & to
endure much. My family, consists of eight children, six of them
boys, and I am therefore not only anxious to have a home for
them, but to take along with us a sufficient number of families
as will enable us at once, to organize a church, & establish a
school, for their education.

Be pleased to pardon the liberty I have taken, in troubling you
with these particulars &, believe me,



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FILE: 1858-12-28_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58057.txt
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No. 57

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 31 of the 29th of October
last,

acquainting me that you had
appointed Captain Gossett of the Royal Engineers, to be Treasurer
of British Columbia and annexing for my information and guidance
copy of a letter notifying to Captain Gossett the terms of his
appointment.

I will not fail as your Despatch authorizes to appoint Captain Gossett to the office of Treasurer, and to recognize him
immediately in that capacity awaiting the arrival of the Warrant
for this appointment.



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No. 58

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No
32 of the 19th of October last, enclosing a letter from the
Archbishop of Canterbury, announcing to you the munificent endowment
offered by Miss Burdett Coutts, together with your admirable reply
thereto, which I shall take the liberty of publishing in this country,
as it refers to a matter of general interest, for the information of
the
public.

A more acceptable gift than this munificent donation, or one
calculated to defuse a greater amount of public good, could hardly have
been devised and I beg on behalf of the Colony to offer most grateful
thanks to the generous lady whose name and beneficence will be
commemorated in the records of the country.



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FILE: 1858-12-28_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58059.txt
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No. 59

I have received your Despatch No 33 of the 25th of October, transmitting the copy of a letter from Mr John
Miles, applying for the grant of a certain gold quartz vein in
British Columbia, together with a copy of the answer which you
have returned to him through the Governor of
Canada.

There can be no objection in my opinion to the validity
of Mr Miles claim, and as soon as he discovers and can
point out its locality we shall not fail in taking instant
measures to secure him in the full possession of it.

Mr Miles arrived lately at this place and I shall
communicate further with him on the subject.



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FILE: 1858-12-28_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58060.txt
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No. 60

With reference to your Despatch No 34 of the 29th of October, transmitting the copy of a letter from the Colonial
Agent General with its enclosures respecting the payment in
Vancouver's Island of the pension of Michel Kelsher [Kelcher], an army
Pensioner, and instructing me to give directions for the
payment of this pension from the Colonial Treasury, and to
forward the vouchers necessary to recover re-payment from the War
Department as pointed out by the Agent General, I have to
state in reply that those instructions will be carefully
attended
to.



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FILE: 1858-12-28_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58061.txt
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No. 61

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No 35, of the 1st of November last, transmitting for my
information copy of the instructions which you addressed to Col. Moody on the eve of his departure, which I have perused with much
interest and
satisfaction.



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FILE: 1858-12-29_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58062.txt
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No. 62

1. I have to acknowledge and to observe in reply to your
letter marked private of the 16th of October last that I will
carefully attend to your instructions respecting the employment
of the Royal Engineers who have been despatched to British 
Columbia.

2. I understand by your letter that Colonel Moody and his
men are expected to perform all the surveying duties in the
Colony and that it is therefore unnecessary that I should
accept the services of other surveyors, whose employment would
add so much to the heavy expenses, which the Colony is called
upon to defray.

3. Anticipating such instructions, after being apprised
of Colonel Moody's appointment, I made no exertion to form a
surveying corps, and for the survey of the Town sites in
British Columbia, I employed Mr Pemberton, Surveyor of
Vancouver's Island, who also managed the sales of Town
lands, and was most accommodating and useful, in every capacity.

4. The Colony is therefore not encumbered with any civil
corps of surveying officers.



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FILE: 1858-12-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587059.txt
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No. 59 [VI]

With reference to previous correspondence respecting the
repayment of a sum of money advanced by you in 1856 to the Authorities of Washington Territory, I transmit for your
information Copy of a further Despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington enclosing a Copy of the answer which he has received
from the United States Secretary of State on the subject of this
claim.



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FILE: 1858-12-29_Lytton_to_Douglas_V587359.txt
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BC No. 59

With reference to previous correspondence respecting the
repayment of a sum of money advanced by you in 1856 to the
Authorities of Washington Territory, I transmit for your
information Copy of a further Despatch from Her Majesty's Minister
at Washington enclosing a Copy of the answer which he has received
from the United States Secretary of State on the subject of this
claim.



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FILE: 1858-12-29_Trevelyan_to_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B585TE30.txt
================================================================================

Trevelyan to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With further reference to your letter of the 6th
Instant,

I am directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
transmit herewith Copy of a letter from the Commissioners of Audit with
the enclosed Forms, and I am to request that you will move Sir E.B. Lytton to forward the same to the Governor of British Columbia,
with instructions to him to adopt the Forms so soon as the
Financial arrangements of the Colony may admit.



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FILE: 1858-12-30_Douglas_to_Lytton_B58063.txt
================================================================================

No. 63

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch,
Regulationsmining
Miningregulations
marked Confidential, of the 14th of October
last;

in which you have been pleased to favor me with the impressions derived
from the perusal of the Regulations framed for the management of the
Gold Fields in British Columbia, and it is not without reason that
I now express the deepest sense of obligation for the searching
investigation which you have given to that subject.

2. I was sensible from the outset, of the arduous nature
of the task of framing regulations so perfectly adapted for a
comparatively unknown country, as to be unobjectionable,
especially for a country situated as is British Columbia, in the
close vicinity of a powerful state whose inhabitants would for
a time at least form the great bulk of the population.

3. It was to establish a legal control over the adventurers
who were rushing, from all sides, into the country, to anticipate their
own attempts at legislation and to accustom them to the restraints of
lawful authority, that I prepared and issued the gold regulations.
I am therefore not wedded to the established system, as I hardly
ventured to hope, that it would be found in all respects so well
adapted to the people and the country, as to form the permanent mining
code of British Columbia.

4. No serious objection has been offered by the miners to that
section of the Law, which regulates the size of mining claims, but
Licensesminingobjections to
Mininglicensesobjections to
there has been, and I fear always will exist a strong dislike to the
payment of a monthly licence fee, and the enforcement of that system
might ultimately lead as it did in Australia to fatal interruptions,
of the public Peace.

5. There are several other objections to the monthly licence fee,
considered as a source of revenue, such as the cost of collection,
its equal pressure upon the prosperous and unsuccessful Miner, and its
frequent evasion—objections which apply with peculiar force to
the extensive and hardly accessible Gold Districts of British Columbia.

6. I shall not fail to consider with care your suggestions, and
to revise the Law as it respects the extraction of Gold by means of
machinery from Quartz rocks and other classes of mining requiring
the large investment of capital.

7. My attention was in fact closely devoted to a revision of
the Gold regulations, when your Despatch on the subject was received.

The expediency of abolishing the monthly licence Fee, in
Licensesminingobjections to
consequence of its obnoxious features, and of introducing the system
which has been found to work with such happy effects in Victoria,
was an idea naturally suggested by the consideration of the subject
and we should not have hesitated in adopting that system with perhaps
some modification in details, but for the difficulty of dealing with the
export duty on gold, which has proved so prolific a source of revenue
in Victoria as more than to compensate for the surrender of the
monthly licence fees.

8. The imposition of a duty at present on the export of Gold in
Export duty on goldobjections to
British Columbia, would it is feared be comparatively unproductive of
revenue, besides having the effect of diverting the course of trade,
which it has been the hitherto successful object of all our legislation
to retain within our own possessions, to
Samiamoo

and other American frontier Towns. The miners returning with their gains
to California, would naturally seek to evade the payment of the duty,
cross over the frontier, and take the road to those places; instead of
coming direct to Victoria which is now enriched by their visits.

9. We have as yet found no solution of this difficulty, but I am
of opinion that it will nevertheless be advisable at once to abolish
the monthly licence fees, and to replace them by an annual
payment—probably exceeding the payment annually levied on miners in
the Colony of
Victoria.

10. It may also be advisable to adopt the other features of the
Victorian system—a subject which will have my early and anxious
Executive Council
consideration, with the aid and advice of my executive Council, which
will be composed of Lieutenant Governor Moody and the other officers who
Moody, Col. Richard C.
have lately arrived from
England

11. It will be our study to frame such regulations as will give
satisfaction to the people at large, and to create a public revenue, with
the smallest possible amount of pressure on the trade and resources of
the Country.



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FILE: 1858-12-30_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587060.txt
================================================================================

No. 60

I have to acknowledge your [Vancouver Island] despatches No 39 of
the 9th September and No 3 of the 12th October
last,

on the state of affairs in British Columbia, the latter containing a
detailed report of your observations during a visit to the Frazers River
territory from which you had then just returned.

I can but repeat (and I do so with great pleasure) the testimony
which I have already borne to your energy and promptitude amidst
circumstances so extraordinary as those in which you found yourself
placed, and to assure you of the sense entertained by Her Majesty's
Government, of the capacities you have thus signally evinced. The
information which your despatch conveys is likewise of the most valuable
kind.

I await with much interest the reports which farther acquaintance
with the resources of the Colony will enable you to make of the probable
revenue to be derived from it in the course of the following year. I
was fully prepared for the accounts which your despatches convey of the
high price of all articles of necessity and convenience, and the
dearness of transport; and I recognize (as I have done on another
occasion) your equitable right to a considerable advance of Salary as
soon as the revenue under sagacious management and thoughtful economy
warrants that expenditure on official incomes which would at present be
wholly inadmissible. But I have dealt with the subject of the financial
position of the Colony in another despatch of this days date.

All doubt as to your power to impose a duty on imported articles
will now have been removed, since the general words of the recent Act of
Parliament and Charter of the Colony, have plainly invested you with
this as well as other legislative authority. The amount which it may be
desirable to impose must be mainly regulated, in the first instance, by
your own judgment and experience, tho' I will own that at this distance
it appears to me that ad valorem duty of 10 per Cent, is somewhat too
high and may defeat its own object. I desire not, however, in hazarding
this opinion to shackle the judgment of a Governor who has shewn himself
so able. I cannot conclude without expressing my cordial approval of
the manner in which you appear to have carried out the two objects which
at the onset of such a Colony should be steadfastly borne in
view—vizt
a liberal and kindly welcome to all honest Immigrants, and the
unquestionable supremacy of British Sovereignty and Law.



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FILE: 1858-12-30_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587061.txt
================================================================================

No. 61

I have to acknowledge your Despatch, No 6, of the 26th October
last,

reporting on various subjects connected with the progress of
events in British Columbia.

There are one or two topics which seem to me to deserve a separate
notice.

With respect to Mr Pearkes' proposal for the administration of
the law. It appears to me well adapted for the purpose from its simple
and practical character: but since the date of your Despatch, Mr
Begbie the newly appointed Judicial Officer will have arrived, and
the scheme will necessarily have been subjected to his revision.

The amount to be expended upon Judicial and Legal Establishments
must however necessarily depend upon the revenue by which the
expenditure is to be met. And in this respect there is likely to be a
just correspondence between the degree to which the want may be
experienced and the means by which it may be supplied, since the same
expanding of the population which necessitates enlarged establishments
legal or Judicial, will furnish the revenue proportioned to its
requirements.

Both on this head and with regard to the Salaries of Civil Officers
on which you ask my instructions, I cannot too early caution you against
entertaining any expectation of the expenses of the Colony under your
charge being met at the outset by a considerable Parliamentary Grant.
It is needless to discuss the possible benefits or evils which such
pecuniary assistance might produce, inasmuch as I am fully satisfied
that parliament would regard with great disfavor any proposal of a gift
or loan to the extent you suggest, and upon such a principle as that on
which you would recommend the application to Parliament being made. But
I cannot avoid reminding you, that the results, even if the object could
be attained, would, according to all past experience, be of a very
questionable character. The lavish pecuniary expenditure of the Mother
Country in founding new Colonies has been generally found to discourage
economy, by leading the minds of men to rely on foreign aid instead of
their own exertions, to interfere with the healthy action by which a new
community provides step by step for its own requirements; and to
produce, at last, a general sense of discouragement and dissatisfaction.
For a Colony to thrive and develope itself with steadfast and healthful
progress it should from the first be as far as possible self supporting.

I can assure you that in bringing these general considerations
under your notice, I by no means overlook the special circumstances of
the case of British Columbia, nor do I at all under estimate the
difficulties and the anxiety which they must occasion you. But I need
not impress on one so accustomed as yourself to the details of public
business and the conduct of financial enterprises that, even under more
unfavorable prospects than those of a Colony of which the resources,
along with the necessities are rapidly aug= augmenting, there is room for
exercising the control of a judicious economy, and for adapting your
objects to such means of attaining them as you may possess. Nor must
you forget that we have contributed from this Country the aid which you
state to be the most immediately and imperatively required. You will
not only have a Naval and Military force adequate, I trust, to secure
respect to order and Law, but the Military part of that force will at
once assist in the construction of roads and bridges, the want of which
is so sensibly felt. I look to the Royal Engineers under Colonel Moody and the able Officers at his Command for the opening of the readiest and speediest means of access and communication. In selecting from Her
Majesty's Forces those commonly known by the name of Sappers and Miners
I bore in mind the necessities of a wild Country without Barrack
accommodation; these being the Soldiers who could with the most ease
and rapidity cover themselves; and I thus enabled you to postpone costly
Buildings for the accommodation of troops, until you could raise from
Colonial resources the means by which such improved accommodation might
be provided. The Military pay of this force the Home Government may for
the present contribute; but with regard to the pay and expenses which
belong purely to Colonial Services, I shall expect that the proceeds
from Land Sales, which are the appropriate fund for all collateral Costs
of Survey, will suffice to provide for these objects, and I should
regard any advance upon that score as a temporary accommodation to be
defrayed from the earliest Sales.

No doubt it might be more agreeable to the pride of the first
founders of a Colony which promises to become so important, if we could
at once throw up public buildings and institute Establishments on a
Scale adapted to the prospective grandeur of the infant Settlement. But
after all, it is on the character of the inhabitants that we must rest
our hopes for the land we redeem from the Wilderness; and it is by self
exertion and the noble spirit of Self sacrifice, which self exertion
engenders, that communities advance through rough beginnings to
permanent greatness. Therefore it is not merely for the sake of sparing
the Mother Country that I invite your cordial and intelligent
co-operation, in stimulating the pride of the Colonists to submit to
some necessary privations in the first instance, and to contribute
liberally and voluntarily from their own earnings (which appear to be so
considerable) rather than to lean upon the British Parliament for
Grants, or for loans which are rarely repaid without discontent, and can
never be cancelled without some loss of probity and honor. It is my
hope that when the time arrives for representative Institutions the Colony may be committed to that grand experiment unembarrassed by a
Shilling of debt and the Colonists have proved their fitness for Self Government by the spirit of independence which shrinks from extraneous aid, and schools a community to endure the sacrifices by which it guards
its own safety and provides for its own wants.

I have said thus much in commendation of the strictest thrift at
the onset. But whether this thrift can be with the greatest safety
exercised in the construction of public buildings, the creation of
Establishments, the number and Salaries of Officers engaged, or
otherwise, I cheerfully leave to the discretion of a Governor who has
shewn himself so provident and sagacious.

I cannot conclude without begging you to convey to Major Hawkins of
the Royal Engineers my acknowledgments of the assistance he so ably
rendered you. Your sense of the value, of that assistance will be
duly reported to the War Office.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-30_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587062.txt
================================================================================

No. 62

With reference to my Despatches of this day's date on the present
Indianspolicy towards
Colonial OfficeIndian policy
Aborigines.see Indians
condition of British Columbia, I wish to add a few observations on the
policy to be adopted towards the Indian Tribes.

The success that has attended your transactions with those Tribes
induces me to inquire if you think it might be feasible to settle them
permanently in Villages; with such settlement, civilization at once
begins. Law and Religion would become naturally introduced amongst the
Red Men and contribute to their own security against the aggressions of
Immigrants and while by indirect taxation on the additional Articles
they would purchase they would contribute to the Colonial Revenue, some
light and simple form of direct taxation the proceeds of which would be
expended strictly and solely on their own wants and improvement, might
obtain their consent.

Sir George Grey has thus at the Cape been recently enabled to
Grey, Sir Georgeaboriginal policy
Aboriginal policyin British Kaffraria
locate the Kafirs in
Villages,

and from that measure, if succeeding
Governors carry out, with judgment and good fortune, the designs
originating in the thoughtful policy of that vigorous and accomplished
Governor, I trust that the posterity of those long barbarous populations
may date their entrance into the pale of civilized life.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-30_Willis_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD24.txt
================================================================================

Willis to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to acquaint you with reference to my Letter of
the 16th October

ShipsEuphratespassengers may embark
that the Non-commissioned Officer of the Royal Artillery, the Party of
Royal Engineers and a civil Male Servant may embark on board the Freight
Ship, "Euphrates" at Gravesend, for passage to British Columbia, on the
5th Proximo.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-31_Lytton_to_Douglas_B587063.txt
================================================================================

No. 63

I have to request that you will acquaint Colonel Moody that I have
received a letter which he addressed to me on the 30th October last
and that I have sanctioned the amended list, which accompanied his
letter of the stores sent with the Royal Engineers to British 
Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-31_Rothery_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD25.txt
================================================================================

Rothery to Under-Secretary of State

Pursuant to Warrant of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty I
Douglas, Jamesappointment as vice admiral
now beg to send you herewith Letters Patent appointing James Douglas
Esquire C.B. Governor of British Columbia, to be Vice Admiral thereof.

I beg further to acquaint you that the Fees due to the
Fee Fund of the High Court of Admiralty on these Letters Patent amount to
the sum of Six pounds eight shillings and four pence (£6.8.4).



================================================================================
FILE: 1858-12-31_Rothery_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B585AD26.txt
================================================================================

Rothery to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to transmit herewith Letters Patent appointing Matthew Baillie
Begbie, Matthew B.appointment as judge of vice admiralty court
Begbie Esquire to be Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court in British 
Columbia which have been prepared pursuant to Warrant of the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty.

It being uncertain what the emoluments accruing to that Gentleman
may amount to, I have caused a Stamp for the lowest amount of duty to be
affixed.

The Fees due to this Department, including stamp duty,
amount to seven pounds, eight shillings and four pence (£7.8.4).



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Bedford_to_Lytton_B586B10.txt
================================================================================

Bedford to Lytton

I beg to enclose for your perusal the testimonials, received
from the various officers I have served under, at the time when in
consequence of peace the reduction of the Army was intended, and
I therefore intended to become a candidate for the Chief
Constableship of Warwickshire, as the reduction never took place
I withdrew from the contest. I hope you will consider these
sufficient to induce you to give me a letter of introduction
to the Governor of New Columbia in the hope of getting employment
there in the Constabulary or other service. I would have got
fresh testimonials but my regiment the 92nd Highlanders is
now serving in India.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Brew_to_Lytton_V586BR01.txt
================================================================================

Brew to Lytton

Testimonials of Mr Brew [letter missing from file]



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Bridges__to_Colonial_Office_V585MI19.txt
================================================================================

Memorandum, [Bridges] to Colonial Office

It is proposed to form a Company to establish a settlement in
Vancouver's Island on the following basis:

1st. A block of land of one Million of Acres to be assigned to
the Company by the Government, to be paid for as & when disposed
of to settlers, at 10 per Cent of the selling price—the fund so
accruing to be applied towards the expenses of local government.

2nd. The lands to be disposed of to actual settlers, in town,
suburban & country allotments: the town lands in not larger
sections than one acre at £10 per section: the suburban lands
in sections of 25 acres at £100 per Section; and the outlying
lands at £1 per acre.

3. The price to be paid either in cash down or by say ten
annual instalments of £13 for each £100 worth of land.

4. Forty per Cent of the price of the lands to be expended by
the Company in the transmission of labourers to the settlement
and their employment in preliminary works, such as surveying,
draining, road making, and laying out the site of a town and
such other operations 
as may be deemed necessary for
facilitating the profitable employment of labour & capital by
individual enterprise.

5'th. A capital of £100,000 to be created immediately in
anticipation of the labour fund, to be raised from the sale of
land, to be applied at once in the preliminary adaptation above
specified.

6th. A reserve of [blank] acres of country land to be set apart,
to be granted free in moderate allotments, during the first year
of preliminary operations, to emigrants of the labouring class,
being British born subjects, on such conditions as may be
determined.

7th. Such reserves of town, suburban and country lands, as may be
agreed on between the Company and the Government to be set apart
for public purposes.

8th. An upset price, not exceeding 20 shillings per acre, of
which 50 per Cent shall be expended in labour or adaptation, to
be fixed by Government on all lands in the Island to be
henceforth disposed of by the Crown.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Cooper_to_Lytton_V586CO07.txt
================================================================================

Minute on Cooper to Lytton, Despatch not in file



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Forbes_to_Colonial_Office_V586F01.txt
================================================================================

Forbes to Colonial Office

[Despatch missing from file]



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Gosset_to_Colonial_Office_B586G01.txt
================================================================================

Gosset to Colonial Office

It would be well to send out the following stores for the
Gosset, Capt. William D.
Treasurycolonial, supplies for
Treasury [of] New Columbia by a vessel now loading; and Colonel Moody has
kindly consented to procure them on his order should this proposal be
approved.

Iron safe or Safes 

Banker's or Mint Scales 

Ledgers, Bankers' paper and a few 

minor articles of ordinary use 

A small quantity of plain fitments
As may be selected

And, if a Stamp duty be contemplated, Dies should be ordered at once
Stamp dutiesdies required
Deedsregistration of
as Engraving the designs (depending on the rates to be established)
takes some time. The presses might go at once. If Registration of
assurances affecting Real Property be intended, deed paper of
uniform size should also be provided forthwith; the essence of
success in the introduction of Registration being in the adoption
of this system at once, before deeds shall have time to multiply
without regard to any system
moreover as Registration (if adopted)
can be made a source of Revenue, it would of course be desirable to
secure the advantages of those many transactions and transfers which
the eagerness of speculation will produce at the very outset of the
Colonization. The Treasurer being usually the vendor of Stamps, I
have ventured these remarks.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Law_Officers_to_Colonial_Office_V585LN01_A.txt
================================================================================

Law Officers to Colonial Office

Missing. Government Territory West of Rocky Mountns should not be placed under Governor of Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Moody_to_Carnarvon_V586MO01.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Carnarvon. No letter in file.



================================================================================
FILE: 1858_Moody_to_Lytton_B585MI06.txt
================================================================================

Draft Resolution for the Colonial Church Committee

That as it is desirable that the plan of this Committee for British 
Columbia should be rendered as generally useful as possible, and as it
appears that no regular Military Chaplain has been appointed; and as Her
Majesty's Chief Commissioner for Lands and Works, also in command of the
Military Department, has expressed his readiness to concur in such an
arrangement, provided it met with the sanction of the Colonial & War
Departments of Her Majesty's Government:

Resolved I—That one of the Clergymen proposed to be sent out by
this Committee, be, if the Government approve of it, specially attached
to Colonel Moody & the Military Department; that his salary (£300 a year)
be defrayed by this Committee, with such further assistance as the
Government may be disposed to accord.

Resolved II—That, if this can be arranged, the Clergyman for that
post be sent out as quick as possible without waiting for a second one;
that his positive engagement be only for two years, with a view to his
coming home at the end of that period to make a full personal report on
the moral & religious state of the Colony, leaving it an open question
whether he himself should be expected to return there permanently, or,
not.

Resolved III—That communication be opened with the
leading Christian people in New York, expressing our desire
to cooperate with them in every way for the benefit of the
large mixed population which is rapidly gathering in the Colony.



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FILE: 1858_Reep_to_Lytton_V585MI28.txt
================================================================================

Reep to Lytton, Enclosures Only

