
================================================================================
FILE: 1868-01-01_Hill_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI01.txt
================================================================================

Hill to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Having laid before the Postmaster General your letter of the
20th ultimo, I am directed by His Grace to transmit to you, for
the information of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of
the reply which was received from the Postmaster General of the
United States to the letter written from this Office on the
18th of June last enquiring whether arrangements could be made
for conveying mails to and from British Columbia by means of the
United States mail steamers which sail from San Francisco.

From this reply it will be seen that the only steamship service
in operation north of San Francisco is that to Portland, Oregon.

It is stated that a small vessel runs regularly between Portland
and Vancouvers Island, but of this the Governor of British
Columbia must be well aware.



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FILE: 1868-01-04_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO01.txt
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Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Lord Stanley, in compliance with an application
from the Belgian Minister, to request that you will move the
Duke of Buckingham and Chandos to cause inquiries to be
 instituted respecting the fate of a person named J.W. Cramer, or
Kramer, who, in 1862, was in the service of the Governor of
Vancouver's Island.

A translation is herewith inclosed of a letter which was
addressed by him in that year to his mother, a resident at
Antwerp; since that date it appears that no intelligence has
been received respecting him.



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FILE: 1868-01-08_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO02.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to previous correspondence I am directed by Lord
Stanley to transmit to you, for the information of the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's
Chargé d'Affaires at Washington, forwarding a copy of a
Resolution which has been presented to the United States Senate,
in regard to the joint occupation of the island of San Juan, by
the forces of Her Majesty and of the United States.



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FILE: 1868-01-10_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687001.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

I have to call your attention to the letter which was addressed
to you from this Department on the 28th of June 1866, requesting you
to favor Mr. Secretary Cardwell with your opinion with respect to the
British Columbia Ordinance No. 10 of 1866 entitled "An Ordinance
conferring certain privileges on the Williams Creek Bed Rock Flume
Company," and especially as regards the exclusive right of way
conferred by it upon a particular Mining Company.

In compliance with your request you were permitted to withhold
your report on the Ordinance until your return to British Columbia.
As however no Despatch has been received from you on the subject I
have to call your attention to the above papers, and to request that
you will furnish me without further delay with a Report on the
subject.



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FILE: 1868-01-11_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687002.txt
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No. 2

I have the honor to inform you that an application has been
received from the Belgian Minister at this Court requesting that
inquiries may be instituted respecting the fate of a person named J.W.
Cramer or Kramer who in 1862 was in the service of the governor of
Vancouver Island.

A translation is herewith enclosed of a letter which was
addressed by him in that year to his mother, a resident at Antwerp,
since that date it appears that no intelligence has been received
respecting him.



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FILE: 1868-01-11_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68001.txt
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No. 1

I have the honor to forward copy of a letter which by my
direction the Colonial Secretary has written to Mr William
Franklyn, late Police Magistrate of Nanaimo, who has lost office
on account of the financial embarrassments of the Colony.

2. Though I have no particular fault to find with Mr Franklyn
I have arrived at the conclusion that I cannot unreservedly
recommend him to Your Grace's favour. I therefore think I shall
act with greater candour if I bring before your notice, with a
view to promotion a most excellent Public officer and keep to
myself the task of providing for Mr Franklyn.

3. Mr Chartres Brew was appointed Chief of the Police of this
Colony by Sir E. Lytton. In his despatch No. 11, of 2nd
September 1858, he mentions the good services performed by Mr
Brew while serving in the Irish Constabulary and subsequently in
the Crimea. He has enjoyed the entire confidence of Sir James
Douglas and myself. I should however not bring him prominently
before Your Grace were it not for the very unusual and severe
duties I have called upon him to perform and for which I have
not the means of furnishing a reward. My despatch No. 69 of 23rd
of November 1864, scarcely does justice to the hardships he
underwent in the expedition against the Chilicoten Indians in
1864. I am informed by his Medical Attendant that his health
has been permanently injured by his sufferings on that hazardous
and arduous service. Yet when the incipient rebellion,
described in my despatches noted in the margin

*

occurred in Cariboo, I had no alternative but to call upon Mr Brew
to undertake another most disagreeable, dangerous and unhealthy
duty. My despatch No. 140 of 1st
November 1867, will show with what success he has performed it.
I am however full of anxiety as regards his already enfeebled
health, the thermometer having lately shown a cold of 30
degrees below zero.

4. I bring Mr Brew's Services under Your Grace's notice solely
with a view of possibly obtaining for him a reward which I have
it not in my power to confer. I cannot imagine any
circumstances which would make me deprive myself of his
assistance unless for his own advantage.



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FILE: 1868-01-17_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687002A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

You were informed by my Despatch No. 101 of the 20th December
that I should communicate with you again on the question how far
under International Law the United States are now bound by the Treaty
between Great Britain and Russia of 1825.

I have now to inform you that I am advised that the United
States are bound by the recitals from the convention of 1825 which
are incorporated into the Treaty of Cession as far as the
Geographical limits of the ceded Territory are concerned. Those
recitals, although they do not constitute any direct Treaty
engagement between Great Britain and the United States, make Articles
III and IV of the Convention, evidence against the United States that
Great Britain has an established title to the line of demarcation
described in those Articles: but as regards the other Articles of
that Convention whereby certain points connected with the Commerce,
Navigation and Fisheries of British and Russian Subjects were settled
for their reciprocal convenience, none of the obligations contracted
by Russia towards Great Britain under those Articles devolve upon the
United States by virtue of the Treaty of Cession.

In my Despatch No. 101 already referred to, I also informed you
that Her Majesty's Government considered that the United States
Officers should receive facilities for passing their Cattle through
British Columbia, but I take this opportunity of cautioning you that
such passage of Cattle should not be made the pretext for sending
backwards and forwards bodies of armed men as escorts. The habit of
it once commenced might be found equally difficult to stop and
dangerous to permit.



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FILE: 1868-01-20_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687003.txt
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No. 3

I have received your Despatch of the 28th September No. 133
written on the receipt of my Circular Despatch of the 18th June last
and enclosing in answer to that Despatch a report from the Colonial
Secretary of a visit of surprize paid by him to the Prison of
Victoria.

The Colonial Secretary reports that the Goal is clean, that no
substantial exception can be taken to the management, that although
the prisoners cannot be classified for want of means, they are well
cared for, well fed, and well clothed, that they make no complaints,
and that the absence of complaint is sufficient of itself to show
that the management cannot be unsatisfactory.

On this reasoning you make no remark and I cannot therefore but
fear that you in some degree misapprehend the object of my Circular
Despatch of the 18th June and of the enquiries which preceded it.

It had been found some few years ago that in a considerable
number of the prisons in this country, not perhaps otherwise
illmanaged, the essential object of imprisonment in repressing crime
and affording security to person and property, had been lost sight
of. Industrial employment not only in the later stages of
imprisonment but in all stages, had been substituted, with a
shot-sighted view to profit for strictly penal labour by the
bread-wheel or crank or by shot drill. Separation had been very
imperfectly provided for. Dietaries had been on too high a scale.
The time allotted for sleep had been unduly prolonged. Remissions
were loosely granted without applying the labour test, by which alone
it is generally practicable to ascertain that they have been
earned. The result was that recommitments from the 2nd, 3rd,
4th and, for still higher numbers of times had become numerous, and
a large increase was accruing to the class of offenders who, when not
in prison, pass their lives in the habitual commission of crime.

When careful enquiry had disclosed this state of things at home
and what was amiss had been to a great extent corrected by
legislative and administrative action, it was deemed expedient to
enquire into the prison systems of the Colonies and ascertain whether
and to what extent the same evils might exist in them and the same
remedies be applicable. You were furnished with the result of the
enquiry in the digest and report accompanying my Despatch of the 18th
June. The particulars noted respecting the prison in Vancouver's
Island and that in British Columbia are to be found at p.p. 30, 59,
and 60. Amongst other things it is stated that there is no strictly
penal labour, no separation, not even classification except of a very
partial character, a high diet, and in Vancouver's Island twelve
hours for sleep, and that tickets of leave are granted on condition
of quitting the Colony.

I do not enter upon the question in what degree peculiar local
circumstances and the character of the races to be dealt with or the
nature of the offences commonly committed, may render the principles
of prison discipline adopted in this Country unsuitable to British
Columbia; but it is a question which deserves your attention, and on
reverting to the report of the Colonial Secretary enclosed in your
Despatch you will perceive that it has been written without reference
to the questions at issue and apparently in ignorance of them.

If you will again direct your attention to the Prison Digest and
Report Part II, or merely to the "general summary" at p. 87, you will
find a statement of the principles of Prison Discipline laid down by
the Lord Chief Justice of England in 1863 which may be said to have a
universal applicability, and a further statement of the penal means
by which, in this country and probably in most other countries,
effect may best be given to those principles.

On receiving what is there written I assure myself that you will
find it worthy of the active and attentive consideration which you
are in the habit of devoting to all subjects affecting important
public interests.



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FILE: 1868-01-20_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN01.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 16th inst, with one
 from Coll Chamberlayne submitting an application from Lieut Allman, of the 3rd West India Regt, for a grant of land
in Vancouvers Island, on his retirement from the service to
become a Settler in the Colony.

2. In Vancouver's Island before its union with B. Columbia no
 privileges in the acquisition of lands were granted to Military
and Naval officers becoming Settlers there—and Crown Lands
could be obtained only by purchase on the conditions specified
in the Proclamation dated 6 Septr 1862.

3. We apprehend that this state of things still continues, as
the Act of Union 29 & 30 Vic. c. 67 (passed 6 Augt 1866)
declares (sec 5) that notwithstanding the Union the laws of each
Colony shall remain in force until otherwise provided by lawful
authority—and we are not aware that any contrary provision has
yet been made on the subject.

4. If Lieut Allman were desirous of settling in B. Columbia he
would as a subaltern of 10 years standing be entitled to a free
grant of 200 Acres, on presenting to the Governor, within one
year of its date, a memorandum from the Office of the General
Commanding in Chief specifying his rank, date of retirement, and
length of service. No other document from any Department of the
Government is necessary.



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FILE: 1868-01-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687004.txt
================================================================================

No. 4

I have received and have read with satisfaction your Despatch
No. 140 of the 1st November, reporting that the district of Cariboo
is perfectly tranquil and that not the slightest difficulty is found
in enforcing the Law.



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FILE: 1868-01-24_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68001PR.txt
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Private

With reference to my Private despatch of the 26th
of June 1867, in which I report on the state of things then
existing along our North West Coast and the territory now called
Alaska, I have the honor to forward a report of certain
disturbances which have occurred at Sitka. Your Grace will
recollect that I foretold an early collision between the new
proprietors of the land and the Indians. I need hardly say that
I regret that the natives should have used the English Flag as a
sign of their opposition to the American Authorities. If our
Flag is so attractive even beyond our frontier, to the Indians,
the reasons may perhaps be found in the extract I enclose of
Colonel Scott's report to his superior officer.



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FILE: 1868-01-24_Sproat_and_Anderson_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B686S01.txt
================================================================================

Sproat and Anderson to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to the Memorials presented to the Colonial
Secretary in April & June 1867 and to the subsequent
correspondence, on the subject of a selection of a seat of
Government for British Columbia, we take the liberty of asking
on behalf of the Memorialists, if any decision in the matter has
been come to, and whether the question is likely to be decided
by Her Majesty's Government before the meeting of Parliament.



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FILE: 1868-01-29_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687005.txt
================================================================================

No. 5

I have under my consideration an Ordinance passed by the
Legislature of British Columbia entituled No. 31 "An
Ordinance respecting practitioners in Medicine and Surgery," which
was transmitted in your Despatch of the 14th September.

I think it desirable however in the meantime to inform you that
by the Imperial Act 21 and 22 Victoria C. 90 sec 31, Medical
practitioners who have registered themselves under that Act are
entitled, by virtue of that registration, to practise and recover
fees in any of Her Majesty's Dominions free from any restriction.

So far then as the 6th Section of this Ordinance imposes an
obligation or restriction upon such registered practitioners it is
repugnant to the Imperial Act and void, and under these circumstances
I have to desire you to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure
that the Law is not enforced against such registered practitioners.

Whether that act should not be amended so as to allow Colonial
Legislatures to impose reasonable restrictions upon persons wishing
to practise in the Colonies is a question which is under my serious
consideration and on which you will receive a further communication.

I shall not for the present recommend any decision to Her
Majesty upon this Ordinance.



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FILE: 1868-01-31_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687005A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

Sir Arthur Edward Kennedy having intimated that his Commission as
Governor of Vancouver Island had, for necessary purposes, been left with
the Local Government when he quitted that Island, I have to request that
you will transmit the Instrument to me, as it is necessary to produce
it at the Inland Revenue Office with a view to the cancelling of the
Stamp.



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FILE: 1868-02-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68002.txt
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No. 2

With reference to my despatch No. 146 of the 22nd
November 1867, I feel compelled to make some additional remarks
respecting Mr
Waddington's project of opening a road from the Pacific at Bute
Inlet to the frontiers of Canada. I am told that he has been
lecturing with some success on the subject in Canada. It is
therefore my duty to say, although I should be glad to see
Capitalists spend their money in the Colony, that I believe the
line proposed by Mr
Waddington is about the worst that could have been selected.
I may mention in support of this assertion that the New
Westminster Volunteers when in persuit [sic] of the Chilicoten
murderers found themselves unable to penetrate to the Interior
by way of Bute Inlet but reached the centre of the Colony when
Bentinck Arm was taken as a point of departure.



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FILE: 1868-02-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68003.txt
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No. 3

With reference to the many despatches mentioned in the margin

*

respectfully, yet vainly, protesting against the charge made
upon the Colony by the Imperial Treasury for payment of certain
expenses incurred by the detachment of Royal Engineers while
stationed here, I now venture to forward a memorandum on the
subject prepared by the Acting Colonial Secretary. Mr
Young, having served under Sir James Douglas during the whole
time that the Engineers were in the Colony has been able to
furnish a more detailed account of the several items of the
Account than I had hitherto been able to procure. I think he
has made it out that the sum of £10,704.16.7 was charged
against the Colony in error.

2. I would add a few remarks to Mr
Young's. In the first place. "No. 1. Temporary Barracks at
Esquimalt for Marines." Esquimalt was not, at the time when the
expenditure was made, even within the limits of British
Columbia, nor was it so for many years after. "No. 2.
Temporary Barracks at Langley for the Royal Engineers."
Utterly useless to the Colony and have long since disappeared.
"No. 3. Clearing Site for Camp New Westminster." Colonel Moody
selected a heavily timbered piece of land a mile from the town
for his Camp. He employed civil labour to clear it. The
expenditure has been utterly thrown away, as far as the Colony
is concerned. New Westminster would be in a much more
prosperous condition were not the small resources of the
citizens spread over two several town sites a mile apart.

As regards No. 4, 5, 6, and 9, Mr
Young very justly observes that the Colony would not have been
called upon to provide accommodation for its Civil Servants.
The only building that has turned out to be of advantage to the
Colony is the house Colonel Moody built for himself, but then it
is inconvenient for people in town to have to walk a mile
whenever they wish to see me. Had this House not existed it is
probable that I should have built a larger and more commodious
one in the City of New Westminster out of the £10,000 placed at
my disposal for the purpose and thus it is probable that the
great expenditure incurred in Victoria in building a Government
House would not have arisen. I think however that I made a very
fair proposal in my despatch No. 60 of 8th
Oct. 1864, when I suggested that the outlay incurred on the
present Government House should be received by the Imperial
Treasury in full satisfaction of all claims on the Colony.

"No. 7. Houses for Military Stores" are useless. I shall
repair them. They may fall to the ground.

"No. 8. Survey Office." This is of some use to the Colony,
but is, like all the other Camp buildings, at an inconvenient
distance from the town.

"No. 10. Military trail from Camp to Burrard Inlet." This is
now impassable and a new road has been opened to the Inlet at an
expense of £3,600.

"No. 11. Lieutenant Palmer's exploration from Hope to Colville
for Military purposes." It will be seen from the correspondence
I enclose that Sir James Douglas disapproved of this work being
undertaken.

3. I must venture to repeat that the Imperial Treasury has been
far from indulgent to the Colony in this matter.



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FILE: 1868-02-03_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687006.txt
================================================================================

No. 6

I transmit to you a copy of a letter from Mr. Lowenberg
respecting his claim to certain land in Vancouvers Island known as
lot Z.

I have to request you to inform Mr. Lowenberg that no notice can
be taken of communications not sent through the governor in the
manner prescribed by the Colonial Regulations. At the same time
however I have to refer you to my despatch No. 93 of the 18th
December which will have enabled you to deal with Mr. Lowenberg's
claim.



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FILE: 1868-02-03_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AD01.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your Letter of the 6th Novr last, I am
commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you that the Confidential Despatch for the Governor of
Vancouver, therein enclosed, was delivered on the 13th
Jany into the hands of Commander Nares of H.M. Sloop Reindeer
at Panama for conveyance to Vancouver Island.



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FILE: 1868-02-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68004.txt
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No. 4

I have the honor to forward a letter from the Auditor General
suggesting that the sinking fund of the British Columbia loans
should be invested in the purchase of our own Securities which
are now selling below par.

2. Unquestionably profit would be derived from this arrangement
in one way, but it is for your Grace to consider whether, on the
other hand, the Public Credit might not suffer by its being
carried out.

3. The ordinance referred to was forwarded in the late Acting
Governor's despatch No. 21 of the 17th March 1866.

4. Under the strenuous efforts, I am now making to remit large
sums to the Colonial Agents, I allow myself to think that the
value of our Public Securities will soon rise. The debt is
perfectly safe. Were every white man to desert the Colony save
a few Public Officers, the amount of duty which could be
collected on Imports for Indian consumption would pay the
Interest and sinking fund.

5. I however believe that better times are approaching for the
Colony.



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FILE: 1868-02-04_Mallet_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TA01.txt
================================================================================

Mallet to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to my letter of the 13th November last on the
subject of the repeal of the 163rd and 328th sections of the
16 and 17 Victoria C. 107, I am directed by the Lords of the
Committee of Privy Council for Trade to request that you will
state to the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos that if His Grace
concurs with them in thinking that course desirable, a favorable
opportunity will present itself in connection with the
Consolidation of the Merchant Shipping Acts now in course of
preparation in this Department, and that My Lords will therefore
be glad to be favored with His Grace's views on this subject at
his early convenience.



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FILE: 1868-02-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68005.txt
================================================================================

No. 5

I have had the honor to receive the Earl of Carnarvon's despatch
No. 12, of the 7th
February 1867, and No. 51 of 31 August 1867, directing me to pay
the sum of one hundred and forty one pounds, one shilling, and
three pence (£141.1.3), due to the War Department for Stores supplied
to the Artillery Volunteers in this Colony.

2. We have been making very large remittances to the Colonial
Agents lately and of Course an order from Your Grace's
department would at once procure the payment of the amount
applied for. But if we could obtain a somewhat extended credit
it would be a benefit to us (small as the amount is) in the
present state of the finances.



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FILE: 1868-02-05_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687007.txt
================================================================================

No. 7

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of
the 20th August transmitting copies of an Ordinance No. 29, entitled
"An Ordinance respecting Harbour and tonnage Dues and to regulate the
licenses on the vessels engaged in the Coasting and Inland Navigation
Trade."

I thought it desirable to submit for the opinion of the Law
Officers of the Crown the question, which it appears from the Report
of your Attorney General was raised before the Legislative Council,
namely whether the provisions of Section 5 of the Ordinance were not
repugnant to the Imperial Act 16 and 17 Victoria C. 107; and I have
now to inform you that I am advised that the Colonial Legislature had
not power under Section 15 of the Imperial Act 20 and 21 Victoria C.
62 to admit by local Ordinance foreign bottoms to the Colonial
Coasting Trade, and that the provisions of Section 5 of this
Ordinance are repugnant to the 163 Section of the Imperial Act 16 and
17 Victoria C. 107, and that the object desired by that 5th Section
can only be attained in the manner provided by the 328th Clause of
the same Act.

It becomes necessary therefore that this Section, though
unobjectionable in point of policy, should be repealed, and I have to
instruct you to procure the required amendment to be made by the
Legislative Council. Until I hear from you again Her Majesty's
decision upon this Ordinance will be suspended.



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FILE: 1868-02-05_Grafton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA01.txt
================================================================================

Grafton to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Secretary Sir John Pakington to forward herewith
a Statement of Stores supplied from Her Majestys Ship
Sparrowhawk of the Pacific Squadron, for Service of the "New
Westminster Rifle Volunteer Corps" amounting to 8s 8d and to

request you will cause this amount to be transferred in the
books of the Paymaster General to the credit of Army Funds.

I am also directed to request that you will notify to this
Office the date of your Transfer Order that the Paymaster
General may be authorized to receive the amount.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-02-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68006.txt
================================================================================

No. 6

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 66 of
the 28th September 1867, enclosing a letter from Mr
Watson on the subject of the loss of his Office of Treasurer of
Vancouver Island on the Union of the two Western Colonies. Your
Grace observes that some of Mr
Watson's statements are in contradiction with those furnished in
my despatch No. 58 of the 6th
of April 1867, and desires me to send a further report.

2. The greater part of the negotiations with Mr
Watson were carried on verbally by Mr
Birch, the Colonial Secretary. I now send a precis of all the
documents on the subject which can be found in the Colonial
Secretary's Office. I do not see that Mr
Watson's statements and my own offer any material difference.
He was to have six months leave of Absence on full salary and a
free passage Home for himself and family. I likewise promised
to bring under your notice Mr
Watson's desire for further employment. I did so in my despatch
above referred to. Of Course I could not think of asserting
that Your Grace would bestow another Office upon him. Having
stated all I could in Mr
Watson's favour I considered my promises fulfilled.

3. He has however now returned to the Colony as Inspector of
the Bank of British Columbia and I suppose therefore that the
matter will be allowed by him to drop.



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FILE: 1868-02-06_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68007.txt
================================================================================

No. 7

I have the honor to forward Copies of a Correspondence which has
passed between Rear Admiral Hastings and myself respecting the
construction of a Dock of considerable size in this Colony.

2. I hardly like to place myself in opposition to Admiral
Hastings in a matter of which his professional knowledge makes
him a much better judge than myself. There is no doubt but that
Esquimalt possesses an admirable harbour. My only objection to
it was its extreme accessability. Day or night any ship
might run in. But it is not even necessary to run in as a
vessel lying outside might shell any buildings in the Dockyard
or any vessel in the harbour.

3. Admiral Hastings appears to believe in the supremacy of the
English fleet in the North Pacific under any circumstances. If
such supremacy always exists Esquimalt is clearly the place most
desirable for the Establishment of a Dockyard. I cannot but
consider on the other hand, the possibility of our being
worsted. In such a case Burrard Inlet would have immense
advantages, inasmuch as ships might run some 10 or 16 miles up
the Inlet, having a certain number of men and guns at the
entrance where a hill 180 feet high rises immediately over the
deep channel. In Burrard Inlet are to be found abundance of
fine timber and plenty of fresh water.

4. A Dock in Esquimalt or Burrard Inlet would however be
equally valuable to the Colony in time of peace and I hope that
no hesitation I may feel as to the wisdom of Admiral Hastings'
suggestion may stand in the way of his recommendation.



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FILE: 1868-02-08_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687008.txt
================================================================================

No. 8

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 153, of
the 29th November stating how much you are indebted to Mr. Needham
for proceeding to the scene of the disturbances in Cariboo, and for
bringing matters to a satisfactory conclusion.

I have to request you to convey to Mr. Needham my
acknowledgments for the services which this promptitude has enabled
him to render to the Government of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-02-08_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687009.txt
================================================================================

No. 9

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 157 of
the 30th November enclosing the Report of a Commission appointed by
you to examine into the sales of Real Estate in Vancouvers Island in
default of payment of taxes.

You will no doubt report to me how these irregularities escaped
detection, who are the public officers chargeable with them, whether
they are still in the public service and in what way they were
remunerated.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-02-08_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687010.txt
================================================================================

No. 10

I transmit to you for your information a Copy of a letter from
the War Office enclosing a Statement of Stores supplied from Her
Majesty's Ship "Sparrowhawk," for the use of the New Westminster
Rifle Volunteer Corps, at a cost of 8s/8d.

The Crown Agents have been instructed to pay that amount to the
credit of Army Funds with the Paymaster General.



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FILE: 1868-02-10_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687011.txt
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No. 11

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
147 of the 22nd November enclosing Copies of the Correspondence which
has passed between you, Colonel Scott and Major Hoyt of the American
Army on the subject of the management of the Indian Tribes in the
territory recently purchased by the United States Government and the
transit of Cattle through British Columbia for the use of the United
States Garrison in Alaska.

I have already made known to you the views of Her Majesty's
Government on both these points, by my despatch of the 28th December
No. 101, which you will find are in accordance with the course you
have yourself taken.



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FILE: 1868-02-12_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN02.txt
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Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 8th inst, enclosing the
copy of a despatch from the Governor of British Columbia,
requesting that the Deed by which the Hudsons Bay Company
reconveyed Vancouver Island to the Crown might be retained in
the Colony.

2. The Colonial Attorney General explains that it may be
necessary to produce the original Deed in the Courts of Law
in certain actions of ejectment in which the title of the Crown
to the lands is likely to be called in question.

3. Under these circumstances, and as the Colonial Archives
would seem to be the natural and proper custody of the document,
I see no objection to the Governor's request being acceded to.
But it would be convenient that he should furnish a copy of the
instrument, certified in the most formal manner, for reference
in this Country.



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No. 12

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
88 of the 15th July last, enclosing a letter from Mr. Needham
pointing out the difference which has occurred in his position owing
to the union of the Colonies, and applying for an increase to his
salary.

I have to request you to inform Mr. Needham that I have received
his letter but that I am sorry I am unable to accede to his request.



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No. 13

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
Separate of the 28th November enclosing a letter from the Attorney
General of British Columbia requesting that the opinion of the Law
Officers of the Crown may be obtained as to the effect of the Act of
Union upon the Legislative Constitution of the Colony.

Your own views upon the subject and those of the Attorney are so
clearly right, and it is so impossible that the supposed construction
should be so set up as to invalidate the Acts of the Council that it
is neither necessary nor advisable to take the Law Officers' opinion
upon the point raised in the letter of the Attorney General.



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FILE: 1868-02-20_Grafton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA02.txt
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Grafton to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to the letters from this Office of 26 Jany 1867,
57/30/10645, enclosing a Claim on account of Stores supplied by
the War Department for service of the Artillery Volunteers,
British Columbia amounting to
£141.1.3 and to the subsequent
letter of 12 July, and to yours of 26 July and 19th Novr last
on the subject, I am again directed by Sir John Pakington to
call your attention to the above letters and to request you will
state whether any further steps have been taken towards a
settlement of the Claim.



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FILE: 1868-02-20_Lennox_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD02.txt
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Lennox to Under-Secretary of State

I reply to your letter of the 6th Instant forwarding a
despatch from the Governor of British Columbia dated 18th
Octr respecting the landing of Officers and Men from Her
Majesty's ships to suppress disturbances at Cariboo, I am
commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you for the information of His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos that they concur in the terms of the letter proposed to
 be sent by His Grace to Governor Seymour in answer to his
despatch respecting the landing of Officers and Men from H.M.
Ships for the purpose of enforcing order.

My Lords have given similar instructions to Rear Admiral
Hastings on this subject.



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FILE: 1868-02-20_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68008.txt
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No. 8

I have the honor, at the request of Mr
 Justice Begbie, to transmit to Your Grace a letter which might
possibly have been dispensed with, dated the 31st January.



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FILE: 1868-02-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68009.txt
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No. 9

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of 28th November 1867, respecting the making the Gold Coins of the
Sydney Mint a legal tender. You Grace enquires what steps have
been taken in regard to Her Majesty's proclamation on the subject.

2. I have to state that the proclamation enclosed in the
Circular despatch of the 30th
November 1866, was duly published in the Government Gazette of
the 23rd February 1867. I forward a copy of it.



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No. 10

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 23rd
December 1867, and I beg to state in reply that I have given
orders that copies of the Ordinances of this Colony shall be
regularly transmitted to the Treasurer to the Board of Trade of Gray's Inn.



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FILE: 1868-02-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687014.txt
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No. 14

I have received your Despatch of the 18th October reporting that
affairs were in a more satisfactory state in Cariboo, and expressing
your hope that the liberty to detach Officers and men from Her
Majesty's Ships for the purpose of enforcing order, which was allowed
to Admiral Hastings in conformity with the telegram of 18th of
September may not be withdrawn.

A request for specific instructions has also been addressed to
the Lords of the Admiralty by Admiral Hastings.

Their Lordships have informed me, and have instructed Admiral
Hastings that the Commanding Officers of Her Majesty's ships will
always be ready, at any place where they may be, to afford local aid
in support of law and order, but that their Lordships cannot
sanction as an established regulation the sending of Officers and men
to a long distance from their ships, thereby rendering the ships
inefficient and possible endangering even their safety, and that any
measure of this kind can only be justified by such circumstances of
pressing and exceptional necessity as it is impossible to define
beforehand by rule.

Instructions in the above terms will be addressed by the Lords
of the Admiralty to Admiral Hastings.



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No. 11

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the last Session of the Legislature of
this Colony, entitled;

No. 40. An Ordinance to provide for the
settlement of all outstanding questions relating to the sale of
Land for Taxes in Vancouver Island.

2. I already forwarded a copy of the report of the Committee
appointed to investigate the question in my despatch No. 157, of
the 30th
November 1867. Your Grace will have seen how respectably this
Committee was composed, how strongly the opinion of the
Legislative Council was supported, and will I think approve of
my having assented to the Ordinance.

3. I enclose the Report of the Attorney General.



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No. 15

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
121 of the 20th of September forwarding with the Report of your
Attorney General copies of two letters addressed to your Government
urging reasons for the immediate establishment of a Court of Error or
Appeal in British Columbia.

It is only necessary for me to refer you to my Despatch No. 81 of
the 13th of November forwarding to you a Draft of an Ordinance for
regulating the Supreme Courts of Justice of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1868-02-26_Chamberlayne_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B686C01.txt
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Chamberlayne to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of
the 28th Ulto transmitting the Copy of a Report by the
Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners relative to an
application from Lieutt Allman late of the Regiment under my
command for a grant of Land in Vancouvers Island and to acquaint
you that I have forwarded the correspondence to Lieutt Allman.



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FILE: 1868-03-02_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687016.txt
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No. 16

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
156 of the 30th November enclosing a letter from the Attorney General
of British Columbia in which he urges the necessity of retaining in
the Colony the Deed by which the Hudsons Bay Company reconveyed
Vancouvers Island to the Crown.

I am of opinion that it would be advisable that the original
Deed should be retained in the Record Office in this Country and that
an attested Copy should be kept in the Colonial Archives.

An Act can be passed, if your Law Officers think it necessary,
declaring that the attested Copy shall be conclusive evidence of the
contents of the Deed in any Action at Law or Equity.



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No. 12

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's circular despatch
of the 2nd
December 1867, forwarding certain papers respecting the
success of the Dry earth system of Sewage and directing me to
report any steps that may here be taken in consequence.

2. At present I can only acknowledge the receipt of the papers,
and inform your Grace that I have forwarded copies of the papers
to the Governing Committees of the Victoria and New Westminster
Hospitals.



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FILE: 1868-03-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68012T.txt
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Telegram

Your private despatch has arrived.



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FILE: 1868-03-02_Waddington_to_Buckingham_B686W01.txt
================================================================================

Waddington to Buckingham

I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter which I have
brought with me from Mr Seymour, Governor of British Columbia;
in answer to which I requested him, October 12th and before
leaving, to forward you the necessary documents and particulars
for your perusal.

Since then I have visited Canada and Ottawa, when I had the
honor in December last to address the two Houses of Parliament
on the Overland question, and confer with the Governor General
and the Canadian Ministers on the subject. I have also visited
the Board of Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company here in
London at their request, and on Saturday I called on Mr
Robinson, one of Your Heads of Department, with whom I had a
long interview, and who advised me to communicate personally
with Your Grace on a subject of such public importance, and also
perhaps with the Commissioners on Emigration.

I beg therefore to request of Your Grace the favor of an
audience, and as I am to read a paper at the Geographical Society on Monday 9th Inst where the subject will come more or
less before the public, I take the liberty to mention the
circumstance, in case Your Grace should think it desirable to
see me before then.



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FILE: 1868-03-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68013.txt
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No. 13

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Secret despatch of the 23rd July 1867.

2. The instructions which it conveys shall be strictly followed.



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No. 14

In obedience to the Royal Instructions, I have the honor to
transmit Copy of the Minutes of the proceedings of the Executive
Council of this Colony for the half year ended 31st
of December 1867.



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No. 15

I have the honor to forward a memorial to Your Grace agreed upon
at a Public Meeting held at New Westminster protesting against
certain statements respecting the town and the approach to it by
sea said to have been made by Captain Richards R.N. Hydrographer to
the Admiralty.

2. I cannot exactly see why Your Grace should have been
addressed on the subject. It is certainly difficult to
reconcile Captain Richards' official and unofficial Statements
regarding the navigation of the Fraser. If irreconcilable, I should
be disposed to lean to those for which he is officially responsible.



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FILE: 1868-03-07_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68016.txt
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No. 16

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch of
the 18 September 1867, requiring copies for the French Minister of
Marine, of the Ships' Papers, certificates of registry and
Ships' Articles in use in this Colony.

2. The enclosed are the only papers used in this Colony. They
are the usual Certificates of Registry.



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No. 17

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 103 of
the 31st
December 1867, informing me that a Bill for £1,500, drawn by
the Governor and Treasurer of Vancouver Island for pay for the
Marines stationed at San Juan had been paid.

2. Your Grace remarks that you expected some information from
me on the subject. I beg to say that I do not know how the
omission of communicating with Your Grace took place, but I will
see that regular notice, in future, accompanies every Bill drawn
for the purpose alluded to.



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FILE: 1868-03-13_Cox_to_Buckingham_B686C02.txt
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Cox to Buckingham

Mrs William George Cox presents her Compliments to the Duke
 of Buckingham and Chandos, returns thanks for the interest His
Grace took in writing to British Columbia relative to her sad
case. As it is stated in this year's Directory that her
Husband, from whom she has not heard for months, is now in
receipt of a salary of
nine hundred a year, her Attorney considers that she should have
two hundred
a year, allocated to her, as Mr W.G. Cox was pleased to spend
a large portion of her fortune at Dublin and New York she is now
obliged to do needlework, the object of Mr Cox seems to be to
throw her on the charity of relatives and friends, trusts her
case may meet due consideration as She suffers much.



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FILE: 1868-03-14_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO03.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Lord Stanley to transmit to you, to be laid
before The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of a
despatch, which, after consultation with the Proper Law Officers
of the Crown, he has addressed to Her Majesty's Minister at
Washington in regard to the overture made to him by Mr
Seward for the conclusion of a Treaty for the Settlement by
arbitration of the San Juan Question.



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FILE: 1868-03-14_Longford_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA03.txt
================================================================================

Longford to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of 6th Instant and to acquaint you
in reply for the information of the Duke of Buckingham &
Chandos that Sir John Pakington has consented to the
postponement of the claim amounting to £141.1.3 for Stores
supplied by this Department for the Service of the Artillery
Volunteers in British Columbia, until such time as the Colony
shall be in a position to liquidate it.



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FILE: 1868-03-17_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68017SP.txt
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Separate

I am aware that my communications have not been very
satisfactory of late and I am now venturing to write to Your
Grace in the Confidential manner in which I was invited to do so
by Your Grace's predecessor in office.

2. It would be difficult to imagine a post more hard to fill
than that I now occupy. A "rush" of Miners from California and
Australia took place some years ago. American Steam boat
proprietors encouraged it in every way, and I learn that as many
as three thousand immigrants landed in the Colony in one day.
Town lots in Victoria and New Westminster became objects of
large speculation and high bidding. At present they are being
sold for taxes; and where on the Fraser 12,000 or 13,000 white
men washed up Gold, a solitary Chinaman working his "rocker"
represents the population for the mile of river. The whole
strength of the Colony now is concentrated on William's Creek
Cariboo where a mile and a half of the richest diggings, I am
told, ever found, keep a population of about two thousand
miners. They form the main support of the Country and there is
no doubt that from their brilliant winnings they pay the greater
part of the Customs and Road Toll receipts.

3. Sir James Douglas seeing thousands of people arriving
sometimes in one day, formed naturally a very sanguine expectation
as to the future of the Colony. He requested Lord Lytton to
send out a Government Staff for a population which would in a
few months reach 100,000. The prospective increase at that
rate would soon lead to the creation of a most important
dependency of the Crown. So Lord Lytton, and the Government of
the day, announced as a new feature in English colonization, the
growth of a Colony which would from its earliest infancy be self
supporting.

4. Troops were sent out to be paid for by the Colonists.
Extravagance locally prevailed. Rival roads were made to the
Upper Country at an Expense of some £300,000, and this self
supporting Country soon found itself dependent upon Loans raised
in London for the support of its institutions. The day of
reckoning had to come. The tide of immigration reached its
height and the stream of population rushed down again towards
the Sea and then Southward.

5. But for a white population of now probably less than ten
thousand had been established the Government required for the
expected one hundred thousand, and the Executive became like
many of our Mining population in the position of a Gambler who
has staked his almost vital interests simply upon his
luck. Of course a fresh Loan had to be resorted to and the
financial difficulty was postponed.

6. Yet British Columbia was not left to fight its own battle
untrammelled. England would do but little to assist it, but it
had a neighbour who lived entirely at its expense. Victoria was
made a free port. Vancouver Island paid no Customs duties and
thus the trade of the really producing part of the now united
Colony became centred in another and not very friendly Colony
which was placed across the means of access to the great gold
fields above. A labouring man who lived on the island paid no
taxes. If he ventured on the mainland, there was not an article
he consumed or used which was not heavily taxed to meet the
expenses of an alien Government.

7. But the Free port had not the attractions to retain a large
permanent population, and the annual passage of the Cascade
Mountains proved too severe a trial for most of the miners who
remained in the Country. Those that stayed, were faithful to
their industry even during the winter. The high tide of
immigration expected never reached the Colony, and the ebb
proved much stronger than anticipated. Towns became deserted.
They were "played out." They
"caved" they "went in" according to Miners phraseology and
became deserted. But the Government for the immediate one
hundred thousand and the prospective five hundred thousand was
maintained by London Loans and on my assumption of office, I
found myself with two Magistrates on my hands, for instance, for
the town of Douglas which now that they have been withdrawn,
numbers, as I write, three white inhabitants. The salaries of
these Magistrates were about £600 a piece. Hope is "played
out." Lytton languishes. Princeton contains one occupied
house. But Barkerville in Cariboo has made considerable
progress. Yale flourishes. New Westminster has not retrograded
since I have known it. But Victoria the largest of our towns
has lost all confidence in herself. Things are dull and depressed.

8. The great difficulty British Columbia has to contend with is
its neighbourhood to California, and also, of course its
distance from the Mother Country and I may add its own belief in
the uncertainty of its political future. Men complain of
starving in New Westminster. I have offered to repair the roads
at 4s/2d
a day. I cannot find one man to accept the work; No one will
even work in a garden under 6s/3d
a day. Yet food is extra abundant. Large salmon are sometimes
sold in New Westminster at 12 to the dollar (4s/2d).
At Lytton, higher up the Fraser, 16 can occasionally be
procured for the money. Sturgeon can be procured in any amount
and have hardly a market price. I have with another person in
an hour and a half, without any exertion, caught 350 pounds
weight of delicious fish. The Country is covered in the summer
with berries. Firewood can be had for the taking. Water is
abundant everywhere. Yet people go. They will not stay. The
same "rush" which brought them in is taking them out. The wages
I pay in a very modest Establishment are exorbitant. My own
Cook having died I am employing a Chinaman. I pay him £120 a
year and find him in everything even to a servant to attend on
him. The Groom's wages were the same. The Butler's are; and
footmen under English contracts think it very hard that they
should have less pay than a Chinaman. My late coachman received
£240 a year. The quantity of Gold found in the Colony has
turned peoples' heads. The man who finds that he has not got
the means of providing a sufficient number of "drinks" at 6d
or 1s/- a glass and cannot have his game of billiards thinks he
is deprived of his natural rights; He immediately pronounces the
Colony to be ruined and leaves it by the first opportunity for
San Francisco. Probably in less than six months he petitions
Her Majesty's Consul for the means of returning to British Columbia.

9. My great grievance with the Colony is this determination of
people to leave it. Let them set themselves in opposition to
the Government. That is fair in an unprospering Colony. But
the opposition shewn by selling off furniture and nailing up
doors & windows and leaving the Colony, is one, I confess, to
which I cannot be indifferent.

10. I have spoken in my despatches mentioned in the margin

*

of the error committed in establishing competing roads to
Cariboo. One made at an expense of £105,000 of borrowed money,
is practically useless. It is dead. We cannot allow it to fall
out of repair, yet no one travels over it. The wayside houses are
all abandoned. Large and powerful steamers in a perfect state
of repair on each of the many lakes are now not worth their
paint. The trail to the Rocky Mountains at the Kootenay is
useless. The road made in 1866 to the Big Bend of the Columbia
has no traffic and a fine Country opened throughout on a scale
of magnificence far beyond its requirements languishes from the
absence of a population whose every want it could supply.

11. I hardly know what remedy to suggest. If immigration from
England was established, it is probable that most of the late
arrivals would be attracted to California. Indeed I can
scarcely say that in now writing to Your Grace I have any other
object than furnishing as much information as I can respecting
the state of the Colony.



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No. 18

I have the honor, though somewhat late, to forward the
correspondence with Rear Admiral Hastings which should have
accompanied my despatch No. 93 of 16th
August 1867. It is unfortunate that it did not do so as its
omission has caused the further correspondence likewise
enclosed. I must allow that the distinction made by Admiral
Hastings between the physical and moral ability of Captain
Porcher to suppress an incipient rebellion 500 miles from the
coast appeared to me somewhat unintelligable.

2. Captain Oldfield, H.M.S. "Malacca" and Captain Porcher
H.M.S. "Sparrowhawk" had both expressed the wish to accompany me
to Cariboo (previous to the resistance to the Law) and it
appeared to me that it was for them to apply to their superior
officer for leave of absence for the purpose. My Secretary
however allowed the Telegram I enclose to be taken to Admiral Hastings.

3. If either of these Officers accompanied me I thought he
might bring his uniform as I paid all the expenses of the
freight and conveyance.



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FILE: 1868-03-17_Sproat_to_Buckingham_B686S02.txt
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Sproat to Buckingham

I am requested by the Memorialists who have on several occasions
addressed Your Grace on the subject of the Capital for British
Columbia to beg the favour of being informed whether a reply has
been received from Governor Seymour to the reference on the
above subject, which Mr Adderley
stated has been sent to the Governor on the 1st October last,
and to express a hope that it will be in Your Grace's power to
give an early decision in favour of Victoria.

I am also to say that should Your Grace desire any additional
information on the subject of the Memorials already presented,
the Memorialists will be glad to give it in any way that may be
agreeable to Your Grace.



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No. 19

The Account of this Government in respect of the Royal Engineers
at San Juan being now overpaid, I have the honor to acquaint you
that I have authorized a Bill for Fifteen hundred Pounds
Sterling to be drawn in the usual manner on the Paymaster
General, and I have to request that Your Grace will be pleased
to cause the same to be accepted on presentation.



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FILE: 1868-03-18_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68020.txt
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No. 20

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 102,
of the 31st December 1867, requesting information respecting an
Italian subject named Dominico Ferro, who is stated to have settled in
Victoria.

2. I learn from the Police Magistrate that Dominico Ferro left
Victoria in September or October last, and is now at San Jose,
California. Ferro owns several town lots in Victoria.



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FILE: 1868-03-18_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68021.txt
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No. 21

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch of the 10th
of January, calling for my promised report on an Ordinance
passed by the Legislature of this Colony in 1866 and entitled;

No. 10. An Ordinance conferring certain privileges on the
Williams Creek Bed Rock Flume Company.

2. The Ordinance having been passed during my absence I thought
it prudent to consult the Executive Council before offering to
Your Grace an opinion on the subject. I was unanimously advised
to recommend that the Ordinance should be left to its operation.
Which advice I likewise beg to tender to Your Grace.



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FILE: 1868-03-19_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687017.txt
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No. 17

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
166 of the 31st December reporting that you have conferred the title
of Assistant Colonial Secretary upon Mr. Charles Good.

I observe that you advert to the convenience of there being some
Officer of sufficient rank to sign letters for the interior of the
Colony during the frequent absences of Mr. Young, but I should be
glad to receive from you some further explanation as to the cause of
those frequent absences on the part of the Colonial Secretary.



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No. 22

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 69 of
the 12th
of October 1867 on the subject of a correspondence which had
passed between the Colonial Secretary and the Crown Agents
respecting an alleged omission on the part of the latter to
supply the whole of the stores for the Lighthouses included in a
certain requisition made in April 1865.

2. I learn on enquiry that no blame can be attached to the
Crown Agents. The original Requisition drawn up by the
Lighthouse Board was revised by Governor Kennedy in the
Executive Council and several items struck out. This revised
requisition was the only one sent home, and it has been fully
complied with.

3. I enclose a List of the Stores required for the Lighthouses
and beg that Your Grace will be good enough to cause the same to
be forwarded by the earliest opportunity which may present
itself in a sailing vessel.

4. I was not in the Colony at the time the Requisition of April
1865 was made.



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FILE: 1868-03-19_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68023.txt
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No. 23

On the receipt of Your Grace's despatch No. 81 of 13th
November 1867, I forwarded the draft Ordinance it contained for
the consideration of Chief Justices Begbie and Needham. I
forward some remarks which the last named Judge has made upon
the Bill. I add likewise a report on the subject which I have
received from the Attorney General.

2. I shall, of course, bring the Bill suggested by Your Grace,
with some trifling alterations under the consideration of the
Legislative Council, but I still indulge in the hope that Your
Grace will find an opportunity of removing one of the Judges and
thus bring about a consolidation of the Courts.



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FILE: 1868-03-19_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68024.txt
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No. 24

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 9th January, enquiring if this Colony would be
prepared to adopt and make provision for the expense of the
return passages of distressed persons belonging to it, whom
Consuls at Foreign Ports or the Governors of other Colonies may
deem it necessary to send to their homes.

2. In reply I beg to state that the question has but little
application to British Columbia. The Colony is so young that
there is hardly a native of sufficient age to come within the
circumstances contemplated. All those who have property in the
Colony are doing sufficiently well to pay their own passages. I
should not consider it reasonable that the Treasury should pay
for the return of the many reckless miners who leave Victoria
for the superior attractions of San Francisco during the winter
and desire to return to the Gold Fields with the spring.



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FILE: 1868-03-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687018.txt
================================================================================

No. 18

I have the honor to transmit to you, with reference to my
despatch No. 100 of the 23rd December, a copy of a further letter
from Mrs. W.G. Cox requesting my interference towards obtaining an
allowance of £200 a year for her support from Mr. W.G. Cox who is in
the employ of your Government.

I also enclose a copy of the reply, which has been returned by
my desire to Mrs. Cox.



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FILE: 1868-03-23_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687019.txt
================================================================================

No. 19

I have received your despatch of the 11th January last No. 1
bringing to my notice the name of Mr. C. Brew for employment in the
Public Service.

I have directed Mr. Brew's name to be noted, but I can hold out
but little hope that an opportunity will present itself of enabling
me to give him an appointment.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-03-24_MacKean_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI02.txt
================================================================================

MacKean to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to the interview I had the honor of having with you on
Thursday last, I now beg to enclose for the information of his

Grace, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a
correspondence between the Colonial Secretary of British
 Columbia, and the Manager of this Bank at Victoria, respecting
the overdrawn account of the Colonial Government with the Bank.

This correspondence sufficiently explains itself, and the only
remark I would make is, that the rate of interest proposed to be
charged the Colonial Government, is the usual rate of interest
in the Colony on overdrawn accounts.



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FILE: 1868-03-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687020.txt
================================================================================

No. 20

I have received your Despatch, No. 148, of the 22nd November
last, forwarding an authenticated copy of an Ordinance of the
Legislature of British Columbia entitled No. 39, "An Ordinance to
amend and assimilate the procedure of the County Courts in all parts
of the Colony of British Columbia" and I have now to convey to you
Her Majesty's Gracious Confirmation and allowance of that Ordinance.

Several of the Sections of this Ordinance and of former
Ordinances will require alteration when the Ordinance establishing
the two Supreme Courts has passed. I trust to hear that this has been
done, and that an end has been put to the uncertainty and confusion
which must of necessity be detrimental to the effective
administration of justice in the Colony.

Should it be necessary to re-draft this Ordinance it is worthy
of consideration whether it would not be better to set out such of
the provisions of the Imperial acts as it is thought desirable to
introduce into the colony rather than to make a general reference as
in the present ordinance to all the Imperial Acts.



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FILE: 1868-03-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687020A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

In answer to your Despatch No. 163 of the 19th of December last,
I have to request that you will have the goodness to return to this
department the Public Seal of the late colony of Vancouver Island, in
order that it be defaced in the usual and prescribed form by Her
Majesty in Council.

It will be desirable that the Seal should be returned by hand
through some Officer of Her Majesty's Navy or through some other
secure channel otherwise it might be lost and wrongfully used.



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FILE: 1868-03-27_Rae_to_Buckingham_B686R01.txt
================================================================================

Rae to Buckingham

At a recent meeting of the Geographical Society a paper was read
by Mr Waddington on a very important and interesting subject,
namely the "Best route through British Territory across the
Rocky Mountains from the Pacific to the Atlantic Seaboard.["]

Mr Waddington deserves much credit for the energy
and perseverance he has shown and the money he has spent in
opening up a road from Bute Inlet on the Pacific to the Fraser
River, and this as far as I know may be the best route. When
however Mr Waddington goes on to say that there is
"uninterrupted navigation" for a Steamer in the Upper Fraser,
and that the Saskatchewan is with one exception equally free
 from obstructions, I must beg to differ entirely from him.

When
I descended the Fraser in 1864, there were at least 4
rapids above whence the proposed road strikes the river, that no
Steamer could have ascended. There are doubtless certain states
of the water when a Steamer might possibly ascend all or some of
these rapids, but these are exceptional cases.

The same may be said of the Saskatchewan, but arising from a
different cause—shallowness of water.

The upper Fraser makes a very large bend to the North, and is
 besides extremely crooked, so that, even if unobstructed by
rapids, it would form a most tedious route.

As far as I have seen there are no physical difficulties in the
way of constructing a railway throughout the whole distance or
if there are difficulties anywhere, they will be found to the
west of the Rocky Mountains.

My only object in venturing to address this communication to Your
Grace, is to state what I believe to be the truth as derived
from my own observation and the opinions of others whom I have
consulted.



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FILE: 1868-03-30_Sclater_Booth_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE01.txt
================================================================================

Sclater Booth to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letter of the 19th ulto enclosing copies of
two Despatches from the Governor of British Columbia; the first
enclosing the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 1867 and
the Appropriation Ordinance No 13 1867, and the second, the
Supplementary Estimates for 1866 with an ordinance No 27, 1867.

I am to state, for the information of the Secretary of State,
that adverting to the date at which these Estimates have been
submitted to this Board—it appears to My Lords that there is no
alternative but to signify their approval of them.

They observe with regret that the same sum is inserted for
repayment of Temporary Loans as that specified in the estimates
of 1866—and, although some explanation is afforded in the
Report of the Assistant Colonial Secretary (which is
enclosed)—from the financial difficulties which have resulted
from the union of the two Colonies—they trust that the
Secretary of State will call the attention of the Governor to
the extreme importance of bringing the Expenditure within the
Revenue—and that that officer should be urged to make further
reductions in salaries and other items of expenditure so as to
relieve the Colony from this temporary liability.

With this understanding My Lords will not refuse their assent to
the Estimates vizt:

Revenue $675,350

Expenditure 701,710

to the Ordinance No 13 Mar 11 1867, appropriating the sum of
$566,658.30 for the year 1867, and to the Ordinance No 27 Apr
2, 1867 appropriating a further sum of $96,918.11 for the
service of the year 1866.



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FILE: 1868-03-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68025.txt
================================================================================

No. 25

I have the honor to transmit, herewith, to Your Grace the
Accounts of Receipt and Expenditure up to the 31st of
December 1867, with the necessary Vouchers, for Services in
connection with the Military Occupation of San Juan.



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FILE: 1868-04-02_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD03.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham & Chandos, Extract from a General Letter of Rear
Adml the Hon. G. Hastings dated "Zealous" at Esquimalt 21
Feb/68 No. 33 relative to the State of Affairs re British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68026.txt
================================================================================

No. 26

I have the honor to forward a Paper which will not be without
interest to Your Grace. It is a Minute by the Surveyor General
of this Colony on the subject of a Coach Road through British
Territory between the Pacific Coast and Canada, comparing the
various passes through the Rocky Mountains and shewing the
extent of this Road already made in British Columbia, and what
remains to be done to complete it beyond the Eastern Boundary of
the Colony to the head of Steam Boat Navigation on the Saskatchewan.

2. I add an explanatory Map.

*

3. Your Grace will see that on this side of the Rocky Mountains
we have been energetic in opening communications.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27

I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's consideration a
Memorandum drawn up by the Acting Colonial Secretary respecting
the loss which the Colony sustains by the present mode of paying
Imperial pensioners resident in the Colony.



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FILE: 1868-04-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68028.txt
================================================================================

No. 28

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 11th of December directing that the Law of this Colony
respecting Treasonable Offences should be assimilated to that of
the Mother Country.

2. I enclose a letter from the Attorney General from which it
will appear that the Imperial Statutes regarding Treason Felony
extend over this Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-05_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687021.txt
================================================================================

No. 21

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch,
No. 159, of the 10th December, in explanation of the expression of
 your belief that Mr. Cooper's statements as to the circumstances
attending his appointment were correct.

In reply I have to state to you that your explanation shows that
you were quite justified in the Knowledge which you expressed of Lord
 Lytton's original arrangement with Mr. Cooper when he went out to
British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-06_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68029.txt
================================================================================

No. 29

In obedience to Your Grace's despatch No. 2 of the 11th of
January 1868, I have the honor to forward all the information I
can procure respecting a Belgian named J.W. Cramer or Kramer who
in 1862 was in the Service of the Governor of Vancouver Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-07_Egerton_to_Buckingham_B685MI04.txt
================================================================================

Egerton to Buckingham

I have the honor to enclose herewith a memorial on behalf of Mr
C.W. Franks. Your Grace will I hope allow me to draw your
attention to the fact that the gentlemen who have signed this
document have all known Mr Franks more or less intimately
during a long series of years. I believe that the memorial
might have been more numerously signed, but it was thought
better that those only should be asked to sign it who from
personal acquaintance are best able to express a reliable
opinion on Mr Franks' capacity & disposition.

Speaking for myself, & without impugning your Grace's recent
decision, I can only repeat that it is my conscientious belief
that if Mr Franks is permanently excluded from the Government
service, the Government would lose the services of a capable and
intelligent public servant, & that I should be quite prepared,
if it were possible, to accept any responsibility that might
attach to his reinstatement.

Whatever be the result of the present application, for which we
ask your Grace's favourable consideration, we think that it may
be of service to Mr Franks, under present circumstances, & in
view of the fact that there are no official accusations against
him which he can openly meet, that some of those who think
highly of him should state their opinions on some permanent
record that may be hereafter referred to.

As Lord Lyttelton has not yet returned from New Zealand I append
a letter from him dated Dec 1/67 relating to the memorial.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68030.txt
================================================================================

No. 30

I have the honor to forward copy of a letter which has been
addressed to me by Mr Arthur Bushby, Registrar General of
Titles in this Colony. He complains that his salary of £500 a
year is barely enough for him to live on, that his duties are
uninteresting and that he is quite out of the line of promotion.

2. I do not know a more thoroughly respected and at the same
time popular young man in the Colony or one who would be more
capable of filling a more important office. Mr Bushby came
out here to try his fortunes lured like so many others by the
glowing descriptions of the Colony which appeared in the columns
of the "Times." He married a daughter of Sir James Douglas' and
being disappointed in the country generally, accepted the only
public situation the then Governor had at his disposal.

3. I may add that since Mr Bushby's letter was written, we
have had great difficulty in getting his salary voted by the
Council, as it is felt that his office is not required. Were he
to be removed, I should not fill it up.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-09_Ransom_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI03.txt
================================================================================

Ransom to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to the letter of the Chairman of this Bank to you of
24th Ultimo, enclosing copy of a correspondence between the
 Colonial Secretary of British Columbia, and the Manager of this
 Bank at Victoria respecting the overdrawn account of the
Colonial Government with the Bank, I have now the honor to
enclose for the information of his Grace the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, copy of further correspondence on the same
subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-10_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687022.txt
================================================================================

No. 22

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
No. 130 of the 27th September and No. 155 of the 30th November last,
the first enclosing the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 1867
and the Appropriation Ordinance No. 13 of 1867, to provide for an
expenditure of $66,658.30 for the contingent Services of that year,
the second forwarding the Supplementary Estimate, for the year 1866
with an Ordinance No. 27 of 1867 to confirm an expenditure of
$96,918.11 for the service of 1866 not authorized in the grant for
that year.

I regret to observe that these estimates and the Ordinances
founded upon them have been so long detained in the Colony, and that
considering the embarrassed state of the Finances you did not in your
Despatches state how far the Estimates had been borne out by the
experience of the two or three first quarters of the year during
which they had been detained.

I have now to convey to you Her Majesty's confirmation and
allowance of the Ordinances in question and to transmit to you, for
your information and guidance, a copy of a letter from the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury, to whom they were referred, together
with the Estimates and with your Despatch No. 154 of the 30th
November.

I should be obliged if you would furnish me with a definite and
detailed report upon the retrenchments which have been made in order
to meet the difficulties of the Colony, showing the periods at which
they were made, whether by way of reducing salaries and offices or by
way of stopping Public Works.

I have further to request in order that I may more fully
understand the present financial position of the Colony, that you
will report at once the steps which you may have taken to increase
the Revenue either by any change in the taxation or by providing for
the better collection of them.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-14_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687023.txt
================================================================================

No. 23

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches
Nos. 146 of the 22nd November and 2 of the 1st February—the first
enclosing copies of a correspondence with Mr. Alfred Waddington
relative to his application for a Charter granting him certain
privileges in the event of his making a road from Bute Inlet, across
the Rocky Mountains to the Hudsons Bay territory beyond, the second
containing additional remarks respecting his project.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-17_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687024.txt
================================================================================

No. 24

I have the honor to inform you that copies of the correspondence
noted in the margin

*

respecting the overdrawn account of the Colonial Government with the
Bank of British Columbia have been communicated to me by the General
Manager of the Bank in this Country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-20_Lugard_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA04.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Secretary Sir John Pakington to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 26th February last, requesting
that a claim, amounting to £675.2.4 made by this Department
against the Government of British Columbia for Revolvers and
Ammunition left by Colonel Moody, Royal Engineers, on loan for
the use of the Colony, might be withdrawn on account of the
Embarrassed state of its finances. And I am to acquaint you for
the information of His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos,
the Secretary of State regrets that he is unable to comply with
this request.

Sir John Pakington has however no objection to allow the
Settlement of the claim to remain in abeyance until the
necessary funds become available.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-23_Ransom_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI05.txt
================================================================================

Ransom to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to enclose for the information of his Grace the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of my letter of 16th
Instant, to the Manager of this Bank at Victoria, respecting the
overdrawn account of the Colonial Government of British Columbia
with this Bank, which closes the correspondence on that subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-27_Sclater_Booth_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE02.txt
================================================================================

Sclater Booth to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before Them your letter of the 16 Inst, inclosing
Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia, in which
he suggests that the Sinking Fund of the B. Columbia Loans
should be invested in Colonial Securities, now below par.

My Lords desire me to state, for the information of the Duke of
Buckingham & Chandos, that before they express any opinion as to
the desireableness of the investment as proposed, They would be
glad to have the opinion of the Crown Agents with reference to
the Correspondence which took place in 1865.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68030CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Confidential
despatch of the 17th January, respecting the relations which
will exist between the United States Territory of Alaska and
this Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68030CP.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

With reference to my despatch No. 34 of this date on the subject
of the hardship to which Mr Wallace, a bankrupt, has been
put by the conflict of Jurisdiction between Messrs Justice
Begbie and Needham, I have the honor to forward a Confidential
letter from the Attorney General on the subject.

2. I understood that the Bill transmitted in Your Grace's
despatch No. 81 of 13th November 1867, was so sent more as a
guide than as a command. There were portions of it which I
could not have carried without coercion, so I separated the
essential and had that passed. The mere local details I have
left to be dealt with by the Council intending to reserve the
Bill for Your Grace's consideration.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68031.txt
================================================================================

No. 31

In obedience to the Instructions conveyed in Your Grace's
despatch No. 67 of the 1st of October 1867, I have fixed upon
a Capital for the United Colony. The Message which I enclose
will shew that I have selected Victoria.

2. There is one circumstance in the affair which I trust you
will pardon: and that is, my having ventured to lay Your
Grace's despatch before the Council. The feeling existing in
both New Westminster and Victoria is so strong on the subject of
the seat of Government that I felt it necessary when acting
in the matter to invoke the assistance of a stronger power than
my own in order to prevent disturbance.

3. I forwarded Your Grace's despatch in the Message I enclose.
I received the following reply. I commenced my despatch with
the final conclusion.

4. I sincerely trust I have acted for the best. I well know I
have secured but present tranquillity.

5. In my own heart I must allow, there was a feeling in favour
of the manly, respectable, loyal and enterprising community
established on the banks of the Fraser.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68032.txt
================================================================================

No. 32

I have the honor to forward copies of the Speech with which I
opened a Session of the Legislative Council on the 21st
March, of the reply of the Council and of my rejoinder.

2. I am happy to say that all is progressing satisfactorily and
that the Estimates of ways and means have already been passed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68033.txt
================================================================================

No. 33

In obedience to the Instructions contained in Mr Secretary
Cardwell's despatch No. 10 of the 10th of June 1864, I have
the honor to transmit Certificate of Survey of the Funds in the
Colonial Treasury on the first day of January 1868.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68034.txt
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No. 34

I venture to transmit, as not without interest, certain papers
showing the somewhat singular conflict of Jurisdiction existing
between the two Judges of the Court or Courts out here.

I shall address you confidentially on this subject in a despatch
of even date.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-04-30_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN03.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 16th inst, with a
Despatch from the Governor of B. Columbia enclosing an Ordinance
passed by the Legislature of that Colony "for regulating the
acquisition of Crown Lands," together with reports on the
Ordinance by the Attorney General and Surveyor General of the Colony.

2. This Ordinance is passed with the object of facilitating the
acquisition of Land by preemption and extending the power of
so acquiring it to aliens as well as subjects of the British
Crown. Both the Attorney General & the Surveyor General
disapprove many of its provisions—and they are supported by the
Governor, who states that he withheld his assent to it—and that
he cannot recommend it for the favorable consideration of the
Duke of Buckingham & Chandos. The Attorney General points out
in detail the particulars in which the Ordinance appears to him
open to objection. As I presume that it would not be
contemplated to sanction this Ordinance in opposition to the
unanimous opinion of these authorities, it is unnecessary for me
to recapitulate the objections urged by them.

3. You desire us, however, to report the result of our
experience as to the system of preemption of land in the
Colonies. In reply I have to state that the system of
preemption, as established in British Columbia and the U.
States, does not exist in any other of the British Colonies. In
Colonies where land is held under lease or licence for pastoral
purposes it has been the practice to allow the Lessee or
Licensee a preemptive right, for a limited period, over that
portion of his land which he occupies as his homestead. This
privilege, however, could only be exercised by immediate payment
of the established upset price of ordinary Land in the Colony—not,
as in B. Columbia, by mere registration until the general survey
of the Colony reaches the preempted land. We are not aware of
any detailed report from any of the Colonies as to the extent to
which the rights of preemption in runs
was taken advantage of, but they were always regarded with
jealousy, as giving the Lessee the means of securing such a hold
upon his run as to make it unavailable to any other person. It
was I presume for this reason that they have been discontinued
in New South Wales, and not adopted in Queensland or in any
 Province of New Zealand except Canterbury. In Victoria the
Governor may permit the occupier of a run to purchase 320 acres
of the land on which his homestead is erected—but the occupier
cannot, apparently, claim the permission as a right.

4. The system of preemption has been in operation in B. Columbia
since 1860. When it was first proposed it appeared to me, I
admit, a system pregnant with confusion and inconvenience in
future years, and I thought it right, in a report dated 23rd
 Septr 1859, to point out the objections which occurred to
me. It would I think be interesting to know from the Governor
how it has worked—to what extent Settlers have taken advantage
of it—how far the survey of the Colony has taken in preempted
land—and whether, where this has been the case, any
difficulty has been experienced in obtaining payment for the
land or in settling its boundaries. The system was originally
adopted because it was expected that the influx of population
into B. Columbia would be so rapid that it would be impossible
to survey land fast enough to meet the requirements of the
immigrants. This expectation has not been realized, and its
disappointment will naturally have tended to reduce the risk of
confusion from the preemption of unsurveyed lands. But it will
at the same time have more than equally reduced the necessity
for the system—and I would therefore submit whether it might
not be advisable that measures should now be adopted for
discontinuing the system, & for adopting in B. Columbia the rule
which is universal in other British Colonies to make survey
precede sale or occupation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68036T.txt
================================================================================

Telegram

Legislature prorogued this day. All quiet. No Fenians.
Victoria Capital.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68035.txt
================================================================================

No. 35

With reference to my despatch No. 32 of the 29th of April,
announcing the opening of the Legislative Session, I have now
the honor to state that I closed it yesterday by the speech I enclose.

2. Everything passed in the most satisfactory manner, and I was
agreeably surprised to find the Gentlemen from the Mainland and
those from Vancouver Island working so harmoniously together.

3. Twelve Ordinances have been passed and a variety of
important Resolutions, all of which shall be brought under Your
Grace's notice.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68036.txt
================================================================================

No. 36

I have the honor to forward, herewith, to Your Grace copy of a
correspondence which has taken place between the Colonial
Government and the Naval Authorities on this Station relative to
certain works of construction and repair that had become
necessary at the British Station on the Island of San Juan in
order properly to provide for the due accommodation of the
Troops stationed there.

2. The correspondence explains itself, but I may state that
every care has been taken to restrict the Expenditure to the
lowest limit consistent with actual requirements, and I trust
Your Grace will approve my action in the matter.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-05_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD04.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to
transmit herewith, for the information of His Grace the Duke
 of Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of a letter from Rear Admiral
Hastings of 12th March No 41, and its enclosure,
 relative to anticipated Fenian disturbances in Vancouver Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68037.txt
================================================================================

No. 37

In obedience to the Commands conveyed in Your Grace's separate
despatch of the 31st January, I have the honor to forward
the commission appointing Arthur Edward Kennedy, Esqre C.B.
Governor of Vancouver Island, which he left with the Colonial
Secretary on his departure from the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68037SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches,
of the numbers and dates noted in the enclosed schedule.*

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-07_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68038.txt
================================================================================

No. 38

I have the honor to forward a correspondence shewing that the
Bank of British Columbia intend to charge 18 per cent interest
on our overdrawn account.

2. It would be a very great assistance to us if Her Majestys
Government could in any way enable us to close our account with
the Bank and relieve ourselves, from the payment of the usurious
rate of interest now charged.

3. I enclose a return which will shew the efforts we are making
to get clear of the Bank.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-07_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68039.txt
================================================================================

No. 39

I have the honor to forward the "Pacific Coast Directory 1867".

Though published in San Francisco, it contains a considerable
amount of information respecting British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68040.txt
================================================================================

No. 40

I have the honor to forward a printed copy of two lectures on
British Columbia delivered in this town by Mr Legh Harnett,
a highly intelligent gentleman resident in California.

2. Mr Harnett has recently visited the principal mining and
agricultural districts of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68041.txt
================================================================================

No. 41

I transmit herewith a Statement, with Vouchers, exhibiting the
payment by this Government during the year 1867 of the sum of One
hundred and Sixty-four pounds, Ten shillings and one penny
(£164.10s.1d)
on account of Pensions and Gratuities granted by the Imperial
Government, and I have the honor to request that Your Grace will
be pleased to cause this account to be paid into the hands of
the Crown Agents on behalf of this Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-09_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687025.txt
================================================================================

No. 25

I have the honor to inform you that on the 3rd Instant I
received from you in Cypher the following Telegraphic Message. "New
Westminster, 1st May, Legislature prorogued this day, all quiet, no
Fenians—Victoria Capital."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-09_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68042.txt
================================================================================

No. 42

I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's consideration a
resolution passed by the Legislative Council in favour of a
larger popular element being infused into it.

2. I add a statement by the Acting Colonial Secretary shewing
why he, as President, gave his casting vote in support of the
resolution.

3. The Present Legislative Constitution copied I believe from
that of Ceylon is without precedent in its application to an
English Community. Here the difficulties of working it are
perhaps greater than would be found elsewhere from our being
overlapped North and South by the Republic of the United States.
Yet I have not found that practically it works badly. I know
that I find, now that the Western Colonies are united, that
things were on a much more satisfactory footing on the mainland
than on Vancouver Island, and that there was less of the
"Jobbery" which seems inevitably to belong to the premature
extension of a representative Constitution, to a small community.

4. The question however is one which I shall very carefully
consider and report upon before the next Legislative Session.
The Council will expire by efflux of time next month and though
it is probable that I shall not place any more seats than the
present number to be filled on the recommendation of the people,
I think I shall popularize the Legislature by placing several
independent Gentlemen in the position of Magistrates in the
Council, instead of filling up all the Magistorial Seats by
Salaried Officers.

5. The present system of Government, I need hardly say, imposes
in a Colony like this enormous responsibility on the Governor
not alone as a Legislator; but he stands so entirely removed by
his extraordinary powers from the public officers that he has
occasionally as stated in my despatch No 37 of 9 September
1864 to appear in the character of an Armed Volunteer and at
others as mentioned in my despatch No 92 of 16 August 1867 to
assume the duties belonging to a Constable for the Maintenance
of the Public peace.



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FILE: 1868-05-11_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN04.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 7th inst. with the copy of
a despatch from the Governor of British Columbia enclosing an
Ordinance "to provide for the settlement of all outstanding
questions relating to the sale of land for taxes in Vancouver Island."

2. It appears that numerous sales of land had been made in
Vancouver Island under the Real Estate Tax Act 1860 and an
 Amending Act 1862, to satisfy arrears of taxes imposed by those
Acts. The sales, however, not having been made in accordance
with the requirements of the Acts are defective in title and
call for legislative action. If there had been nothing more in
the case than the mere non-observance of technical formalities
the obvious and simplest remedy would be an Ordinance validating
the sales and the titles derived from them. But it appears from
the report of a Commission appointed by the Governor of
B. Columbia to enquire into all matters connected with these
sales, that not only in no instance were the legal formalities
observed, but that in numerous instances much injustice had been
committed towards the owners of the land. In some cases
property had been sold on which the taxes had been paid, and in
all cases it had been sold at prices greatly below its value.

3. The remedy adopted by the Local Legislature is the present
Ordinance not to validate, but (sections 1, 2, 3, & 4) to annul all
sales made for nonpayment of taxes under the Real Estate Tax
Acts & to repay to the purchasers from the public Treasury the
purchase money, with interest at the extreme Colonial rate of 24
per cent per annum, and to make the sum so repaid and the
subsequently accrued taxes a primary charge on the lands in
favour of the Government. The Ordinance then proceeds to
require (sections 5, 6, & 7) that lists of these charges and taxes
should be published in the Government Gazette for three
consecutive months, and if at the end of the three months the
debt is not paid, the Governor is empowered to order an entry to
be made on the land and a notice of entry to be registered with
the Registrar of Titles, whereupon the lands are to be deemed to
have passed by operation of Law into the possession of the Crown
as demesne Lands. If within two years the debt should be
discharged by means of the rent and proceeds, the land is to be
reconveyed to the original owner—but if not, the Governor
(after the lapse of six months more and monthly publications
during that time of notices in the Government Gazette) is
authorized to sell the land by public auction in either one or
more lots, to pay out of the proceeds the sums due to the Crown,
and to hold the balance for the benefit of the owner of the lands.

4. The Commissioners of Inquiry in their report state that the
purchasers under the defective sales not having taken possession
of or utilized their purchases can sustain but little injury, &
express their deliberate & unanimous opinion that fair and
substantial justice will be done, and a great embarrassment
removed, by the proposed mode of settling these outstanding
questions. The Attorney General and Governor Seymour approve of
the measure, and under the peculiar circumstances of the case no
sufficient ground occurs to us for dissenting from the general
conclusions of the Legislative and Executive Authorities of the
Colony. I would submit, therefore, that the Ordinance be left
to its operation.

5. The subordinate questions, however, raised by the Duke of
Buckingham & Chandos' despatch to the Governor of 8th
Febry last, namely, as to how the irregularities connected
with the sales so long escaped detection—who were the public
officers charged with them—whether they are still in the public
service—and in what way remunerated, cannot be dealt with until
the Governor's answer has been received.



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FILE: 1868-05-11_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD05.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 27th Ultimo
transmitting the Copy of a Despatch from Governor Seymour
respecting the construction of a Dock in British Columbia.

In reply I am commanded by my Lords to transmit to you for the
information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies the Copy
of a report from the Hydrographer on this subject and I am to
request you will inform the Duke of Buckingham that my Lords
entirely concur in the Hydrographers views of the advantages of
Esquimalt Harbour over Burrard Inlet.



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FILE: 1868-05-12_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687026.txt
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No. 26

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No. 149 of the 22nd November enclosing a Copy of an Ordinance "for
regulating the Acquisition of Crown Lands in British Columbia."

I should be glad to receive Returns from the proper Officer, and
a Report from you shewing clearly the working of the present system
of land sale, and I also desire to know to what extent settlers have
taken advantage of the preemption system, to what extent their lands
have been surveyed and granted, to what extent the conditions of
settlement, by way of personal residence and improvement have been
actually enforced, and whether any difficulty has been found in
obtaining payment for the land occupied and in defining its
boundaries.

Although the practice of allowing every Immigrant to take what
land he likes and where he likes is doubtless that which will impose
least trouble on the Government Officers for the time being and will
have an appearance of satisfying Immigrants, such a system is
obviously calculated to furnish occasion for future disputes as
settlement advances, and has been in fact found to do so in other
Colonies. There are therefore strong reasons, if it is possible, for
providing that surveys should precede instead of following
settlement.



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FILE: 1868-05-12_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687026A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

In your despatch No. 149 of 22nd November you enclosed the copy
of an Ordinance "for regulating the acquisition of Crown Lands in
British Columbia," from which you have withheld your assent and which
you state yourself to have reserved.

In order to prevent misapprehension it may be as well to point
out to you that the Order in Council from which your powers in this
respect are derived does not enable you to reserve a bill for the
signification of Her Majesty's pleasure, nor does it give to Her
Majesty the power of assenting to such a Bill.

The present Ordinance is sent home with the Colonial Seal and
your signature, which is prescribed by your instructions as the mode
of giving your assent, and does not contain a suspending clause.

I do not clearly understand what is the formal course which you
have taken with it. But I presume you have taken care not to adopt
any formality which would have the effect of bringing it into
operation.

I must observe that much confusion and correspondence would be
saved if you would take care that the exercise of your powers as
Governor should be in conformity with the Letters Patent and other
Instruments from which those powers are derived.



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FILE: 1868-05-12_Dundas_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B686D02.txt
================================================================================

Dundas to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I beg to forward for the further Consideration of the Duke of
Buckingham, additional Papers in reference to the Application
for a Grant of Land at Victoria, for Church Purposes by Members
of the Church of Scotland in that Colony.

You will oblige me by bringing the Subject under his Grace's
notice at an early date.



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FILE: 1868-05-12_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68043.txt
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No. 43

I have had the honor to receive your Grace's despatch No. 73 of
the 6th of November 1867 on the subject of the Laws relating to
Gold Mining in this Colony.

2. Your Grace requires my opinion as to whether an amendment of
the present Ordinance allowing an appeal from the verdict of a
Jury in cases above a certain amount would in my opinion be
desirable and whether such an amendment would be likely to
meet with the assent of the Legislative Council.

2. [sic] It will be seen from the report of the Attorney
General that the question was fully considered during the recent
Session [of] the Council and that the decision was against the right
right of appeal being granted.

3. I agree in opinion with the Council and am supported by
Mr Brew, the present Gold Commissioner of Cariboo, and by
Mr O'Reilly the Senior Gold Commissioner of the Colony.
Mr Ball whom I moved from Cariboo during the Grouse Creek
disturbances, under circumstances detailed in my despatch as
noted in the margin,

*

differs, but he has had but little experience in the mining districts,
and besides has not yet got to look with perfect calmness on the
events which signalized his short administration of affairs at
our principal Gold mine.

4. Being totally without material force at Cariboo, it became
necessary for me to make the best I could of my position, but I
am convinced that an appeal to Mr Begbie, in the ordinary
course of things would not have settled the dispute, or his
decision have been obeyed by the Company, to which it happened
to be adverse. I look upon it as a fortunate circumstance that
Mr Begbie declined to rehear the case. The riot was verging
on Rebellion, if it had not already crossed the line.

5. I venture to recommend to Your Grace, for approval the
Ordinance as it now stands. The less we interfere with the
Legislation affecting the Cariboo, the better. I cannot, after
my experience of last year, divest myself of a certain amount of
nervousness in regard to the Government of a large mining
population upwards of five hundred miles from the Sea.



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FILE: 1868-05-13_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68044.txt
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No. 44

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 18th December 1867 on the subject of Escheats to the Crown.

2. In reply I have to state that the Legislature of this Colony
is not now in Session, but I can assure Your Grace that whenever
it shall be called upon to deal with the subject of escheats
advantage will be taken of the information Your Grace has been
good enough to forward, to pass a satisfactory measure. Acting
on Your Graces instructions I shall not feel it necessary to
reserve the Ordinance for consideration.



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FILE: 1868-05-14_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE03.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acknowledge the receipt of the Proclamation
making the Gold Coins of the Sydney Mint Legal Tender in
the Colonies of British Columbia, Natal, and the Falkland Islands, which were enclosed in your letter of the 8th Inst.



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FILE: 1868-05-14_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68045.txt
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No. 45

With reference to previous correspondence, I have the honor to
forward copy of a Resolution passed by the Legislative Council
on the subject of Union with the Dominion of Canada. Desiring
on the whole to see the project carried out I cannot be blind to
the great difficulties which obstruct it's progress. I
enclose copy of the paragraphs on the subject which appeared in
the speech, with which I opened the Legislative Council, and in
that with which I closed it.



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FILE: 1868-05-14_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68046.txt
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No. 46

I have the honor to forward an authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony entitled:

No 1. An Ordinance to establish a Standard of Weights and Measures.

2. I add the report of the Attorney General.

3. This Ordinance was brought before the Legislative Council in
order to carry out the instructions conveyed in Your Graces
despatch No 56 of the 10 September 1867.



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FILE: 1868-05-14_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68047.txt
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No. 47

I have the honor to forward an authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled:

No 2. An Ordinance for the more effectual protection of Her
Majesty's Naval and Victualling Stores.

2. I add the report of the Attorney General.

3. This measure was brought before the Legislative Council to
carry out the instructions conveyed in Your Grace's circular
Despatch No 1 of the 15th March 1867.



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FILE: 1868-05-15_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 25th November 1867, requiring the names of the
officers charged in this Colony with the duty of Superintending
the records of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

2. There is no provision made here by Law for the Registration
of Births, and Deaths. Marriages should be registered, but the
Marriage Ordinance is defective, inasmuch as it makes no
provision for the appointment of a Registrar General of Marriages.

3. The Colonial Secretary for the time being, will be the best
person to apply to for information respecting Births, Deaths and
Marriages, until other arrangements have been made by Law.



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FILE: 1868-05-16_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27

I have the honor to transmit to you for your information and in
reply to your Despatch of the 6th February, No. 7, a copy of a letter
from the Admiralty enclosing copy of one from the Hydrographer in
which he expresses his opinion that Esquimalt Harbor is the fittest
place in the Colony for a Naval Dock.



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FILE: 1868-05-16_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687028.txt
================================================================================

No. 28

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatch No. 15 of the 6th March enclosing a Memorial agreed upon at
a Public meeting held at New Westminster protesting against certain
statements said to have been made by Captain Richards R.N.
respecting that Town and the approach to it by Sea.

I have to request you to inform the Memorialists that I have
received their Memorial.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge your Despatches noted in
the margin

*

respecting the Selection of a Capital for the Colony.

You will have learnt that your telegram of the 1st May has
reached me apparently reporting a decision in favor of Victoria. I
trust that this is so and that the irritation and ill feeling which
has not unnaturally arisen from the uncertainty in which those whose
interests were seriously concerned had been so long kept will now
pass away and the decision be generally accepted as in accordance
with the interests of the whole Community.



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FILE: 1868-05-16_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE04.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that a Bill for £1500 drawn by the
Treasurer of B. Columbia for the maintenance of the Royal
Marines on San Juan, has been left at the Office of the
Paymaster-General, and I am to request that you will move the
Secretary of State to inform My Lords whether this Bill should
be accepted and paid.



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FILE: 1868-05-20_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68049.txt
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No. 49

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 17 of
the 19th March 1868, in which, with reference to the
appointment of Mr Charles Good as Assistant Colonial
Secretary, you enquire the cause of the frequent absences of
Mr Young which render such an appointment in my opinion desirable.

2. While the question of the Seat of Government was still
unsettled, it was necessary to keep a certain number of Public
Officers both in New Westminster and in Victoria. Mr Young
who has been very long resident in the latter town, I generally
kept down here in Victoria and used Mr Good to sign the
official letters at the former. Now, that I have settled on
Victoria as the Capital, nearly the whole staff of
Government Officers will be centered here and the change in Mr
Good's official designation will be of less importance. It is a
change in designation merely, as he gets no increase of
emoluments and establishes no claim to promotion.



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FILE: 1868-05-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687029.txt
================================================================================

No. 29

I have the honor to inform you that a Bill for £1500 drawn by
the Treasurer of British Columbia for the maintenance of the Royal
Marines Stationed on San Juan Island has been left at the Office of
the Paymaster General.

I have requested the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury to
authorize the payment of this Bill, but I have to point out to you
that no advice of its having been drawn has been received at this
Department although you stated in your Despatch No. 17 of the 10th of
March last that you would see that regular notice in future
accompanies every Bill drawn for the above purpose.



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FILE: 1868-05-21_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG01.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Adverting to my letter of even date I have the honor to report
for the information of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos on the
present state of the British Columbia account with this Office.

The amount of £2250 due to the Trustees of the Sinking Funds on
the 1st January has not been paid, nor has the further sum
 of £1125 likewise due on the 1st proximo.

The funds at the disposal of the Crown Agents are, the cash
balances at the Bank of England £745 and Bills which will mature
on the 15th June for £2500.

The amount overdue is therefore £3375, the amount available on
the 15th proximo will be £3245.

The very irregular manner in which the contributions due to the
Sinking Funds have been paid over to the Trustees, besides
involving a breach of faith to the Debenture Holders is open to
the further objection that the amount of these Sinking Funds is
seriously diminished by the loss of a portion of the compound interest.

The amount overdue might be met by discounting the Bills for
£2500 and a small advance from "General account," but the Crown
Agents hesitate recommending such a course as further funds will
be required in the month of July to pay interest.

The amount required to meet the interest due on the 1st &
15th July is £4200, when there will be a further sum due to
Sinking Funds of £3050.

It is true that some five or six weeks intervene between this
and that date, but if Bills should reach this country between
now and then, they will probably be at 30 or 60 days sight.

The Crown Agents would be glad to be informed whether under
these circumstances they are to pay over to the Trustees, the
amount due to the Sinking Funds since January & April last, and
 trust to further remittances for meeting the large amount
(£7250) due in July, or whether the funds now available should
be retained to meet so far as they would go, the July dividends.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-21_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG02.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th
Instant, transmitting for any observations which may occur to
the Crown Agents for the Colonies copy of a Despatch from the
Governor of British Columbia, with a letter from the Auditor
General, suggesting that the Sinking Fund of British Columbia
Loans should be invested in the purchase of the Debentures of
that Colony which he states are selling below par.

In reply I have the honor to state, for the information of the
Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, that it appears to the Crown
Agents that the proposal of the Colonial Authorities might with
advantage be sanctioned, and the Debentures of British Columbia
added to the list of Colonial Government Securities in which the
Sinking Funds of that Colony may be invested.

If His Grace should approve of this recommendation the Trustees
should be authorized to purchase from time to time, subject to
the provisions of Act No 6 of 1866, the Debentures either of
Ceylon, Mauritius, New South Wales, Victoria, Cape of Good Hope
or British Columbia, to which might be added those of New Zealand.

It is desirable to vest this discretionary power in the
Trustees, because if the investments were in future to be
confined to the re-purchase of British Columbia Debentures, the
steady demand thus created would result in an increase of price
and deprive the Colony of any profit from the arrangement.

The Crown Agents see no grounds to fear that the public credit
of the Colony would suffer, even in the least degree, by the
proposed re-purchase.



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FILE: 1868-05-22_Ransom_to_Buckingham_B685MI06.txt
================================================================================

Ransom to Buckingham

I beg to enclose as required by our Deed of Settlement, the half
yearly statement of this Bank, for the six months ended 31st
December 1867.



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FILE: 1868-05-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687030.txt
================================================================================

No. 30

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 11 of the
24th February enclosing an Ordinance "to provide for the settlement
of all outstanding questions relating to the Sale of land for taxes
in Vancouvers Island."

I am aware that questions of this kind can only be dealt with by
somewhat arbitrary methods. But I fear that the provisions of this
Ordinance if literally carried out may in many conceivable cases work
great injustice.

It may for instance be found on the one hand that certain of the
Purchasers have effected improvements on their land or incurred
expenses on the faith of their ownership which would entitle them if
removed to special compensation, while on the other persons who have
paid their taxes and have had their lands illegally sold cannot
properly be called on to buy off purchases to whom the government
have without any right to do so sold their property.

I am of opinion that the government ought to be enabled to meet
these difficulties and with the advice of a Commission or Board of
competent persons, should be empowered on examination either to
confirm the titles of such purchasers as can satisfactorialy make
out a case of hardship or to award them special compensation and also
to pay from public funds such compensation as may be payable to the
purchasers of lands which Government was not really entitled to sell.

The Ordinance has not been submitted to Her Majesty but I have
to inform you that Her Majesty will not be advised to disallow it,
if provisions to the above effect are made.



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FILE: 1868-05-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687031.txt
================================================================================

No. 31

I transmit to you, for your information and in continuation of
my despatch No. 90 of the 21st November, copies of a correspondence
between the Honorable F. Dundas and this Department respecting the
application by Members of the Church of Scotland in British Columbia
for a grant of land in that Colony.



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FILE: 1868-05-27_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68050.txt
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No. 50

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 18 of
the 21st of March, forwarding an application from Mrs
W.G. Cox for her husband to be compelled to pay her two hundred
pounds (£200) a year.

2. I observe that Mrs Cox makes this application in the
belief that her husband is in the receipt of a salary of nine
hundred pounds (£900) a year.

3. Amongst the numberless persons whose offices I have been
compelled to abolish is Mr Cox. I have done away with the
Magistracy at the Big Bend of the Columbia. I have offered
Mr Cox a small situation in the Customs Department which he
has not yet accepted, but very certainly it would not enable him
to settle two hundred pounds (£200) a year on his wife.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-05-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68051.txt
================================================================================

No. 51

I have the honor to forward copy of the Proclamation by which I
declared Victoria to be the Capital of the United Colony.

2. So thoroughly has the question of the relative merits of the
two principal towns for the seat of Government been canvassed
that I do not think it necessary that I should prolong the
present despatch.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-01_Roscoe_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B686R02.txt
================================================================================

Roscoe to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Captain & Members of the Victoria (Vancouver Island)
Volunteer Rifle Corps have requested me, their Ensign now on a
visit to this country, to ascertain if it is possible for them
to procure (either as a gift or a loan) a set of Targets for
Rifle Practice.

I therefore take the liberty of asking you if you could kindly
make the necessary requisition to the War Office, or proper
Military authority, to enable us to get these Targets, assuming
that it is possible to do so. The Victoria (V.I.) Rifle Corps is
the only Land force on Vancouver Island, & it has been
maintained at considerable expense to both officers & men. I
would submit therefore that it is well worthy of any little
assistance of this kind which Her Majesty's Government could
bestow upon it. Mr Birch having been in the Colony would
probably endorse this latter statement, and both he & Mr
Holland are acquainted with the writer.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68052.txt
================================================================================

No. 52

In obedience to the instructions conveyed in Your Grace's
despatch No. 16 of 2nd March 1868, I have the honor to
forward the Deed by which the Hudson's Bay Company reconveyed
Vancouver Island to the Crown.

I add copies of Minutes which have passed between the Colonial
Secretary and Attorney General on the subject.

3. I shall, as suggested by Your Grace, bring the matter before
the Legislative Council at its next Session.



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FILE: 1868-06-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68053.txt
================================================================================

No. 53

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Separate despatch
of the 27th March, directing me to send Home the Public Seal
of the late Colony of Vancouver Island.

2. Your Grace wishes the Seal to be returned by hand through
some officer of Her Majesty's Navy or through some other secure
channel.

3. On the receipt of Your Grace's despatch I placed myself in
communicaton with Rear Admiral Hastings, and he has engaged that
Commander Denny of Her Majesty's ship "Forward," who returns to
England on promotion, shall take charge of the Seal and deliver
it personally in Downing Street.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68054.txt
================================================================================

No. 54

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 4. An Ordinance to Assimilate the Law affecting the
limitation of certain causes of Actions and Suits.

2. As this Ordinance has been amended in accordance with Your
Grace's directions, I presume that there can be no objection to
its allowance.

3. In forwarding the Attorney General's report, upon the
enclosed ordinance I would venture to call Your Grace's
attention to the suggestions with which that report concludes.
Those suggestions appear to me so well adapted, if carried out,
to the benefit of this Colony, that I have directed the Attorney
General to prepare a Bill for the purpose. Should it pass the
Legislative Council, I shall reserve it for Your Grace's consideration.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68055.txt
================================================================================

No. 55

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 5. An Ordinance to confirm certain Titles to Real Property
in Vancouver Island.

2. The Attorney General sees no reason why this simple measure
should not be allowed, and I concur with him.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68056.txt
================================================================================

No. 56

I have the honor to forward an authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 6. An Ordinance respecting the investigation of Accidents
by Fire.

I add the report of the Attorney General.

2. This measure appears to be a useful one, and I beg to
recommend it for allowance.



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FILE: 1868-06-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68057.txt
================================================================================

No. 57

I have the honor to forward an Address to Her Majesty the Queen
signed on behalf of the Municipal Council and people of New
Westminster by the Chairman of the Committee appointed to
celebrate Her Majesty's last birthday.

2. There was not a more loyal little community in any part of
the world than that which is now addressing Her Majesty, and I
know that the congratulations on the failure of certain
treasonable attempts are sincere. I am aware also that a
thrill of horror passed through the Colony when intelligence
was received of the murderous attack made on His Royal Highness
the Duke of Edinburgh.

3. The address proceeds to comment upon the change made in the
Seat of Government from New Westminster to Victoria. Your Grace
is aware that I likewise was of opinion that the people of the
former town had a grievance in this matter, but Your despatch
No. 67, of 1st October 1867, states that Her Majesty's
Government are of opinion that the question of the selection of
a Capital for a Colony must depend a good deal upon the public
convenience. There could not be two Capitals for British
Columbia. New Westminster has every advantage for becoming a
large town. I throw aside as utterly without foundation the
statements made by persons interested in Victoria as to the
difficulty of the Navigation of the Fraser. But the great
embarrassment was that population would not come to New
Westminster and that the greater portion of the political power
of the Colony was centred in a rival town only seventy miles
distant. Then, the Governor at New Westminster was separated
from the Head Quarters of the Fleet, from the Head of the Local
Church, from Banks and from the Hudson's Bay Company. The last
being no mean power in this Colony. The people would not come
to the Government. Were they to live apart or was the
Government, without any sacrifice of its own convenience being
required, to meet the people? However as the people of the
Mainland never desired Union with Vancouver Island, I think the
inhabitants of New Westminster have a fair right to consider
themselves aggrieved in this matter.



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FILE: 1868-06-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68058.txt
================================================================================

No. 58

I find in Your Grace's despatch No. 9 of the 8th of February
the expression of the anticipation that I shall report how the
irregularities in the Sale of Real property in Victoria for
taxes occurred. How they escaped detection. Who are the Public
Officers chargeable with them, whether they are still in the
Public Service and in what way they were remunerated.

2. These irregularities occurred before my assumption of the
Government of this Island, and I find the greatest difficulty in
procuring information respecting their origin. I think that the
matter may now be allowed to drop. This was, as stated in my
despatch No. 157, of 30th November 1867, simply an average
instance of the manner in which public business was transacted
in Vancouver Island. The public officers' time appears to have
been taken up by disputes with the House of Assembly. Their
attention engrossed by the affairs of the Mainland.



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FILE: 1868-06-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68058PR.txt
================================================================================

[Private]

In obedience to the wish expressed in Your Grace's letters of
the 30 Nov, I have the honor to forward a paper shewing the
steps which have been taken in this colony towards establishing
an overland communication with Canada.

I am happy to say that everything is quiet & orderly in this
Colony at present, & that the prospects both for the miners &
farmers are more favourable than they have been for several years.



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FILE: 1868-06-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68058SC.txt
================================================================================

Secret

I would venture to request that Your Grace will not appoint
Mr William A.G. Young to the permanent office of Colonial
Secretary without some further communication with me. I find
Mr Young clever and energetic, but he is so mixed up in the
 affairs of Victoria, that I cannot give him the entire
confidence which a Governor should repose in his Colonial Secretary.

Mr Young knows nothing of the interior of the main land
portion of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1868-06-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68059.txt
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No. 59

I have had the honor to receive today Your despatch No. 22, of
10th April, on the subject of the financial condition of the
Colony. The Returns called for by Your Grace I shall be unable
to forward, I regret to say, by the present opportunity. They
shall follow by the next.

2. As far as I am concerned I have to repeat the statement,
that I have never appointed an Officer higher than a constable
and have no expectation of doing so during my incumbency of
Office. My duty has been simply to cut down expenditure and
many are the families I have reduced to destitution.

3. To impose additional taxation, as suggested by Your Grace,
would be simply to drive the unattached population out of the
Colony and to leave us poorer than we are now.

4. Enormous sums were spent by my predecessor in making rival
roads to the single Gold Mine of Cariboo. A staff of Public
Officers was created sufficient for a population ten times as
great as we have now. To me has fallen the melancholy task of
reducing expenditure, and I may mention incidentally that my own
Salary is upwards of eleven months in arrears and that the Bank
of British Columbia is charging me eighteen per cent interest on
an overdrawn account.

5. The reductions I propose to make will probably leave me
without an Executive Council and I shall have humbly to request
fresh Royal Instructions.



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FILE: 1868-06-08_Tucker_to_Buckingham_B685MI07.txt
================================================================================

Tucker to Buckingham

I have the honor to submit to Your Grace a letter that I have
addressed to His Excellency the Governor of British Columbia
intimating a desire to promote the construction of an Hydraulic
Lift at Vancouver's Island, capable of raising vessels of a dead
weight of 3000 tons for repair or cleaning.

As the only aid asked of the Colony is limited protection against
competition and such minor assistance as it may be possible to
grant, it is hoped that Your Grace will so far promote the
undertaking as to forward the letter after perusal by the first
convenient opportunity with such notion of Your Grace's favor as
you may consider due to the undertaking.

I cannot, however, but urge upon Your Grace, the great
advantages that such a work would confer upon the Imperial
Government towards the efficient Maintenance of the Iron Clads
and other ships attached to H.M. Squadrons in the North Pacific:
also the great difficulty that exists in providing funds for any
Engineering work in the present depressed state of the money
market; and as the capital required cannot be taken at less than
£130,000, I am desired respectfully to ask, whether, presuming
that the sum of £100,000 is raised in the ordinary way, Your
Grace would feel justified in recommending to the Government at
home, the grant of a sum of money
in aid, and if so, to what extent, always providing that
 the work shall be commenced and completed at certain agreed
dates, and the lift and pontoons always placed at the prior
disposal and use of Her Majesty's Ships.

Trusting to Your Grace's favorable consideration.



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FILE: 1868-06-09_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68060.txt
================================================================================

No. 60

I have the honor to forward copy of a letter which I have just
received from Mr Wm Duncan, Magistrate and Missionary at
Metlakahtla in this Colony.

2. Rear Admiral Hastings is happily now on the Northern Coast
in Her Majesty's Ship "Sparrowhawk" and will I have no doubt
furnish assistance to Mr Duncan.

3. It is my intention to visit Queen Charlotte's Island shortly
and I shall call at Metlakahtla.



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FILE: 1868-06-10_Briggs_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD06.txt
================================================================================

Briggs to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit, herewith, to be laid before the Secretary of State for
the Colonies a copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Hastings,
Commander in Chief on the Pacific Station, asking instructions
relative to the payment of arrears of Colonial Pay to the
Detachment of Royal Marines at San Juan, from 1st April to
31st Decr 1867.

By Treasury letters of July 1860 & April 1861, the Officers &
men of this Detachment of Royal Marines were granted a colonial
rate of pay
equal to their Imperial Pay, and
the latter pay has been increased from 1st April 1867
 under HM's Order in Council of 27 August 1867.

Under these circumstances my Lords are desirous of being
informed whether there is any objection to the payment of the
arrears in question.



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FILE: 1868-06-10_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE05.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have
had before them your letter of the 30 ulto, inclosing a
letter from the Crown Agents for the Colonies respecting
the mode of meeting the Dividend shortly falling due on the
British Columbia Debentures.

My Lords desire me to state that, under the circumstances
mentioned in Mr Sargeaunts letter of 21st ulto They consider
that there is practically no alternative to the course proposed
by the Secretary of State; and They accordingly request that
His Grace will direct the Crown Agents to retain the Funds now
in their hands to the credit of British Columbia, towards
meeting the Interest on the Debentures of that Colony falling
due in the course of next month; and to postpone all payments
to the Sinking Fund until fresh remittances have been received.

Their Lordships much regret that the representations already
made to the Colonial Government by the Secretary of State
should have proved so ineffectual.

His Grace will recollect that, in the Letter from this
Department of 18 May 1867, it was observed that "the
Governor should be directed to consider Liabilities in respect
of Loans to stand in the position of primary charges on the
Revenue, even before the Salaries of Public Officers."
Although this rule is, in effect, no other than that laid down
by the Colonial Acts No 5 of 1862 Sect 6; No 5 of 1863 Sect 6;
& No 7 of 1864 Sect 4, it is but too clear that it is not being
adhered to; and My Lords feel it necessary to add that its
non-observance implies serious culpability on the part of the
local Administration, and an indifference to the punctual
discharge of just liabilities which cannot fail to have a
most prejudicial effect as regards the future credit of this Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-11_Kimberley_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685MI08.txt
================================================================================

Kimberley to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to transmit herewith an extract of a letter
received from the principal officer of the Hudson's Bay Company
in British Columbia, dated Victoria, Vancouver's Island 29th
April 1868, on the question of the right of British vessels to
free access to the Stikine River in the Territory, recently
ceded by the Russian Government to the United States.

By the 6th article of the Convention between Great Britain and
Russia dated St. Peter[s]burgh 16/28 February 1825, it is
provided—

That the subjects of His Britanic Majesty, from whatever
quarter they may arrive, whether from the Ocean or from the
interior of the Continent, shall for ever enjoy the right of
navigating freely and without any hindrance whatever, all the
rivers and streams which in their course towards the Pacific
Ocean may cross the line of demarcation upon the line of Coast
described in Article III of the present Convention,

and the Company presume that there can be no doubt that this
Article is binding on the United States as the present possessor
of the Territory.

I am therefore to request that you will move His Grace the Duke
of Buckingham and Chandos to take steps to have this matter
brought under the consideration of the United States Government
and to obtain for the Company relief from the grievance complained
of in Mr Tolmie's letter.



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FILE: 1868-06-15_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE07.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have
had before them your letter of the 29th ulto enclosing
copy of a letter from the Crown Agents relative to the
proposal to invest a portion of the sinking Fund of British
Columbia Loans in the purchase of the Debentures of the Colony.

I am to state for the information of the Secretary of State that
My Lords will not object to a discretionary power being given to
the Crown Agents for the investment, subject to the provisions
of the Ordinance No. 6 of 1866, of the Sinking Funds of these
Loans in the purchase of Debentures of B. Columbia or of Ceylon,
New South Wales, Mauritius, Victoria, or Cape of Good Hope or
New Zealand.



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FILE: 1868-06-15_Hill_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI09.txt
================================================================================

Hill to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In a letter to the Treasury dated the
12th August last the Postmaster General suggested that
certain proposals should be made, through the Colonial Office,
to the Government of British Columbia for the improvement of the
postal service between the United Kingdom and that Colony.

These proposals had in view the establishment of a uniform rate
of postage on letters, newspapers, Books and Patterns, combining
both the British and Colonial rates, with an arrangement that
each Office should retain the postage it collects. The
Postmaster General further recommended that the cost of conveyance
of the Mails across the Atlantic, and through the United States
should be equally divided between the Mother Country and the
Colony, and that the Mother Country should also pay half the
reasonable expense of conveyance between San Francisco and
British Columbia.

The Postmaster General requests that you will be good enough to
inform him whether the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos has
received any reply to these proposals from the Government of
British Columbia.

From a communication received from the Acting Postmaster General
of British Columbia dated the 16th January last, it appears
that preparations were then being made in the Colony for
carrying the new arrangements into operation; and since that time
letters have arrived in the Mails from New Westminster, which
have been paid to the amount of 25 cents each, under the
impression seemingly that the postage could be prepaid to
England; but, in the absence of any acceptance by the Colonial
Government of the Duke of Montrose's offer, such letters could
not be regarded by this Office as paid to destination, and have
been charged on delivery with the usual British postage.

This charge has given rise to numerous complaints from the Public,
and the Duke of Montrose is anxious, therefore, to learn as soon
as possible that the Colonial Government agree to the arrangements.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-15_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE06.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have
had before them your letter of June 8th calling attention
to the British Columbia Ordinance No 18 of 1867 "to amend
the duties of Customs" which was enclosed in your letter of
Jany 10th last.

I am to state that My Lords have called upon the Commissioners
of Customs to furnish a fresh Report upon the subject of this
Ordinance. A copy of their Report will be forwarded for the
information of the Secretary of State, as soon as it has been
received.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-15_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68061.txt
================================================================================

No. 61

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the Legislature of this Colony,
entitled;

No. 8. An Ordinance authorizing the Sale of the Real Estate of
Intestates, and for other purposes.

2. This measure appears to me well adapted to the circumstances
of the Colony and I see no objection to its allowance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-16_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687032.txt
================================================================================

No. 32

I transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a letter from
Mr. Roscoe, Ensign in the Vancouver Island Volunteer Corps, applying
for a set of Targets for Rifle practice, together with a copy of a
letter which I have caused to be addressed to the War Department on the
subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-16_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68062.txt
================================================================================

No. 62

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 9. An Ordinance in Aid of the Trustees Relief Act.

2. I append the Report of the Attorney General.



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FILE: 1868-06-17_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE08.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit to you herewith for the information
of the Secretary of State copy of a Letter from the Admiralty
in reference to expenses incurred in consequence of the
Military occupation of the Island of San Juan by a detachment
of Royal Marines.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-18_Briggs_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD07.txt
================================================================================

Briggs to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, an Extract of a letter from Rear Admiral
Hastings relative to the selection of Victoria as the Capital of
British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-19_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687033.txt
================================================================================

No. 33

On the 24th August last, in my Despatch No. 50 I forwarded to
you a copy of a letter addressed by the Postmaster General to the
Treasury suggesting certain improvements of the Postal Service
between the United Kingdom and British Columbia.

I have not received any reply to that Despatch and now transmit
to you a copy of a further letter from the Post Office on the same
subject, from which you will learn that the Postmaster General is
anxious to learn whether your Government agrees to the proposals
embodied in his former letter of the 12th August.

I request that you will as soon as possible Report to me the
views of your Government in this matter.



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FILE: 1868-06-19_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687033A.txt
================================================================================

Memo

Sir Frederic Rogers presents his compliments to Governor
Seymour and is directed by the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos to
request that in acknowledging the receipt of Despatches received from
the Secretary of State the date of the receipt in British Columbia
may be stated.



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FILE: 1868-06-20_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687034.txt
================================================================================

No. 34

I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information and
guidance, a copy of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury forwarding a letter from the Admiralty in reference to
expenses incurred in consequence of the Military occupation of the
Island of San Juan by a Detachment of Royal Marines.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-22_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687035.txt
================================================================================

No. 35

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
30 of the 8th of April forwarding a letter from Mr. Arthur Bushby,
Registrar General of Titles in British Columbia requesting employment
in some other Colony.

In reply I have to inform you that I have noted Mr. Bushby's
name with those of other applicants for Colonial appointments, who I
must add are very numerous.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-22_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687035A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
Separate of the 17th of March reporting on the state of affairs in
British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-22_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687036.txt
================================================================================

No. 36

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
32 of the 29th of April, forwarding copies of the speech with which
you opened the session of the Legislative Council of British Columbia
on the 21st of March, of the reply of the Council and of your
rejoinder.

I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 35
of the 2nd of May, forwarding a copy of the Speech with which you
prorogued the Council on the 1st of May.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-22_Lennox_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD08.txt
================================================================================

Lennox to Under-Secretary of State

In reply to your Letter of the 16th Instant transmitting a
Copy of a Letter from Mr J. Scott Tucker relative to the
 desirability of constructing a Hydraulic Lift at Vancouvers
Island; 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, should a company be formed and
the requisite Capital be subscribed for the formation of a
Hydraulic Lift in the Harbour of Esquimalt, my Lords will be
prepared to recommend to the Treasury the application in favour
of the undertaking, of the provisions of the "Colonial Docks
Loans Act."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68063.txt
================================================================================

No. 63

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled

No. 10. An Ordinance to Amend, "The Shipping Ordinance 1867."

2. I add the Report of the Attorney General.

3. This Ordinance was introduced to the Legislative Council in
obedience to the instructions conveyed in the third paragraph of
Your Grace's despatch No. 7. of the 5th February 1868. I
did not think it expedient to amend the former ordinance to the
extent suggested by Your Grace. The question of the
introduction of Foreign bottoms into the Coasting trade is one
which creates so much interest that I feared any fresh attempt
at Legislation on the subject would have unduly prolonged the
Session.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-23_Ransom_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI10.txt
================================================================================

Ransom to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to my letters to you of 9th & 23rd April last, I
have the honor to enclose for the information of his Grace the
Secretary of State for the Colonies copy of further
correspondence between the Colonial Secretary of British
Columbia and the Manager of this Bank at Victoria, respecting
the overdrawn account of the Colonial Government with the Bank.

My letter to you of 23rd April last enclosed a copy of a letter
to our Manager at Victoria, dated 16th of that month, in which
I informed him, that the Court of Directors of this Bank,
relying on the assurance of the Colonial Government "that the
most strenuous exertions will be made during the coming season
to reduce the liabilities of the Government to the Bank," were
willing to allow the rate of interest to continue at twelve per
cent per annum.

As this was the point contended for by the Colonial Government,
it is hoped that its concession by the Directors will prove
satisfactory.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-24_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68064.txt
================================================================================

No. 64

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the late Session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 11. An Ordinance to extend The Thompson Bridge Toll Act 1864.

2. I enclose the Report of the Attorney General and beg to
state that the measure meets with my approval.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687037.txt
================================================================================

No. 37

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
4 of the 3rd of February, suggesting that the Sinking fund of the
British Columbia Loans should be invested in the purchase of the
Debentures of the colony.

In reply I transmit to you, for your information, copies of a
correspondence which has passes on the subject between this
Department, the Board of Treasury and the Crown Agents from which
you will see that the Crown Agents have been given a discretionary
power for the investment, subject to the provisions of the Ordinance
No. 6 of 1866, of the Sinking fund of the British Columbia Loans in
the purchase of Debentures of British Columbia or of Ceylon, New
South Wales, Mauritius, Victoria, Cape of Good Hope or New Zealand.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-25_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO04.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I have laid before Lord Stanley your letter of the 23rd
Instant, forwarding a copy of a letter from the Hudsons Bay
Company as to the rights of British vessels with regard to the
navigation of the rivers in the territory recently ceded by
Russia to the United States, and I am directed by His Lordship
to request that you will refer The Duke of Buckingham to The
Queen Advocates Report of December 26th last, of which a
copy was inclosed in my letter of the 30th of the same
month, and in which His Grace will find an answer to the
question raised by the Hudson's Bay Company.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-25_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68062SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

With reference to My despatch No. 53 of 1st June, I have the
honor to state that I have this day handed over the Public Seal
of Vancouver Island to Rear Admiral Hastings. The Seal will I
believe be conveyed to the Colonial Office by Commander Denny
late of Her Majesty's ship "Forward".



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-25_Trevor_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TA02.txt
================================================================================

Trevor to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge your letter
of the 20th instant, Enclosing a copy of a Despatch from the
Governor of British Columbia explaining an alleged omission on
the part of the Crown Agents to Supply the whole of the Stores
for the Lighthouses (in Vancouvers Island) included in a certain
Requisition made in April 1865 and also forwarding a requisition
for the Supply of Lighthouse Stores.

In reply I am to request that you will move His Grace the Duke
of Buckingham & Chandos to cause this Board to be informed
whether the Crown Agents will be directed to pay the Expenses
incurred in Supplying the articles named in the Requisition now
transmitted.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687038.txt
================================================================================

No. 38

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 17th
March, No. 18.

There seems to have been a misapprehension on the part of the
Admiralty in regard to your having made a complaint against Admiral
Hastings of refusing you Naval assistance, which the correspondence
you now forward, and which ought to have accompanied your despatch
No. 93, of the 16th August of last year, has removed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687039.txt
================================================================================

No. 39

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 18th
March last, No. 21, in which, acting on the advice of your Executive
Council, you recommend that Ordinance No. 10, of 1866, conferring
certain privileges on the Williams Creek, Bed Rock Flume company,
should be left to its operation.

As I infer therefore that the Ordinance has been in force for
two years without inconvenience or complaint, I have to convey to you
Her Majesty's Gracious Confirmation and allowance of it.

I must however observe that your report on the Ordinance need
not have been delayed for so long a time.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687040.txt
================================================================================

No. 40

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 19th
March enclosing remarks by Chief Justice Needham and the Attorney
General upon the Draft Ordinance which was transmitted to you in my
Despatch of the 13th November.

That Ordinance which was settled by the Law Officers of the
Crown, was sent out to guide and assist the Colonial Legislature in
carrying out a measure which, with reference to the terms of the
British Columbia Act 1866 and the existing interest in the Colony,
appeared to me upon a careful consideration of the whole subject, to
be best calculated to meet the difficulties of the case.

A Draft Law framed in England to meet an anomalous state of
things existing in a colony very peculiarly constituted, must of
course require alterations and additions in matters of detail, but I
had hoped that by the cordial cooperation of the Judges and Attorney
General imperfections of that class would substantially have been
removed by the introduction of Clauses into the Ordinance before or
during its progress through the Legislature. I cannot help observing
that many of the difficulties and objections now raised by the
Attorney General could readily have been so met.

The fact of the Union of British Columbia with Vancouver Island,
has not made the working of the two Supreme Courts more difficult,
but, on the contrary, by bringing both courts under the jurisdiction
of a Single Legislature, has given facilities for making the
operation of those Courts more harmonious and useful.

I still entertain a strong hope that when the Ordinance is sent
over for Her Majesty's sanction, I shall find that steps have been
taken to remedy all substantial difficulties pointed out by the
Attorney General and Judges, some of which had not escaped my
attention, but which I am assured may to a great extent be obviated
by careful Legislation. Though I do not find in the papers before me
any reason to doubt that the principle of the Draft Ordinance is
capable of being worked with perfect ease by intelligent officers
whose desire is that public affairs shall be properly conducted, yet
you must observe from the tenor of my Despatches that it is by no
means my desire to preclude the Government and Legislature from
adopting any other mode of dealing with the existing anomalies,
which, without injustice to existing officers, seems to them to
promise more satisfactory results.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687040A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

In reply to your Confidential Despatch of the 19th April I may
refer you to my public Despatch of this day's date as containing my
views upon the subject of the Supreme Courts of British Columbia and
Vancouver Island.

The difficulty in dealing with this case has been considerably
increased from the fact than an erroneous view of the effect of the
British Columbia Act 1866 was so strongly entertained at first in the
Colony; and it is to this fact that I am inclined to attribute, in
part, the continued opposition of the Judges and Attorney General to
the proposed measure.

I am fully aware of the objections which have been and may be
urged against that measure, but I do not doubt that the attorney
general will have exerted himself to insert in the Bill during its
passage through the Legislature Clauses calculated either to remove
the inconveniences which he anticipates or to mitigate them as far as
the circumstances of British Columbia render such mitigation
practicable.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687041.txt
================================================================================

No. 41

I have received your Despatch, No. 26, of the 2nd of April and
have read with interest the Minute which you enclose, by the surveyor
general of British Columbia, on the subject of a Coach Road through
British territory between the Pacific Coast and Canada.

I have caused a copy of this paper to be communicated to the
Royal Geographical Society.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-26_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68064PR.txt
================================================================================

Private

I send you a report respecting the state of Victoria which
I have just received from the Police Magistrate. I will
send a copy to the Admiral as soon as I can procure one.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-27_Stocks_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA05.txt
================================================================================

Stocks to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of 16th Inst and to acquaint you in
reply for the information of the Secretary of State for the
Colonies that Targets or Mantlets are not supplied by this
Department to Volunteer Corps at Home or Abroad, but when
applications are made, a specification for a Target &c is given
to enable the Corps to obtain the proper Pattern from private sources.

Sir John Pakington has therefore directed that the enclosed
drawings and specifications should be forwarded in order to
comply as far as possible with His Grace's recommendation, and
to enable the Volunteers of Vancouvers Island to obtain the
Targets they require from the Trade.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-29_Poole_to_Buckingham_B686P01.txt
================================================================================

Poole to Buckingham

Having been the first explorer after Capt Cook of Queen
Charlotte Island west of Vancouver Island and having made there
discoveries of the resources of that place which I am firmly
convinced could be developed to the benefit of hundreds of
thousands of English people, I beg to ask the Government to
grant me a concession of it not upon my own responsibility alone
but upon the condition I should find adequate Capital to carry
out the objects I have shadowed forth.

I make this proposal because I conceive that the Government of
this country is anxious to find employment for the surplus
poplulation of the Kingdom particularly when no taxation or
encumbrance can by any probability arise from it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-30_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687042.txt
================================================================================

No. 42

I have the honor to transmit to you for your information a copy
of a letter which has been addressed to me by Mr. J. Scott Tucker, on
behalf of the British Columbia Graving Dock Company, representing the
desirability of constructing a Hydraulic Lift at Vancouver's Island
and enquiring what aid Her Majesty's government would be disposed to
grant towards the completion of such an undertaking together with a
copy of the answer which has been returned to Mr. Tucker by my
direction.

I also transmit copies of a Correspondence with the Admiralty on
the subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-06-30_Cox_to_Adderley_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B685MI12.txt
================================================================================

Cox to Adderley (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 26th inst.
which has been laid before the Directors, & for which they are
much obliged.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-01_Bates_to_Adderley_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B685MI11.txt
================================================================================

Bates to Adderley (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of copy of a paper
which you have sent by the direction of His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos, on the subject of a Coach Road in
British Columbia. The document shall be laid, at their next
meeting, before the President and Council of this Society, who
will authorize me to convey through you their thanks to His
Grace for this donation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-01_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE09.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letter of 24th ulto enclosing copy of a
despatch from the Governor of British Columbia on the
subject of the loss which the Colony sustains by the
present mode of paying Imperial Pensioners resident in
the Colony—with enclosures.

I am to state, for the information of the Secretary of
State, that under the circumstances represented in the
memorandum of the Acting Secretary of British Columbia
transmitted by Governor Seymour, My Lords will not object
to the Colonial Government drawing Bills on the Paymaster
General half yearly, in advance, for sums not exceeding
£150 each—on account of these Pensioners. But in this
case, accounts and vouchers for the expenditure of the
money so drawn must be sent to this Country every half year.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68065.txt
================================================================================

No. 65

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 29 of
the 21st May, pointing out that I had not given advice of
the sum of fifteen hundred pounds having been drawn on the
Paymaster General for the Maintenance of the Royal Marines
stationed on San Juan Island.

2. I must attribute this omission more to Postal irregularities
than to negligence on my part as I observe that my despatch No.
19 of the 18th March, gave Your Grace notice that I had
authorized the drawing for the amount mentioned.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-01_Smith_to_Adderley_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B685MI13.txt
================================================================================

Smith to Adderley (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 26th ultimo and, in requesting you will convey to the Duke
of Buckingham and Chandos the thanks of the Governor and
Committee of the Hudsons Bay Company for this communication, I
am directed to state that they have heard with much satisfaction
the decision which has been arrived at in favour of Victoria as
the Capital of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-02_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE10.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have
had before them your letter of 16th ulto enclosing copy
of a letter from the Admiralty with one from the Naval
Commander in Chief on the Pacific Station asking for
instructions as to the payment of arrears of Colonial Pay to
the Detachment of Royal Marines at San Juan from April 1st
to Decr 31st 1867.

I am to state for the information of the Secretary of State,
that as it would appear to My Lords clear from the correspondence
which took place in 1860 that the detachment which was stationed
at St Juan was to be granted extra pay equal to the
regular pay of the Force, My Lords are of the opinion that the
men who are serving at that station are entitled to receive
additional pay granted by the Order in Council of August 1867,
from the date at which such additional pay was granted under
the provisions of the Order in Council.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-02_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG03.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to my letter of the 21st May last I have the honor
to report, for the information of the Duke of Buckingham and
Chandos, that the Crown Agents for the Colonies have received
the following remittances from the Government of British
Columbia since that date:

Bill matured 23rd June
£1,000

Bill maturing 4th August
1,000

Bill maturing 8th July
1,000

Bill maturing 3rd Septr
1,000

Add amount available on the  15th June last
3,245

Total
£7,245

The liabilities on account of Interest and Sinking Funds on
Loans, including the amount which will be required on the
15th Instant, are

Interest
£4,200

Sinking Fund
6,425

Total
£10,625

By discounting the Bills in hand funds sufficient to meet all
Interest up to the 15th Instant will be obtained, leaving
£3,045 for Sinking funds less the cost of discount, which, at
the present rate, will fortunately be very small.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-04_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687043.txt
================================================================================

No. 43

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 46
of the 14th of May, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
Confirmation and Allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 1 of
1868 entitled "An Ordinance to establish a Standard of Weights and
Measures."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-04_Verney_to_Adderley_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B686V01.txt
================================================================================

Verney to Adderley (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 26th of June;

I beg to thank his Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos for
his communication.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-06_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO05.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Lord Stanley to transmit to you to be laid
before the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos a copy of a despatch
from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington forwarding a copy of a
Report which has been submitted to the Senate of the United
States in regard to the joint occupation of the Island of San
Juan, by the military forces of Great Britain and the United States.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-07_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687044.txt
================================================================================

No. 44

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 27 of the
3rd of April, respecting the loss which the Colony sustains by the
present mode of paying Imperial pensioners resident in British Columbia.

In reply I have to inform you that the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury to whom your Despatch was referred have stated that they will
not object to your Government drawing Bills on the Paymaster General
half yearly, in advance, for sums not exceeding £150 each on account of
these pensioners. But in this case account and vouchers for the
expenditure of the money so drawn must be sent to this Country every
half year.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-07_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE11.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit to you herewith to be laid before the
Secretary of State, with reference to the letter of this
Board of 19th ulto, copy of a letter from the Exchequer
and Audit Department relative to the expenses incurred in
connection with the Detachment of Royal Marines at St Juan.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-08_Poole_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B686P02.txt
================================================================================

Poole to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have again taken the liberty of calling to enquire the result
of my application for a grant of Land on Queen Charlotte Island
(20,000 Acres) being anxious to obtain this before Parliament dissolves.

When I had the honor of an interview with you last Monday Week
you suggested I should purchase the land at once. If I cannot
obtain a free grant I am willing to pay for the land on the
condition that
when the Capital is raised that I should do so.

Soliciting your kind consideration and apologizing for my thus
troubling you.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-09_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687045.txt
================================================================================

No. 45

With reference to my Despatch, No. 34, of the 20th of June, I have
the honor to transmit to you for your information and guidance a copy of
a further letter from the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury enclosing
a copy of a letter from the Exchequer and Audit Department relative to
the expenses incurred in connection with the detachment of Royal Marines
stationed at San Juan Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-09_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687046.txt
================================================================================

No. 46

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches No.
31 of the 19th of April and No. 51 of the 18th of May, the first
reporting that having brought the question of the selection of a Capital
for the united Colony under the consideration of the Legislative
Council, you had received a resolution from them expressing the opinion
that Victoria is the place most suitable for the Capital, and the second
forwarding a copy of the Proclamation by which you declared Victoria to
 be the Capital of the united Colony on the 25th of May.

In reply I have to inform you that I have been glad to be apprized
of the settlement of a question which while it remained open must have
furnished a continual source of irritation and uncertainty, and I feel
little doubt that you have judged rightly in placing the Seat of
Government in that part of the Colony where the greatest stationary
population has collected and where maritime communication is easiest.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-09_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE12.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the
Secretary of State, with reference to your letter of 4th
inst., enclosing a statement with vouchers showing the
payment by the Colonial Government of British Columbia during
the year 1867 of the sum of £164.10.1 on account of pensions
and gratuities granted by the Imperial Government, that My
Lords have forwarded the Accounts and Vouchers to the War Office,
and requested that after the same have been examined the amount
due to the Colony may be paid to the Crown Agents.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-09_Lennox_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AD09.txt
================================================================================

Lennox to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your
letter of the 4th Instant and its enclosures; I am commanded
by their Lordships to acquaint you for the information of the
Duke of Buckingham and Chandos that there does not appear to be
any objections to the Royal Sanction being given to an Ordinance
of the Legislature of British Columbia for the more effectual
protection of Her Majestys Naval and Victualling Stores.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-10_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN05.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letters of 2nd & 9th inst
enclosing an application from Mr Poole for a concession of Queen
 Charlotte Island, on the ground that he has discovered there
resources which might be developed with advantage to the public.
Mr Poole suggests as a condition of the grant
that he should undertake to find adequate
capital to carry out the objects he has in view.

2. I need scarcely observe that a free grant of land, even on
the condition suggested by Mr Poole, is contrary to the
principles which have guided every government in the disposal of
land in the Colonies for the last 35 years—nothing but the
certain prospect of very signal

advantages would justify a departure from those principles.
There is, however, nothing in Mr Poole's letter to indicate any
such prospect, and I cannot, therefore, recommend a compliance
with his application. Of course if Mr Poole should desire to
 do so, it is open to him as to any one else, to become the
purchaser of land in Queen Charlotte Island under the ordinary
regulations of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-10_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68066.txt
================================================================================

No. 66

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 29th May forwarding the undermentioned Parliamentary
Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-11_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687047.txt
================================================================================

No. 47

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 45
of the 14th of May, forwarding a copy of a Resolution passed by the
Legislative Council of British Columbia during its recent Session on the
subject of Union with the Dominion of Canada.

Copies of your Despatch and of its enclosures have been forwarded
for the information of the Government of Canada.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-13_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48

In my Despatch of the 14th December last No. 97, I informed you
that your request to be allowed to draw on the Imperial Exchequer for a
sum of £50,000 in consequence of the Financial difficulties in which the
Colony of British Columbia had become involved, was engaging the serious
attention of Her Majesty's Government, and I subsequently received your
Despatch No. 162 of the 12th December in which you brought fully before
me the reasons which you considered were a justification for your making
such a demand on the Home Treasury.

From my despatch already mentioned you will probably have
anticipated the decision which I have to convey to you. Her Majesty's
Government after repeated consideration of the question have arrived at
the conclusion that they would not be justified in asking Parliament to
authorize a Loan of Money to British Columbia.

I am fully sensible of the extent of the difficulties with which
you have had and still have to contend, and I do not doubt that you will
use your utmost endeavours to meet them.

I am also aware that the endeavours of the British Columbia
Government to discharge or reduce its liabilities have exposed yourself
and other public Officers to much inconvenience. This I sincerely
regret. But Her Majesty's Government have not thought these
circumstances sufficient justification for advancing money from the
British Treasury for the purpose of meeting Colonial difficulties caused
in the main by a lavish expenditure on works supposed to be required for
the development of the Colony. They could have little hope that
Parliament would sanction such an application of Imperial funds.

You will have already learnt that the Bank do not adhere to their
high charge of 18 per Cent per annum interest upon the Colonial debt,
and I am glad to hear that you have been able to reduce that debt to the
Bank to $51,227.

I am unable at the present moment to make to you any communication
in regard to the establishment of a more regular postal communication
between England and British Columbia, a question which is still engaging
the attention of Her Majesty's Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-13_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68067.txt
================================================================================

No. 67

The account with Her Majesty's Government in respect of
Expenditure for the detachment of the Royal Marines stationed on
San Juan Island being now overpaid by this Government, I have
the honor to acquaint Your Grace that I have this day drawn upon
Her Majesty's Paymaster General in the usual manner for the sum
of fifteen hundred pounds (£1,500) and I request
Your Grace will cause the Bill to be accepted on presentation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-13_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68068.txt
================================================================================

No. 68

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 18th May, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-13_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68069.txt
================================================================================

No. 29

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of the 12th and 18th May, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-13_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68070.txt
================================================================================

No. 70

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 13th May, directing me to furnish a Statement showing
the amount now in the hands of the Colonial Government on
account of the Sale of unclaimed wreck[s].

2. In reply I beg to state that there are no funds of this
description in the hands of this Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-14_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687049.txt
================================================================================

No. 49

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 43
of the 12th of May and to convey to you Her Majesty's gracious
Confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 34 of
1867, entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Laws relating to Gold
Mining."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-14_Kimberley_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685MI14.txt
================================================================================

Kimberley to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I beg to transmit to you the accompanying Extract of a letter
from Mr W.F. Tolmie the Hudsons Bay Company's principal Officer
in Vancouvers Island dated Victoria 28th May 1868 in reference
to the title to a lot of land in that Town known as "lot Z,"
which has been the subject of previous correspondence between
the Colonial Office and the Company.

I also enclose a copy of a letter to Mr Tolmie dated Victoria
May 27th last from Mr Lowenberg the owner of the said lot.

By these documents you will observe that upon the title to "lot
Z" there appears still some doubt in the minds of the Colonial
authorities in British Columbia, although the matter was
understood to have been finally settled by the Secretary of
State as announced in your letter to the Governor of the Company
dated November 22nd 1865.

I have therefore to request you will move His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos to instruct the Governor of British
Columbia to withdraw the claim on the part of the Colonial
Government to the land in question.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-16_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687050.txt
================================================================================

No. 50

I referred for the consideration of the Lords of the Committee of
Privy Council for Trade your despatch No. 22, of the 19th of March
enclosing a requisition for Lighthouse Stores and I transmit for your
information a copy of their reply.

I have caused their Lordships to be informed that the cost of
complying with the requisition will be paid by the Crown Agents on
application from the Board of Trade.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-18_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687051.txt
================================================================================

No. 51

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No.
47 of the 14th of May, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 2 of
1868 "for the more effectual protection of Her Majesty's Naval and
Victualling Stores."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-18_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687052.txt
================================================================================

No. 52

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 54
of the 2nd of June, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 4 of
1868 "to assimilate the Law affecting the limitation of certain causes
of actions and suits."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-18_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687053.txt
================================================================================

No. 53

I have the honor to transmit to you for your information Copies of
two letters which have been addressed to me by Mr. Francis Poole
applying for a concession of Queen Charlotte Island together with a copy
of the answer which has been returned to him by my direction.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-23_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687054.txt
================================================================================

No. 54

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 56
of the 3rd of June, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 6 of
1868, entitled "An Ordinance respecting the investigation of accidents
by fire."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-24_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD10.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, a copy of a letter from Rr Admiral, Honle
 G. Hastings, dated the 16th Ulto No 92, relative to the
murder of some Indians in British Columbia and the steps
proposed to be taken by the Admiral, in concert with the
Governor, to discover the Murderers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-24_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD11.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, a copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Hastings,
dated the 17th June No 94, reporting the results of a visit
he paid, in HMS "Sparrowhawk," to the several settlements in the
north of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687055.txt
================================================================================

No. 55

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 5
of the 5th of June forwarding an Address to Her Majesty the Queen,
signed on behalf of the Municipal Council and people of New Westminster
by the Chairman of the Committee appointed to celebrate Her Majesty's
last Birthday, in which they express their horror and indignation at the
recent attempt to assassinate His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh
at Sydney.

I am commanded to instruct you to assure the Municipal Council and
people of New Westminster that Her Majesty cordially appreciates the
spirit of loyalty to the British Crown and of attachment to the Person
and Family of the Sovereign displayed in their Address.

I regret greatly the disappointment of the hopes, naturally
entertained by the inhabitants of New Westminster, that their Town would
be the Capital of a British Colony, and I am aware that all your own
prepossessions would have led you to select that town for the seat of
Government of the United Colony of British Columbia. But the choice of
a capital must be determined by political and commercial considerations
affecting the welfare and convenience of the whole Community. After
careful enquiry and consideration Her Majesty's Government is satisfied
that the choice which has been actually made is that which the public
interest requires. And I trust that the founders of New Westminster
will not allow any feelings of irritation to affect their conduct
towards their fellow Colonists, with whose prosperity, they may be
assured, their own is most closely allied; or to prevent that hearty and
general cooperation for the common good, which the circumstances of the
present time so eminently demand; and with which I feel little
apprehension for the ultimate fortunes of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687056.txt
================================================================================

No. 56

With reference to the correspondence noted in the margin

*

I transmit to you, for your report, a Copy of a letter which has been
addressed to me by the Chairman of the Hudsons Bay Company enclosing
Copies of correspondence on the subject of Mr. Lowenberg's title to a
lot of land in the Town of Victoria known as "Lot Z."

I take for granted that Mr. Lowenberg's statements of what passed
between him and Mr. Young, the Acting Colonial Secretary result from
some misunderstanding as after the correspondence which has passed on
the subject of this lot of land I can hardly suppose that an Officer of
the Colonial Government should have told Mr. Lowenberg that his title to
lot Z would be disputed by the Government.

I enclose a Copy of the answer which I have caused to be returned
to the Chairman of the Hudsons Bay Company.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687056A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch Secret
of the 5th of June requesting that I will not appoint Mr. William A.G.
Young to the permanent office of Colonial Secretary of British Columbia
without some further communication with you.

In reply I have to inform you that in reliance upon your opinion I
shall endeavour to select some other well qualified person for the
appointment of Colonial Secretary as I consider it very important that
the Governor should be able to repose entire confidence in an Officer
holding that position.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68070SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to forward copies of certain reports from the
Police Magistrate of this town respecting the supposed
intentions of the Fenians against it. Warnings were also received
on the same subject from Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco.

2. Before leaving New Westminster I received several anonymous
letters warning me of the existence of a plot to carry me off,
and though I took no notice of them the Victoria Volunteers sent
the telegram, copy of which I enclose and Admiral Hastings
ordered, though unsolicited by me, an Officer and twenty Marines
to be ready for Service at New Westminster.

3. The Government House at Victoria where I now reside is
isolated on the top of a hill not a mile from the sea, in full
view of the American shore. It is about four miles from
Esquimalt where the ships of war lie and, therefore, there would
be no practical difficulty in carrying out any designs which the
Fenians might entertain against me as representing the British
Government. Under these circumstances, and with the advice of
the Executive Council, I have accepted Admiral Hastings' offer
of a Guard for Government House, or rather for myself, and am
about to build a small guard house at the Expense of the Crown Fund.

4. I trust that Your Grace will approve of these arrangements.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68071.txt
================================================================================

No. 71

I have the honor to enclose a letter addressed to Your Grace by
Mr Franklyn, late Magistrate of Nanaimo, one of the many
sufferers by the reductions in the Civil Establishment I have
been compelled to make.

2. Mr Franklyn in no way exaggerates my personal liking
towards him. I believe him to be honest, straightforward,
zealous and courageous. I have never had reason to find fault
with him as a Magistrate and I should be very glad to reappoint
him to office had I an opportunity; of which however I see no
prospect. I trust that Your Grace will be able to entertain
Mr Franklyn's application favourably.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68072.txt
================================================================================

No. 72

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain
Copies of an Ordinance of the last session of the Legislature,
entitled,

No. 12. An Ordinance to appropriate the sum of three hundred
and fifty eight thousand nine hundred and twenty three dollars
and five cents out of the General Revenue of the Colony for the
contingent service of the year 1868.

2. I enclose the Report of the Attorney General and also a
minute on the Estimates furnished by the Acting Colonial Secretary.

3. Your Grace will see from the latter paper that I am making
every effort to reduce the public expenditure.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68073.txt
================================================================================

No. 73

Your Grace's despatch No. 50 of the 24th August 1867,
forwards for my "guidance" a report from the Postmaster General
to the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury relative to the rates
of postage upon letters and papers sent between the United
Kingdom and British North America via the United States.

2. Your Grace directs me to bring this Report under the
consideration of my Council with a view to obtaining concurrence
in the recommendations of the Postmaster General.

3. Having consulted the members of the Executive Council &
received unanimous assent I forwarded copy of the Duke of
Montrose's letter of the 12th August 1867 for the
information of the Postmaster General on the 19th of
November. Since that date the proposition made has been acted
on by us. Letters with English stamps are delivered free in
this Colony, but it appears that in some, if not all cases, our
prepayment by means of local stamps has been ignored in the
United Kingdom and full postage charged.

4. If a formal acceptance of the Duke of Montrose's proposal is
required I hereby tender it, with the advice of my Council. But
I considered the matter settled when I sent a copy of the letter
of His Grace to our local Postmaster General on the 19th of
November last.



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FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68074.txt
================================================================================

No. 74

Referring to my despatch No. 45, of the 14th May, I have the
honor to forward to Your Grace Copy of a Motion which was made
in the Legislative Council by Mr De Cosmos in favour of an
Address to Her Majesty on the subject of confederation with the
Dominion of Canada. This Motion Your Grace will see was lost.

2. There is however a feeling with many persons in this Colony
that the best hopes of its progress are to be found in an
intimate Union with Canada. The difficulties however appear to
me to be, in the present state of things, almost insuperable and
the advantages remote. Confederation would however probably
attract greater attention to this Colony than it now receives in
England.



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FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68075.txt
================================================================================

No. 75

I have called upon the Acting Colonial Secretary for a Report
respecting the Postal arrangements which exist on the part of
British Columbia, with the United Kingdom, the Dominion of
Canada and the United States. Of that Minute I have the honor
to enclose a copy.

2. It seems to me that the suggestions offered by Mr Young
in the latter part of his paper are worthy of consideration.



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FILE: 1868-07-28_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68076.txt
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No. 76

With reference to my despatches noted in the margin

*

I have the honor to forward a Report from Mr Tiedemann, a highly
respectable Civil Engineer, on the subject of the line of Road
to the Interior of the Colony by way of Bute Inlet, suggested by
Mr Waddington. I am not personally acquainted with Mr
Tiedemann, but the enclosed memorandum from Mr Young, the
Acting Colonial Secretary speaks in his favour.

2. We have already more roads than we can make use of to the
gold mines, and I am not inclined to give any further
encouragement to the project of Mr Waddington, to which the
papers I enclose relate.

3. There are two practicable ways at least now in use which
could serve to open communication with the Eastern provinces
should circumstances require a road to be opened.

4. I would beg leave to refer Your Grace to the general report
on this subject by the Surveyor General transmitted in my
despatch No. 26 of 2nd April.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-07-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68077.txt
================================================================================

No. 77

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular Despatch
of the 14th April, respecting the mode in which the
registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths should be effected.

2. I shall consider the subject without delay assisted by my
Executive Council.



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FILE: 1868-07-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68078.txt
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No. 78

I have the honor to forward Copy of a letter from the Gentleman
filling the Offices of Chairman of the Pilot Board and Harbour
Master, suggesting that application should be made to the Board
of Trade for the printed Forms for the Examination of Masters
and Mates, together with such books as are used for that purpose.



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FILE: 1868-07-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68079.txt
================================================================================

No. 79

In obedience to the instructions contained in Mr Secretary
Cardwell's despatch No. 10, of the 10th June 1864, I have
the honor to transmit Certificate of Survey of the Funds in the
Colonial Treasury on the 1st day of April 1868.



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FILE: 1868-07-30_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE13.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had before
them your letter of the 17th July submitting an Ordinance, No
19 of 1867, passed by the Legislature of British Columbia "to
authorize the issue of Debentures for short temporary Loans,"
and My Lords request that you will inform the Duke of Buckingham
& Chandos that They have no objection to offer to this Ordinance,
though They regret that the circumstances of the Colony should
render it necessary.

In stating this however, My Lords assume that the Words "existing
Liabilities" which appear in the first Clause of the Ordinance,
are to be strictly interpreted and limited by the Words "existing
temporary Loans," occurring in the Preamble.



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FILE: 1868-07-31_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68080.txt
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No. 80

I have the honor to forward to Your Grace copy of a letter of
apology from the Attorney General for the delay which has
occurred in the transmission to me of his legal reports on the
Ordinances of the last Session of the Legislature.

2. I hope that Mr Crease's explanation will be held to be
satisfactory both for him and for me. I cannot send on the
Ordinances without his reports, and I know that he has been very
unwell. Every day I feel the inconvenience of the
confusion in which the Public
Officers and their records have been thrown by the removal of
the Seat of Government. Things are however beginning to settle
down a little.



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FILE: 1868-08-01_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE14.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letter of the 25th ulto, enclosing a
correspondence with the Governor of British Columbia relative
to the financial condition of the Colony.

I am to state for the information of the Secretary of State that
the object of the letter from this Department of June 30th last,
was to express the desire of this Board that the attention of
the Governor should be again drawn to the necessity, in the
interests of the Colony, that punctual remittances should be made
to this country to meet the liabilities on account of the Loans—even
should it be found necessary in adopting this course, to
reduce the number of appointments in the Colony and the salaries
attached thereto.

As it would appear however by the enclosed Despatch that the
Governor is fully alive as to the necessity of retrenchment, My
Lords have no further observations to make on the subject.



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FILE: 1868-08-01_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE15.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary
of State, with reference to the letter from this Department
of [blank] July, that a Warrant has been issued by the Secretary of
State for War on 16th ulto to the Paymaster General for
repayment of the sum of £164.10.1 to the account of the Crown
Agents for the Colonies at the Bank of England, being the
amount of advances made in 1867 by the Government of British
 Columbia for out pensions of Chelsea Hospital.



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FILE: 1868-08-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68080SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to forward Copy of a letter addressed to me by
Captain Delacombe R.M.L.I. commanding the English force
stationed on the Island of San Juan, asking for my
recommendation that the local (to the Island) rank of Lieutenant
Colonel may be bestowed upon him while serving in Command of Her
Majesty's troops on San Juan. Such distinction to be honorary
merely, to carry with it no precedence outside the island, and
no increase of emolument.

2. I need hardly say that I look upon it entirely from a Civil
point of view. Captain Delacombe has no superior officer on the
Island and his Military influence would not be affected by the
change. I however beg to state that in a diplomatic point
of view I think it desirable that Captain Delacombe's request be
acceded to. The Colony is now hardly ever without the presence
of American Officers of high rank. We have lately received in
Victoria both the Naval and Military Commanders in Chief on the
Pacific Coast. Generals and Colonels are frequent visitors, and
nearly all go over to San Juan. Captains are so common that I
think it would be desirable to move Captain Delacombe out of the
Category. While the Island of San Juan is in its normal state,
the settlers will always believe in a slight superiority on the
part of the American Garrison over the English when the one is
commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and the other by a Captain.
Amongst the lower orders of Americans it is not usual to make
use of the surname of a military officer. It is "the Colonel"
or "the Captain." The settlers will attribute superior position
to Lieutenant Colonel Grey as compared with Captain Delacombe.

3. Your Grace will understand that I look upon the matter as
one concerning purely civil administration and diplomatic
influence. Nothing could be further from my wish than to
interfere with the internal arrangements of Her Majesty's Forces.

5. I add with pleasure that I have had every reason to be
satisfied with Captain Delacombe since he has been in command at
San Juan.



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FILE: 1868-08-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68081.txt
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No. 81

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 30 of
the 24th May respecting the probable working of the
Ordinance "to provide for the settlement of all outstanding
questions relating to the sale of land for taxes in Vancouver
Island."

2. I enclose a Report on the subject from the Acting Colonial
Secretary, the Chairman of the Board I appointed to carry out
the provisions of the law.

The question is a thoroughly unsatisfactory one, in which, once
taken up, it is better not to pause. I venture respectfully to
recommend the Ordinance for favorable consideration. Its
disallowance would throw things into still greater confusion
than they are in at present.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-03_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687057.txt
================================================================================

No. 57

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
60, of the 9th of June forwarding a copy of a letter which you had
received from Mr. Duncan, Magistrate and Missionary at Mettakhatta
[Metlakahtla] reporting the massacre of nine Indians at that Settlement.

From a communication which I have received from the Admiralty I
have learned with much satisfaction that Admiral Hastings has expressed
to you his readiness to co-operate with you in arresting the murderers,
and I trust that I shall shortly hear from you that the measures which
you have taken in concert with the Admiral to effect this object have
been successful.



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FILE: 1868-08-03_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN06.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 30th ultimo with a
despatch from the Governor of British Columbia enclosing an
ordinance passed by the Legislature of the Colony entitled

"An Ordinance to confirm certain titles to Real property in
Vancouvers Island."

2. The Attorney General explains that this Ordinance is merely
a recapitulation of an Ordinance passed in Van Couvers Island, in
which the legal title of the Hudsons Bay Company was incorrectly
given. I am aware of no objection to the Ordinance, and I would
recommend that it should be left to its operation.



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FILE: 1868-08-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68081CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have had the honor of receiving Your Grace's Confidential
despatch of 12th May acknowledging the receipt of my
despatch of 22nd November, No. 149, covering a Bill for the
acquisition of Crown Lands in British Columbia which I reserved
for Her Majesty's pleasure.

2. your grace points out that the order in council under which
my powers as a Legislator are derived does not enable me to
reserve a Bill for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure
nor does it give Her Majesty the power of assenting to such Bill.

3. I would respectfully beg to observe that the 9th and
10th and 11th sections of the Order in Council of the
11th June 1863 are as follows

IX. The Council shall in the transaction of business and the
passing of laws, conform as nearly as may be to the directions
conveyed in that behalf to the Governor of British Columbia in
certain Instructions under the sign Manual and Signet, bearing
date the 2nd day of September 1858 until otherwise provided
by Us and such further instructions as may hereafter be
addressed to the Governor in that behalf.

X. Subject to such Instructions the Council may make such
Standing Rules and Orders for the regulation of their own proceedings.

XI. No Law shall take effect until the Governor shall have
assented to the same on behalf of Her Majesty, and shall have
signed the same in token of such assent.

4. Obeying the Royal Instructions I framed Standing Rules and
Orders for the adoption of the Legislative Council. The
42nd [insertion in text: 43rd] Clause is as follows—

It shall be in the power of the Governor to reserve Bills for
Her Majesty's consideration, and to assent to them when so
instructed although the Council shall have been prorogued.

Assented to by the Legislature of the Colony I conceived these
Orders to have the force of Law. Mr Secretary Cardwell's
despatch No. 37 of the 3rd July 1865,
acknowledges the receipt of my despatch transmitting the
Standing Orders and adds, "These Rules appear to have been
devised with pains and do credit to the consideration which must
have been bestowed on the subject, and I hope that they may work
to the satisfaction of the Council and the Public."

5. The 6th Section of the Imperial Act 28 and 29 Victoria
Chapter 23, strengthened the belief I entertained. It seems to
recognise the power as inherent in a Governor.

6. My error was not pointed out in Your Grace's despatch No. 52
of the 5th of September 1867 which acknowledges the receipt
of a reserved Bill and gave instructions for its amendment.

7. Under these circumstances imprudently I considered myself
justified in acting as I have done, more especially as I exerted
the right of reserving bills for Her Majesty's consideration in
a Colony—Honduras—with which I was formerly connected.

8. It has always been held here that a formal notification of
my assent as Governor to a Bill was necessary to give it the
force of law and such assent I have been in the habit of giving
in the words, "Assented to in Her Majesty's Name." These words
are not in the Land Bill to which Your Grace refers and it is
totally inoperative although my Secretary, perhaps imprudently,
has put the Seal of the Colony to the Copy I forwarded to Your
Grace and though my signature is attached in evidence of its
correctness. The original has no Seal and is unsigned by me.
It cannot therefore have the force of Law.

9. Your Grace will observe that I commenced the fifth paragraph
of the Speech with which I closed the Session with the words—"I
reserve for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure the
proposed Ordinance respecting the disposal of the Crown Lands."

10. The 42nd Clause of the Standing Orders certainly if Law
facilitate public business. As it is desirable in an English
community to allow the greatest freedom of debate in matters of
Legislation, I have abstained from presiding in the Council.
The Bills are brought up to me in considerable numbers just
about the time when I must send the Magistrates to their
respective districts. It was a convenience to me to consider
that I could reserve any bill of unusual complexity and assent
to it when instructed. I shall however in future send back such
bills to have a suspending clause added, although I fear that in
some cases this course will cause the whole question to be reopened.

11. I shall, as Your Grace directs, frequently refer to the
letters Patent and other Instruments from which my powers as
Governor are derived.

12. I may add that the New Land bill was little liked and that
[I] am glad that I have not received Your Grace's instructions to
bring it into operation.



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FILE: 1868-08-03_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68082.txt
================================================================================

No. 82

I have to apologize for the delay which has occurred in the
transmission of some of the Ordinances of the late Session of
the Legislature. The fault however does not rest with me. The
Attorney General has been so ill for the last six weeks or two
months as to be quite unequal to the performance of the more
serious portion of his official duties. I much fear I shall
have to seek other assistance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-04_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687058.txt
================================================================================

No. 58

I find that pending the consideration of the various questions
relating to the finances of British Columbia it has not been observed
that no decision with regard to the Ordinance No. 19 of 1867, entitled,
"An Ordinance to authorize the issue of Debentures for short temporary
Loans" a copy of which accompanied your Despatch No. 103 of the 7th of
September last, has been communicated to you.

I have now the honor to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
Confirmation and allowance of this Ordinance, but I assume that the
words "existing liabilities" which appear in the first clause of it are
to be strictly interpreted and limited by the words "existing temporary
loans" occurring in the preamble.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68083.txt
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No. 83

Would Your Grace be good enough to direct me to be furnished,
for the use of the Attorney General with a copy of the East
Indian Local Statutes. He is particularly desirous of having
Act 1 of 1859, providing for the passing of Masters and Mates
in India and the Straits Settlements under the "Merchant
Shipping Act 1854."



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FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68084.txt
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No. 84

I have had the honor to receive, with much satisfaction Your
Grace's despatch No. 37, of the 25th June, in which I am
informed that discretionary power has been given to the Crown
Agents for the investment subject to the Ordinance No. 6 of
1868, of the Sinking Funds of the British Columbia Loans in the
purchase of the Debentures of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68085.txt
================================================================================

No. 85

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 20th January forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



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FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68086.txt
================================================================================

No. 86

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 10th June 1868 forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



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FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68087.txt
================================================================================

No. 87

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 15th June forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68088.txt
================================================================================

No. 88

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 17th June, separate, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-05_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687059.txt
================================================================================

No. 59

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 41
of the 8th of May and to acquaint you that the Lords Commissioners of
the Treasury, to whom it was referred, have informed me that a Warrant
has been issued by the Secretary of State for War on the 16th Ultimo to
the Paymaster General for the payment of the sum of £164.10.1 to the
account of the Crown Agents at the Bank of England, being the amount of
advances made in 1867 by your Government for out pensioners of Chelsea
Hospital.

I have authorised the Crown Agents to receive this amount and to
place it to the credit of your Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-05_Lampson_to_Adderley_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B685MI15.txt
================================================================================

Lampson to Adderley (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 27th instant in reference to Mr Lowenberg's title to a lot
of land in the Town of Victoria, Vancouver's Island, known as
"Lot Z," and to request you will convey to His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos the thanks of the Governor and Committee
of the Hudsons Bay Company for the communication.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68089.txt
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No. 89

I directed a Bill to be brought before the Legislative Council
to effect the amendments in the Ordinance No. 32 of 1867, "An
Ordinance to give to Mortagees certain powers now commonly
inserted in Mortgages," suggested in Your Grace's despatch No.
80 of the 13th November 1867. The Bill was thrown out
towards the end of the session. It now then rests with Your
Grace to determine whether the Ordinance No. 32 of 1867, which
contains a suspending clause, shall be brought into operation or not.

2. Having a slight feeling of objection to the measure in its
present shape, I consulted the Executive Council as to the
nature of the advice I should tender to Your Grace on the subject.

The Attorney General was in favour of the Bill.

The Surveyor General was opposed to it.

The Collector of Customs said he knew nothing about it.

The Colonial Secretary was against the Bill, so was the Police
Magistrate of New Westminster. But neither supporters nor
opponents appeared to care much about the matter. It created
but little interest. If therefore it contains provisions
objectionable to Your Grace I do not see that the Ordinance
should be brought into operation.



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FILE: 1868-08-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68090.txt
================================================================================

No. 90

On the receipt Yesterday afternoon of Your Grace's despatch No.
33, of the 19th June, respecting the omission to inform Your
Grace formally of the acceptance of the proposals embodied in
the Postmaster General's letter of the 12th August 1867, I

at once telegraphed to Your Grace in the following words—

Despatch of 19 June received today. Postal arrangements
adopted since January. Earnestly request our consequent
prepayment may be accepted in London. I write by Mail. All quiet.

2. My Executive Council and myself were not aware that a formal
notification of acceptance was required, as will be seen in my
despatch of the 28th July, No. 73.
We were glad of the arrangement and the local Postmaster General
was informed of it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68091.txt
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No. 91

I have the honor to enclose a letter of the 3rd June
addressed to the Colonial Secretary by the Crown Agents
complaining of an insufficient remittance of money and stating
their opinion that the Credit of the Colony must suffer thereby.

2. I add a minute by Mr Young showing the accounts which
under my direction he has transmitted during the last twelve
months. It certainly does not appear to me to leave much ground
for complaint on the part of the Crown Agents. Could Your Grace
but see the condition of the Streets, Roads and Bridges of New
Westminster and Victoria I think that you would arrive at the
conclusion that we are making considerable sacrifices to keep up
the Public Credit.



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FILE: 1868-08-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68092.txt
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No. 92

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 34,
of the 28th June, transmitting Copy of a letter from the
Treasury, with one from the Admiralty, in reference to expenses
incurred in connection with the Military Occupation of the
Island of San Juan.

2. I observe that the balance due the Imperial Government on
the 30th September 1867 was increased from £406.9.3 to
£547.9.9, owing to the undermentioned payments not being
chargeable to Naval Funds:

Paid for Collecting Pine Seeds £118.08.08.

Freight on War Office Stores ‹£ 22.11.10.

3. I presume it is not necessary to make any note of this in
future accounts, it being a matter of distribution of
expenditure amongst the Departments particularly chargeable, and
that the accounts have been duly recovered, the sum of £118.8.8
from the Department of Woods and Forests and that of £22.11.10
from the War Office.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-06_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68093.txt
================================================================================

No. 93

In Your Grace's despatch No. 82 of 14th November 1867, I am
directed carefully to watch the operation of the Homestead
Ordinance with a view to its amendment should it act as a
protection to fraud.

2. I have now the honor to enclose accounts of the working of
the Ordinance, furnished me by the Acting Colonial Secretary and
the Registrar General of Titles under the Homestead Ordinance.
Both these Officers bear testimony favorable to the ordinance.
I entirely agree with them.

3. I do not know that the Homestead Act has brought many people
into the Colony, but I am certain that it has had the effect of
retaining some.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-06_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68094.txt
================================================================================

No. 94

I have the honor to forward copy of a Bill sent up to me by the
Legislative Council during its last Session entitled:

No. [blank]. An Ordinance to Incorporate the Board of Trade of the Sisters
of Saint Ann, of the City of Victoria, in the Colony of British
Columbia, for Educational Purposes.

2. I add the report of the Attorney General. Agreeing in the
objections taken by him to the proposed measure, but unwilling
to deprive the excellent ladies referred to of any chance they
might have of Incorporation I did not disallow the Bill, but, as
it appears, assumed a power I do not possess. I reserved it for
the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure.

3. The cause of delay in transmitting this Bill has been the
illness of the Attorney General. No injury to any one has
however been caused by this delay.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-07_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687060.txt
================================================================================

No. 60

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 55
of the 3rd June and to convey to you Her Majesty's gracious confirmation
and allowance of the Ordinance of the Government of British Columbia
entitled "No. 5 of 1868 An Ordinance to confirm certain Titles to real
property in Vancouver Island."

I have to observe however that the words of the enacting part go
somewhat beyond the intention expressed by the recital. The object is
to provide that certain grants purporting to be made by persons holding
powers of attorney from the Hudson's Bay Co. shall not be held invalid
on account of any defect in the holders of the powers of attorney.

The enacting part of the Ordinance however declares that all grants
made by these persons shall be absolutely valid and that no objection
(of any sort or kind) shall be taken to them.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-07_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68094T.txt
================================================================================

Telegram

Despatch nineteenth June received today. Postal arrangements
adopted since January. Earnestly request our consequent
prepayment be accepted in London. I write by Mail. All quiet.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68095.txt
================================================================================

No. 95

I have the honor to inform Your Grace that the despatch named
in the margin

*

has been received by me, but without the
Enclosures it professes to contain.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68096.txt
================================================================================

No. 96

I have the honor to forward three Copies of the Journals of the
Legislative Council of British Columbia during its fifth Session,
that of 1868.

2. The delay in transmission must be accounted for in the
removal of the printing office together with every other
department from New Westminster to Victoria. The confusion
attendant on the change has thrown back the work in nearly all
the public offices.

3. The Minutes I enclose may perhaps not be without interest as
exhibiting the manner in which two Colonies, whose antagonism
heretofore was a public scandal along this Coast have conducted
business since Union. In another respect also they may be
worthy of notice as showing the working of the novel experiment
of an almost despotic Government over an Anglo-Saxon community
which is possessed at the same time of an exuberantly free press.

4. I trust that the Colony will soon progress to the stage when
it will become my pleasing duty to recommend to Your Grace that
a more liberal constitution be granted.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68097.txt
================================================================================

No. 97

I have the honor to forward the Minutes of the Executive Council
for the Half year ended 30 June 1868.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-08_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68098.txt
================================================================================

No. 98

In obedience to the command conveyed in Your Graces Circular
Despatch of the 5th of May, I have the honor to forward a
Schedule of Despatches received by me which appear to have
remained unanswered for more than a Month.

No. 3 of 20 January 1868.

Circular Despatch of the 6th January 1868.

Circular Despatch of the 6th May 1868.

2. The Despatches sent by me to the Secretary of State which
appear to have remained unanswered for more than five months are,

No 90 of 15 July 1867 respecting Financial position of the
Colony and asking for assistance.

No 66 of 13th April 1867, recommending that assistance
be given to the Vancouver Island Dock Company for the work they
propose to undertake.

No 162 of 13th December 1867. Financial difficulties.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-10_Scudamore_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI16.txt
================================================================================

Scudamore to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Duke of Montrose to transmit to you the
enclosed copy of a letter which has been received from the
Postmaster General of the United States, referring to an
arrangement which, at the request of the Government of British
Columbia, has been made for the transmission via Portland in
Oregon, instead of viâ San Francisco, of closed mails despatched
from British Columbia to England.

Before taking any steps for sending Mails from this country to
British Columbia by the same route, I am directed by His Grace
to enquire whether H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies
has received any despatch from the Governor of British Columbia
on the subject, stating the advantage of the new arrangement and
what means have been provided for conveying the Mails in
question between Portland and Victoria.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-10_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68099.txt
================================================================================

No. 99

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular Despatch
of the 15 June, transmitting Copy of a Draft Bill which has been
introduced by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to
provide for the carrying into effect of Capital Punishment
within Prisons.

2. Your Grace is of opinion that where there is no
statutory impediment, or no difficulty in removing such
impediment by Legislation, I should consider and report to Your
Grace my opinion as to the expediency of adopting the principles
of this Bill in this Colony. Your Grace desires, likewise, that
I shall make any remarks which may occur to me on the subject.

3. I considered the question fully in the Executive Council,
and, as all the Members were of the same opinion as myself, I
speak in their name as well as my own.

4. Were it not for the inexpediency of having two modes of
carrying out a Capital Sentence in the same Colony, one law for
the larger Towns, Victoria and New Westminster, and another for
the smaller ones such as Lytton and Lilloett, I should decidedly
desire to have Executions take place within the prison walls. In
Victoria and New Westminster it would be perfectly practicable;
but in the other Assize Towns, Yale, Lytton, Lilloett,
Richfield (Cariboo), and in others, the prison Buildings are
without Walls. The general well being of the population and the
consequent absence of Crime, allows of our keeping the few
prisoners in the Country Districts in Houses which, elsewhere,
would be condemned for insecurity. They are, however, generally
empty.

5. In New Westminster the gaol is at the back of the Town, and
a man must go out of his way should he wish to witness an
execution. Few do.

6. In Victoria the Prison is in one of the main Streets, but by
having the sentence of the law carried out at daybreak and a
Guard of Marines in the Street, I think all would pass with
decency, and the number of spectators would probably be very small.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-11_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687061.txt
================================================================================

No. 61

I have the honor to inform you that on the 7th Instant I received
from you and have transmitted to the Post Office the following Telegram
dated 4th August.

Despatch nineteenth June received to day postal arrangements adopted
since January earnestly request one consequent prepayment be accepted in
London I write by Mail—all quiet.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-11_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68100.txt
================================================================================

No. 100

In fulfilment of the intention announced in my despatch No. 77
of the 29th of July, I have considered in the Executive
Council the mode in which the Registration of Births, Marriages
and Deaths should be effected.

2. I was at once reminded by the Council of the futile attempts
I had made on two occasions, on the Mainland, to legislate on
this subject. My Bills did not meet the views of the Council
and after long and wearying consideration they found that they
themselves had nothing to suggest in their place. Then, towards the
end of the Session, the whole matter would be shelved for—in the eyes
of the Council—more important business.

3. I really do not know how a general system of Registration
could be worked satisfactorily here. The population is greatly
scattered. The Majority are Indians whom we could hardly expect to register any one of the three great events of life. Many of
the white men are living in a state of concubinage with Indian women far in the Interior. They would hardly come forward to
register the birth of some half breed bastard.

4. In regard to white or coloured people residing in the more
civilized parts of the Country, they could always, if desirous,
get their child's baptismal certificate, their own marriage
certificate, or the certificate of burial of any one in whom
they take an interest.



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FILE: 1868-08-11_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68101.txt
================================================================================

No. 101

I have the honor to forward two applications addressed to me by
Officers of this Government praying for compensation for the
losses they have sustained by permanently removing from New
Westminster to Victoria.

2. The first application is signed by:

Mr Robert Ker, Auditor General.

Mr Charles Good, Assistant Colonial Secretary.

Mr A. Calder, Clerk in the Treasury.

Mr John Graham, Officer in Charge of the Treasury.

Mr John Westgarth, Inspector of Steamers.

3. I have but little to add to the perfectly accurate
statements of these Gentlemen. They were forced to proceed to
New Westminster. But the so called New Westminster was at that
time a dense forest out of which each public officer had to hew
a spot for his residence. I fear nearly all of them performed
the operation on borrowed money.

4. After living for some time in a hut, Mr Ker purchased a
very pretty cottage from a Captain of the Royal Engineers. By
dint of labour, he has made his garden one of the prettiest in
the Colony. He has bought and cleared an acre of land
adjoining. All this is for the present valueless.

5. Mr Charles Good has built himself a house on the
outskirts of the town and cleared a considerable piece of land
of rock and forest. He could not sell his house nor find a
tenant for it.

6. Mr Calder has likewise built a very good house.

7. Mr John Graham purchased a town lot, cleared it and
built a house upon it for a residence. I understand that he has
spent between three and four thousand dollars in this way.

8. Mr Westgarth's case is one of equal hardship. He
formerly resided in Victoria, but the Legislative Council of
British Columbia passed the Resolution that they would increase
his Salary if he came to reside in New Westminster or refuse to
vote it at all if he remained in Victoria. He came to the
former town, bought a house and now resides in Victoria having
had his Salary abolished and being supported by Fees. The case
of these Gentlemen appears to me to be one of extreme hardship.

8. [sic] I add for Your Grace's consideration the Salaries
drawn respectively by each of these Officers and the length of
their period of Service:

Mr Ker $2,400. May 1859.

Mr Good $2,540. April 1859.

Mr Calder $1,450. February 1860.

Mr Graham $1,700. April 1859.

Mr Westgarth. Fees. January 1864.

9. With the exception of the officer whose name appears first
on the list, the signers of the Second petition do not appear to
me to have the same claim to Your Grace's consideration as those
of the first. Mr Crease, however has every claim to any
indulgence which the Government can extend. He too was ordered
to live at New Westminster and he too built a house, exceeding in
size and comfort that of any other applicant for compensation.
I fear not entirely with cash. He has not the means of even
paying the passages of his wife and large family down to
Victoria. Much less of providing a house for them if they come.
He has now to begin the work again and alone.

10. The case of Mr Hamley I do not think can be very widely
separated from the General question of compensation to the
proprietors in New Westminster for the losses they have
sustained by the withdrawal of the Public Officers and the
almost total ruin of their town. Mr Hamley had quarters
provided for him in the Custom House and having no reason to
suppose that he would ever be removed invested considerably in
land in the town, cleared it at a large expense and it is now
almost valueless. Yet Mr Hamley was specially sent from
England to reside at New Westminster and it was not at his own
choice that he was moved.

11. Mr Bushby has not been brought down from New
Westminster, nor his position changed. There his land is much
deteriorated in value by the late great change, but he cannot be
separated from the general claim of all householders. I do not
ask for Your Grace's special consideration for him.

12. Mr McCrea has bought land and built a house on the
faith of his permanent appointment to New Westminster.

13. Mr Fry [Frye] the same.

14. Mr Brew has unquestionably been a loser by the change
in the Seat of Government. At the same time it has always been
held that the Magistrates are liable to be removed from one
Station to another. His house and land have undoubtedly lost a
considerable amount of their value by the removal of the Capital
from New Westminster.

15. I hardly know what specific recommendations to make to Your
Grace in this matter. There can be no doubt that most of the
petitioners, all those who signed the first petition and Mr
Crease, have suffered very great losses from no fault of their own.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-15_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687062.txt
================================================================================

No. 62

With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the
Mail service between this country and British Columbia, I transmit to
you a copy of a letter which I have received from the Postmaster General
relating to an alleged arrangement with the Post Office authorities of
the United States and of the answer which I have caused to be returned
to that letter.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-17_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687062A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a Confidential
Report from Mr. Pemberton, which was enclosed in your[s] to Sir F.
Rogers on the 26th June having reference to alleged Fenian movements
within the Colony of British Colombia.

I have to express my entire confidence in you and the Admiral to
take all needful precautions in such a matter and I am equally confident
that the good spirits of the Colonists will lead them to make common
cause against those whose real object is robbery and plunder.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-17_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO06.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Lord Stanley to transmit to you a copy of a
despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, forwarding a
note from the United States Government relative to the promotion
of the officer in Command of the United States troops in San
Juan to the rank of Major; and I am to request that you will
move His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to inform Lord Stanley
whether he is of opinion that any objection should be taken to
the officer in question retaining his command.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-17_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68103.txt
================================================================================

No. 103

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 45 of
the 9th July, relative to the expenses incurred in
connection with the Detachment of Royal Marines stationed at San
Juan Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-17_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68103SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of Your
despatches of the Numbers and dates noted in the Margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-18_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68102.txt
================================================================================

No. 102

Referring to my despatch No. 59 of 8th June, I have now the
honor to forward the financial Returns called for in Your
Grace's despatch of the 10th April, No. 22, replying to my
despatch enclosing the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for
1867 and the Appropriation Ordinance No. 13 of 1867, and to that
of the 30th November, enclosing Ordinance No. 27 of 1867,
to confirm an Expenditure of $96,918 11/100 for the Service of 1866
not authorized in the Grant for that year.

2. Your Grace regrets that these Estimates and the Ordinances
founded upon them have been detained so long in the Colony. I
would plead as an excuse for the delay in transmitting the
supplementary Supply Ordinance for 1866, that I did not receive
the Auditor's report upon the Supplementary Estimates with the
details in full, until the 27th of November.

*

My despatch of the same month transmitted it to Your Grace.

3. As regards my despatch of the 27th of September, I would
venture to state that at the date of the Auditor's detailed
report I was engaged on Public business in the neighbourhood of
Queen Charlotte's Island. A few days after my return to
Victoria I received a telegram with intelligence which appeared
to my Council absolutely to require my presence at the mines of
Cariboo, 600 miles from hence.

4. Your Grace directs me to furnish a definite and detailed
report upon the retrenchments which have been made in order to
meet the difficulties of the Colony, showing the periods at
which they were made, whether by way of reducing Salaries and
Offices or by way of stopping Public Works.

5. I enclose a detailed statement of the reductions we have
made drawn up by the Acting Colonial Secretary. Union found the
storehouses in Victoria filled with Cigars, Tobacco, Wines,
Spirits, Silks, and all the Articles we depend most on for our
Revenue, brought in while the Port was still free, and which
passed untaxed to the mainland.

6. I do not see how in the present state of the Colony we could
resort to additional taxation. The people who still remain are
in a wavering state and the slightest Grievance would drive
hundreds away, and add to the already large number of empty
houses in New Westminster and Victoria. The Engineer Camp
Buildings for which we had to pay to the Imperial Government
£10,700 are totally deserted and I have to pay an ex-Sapper
to prevent the Indians occupying them or setting them on fire.

7. In connection with this subject I would call Your Grace's
attention to Mr Young's Minute transmitted in my despatch No.
72 of 28th July.

8. I lay before Your Grace a schedule of all the Offices that I
have abolished since I assumed the Government of the Mainland
and of all those abolished since Union with Vancouver Island.
It shows that I have had no easy or agreeable task in my
administration of the Government.

9. The supply of dutiable articles in Victoria is however
gradually being used up. The mines are prosperous. The almost
cruel reductions I have made will, at great individual suffering,
ultimately relieve the expenditure. Confidence seems to be
returning. The Revenue is increasing and if we could but be
assisted with a loan at a moderate rate of interest by the Home
Government to pay off the Bank of British Columbia I think the
Colony would do well. A quiet but progressive prosperity is
setting in more beneficial in the long run than the tide of
immigration which rushing in turned peoples' heads and on its
ebb left disappointed expectations, embarrassments and misery
behind it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-19_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD12.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, Extracts of a letter from Rear Admiral
Hastings, dated the 14th Ultimo No 117, reporting the
"Sparrowhawk" having left on a visit to the northern parts of
British Columbia; and the Lord Bishop of British Columbia
 having been granted a passage in the "Scout."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-19_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG04.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Referring to your letter of the 3rd ultimo, and in compliance
with the request contained in its P.S., I return herewith the
drawings and specifications supplied by the War Office to enable
the Volunteers of Vancouver's Island to obtain the Targets they
require from the Trade.

The Birmingham Agents, to whom I referred these drawings and
specifications for the purpose of ascertaining the price, state
that the Iron Targets could be supplied at £4 each and Mantlets
at £26 each: but that they cannot report favorably of the
Targets, the impact of the bullet in a very short time so bends
and buckles the plates as to render them useless.

They recommend the Cast Hematite Targets as being cheaper (£3
each), stronger, and never bending.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-20_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE16.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit to you, herewith, to be laid before
the Secretary of State, copy of a Report from the Commissioners
of Customs relating to the ordinance of British Columbia No
18 of 1867 "to amend the duties of Customs" which accompanied
your letters of the 10th January & 8th of June.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687063.txt
================================================================================

No. 63

I transmit to you for your information and guidance and with
reference to your despatch No. 131 of the 28th of September last, copies
of a correspondence with the War Office from which you will see that
although the Secretary of State for War is unable to withdraw the claim
of his Department against your Government for £675.2.4 on account of
certain revolvers and ammunition left by Colonel Moody, Royal Engineers,
on loan for the use of the colony of British Columbia, he has no
objection to allow the settlement of the claim to remain in abeyance
until the necessary funds become available.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687064.txt
================================================================================

No. 64

With reference to your despatch No. 5 of the 4th February, I
transmit to you for your information and guidance, copies of a
correspondence with the War Office from which you will see that the
Department has consented to postpone its claim against your Government
for £141.1.3 on account of stores supplied for the use of the Artillery
Volunteers in British Columbia until such time as the Colony shall be in
a position to liquidate it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68104.txt
================================================================================

No. 104

I have the honor to forward the monthly reports of the
Magistrates in charge of the several Districts of the Colony.
The great distance of the Kootenay from Head Quarters and the
uncertainty of communication deprive me of the opportunity of
reporting to Your Grace from that quarter with any degree of
certainty. I hear however no complaints and am highly satisfied
with the chief constable whom I have left in charge.

2. I think that Your Grace will be of opinion that the
intelligence furnished by Mr O'Reilly, from Yale, and from
Lillooet by Mr Sanders is highly satisfactory. It really
seems as if British Columbia is to become a settled Colony at
last instead of a mere gold field with an unattached population.

3. I add a Report respecting the agricultural resources of the
Colony furnished me by Mr Cornwall, one of our most
enterprising settlers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68105.txt
================================================================================

No. 105

I have the honor to lay before Your Grace a Return showing the
Revenue for the six months from the first of January to the
30th of June 1867 and from the corresponding period of 1868.

2. This Statement is satisfactory as showing an increase of
upwards of seventy thousand dollars in the receipts.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68106.txt
================================================================================

No. 106

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 26 of
12th May respecting the state of the laws regarding the
disposal of the public lands in this Colony.

2. I beg leave to forward a report from the Surveyor General on
the subject and would add my own testimony that the present law
works well. During the severe commercial crisis from which we
are just emerging the settlement of land in the Upper Country
continued, and the farmers were the chief support of the Colony
when heavy adversity fell on the shop keepers of Victoria and
New Westminster.

3. During the last year in one district alone, that of Yale,
forty six preemption claims were recorded by persons who have
stocked their farms and partially brought them under cultivation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687065.txt
================================================================================

No. 65

I have the honor to transmit to you for your information and
in continuation of my despatch No. 32 of the 16th June copies of a
correspondence between the War Office, this Department and the Crown
Agents relative to the supply of a set of Targets for the Vancouver
Island Volunteer Corps.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-25_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO07.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by Lord Stanley to request that you will inform
the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos that His Lordship
 communicated to the Prussian Ambassador the substance of the
information contained in your letter of the 10th of February
 last, respecting the property left by J.H.C. Baar in British
Columbia, and that a note has now been received from the chargé
d'affaires stating that his Government has directed him to
enquire, on behalf of Baar's relatives, whether Her Majesty's
Government could indicate a suitable person in the Colony to
whom the relatives could delegate the arrangement of the
property. I am to request that you will move His Grace to
enable Lord Stanley to return a reply to this application.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-26_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68107.txt
================================================================================

No. 107

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 40 of
the 26th June, on the subject of the opposition exhibited by
the Legislative Council to the Draft Ordinance which was
transmitted to me in Your Grace's despatch No. 81 of 13th
Novr 1867.

2. Though I anticipated, as now informed by Your Grace, that
the Draft was sent for our assistance and that it was not Your
desire to preclude the Government and Legislature from adopting
any other mode of dealing with existing anomalies yet I caused
it to be introduced to the Council as a Government measure.
Most of the Public Officers requested me to
command them to vote for it, if it was to be carried, and unofficial
members begged me not to enforce the Bill. As stated in the
Minute I enclose, by the Acting Colonial Secretary, I might
possibly have got the Bill through by force, but I anticipated
Your Grace's wishes and did not exert a pressure which would
virtually have changed the Legislative Constitution of the
Colony. I consented to amendments and, yielding by degrees,
finally allowed the Bill to be defeated, and another Bill
passed. That one I have now the honor to forward. It will
receive Your Grace's consideration as solving (in local belief)
in a manner, the difficulty now existing.

3. It will be satisfactory to Your Grace to hear that during
the summer, when Mr Chief Justice Begbie is on circuit in
the Interior, there is not much inconvenience in the present
state of things. Early in the winter I shall call the
Legislature together and finally settle the matter, if it be
not finally settled in the mean time by Your Grace's approval of
the Bill I enclose.

4. The Extreme illness of the Attorney General must be my
excuse for the delay which has occurred in transmitting this
Bill. He has resumed his official duties this week.

5. I enclose copy of the Bill adopted by the Council and of the
Attorney General's Report upon it. I confess it does not
entirely satisfy me. It seems to invade the perogative of the
Governor and to Legislate in more detail than is required.

6. I need not say that whatever Your Grace's wishes may be they
shall be carried out in the next Session of the Council.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-26_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68108.txt
================================================================================

No. 108

I have the honor to transmit an authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance of the recent session of the Legislature
of this Colony, entitled;

No. 3. An Ordinance respecting the Supreme Courts of Justice
of British Columbia.

2. I am now enabled to add the Report of the Attorney General.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-26_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68109.txt
================================================================================

No. 109

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 89 of
20th November 1867, informing me that Her Majesty's decision
on No. 20 Ordinance of 1867—
An Ordinance respecting the Legal Profession

will be suspended pending the action of the Legislature with
reference to the Draft Ordinance regulating the constitution of
the two Supreme Courts.

2. My despatches noted in the margin

*

of even date will have
announced to Your Grace the mode in which the Legislative
Council desire, for the present, to settle this much debated question.

3. I have now the honor to transmit an authenticated and two
plain copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the
Legislature, entitled;

No. 7. An Ordinance respecting Barristers and Attorneys-at-Law.

I add the report of the Attorney General.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687066.txt
================================================================================

No. 66

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 61
of the 15 June and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious Confirmation
and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 8 of 1868 entitled
"An Ordinance authorizing the Sale of the Real Estate of Intestates and
for other purposes."

I have to observe that the Fifth Section of this Ordinance is only
allowed to stand on the strong recommendation of the Attorney General,
and that I should not be prepared to recommend for sanction so novel a
clause in cases of estates of any larger value than that fixed by the
Ordinance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687067.txt
================================================================================

No. 67

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 62
of the 16th June and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 9 of
1868, entitled "An Ordinance in aid of the Trustees Relief Act."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-27_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687068.txt
================================================================================

No. 68

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 64
of the 24th June, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance No. 11 of
1868, entitled "An Ordinance to extend the Thompson Bridge Toll Act,
1864."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-28_Edwards_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685MI17.txt
================================================================================

Edwards to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
27th August, and of the parcel accompanying it. The latter
contained the Deed, dated 13 Jany, 12 Vict. 1849, granting
Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company; and the Deed,
dated 3 April 1867, by which the Company reconveyed that Island
to the Crown.

These two Documents will be placed among the other Colonial
Records in this Office, and be subject to the same regulations.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-08-31_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687069.txt
================================================================================

No. 69

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
118 of the 18th September 1867 and to convey to you Her Majesty's
gracious Confirmation and Allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance
No. 18 of that year entitled "An Ordinance to amend the duties of
Customs."

I transmit to you a report which has been received from the
Commissioners of Customs from which you will observe that they suggest
alterations in Sections 4 and 8 of the Ordinance, and I have to request
that you will carefully consider that report with a view to an amendment
of those provisions in another Ordinance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68110.txt
================================================================================

No. 110

I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's consideration a
Memorandum from the Acting Colonial Secretary on the subject of
the Manner in which remittances to the Agents General on account
of the interest and Sinking Funds of our loans might in his
opinion most conveniently be made.

2. Mr Young's plan appears to me free from objection and I
may add that we are under no particular obligations for Services
rendered by the Banks in the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68110SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to inform Your Grace that I have returned for a
time to New Westminster, the old capital of British Columbia.
Although I have decided the question of the Seat of Government
in favor of Victoria, I found no signs of bad feeling here. On
the contrary, mixing freely with the people, I have been
everywhere well received.

2. Your Grace will be pleased to learn that this town, though
suffering of course from the loss of the Public expenditure
consequent on the change is not so depressed as I anticipated.
The people have accepted the new state of things with their
usual energy and made arrangements to meet it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68111.txt
================================================================================

No. 111

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Despatch No. 53 of
the 18th July, forwarding Copies of two letters addressed to
you by Mr Francis Poole applying for a concession of Queen
Charlotte's Islands.

2. Mr Poole can of course purchase, upon survey, any
unoccupied land in Queen Charlotte's Islands which he may desire
to acquire at a dollar an acre.

3. I would mention that both Gold an[d] Coal have been found in
the group of islands in question and that it appears from the
Sea to present, in Summer, every attraction. I have not
landed on it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-03_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE17.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that a Bill for £1500 drawn by the
Governor of British Columbia on account of the Military
occupation of the Island of S. Juan has been left at the
Office of the Paymaster-General, and I am to request that
you will move the Secretary of State to inform My Lords
whether this Bill should be accepted and paid.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68112.txt
================================================================================

No. 112

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 48 of
the 13th July, informing me that Her Majesty's Government
are unable to furnish any pecuniary assistance to British Columbia.

2. I shall of course make my arrangements and frame my
proposals to the Legislature in accordance with this decision,
but I may perhaps respectfully venture to say that I regret it
in the present state of affairs on the Pacific Coast. A little
favour on the part of the Mother Country towards this Colony
would not I think have been thrown away.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-07_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE18.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

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 the Bill drawn by the Governor
of British Columbia for £1500 in respect of the Expenditure
incurred on account of the Royal Marines at San Juan, as
requested in your letter of the 3rd inst.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-07_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68113.txt
================================================================================

No. 113

Would Your Grace kindly inform me if I have power to make
grants, in the name of the Crown, for Lands sold in Vancouver Island.

2. It appears to me that I do not possess it. At the time the
Commission appointing me Governor of British Columbia was issued
the fee of the Island was in the Hudson's Bay Company. It has
certainly since been reconveyed to the Crown, but I do not think
that I can make formal grants of land.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-08_Mallet_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TA03.txt
================================================================================

Mallet to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st
ult, transmitting, by direction of the Duke of Buckingham,
with reference to previous correspondence, a copy of a Despatch
from the Governor of British Columbia enclosing an Ordinance,
No 10 of 1868, "to amend the Shipping Ordinance of 1867" as
well as a copy of the Ordinance of 1867, and in reply to state
for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies,
that My Lords have no further observations to offer on the
subject and see no reason why Her Majesty should not be advised
to sanction both Ordinances.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-09_Equte_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO08.txt
================================================================================

[Equte?] to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 31st Ultimo, I am
directed by Lord Stanley to state to you, for the information of
His Grace the Duke of Buckingham, that Her Majesty's Minister at
Washington will be informed that there is no objection on the
part of Her Majesty's Government to the promotion of the Officer
in command of the United States Troops in San Juan to the rank
of Major.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-09_Gray_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TA04.txt
================================================================================

Gray to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 20th June transmitting a
requisition for Oil and Stores for Vancouver's Island
Lighthouses, I am directed by the Board of Trade to transmit to
you herewith a Bill of Lading for the same, per "Prince of
Wales"; and to request that you will move His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos to cause it to be forwarded to the
Governor of Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-11_Briggs_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD13.txt
================================================================================

Briggs to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, an extract of a letter from Rear Admiral
Hastings, dated the 10 Augt No 135, relative to the state of
Affairs at the Church Mission Station of Kincaulitt at the mouth
of the Naas River.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-11_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687070.txt
================================================================================

No. 70

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 82
of the 3rd August, and to express my regret at the continued illness of
the Attorney General.

I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 80 of
the 31st July enclosing a copy of a letter from Mr. Crease upon the
subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-14_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687071.txt
================================================================================

No. 71

I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information and with
reference to your Despatch No. 22 of the 19th March, a copy of a letter
from the Board of Trade with a Bill of Lading for Oil and Stores for the
Vancouver Island Lighthouses for which a requisition was enclosed in
your Despatch.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-15_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687072.txt
================================================================================

No. 72

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 63
of the 22nd June, and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the following Ordinances of your
government vizt.

No. 29 of 1867. "An Ordinance respecting Harbor and Tonnage Dues,
and to regulate the Licenses on the vessels engaged in the Coasting and
Inland Navigation Trade," and

No. 10 of 1868. "An Ordinance to amend the Shipping Ordinance of
1867."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-16_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687072A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the
28th July, Separate, enclosing Copies of Reports from the Police
Magistrate of Victoria respecting the supposed intentions of the Fenians
against the Town.

I have to convey to you my approval of your acceptance of Admiral
Hastings' offer of a Guard for Government House, and of your proposal to
build a small Guard House at the expense of the Crown Fund.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-17_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687073.txt
================================================================================

No. 73

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 81 of the
1st August enclosing a Report from the Acting Colonial Secretary upon
the working of the Ordinance "to provide for the settlement of all
outstanding questions relating to the sale of land for taxes in
Vancouver Island."

It would seem from the Report that so far as regards the purchasers
of the lands in question, no difficulty which cannot readily be
surmounted has arisen, and none is anticipated; and further that no
original owner of any of these lands has hitherto appeared or made any
claim against the Government in respect of the illegal sale.

So far then the working of the Ordinance has been satisfactory, and
though it is too soon to form any decided opinion as to whether this
state of things will continue, yet under the very peculiar and involved
circumstances of the case, and looking to the strong recommendations of
yourself and the Acting Colonial Secretary in favour of the measure, I
have recommended that the Ordinance should receive Her Majesty's
sanction, and I have now to convey to you Her Majesty's gracious
confirmation and allowance of the same.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-19_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687074.txt
================================================================================

No. 74

I have received your Despatch No. 71 of the 28th of July,
forwarding with a very favorable testimony from yourself an application
from Mr. Franklyn for employment.

I am sorry for deserving Public Officers who suffer by the
reductions which are occasionally found indispensable. I will cause Mr.
Franklyn's application to be noted, but I cannot with justice to him
afford him much hope of employment.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-19_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687075.txt
================================================================================

No. 75

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 74
of the 20th July enclosing copy of a motion made in the Legislative
Council of British Columbia by Mr. De Cosmos in favour of an Address to
Her Majesty on the subject of Confederation with the Dominion of Canada.

A copy of your Despatch and of its enclosure has been forwarded to
Lord Monck.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-19_Merivale_Permanent_Under-Secretary_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685IN01.txt
================================================================================

Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary) to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In accordance with the request contained in your letter dated 14
Inst: I am directed by Sir Stafford Northcote to forward to you
for the information of the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos, a copy
of Act I of 1859 passed by the Legislative Council of India,
being an "Act for the amendment of the Laws relating to
Merchant Seamen."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687076.txt
================================================================================

No. 76

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 89 of the
5th of August, in which you inform me that the Legislative Council have
declined to effect the Amendments in Ordinance No. 32 of 1867 which were
suggested in my Despatch No. 80 of the 13th November.

Upon a reconsideration of the subject, I retain the opinion that
without these amendments the Ordinance is not one which should receive
Her Majesty's sanction.

No reason has been assigned why the period of time fixed by the
Eleventh Section of the Imperial Act 23 and 24 Victoria C. 145 (upon
which this Ordinance is based) should have been reduced, and in the
absence of any special reason, I am of opinion that such reduction is
uncalled for, and might tend to abuse.

The power given to a Mortgagee to purchase the mortgaged premises
is new, and if granted requires to be carefully guarded to secure proper
protection to the Mortgagor. Certain checks upon the Mortgagee may be
imposed by the Court or Judge under Section 6 of the Ordinance, but it
may be doubtful whether the condition which was imposed by the proposed
amendment could be imposed under the Section as it now stands. Moreover
I am disposed to think that this condition should not be left at the
discretion of the Court or Judge but should be absolute in order
effectually to check, if not altogether to prevent a Mortgagee from
making a forced sale and thereby unduly injuring the Mortgagor.

Under these circumstances I am not prepared to advise Her Majesty
to sanction the Ordinance.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-21_Gray_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TA05.txt
================================================================================

Gray to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 18th instant inclosing copy of a Dispatch
from the Governor of British Columbia inclosing
a copy of a letter from the Officer acting as Chairman of the
Pilot Board and Harbour Master in that Colony applying for
printed Forms of Examination of Masters and Mates together with
such Books as are used for that purpose.

In reply I am to transmit to you for the information of the Duke
of Buckingham and Chandos & for transmission to the Governor of
British Columbia the accompanying copies of the notice of
"Examination of Masters and Mates &c," together with a complete
set of Examination papers.

I am to add that the Books used at the Examination Rooms are
"Rapers" and "Nories" Epitome and Nautical Almanack and Tide
Tables, which can be obtained at any bookseller, and always at
Messrs Potters Poultry Cheapside London.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-22_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD14.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty your letter of the 19th instant relative to
bestowing the local rank of Lieutenant Colonel upon Captain W.A.
 Delacombe of the Royal Marines, whilst he is in Command of the
English Force at San Juan.

I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you, for the
information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that
they consider it desirable, if Captain Delacombe should be
granted the local rank of Lieutenant Colonel while holding
command of the British Force at San Juan, such rank should be
honorary and carry with it no precedence outside the Island, nor
any increase of emolument.

My Lords have informed Rear Admiral The Honourable GF Hastings
 CB that Captain Delacombe may be allowed the local rank of
Lieutenant Colonel on the conditions above mentioned, provided
it appears to Admiral Hastings to be conducive to the good of
the public service.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687077.txt
================================================================================

No. 77

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 78
of the 29th July and to transmit to you 6 Copies of the notice of
"Examination of Masters and Mates" together with a complete set of
examination papers which in compliance with your request have been
obtained from the Board of Trade for the use of the Officer Acting as
Chairman of the Pilot board and Harbour Master in British Columbia.

The Crown Agents have been authorised to procure and forward the
Books used at the Examination rooms viz: "Rapers" and "Nories" Epitome
and Nautical Almanack and Tide Tables.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687078.txt
================================================================================

No. 78

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 83
of the 4th August requesting to be furnished with a copy of the East
Indian Local Statute, for the use of the Attorney General of British
Columbia and particularly with No. 1 of 1859.

I send you a copy of that Act, but I cannot apply to the India
Office for a copy of the whole of the Statutes of India.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687079.txt
================================================================================

No. 79

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 94
of the 6th August enclosing an Ordinance to

incorporate the Society of the Sisters of St. Ann of the City of
Victoria, in the Colony of British Columbia, for Educational purposes.

In reply I have to inform you that for the reasons stated by the
Attorney General I consider the Ordinance objectionable, and that I am
compelled therefore to disallow it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-25_Gendarme_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI18.txt
================================================================================

Gendarme to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Postmaster General your letter of the
23rd Inst, enclosing copies of two despatches from the Governor
of British Columbia, in which he expresses the acquiescence of
the Colony in the arrangements proposed by this Department in
August 1867 for the improvement of the postal communication
between the United Kingdom and British Columbia by way of the
United States.

I am to request that you will state to the Duke of Buckingham
and Chandos that immediately on receipt of your letter of the
12th August last, enclosing a telegraphic message from Governor
Seymour on this subject, steps were taken by this Department for
carrying the proposed arrangements into effect, and that a
Treasury Warrant (12 copies enclosed) has been issued fixing the
postage on letters between the United Kingdom and British
Columbia at one shilling the half ounce, such rate to include
the entire postage from the place of posting to the place of
delivery.

The Postmaster General of British Columbia was informed by a
letter from this office dated the 2nd Inst. that the new
arrangments would commence on the 1st October next.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-25_Law_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE19.txt
================================================================================

Law to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letter of 19th inst enclosing copy of a
despatch from the Governor of B. Columbia relating to the
expenses of the Military occupation of the island of St Juan.

I am to state, for the information of the Secretary of State,
that the Governor is correct in the view taken by him on the
subject. The sums specified—vizt £118.8.8 for collecting
Pine Seeds and £22.11.10 for freight on War Office Stores—having
been recovered from the Departments of the Commissioners of Woods
and Secretary of State for War respectively.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687080.txt
================================================================================

No. 80

In your Despatch No. 98 of the 8th August, containing the Report
required from you in answer to my Circular Despatch of the 5th May you
mention as unanswered your Despatch No. 66 of the 13th April 1867,
alluding to the question whether assistance should be given to the
Vancouvers Island Dock Company for the work they propose to undertake, I
have the honor to inform you that your Despatch No. 66 has been
communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-28_Julyan_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685AG05.txt
================================================================================

Julyan to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Referring to your letter of the 26th instant may I request
you will be good enough to inform me whether the Crown Agents
are to forward the Books, therein referred to, to British
Columbia or to the Colonial Office.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-09-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68114.txt
================================================================================

No. 114

Just as I was congratulating myself on the improvement in the
affairs of British Columbia, I hear of the destruction by fire
of Barkerville, the largest of the three towns on Williams
Creek, Cariboo.

2. The fire broke out in the Middle of the day so no lives were
lost. But property valued at from one to two hundred thousand
pounds has been destroyed. The Banks of British Columbia and
North America have had everything burnt and the Hudson's Bay
Company's Shop has gone. These last were however prudent enough
to have the greater part of their supply of goods kept in a
cellar in the face of the hill behind the town and that has escaped.

3. Barkerville had risen by degrees from a mere mining camp to
a considerable town. But the old plan had been adhered to and houses
grew up on ground

*

amply sufficient for tents. Crowded
together as they were in a narrow street it is not surprising
that a few hours of conflagration should have destroyed the
ambitious but frail wooden tenements.

4. I enclose the Magistrate's account of the fire and of the
losses alleged to have been sustained.

5. The good conduct of the people of British Columbia, of which
I have often boasted, failed them on this occasion and a large
amount of property was stolen. The Chinese were the principal
offenders. Miners proved not to be all above temptation, but I
have the authority of Chief Justice Begbie for saying that there
has not been a single charge brought against an Indian. This
seems strange and highly creditable to them.

6. The same energy which Cariboo has always shown has led to
the beginning of the erection of a new Barkerville. Before the
cinders of the late houses were cold new buildings were rising on
the former sites. So totally however has the burnt portion been
destroyed that the greater part of the Magistrate's time is
occupied in tracing with a Surveyor the space on which each
building stood before the conflagration. It is a matter of very
great satisfaction to me the having Mr Brew in charge of the
Cariboo district at this time.

7. The frosts have already set in. Prospecting is at an end
for this season, as all hands will be engaged in rebuilding
Barkerville. But in the midst of devastation, the Miners are
cheerful and the scene of the evening's recreations has been for
the present transferred to Richfield, a town about a mile off.

8. The Government Buildings are there, and in the destruction
of Barkerville, I have only specifically to indicate my regret
at the loss of the Public Library, the Miner's lounge and an
object of my constant solicitude.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-01_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687081.txt
================================================================================

No. 81

I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information and in
reply to your Despatch No. 92 of the 5th August a copy of a letter from
the Board of Treasury relating to the distribution between the
Departments chargeable of certain expenses incurred by the Military
occupation of San Juan.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68115.txt
================================================================================

No. 115

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 15th July 1868, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-02_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687082.txt
================================================================================

No. 82

I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information, copies
of a correspondence between the Foreign Office and this Department
relative to the promotion to the rank of Major of Captain Allen in
command of the United States Troops at San Juan, and the propriety of
his retaining that Command with his new rank.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-02_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687083.txt
================================================================================

No. 83

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the
1st August, Separate, enclosing a copy of a letter from Captain
Delacombe R.M. Commanding the English Force stationed at San Juan in
which he applies for the local rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

I transmit to you for your information and guidance copies of a
correspondence which has passed on this subject between this Department
and the Board of Admiralty, from which you will learn the conditions
upon which their Lordships are prepared to accede to Captain Delacombe's
request.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68114SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge this day the receipt of your
despatches, of the numbers and dates noted on the annexed sheet.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-02_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68114SQ.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge this day receipt of your
despatches, of the numbers and dates noted on the annexed sheet.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-03_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687084.txt
================================================================================

No. 84

In reply to your Despatches No. 73 of the 28th July and No. 90 of
the 5th August respecting the improvement of the postal communication
between the United Kingdom and British Columbia by way of the United
States, I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information and
guidance, a copy of a letter from the General Post Office enclosing a
Treasury Warrant fixing the rates of postage to be charged upon
correspondence transmitted by that route.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-05_H.B._Franklyn_to_Buckingham_B686F01.txt
================================================================================

Franklyn to Buckingham

I beg most respectfully to request that you will be kind enough
to inform me whether His Grace has been pleased to consider the
case of Capt. W.H. Franklyn of Vancouver's Island set forth in
the memorial presented on his behalf some time since; and who
had previously been brought to His Grace's notice by H.R.
Highness the Duke of Cambridge.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-05_Sproat_to_Secretary_of_State_B685MI19.txt
================================================================================

Sproat, Anderson and Irwin to Secretary of State

We have been requested to present to your Grace the accompanying
Memorial, which bears the signatures of the leading firms, and
Companies, representing in London the trade, and the productive
industry of British Columbia.

Many influential names would have been added if it had not been
deemed of pressing importance that your Grace's attention should
be drawn to the subject at the earliest moment.

Newspapers lately received from British Columbia and also
private advices received by the Memorialists, express the
anxiety of the colonists of British Columbia that the
opportunity of benefitting by the new Reciprocity Treaty should
not be lost; and the Memorialists hope that your Grace may feel
justified in endeavouring to secure, through the Foreign Office,
the opportunity for the colony to give more formal expression to
its claims and wishes in regard to the extension of the Treaty
to the British Columbia trade with the neighbouring American states.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-06_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687085.txt
================================================================================

No. 85

I have the honor to inform you that I have appointed Mr. Philip J.
 Hankin, R.N. Colonial Secretary of Sierra Leone, to be Colonial
Secretary of British Columbia with a Salary of £800 a year.

By another opportunity I shall communicate to you the date at which
Mr. Hankin proposes to leave this Country for the Colony. He will be
entitled to the half Salary of the Office from the date of his
embarkation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-12_Hankin_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B686H01.txt
================================================================================

Hankin to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 10th instant, informing me His Grace, the Duke of
Buckingham & Chandos, has been pleased to appoint me to be
Colonial Secretary of British Columbia, with a Salary of £800 a year.

I have to request you will be good enough to convey to His Grace
my thanks for this appointment, and to state that I shall be
fully prepared to leave this Country, by the Mail Steamer
sailing for New York on the 4th November.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-13_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687086.txt
================================================================================

No. 86

I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Hankin whose appointment as
Colonial Secretary of British Columbia was notified to you in my
Despatch No. 85 of the 6th Instant, will leave this country for the
Colony by the Mail Steamer sailing for New York on the 4th November.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-17_Kimberley_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B685MI20.txt
================================================================================

Kimberley to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

The Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company have
recently received a copy of a Memorial addressed to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, praying that His Grace will
move Lord Stanley to instruct Her Majesty's Minister at
Washington in the negotiations for the renewal of the Treaty for
reciprocity of trade between Canada and the United States to
endeavour to secure the extension of its provisions to British
Columbia.

The Committee desire me to express their general concurrence in
the prayer of the Memorialists and to add that in their opinion
an equitable readjustment of duties as between the United States
and British Columbia would tend greatly to promote the trade of
that Colony in which the Company are largely interested.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-20_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687087.txt
================================================================================

No. 87

With reference to my Dispatch No. 85 of the 6th Instant I
transmit to you herewith the Queen's Warrant for the appointment of
Lieutenant Philip James Hankin R.N. to be Colonial Secretary for the
Colony of British Columbia in the room of Mr. A.N. Birch.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-20_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687088.txt
================================================================================

No. 88

I have received from Chief Justice Needham a Telegram in which he
applies for the Chief Justiceship of British Guiana.

I have to request that he may be informed that the appointment has
been disposed of.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-21_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687089.txt
================================================================================

No. 89

I have the honor to transmit to you a Copy of a letter from Mr.
Sproat with a Copy of a Memorial signed by himself and other Merchants
and Companies interested in the Colony, praying that I will endeavour to
secure that in case of its renewal the provisions of the Reciprocity
Treaty shall be extended to British Columbia.

I transmit to you a Copy of the reply which has been returned to
the Memorialists, and have to request you to furnish me with a report
upon the subject.

I think it necessary to point out that if any relaxation of the
Tariff should be made in favour of the United States, existing Treaties
require that the same advantage should be extended to other Countries.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-21_Houghton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD15.txt
================================================================================

Houghton to Under-Secretary of State

In reply to your Letter of the 26th ultimo transmitting copy
of a Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia relative to
the question of granting assistance to the Vancouver's Island
Dock Company for the work which they propose to undertake, I am
commanded by my Lords Comissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the
Colonies, that they will be prepared, should the construction of
the Dock be decided upon, to extend the provisions of the
Colonial Docks Loan Act, when revised, to the Undertaking.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-22_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687090.txt
================================================================================

No. 90

I have the honor to transmit to you a Copy of a letter from the
Governor of the Hudsons Bay Company, expressing the general concurrence
of the Committee of that Company in the prayer of the Memorial which was
forwarded to you in my despatch No. 89 of the 21st instant respecting
the extension of the provisions of the Reciprocity Treaty to British
Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687091.txt
================================================================================

No. 91

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
107 of the 11th August, enclosing applications addressed to you by
Officers of your Government praying for compensation for the losses they
have sustained by permanently removing from New Westminster to Victoria.

I sincerely lament the losses to which these gentlemen have been
subjected by the consolidation of the two Colonies, and would gladly
learn that the Colonial Legislature had voted them in Land or Money some
compensation for those losses.

It is for the Government and Legislature of British Columbia to
consider how and to what extent this could be done, as it is not in my
power to recommend that any indemnity should be given them from Imperial
Funds.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687092.txt
================================================================================

No. 92

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No.
108, of the 26th August and to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the Ordinance passed by the Government of
British Columbia entitled No. 3 of 1868—"An Ordinance respecting the
Supreme Courts of Justice of British Columbia."



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-10-24_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687093.txt
================================================================================

No. 93

I have the honor to convey to you Her Majesty's Gracious
confirmation and allowance of the following Ordinances of your
Government vizt: No. 20 of 1867 enclosed in your Despatch No. 100 of the
5th September 1867 and entitled "An Ordinance respecting the Legal
professions."

No. 7 of 1868 enclosed in your Despatch, No. 109 of the 26th August
and entitled "An Ordinance respecting Barristers and Attorneys at Law."



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FILE: 1868-10-24_Hammond_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO09.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to our letter of the 20th Instant, I am
directed by Lord Stanley to request that you will state to the
Duke of Buckingham that His Lordship will forward to Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington copies of the correspondence
communicated in your letter, and which has passed between the
Colonial office and Messr Sproat, regarding the extension to
British Columbia of the Provisions of the Reciprocity Treaty if
renewed.



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FILE: 1868-10-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687094.txt
================================================================================

No. 94

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
107 of the 26th August reporting that the Draft Ordinance which had been
prepared in this Country for the constitution of a Supreme Court of
British Columbia in such a manner as to set at rest the anomalies
arising out of the Union of British Columbia and Vancouvers Island had
been rejected, and that you had allowed another Ordinance to be passed
in substitution for it.

A Copy of that Ordinance entitled An Ordinance "to establish a
Supreme Court of Justice in the Colony of British Columbia," you enclose
in your despatch. I have perused this Ordinance, but it is impossible
for me to submit it for Her Majesty's approval inasmuch as it
contemplates a Supreme Court composed of a Chief Justice and Puisne
Judge and is therefore inapplicable to the existing state of things in
British Columbia in which unfortunately there exist two Chief Justices.



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FILE: 1868-10-26_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687095.txt
================================================================================

No. 95

I have received and have read with satisfaction your Despatch No.
104 of the 22nd August enclosing the Monthly reports of the Magistrates
in charge of the several districts of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1868-10-26_Denny_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B686D01.txt
================================================================================

Denny to Under-Secretary of State

I beg to enclose a letter from Rear Admiral & Commander in
Chief, the Honorable George Fowler Hastings, directing me upon
giving up command of Her Majesty's Gun Boat "Forward" to proceed
to England by Mail Steamer, and, in compliance with a request by
His Excellency Governor Seymour, to take charge of the Great
Seal of the late Colony of Vancouver Island and to deliver the
same into the hands of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the
Colonies. I performed this duty and also brought with me a
Dispatch for His Grace the Duke of Buckingham which I delivered
with the Great Seal at the Colonial Office in Downing Street.

Having come home by the Packet on promotion but not on any 
special Admiralty duty I am compelled by the Admiralty
regulations to pay one third of my passage home. Had I been
employed on any special service by that department I should have
been relieved from this charge. I solicit therefore you will be
pleased to direct that some remuneration may be awarded to me
for the safe custody and delivery of the Seal & Despatch herein
mentioned to the Secretary of State. If this request cannot be
complied with may I solicit you will be pleased to recommend the
Lords of the Admiralty, having had a duty to perform, to relieve
me of the one third passage money.



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FILE: 1868-10-26_Lugard_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA06.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter dated the 5th July 1865 and the
reply thereto from this Office of the 31st August following,
regarding the mode of paying Pensioners residing in British
Columbia: I am directed by Secretary Sir John Pakington to
transmit to you the Pension Documents of the man noted in the margin

*

and to request that the necessary instructions for the payment
of his pension may be issued to the Secretary to the Government.



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FILE: 1868-10-26_Murray_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685FO10.txt
================================================================================

Murray to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to your letter of the 23rd Instant I am
directed by Lord Stanley to request that you will state to the
Duke of Buckingham that His Lordship will forward to Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington copy of the Memorial of the
Hudson's Bay Company regarding the question as to the Extension
to British Columbia of the terms of the Reciprocity Treaty.



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FILE: 1868-10-28_Grafton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685WA07.txt
================================================================================

Grafton to Under-Secretary of State

Referring to the previous Correspondence, and to your letter of
6th March last, relative to a Claim (£141.1.3) for Stores supplied
to the Colonial Government British Columbia (originally preferred on 26
Jany 1867) I am again directed by Secretary Sir John Pakington
to request you will state whether there is any prospect of the
Claim being settled.



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FILE: 1868-10-31_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685LN07.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 21st inst. with a despatch
from the Governor of B. Columbia reporting on the results of the
land system in that Colony and in Vancouvers Island.

2. In B. Columbia and Vancouvers Island a system of preemption
of land before survey which prevails largely in the United
States but does not exist in any other British Colony was
established by laws passed by the respective Legislatures.
The main features of this system are, that any person may take
possession of any unoccupied and unreserved Country land to the
extent of 160 acres on obtaining a licence from the Magistrate
of the District. A record of the transaction must be made by
the Magistrate within 7 days on payment of a fee of $2 and when
the Government survey comes up to the land the
claimant is entitled, if there has been a continuous occupation,
to purchase the land at $1 an Acre. Surveyed Land could also be
acquired in the usual manner by purchase at auction.

3. In a despatch dated 12th May last the Duke of Buckingham &
Chandos desired to be informed how the preemptive system had
worked—especially how far it had been taken advantage of by
settlers—to what extent their lands had been surveyed and
granted—whether the conditions of personal residence and
improvement had been enforced—and whether any difficulty had
been experienced in obtaining payment and in settling boundaries.
Governor Seymour's despatch is the answer to his Grace's enquiries.

4. In respect to B. Columbia he states that with the exception
of 27,797 Acres sold in New Westminster and its vicinity—almost
the whole of which remains unimproved, all the farming
establishments have been formed on the preemptive system, that
the number of claims registered is 1696, of which about 500,
comprizing 90,000 Acres, are actually settled and improved—about
20,000 acres being fenced and about 6000 under
cultivation. Since 1863 there have been numerous applications
to have preempted lands surveyed, which had been complied with
in the case of 48 Farms comprizing 5289 Acres—but in only 20
cases comprizing 2090 acres, has the purchase money been paid,
and the Government have no power of compelling payment. In
respect to personal residence he states that there is some doubt
as to the effect of the Law in B. Columbia—and that residence by
a hired agent or servant has been held to be sufficient—but as
to the running of boundaries he says that the Settlements being
very much scattered but few cases have occurred of coterminous
lots, and where such cases have occurred there has been no
difficulty in adjusting them.

5. In Vancouvers Island about 75,000 acres had been sold by
private contract at 20s/
an Acre previous to 1861, in which year preemption was
established. Under the system 1013 claims comprizing 132,153
Acres have been recorded—of which 700 claims comprizing about
87,500 acres have been settled and improved, about 8500 acres
being fenced, & 2500 under cultivation. There has been no
difficulty in enforcing personal residence in Vancouvers Island—but
I infer from the Governors silence that no preemptive lands
have been there brought under survey or finally purchased.

6. Contrasting the results of the Sale of land after survey and
its preemptive occupation before survey as seen in B. Columbia &
Vancouvers Island, the Governor expresses his decided preference
for the latter. He states that the purchased land, especially
in B. Columbia, remains perfectly unimproved—not a tree felled,
 nor an acre ploughed—while the preempted land, though small in
extent, yet is of the utmost importance as the first step
towards the development of the Colony. He observes that the sum
obtained for the sold land is of no importance in comparison with
the addition to the wealth of the Colony produced by the
occupiers of the preempted lands, who, during the recent season
of depression, have been the main support of the Colony. He
points out that it is only by a very liberal land system that
the Colony can compete with the adjacent territories of the
United States—and he expresses an opinion that it would be good
policy in the Governments

to survey and grant free of charge portions of land to settlers
who should have resided on & occupied the land for a specified
term of years—although he acknowledges that this would be
impracticable on account of the expense of surveys. He,
therefore, concludes that the present system, with some slight
modifications, will best suit the circumstances of the Colony.

7. It is impossible to deny in the face of the facts stated by
Governor Seymour, that the sale of land by auction has not, in
B. Columbia at least, been as successful as elsewhere. But it
must be remembered that those sales took place under exceptional
circumstances which necessarily gave them a highly speculative
character. The existence of gold in the Colony first became
generally known in the spring of 1858, and caused an influx of
miners from the United States which in a single month exceeded
10,000 persons. In the autumn of that year a sale of lots at
what was then intended for the capital took place, and they were
eagerly bought up by speculators. The site of the capital was
afterwards transferred to New Westminster, and with it the
rights of the purchasers at the previous site.

8. But the expectations at that time formed of the yield of
gold in B. Columbia have not been realized and the white
population was we believe in 1866 (the latest year for which we
 have a return) less than one third of what it was at the date of
the establishment of the Colony. It is not surprizing that
under these circumstances town lots and land in the immediate
vicinity of the capital, which had been bought in the
expectation of an extravagant increase in their value, should
have been abandoned when that expectation was so signally
disappointed. That under these circumstances the existence of
this land in an unimproved condition must be, as Governor Seymour
states, an obstacle to the progress of the Colony cannot be
disputed, and it is time to consider whether without injustice
measures might not be adopted to compel the purchasers either to
improve or to part with it. The question is one especially for
the Local Government who are better acquainted than anyone else
with the circumstances of the sales and the condition of the
purchasers. I would, therefore, suggest that the Governor
should be instructed to consider in what way the public injury
arising from the unimproved condition of the land might be best
abated. In respect to Vancouvers Island we are surprized to
 hear that there is any quantity of sold land uncultivated or
unused. The sales in that Island previous to 1861 were
principally to the Hudson's Bay Co and their Settlers, and we
had been under the impression that whatever land was purchased
by them was purchased for immediate occupation. If, however, it
is the case that land belonging to private owners is becoming an
obstruction and a nuisance in Vancouvers Island also, the
necessary measures should be taken there, as well as in
B. Columbia, to remedy the evil.

9. As regards the preemptive system generally it appears to
suit the present condition of the Colony. At all events it may
be taken for granted that in the depressed state of the Colony
it would not be possible to attract or retain any settlers if
the terms offered were less favorable than are offered in the
adjoining territories of the United States. So long as the
population is small and immigration slow, and the prospect of
increase in the value of land not such as to tempt speculators,
it may not be difficult to restrict the acquisitions of Settlers
under the preemptive system to the narrow limits which the law
allows. If so the evils which have elsewhere arisen from a too
facile system in the disposal of land may be avoided. But if at
any future time the Colony should rise in popular favor &
immigration became more rapid, the working of the system would
require to be carefully watched that the earliest symptoms of
its being abused might be at once and rigorously dealt with.
It would be scarcely possible under such circumstances to
control the operations of speculators. No regulations either as
to the quantity of land to be preempted or as to occupation &
improvement would long prevent that class of men from possessing
themselves of large tracts of the best land which they would
hold not for use but for future sale. The almost unlimited
extent of land in the United States has hitherto prevented any
serious inconvenience from the operations of land jobbers in
that Country. But even there it is stated that in some
districts, especially in California & Kanzas

(vide "Contemporary Review" for Novr '68),
all the best locations are in the hands of private persons, and
that immigrants are therefore compelled to pay for the land they
require 4 or 6 times as much as is demanded by the Government.
It is scarcely probable that the same result should be produced
in B. Columbia or Vancouvers Island for many years, but the
possibility of it ought to be kept in view. Meanwhile the
sparseness of the settlements will for the present prevent any
inconvenience from conflicting claims on the part of neighboring
Settlers—and this objection, therefore, to occupation before
survey may be put aside. In respect to the deferred payments it
may be assumed that in a majority of cases the Government will
lose the money. Nevertheless the importance in a political
point of view of increasing the population is so urgent,
while the difficulty of inducing Settlers to go to the Colony is
so great, that it seems inevitable to accept this contingency as
the necessary condition of the settlement. In the meantime the
Colony derives, as the Governor observes a greater advantage
from their settlement than the price their land would have sold
for at auction—while their labour on their lands is tending to
render the Colony self-sustaining. Under these circumstances
I would submit that the present system should not be interfered
with. However open it might be to objection in Colonies more
thickly peopled and more attractive to Emigrants, it is not
likely to have any injurious effect, for the present at least,
in Colonies so exceptionally situated as B. Columbia and
Vancouvers Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-02_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687096.txt
================================================================================

No. 96

I transmit to you for your information and with reference to your
despatches No. 66 of the 13th April, and No. 98 of the 8th August copies
of a correspondence between this Department and the Admiralty relative
to the question of granting assistance to the Vancouvers Island Dock
Company for the work which they propose to undertake.



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FILE: 1868-11-02_Hamilton_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685TE20.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Under-Secretary of State

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letter of the 15th October submitting
an Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council of British
Columbia entitled "An Ordinance to appropriate the sum of
$358,923.5 out of the General Revenue of the Colony for the
Contingent Service of the Year 1868," together with the
Colonial Estimates for 1868; and My Lords desire me
to state, for the information of the Duke of Buckingham &
Chandos that My Lords see no objection to these Estimates or
to the confirmation of the Ordinance.

They also approve of His Grace's proposal to address to Governor
Seymour instructions respecting the preparation and transmission
of Financial Returns, similar to those recently addressed to the
Governor of the Straits Settlements.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-03_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687097.txt
================================================================================

No. 97

I have the honor to inform you with reference to my despatches
Nos. 89 and 90 of the 21 and 22 October that copies of the
correspondence with Messr. Sproat and with the Hudsons Bay Company as to
the Extension of the terms of the Reciprocity Treaty to British Columbia
will be forwarded by Lord Stanley to Her Majesty's Minister at
Washington.



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FILE: 1868-11-04_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687098.txt
================================================================================

No. 98

I transmit to you, for your information and guidance and with
reference to my Despatch No. 64 of the 9th September 1865, a copy of a
letter from the War Office respecting the payment of a pension of
£18.5.0 per annum to B. Wakefield, a discharged Marine who intends to
reside in Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68116.txt
================================================================================

No. 116

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 56 of
the 28th July, referring to a statement made by a Mr
Lowenberg that he had been told that the Local Government would
continue to dispute his title to Lot Z in the town of Victoria.
Mr Lowenberg states that his informant was no less an
authority than the Acting Colonial Secretary.

2. I enclose a report from Mr Young on the subject
and would merely say that I had much rather take his word
than that of Mr Lowenberg on any subject.

*

3. This case is one of those peculiar to Vancouver Island which are
handed down from one Governor to Another for settlement.
However Mr Lowenberg was informed on the 1st October that
the Colonial Government withdrew all claim to the Lot in
question. Nothing more can be done. I presume that he is now
satisfied.



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FILE: 1868-11-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68117.txt
================================================================================

No. 117

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 24th August 1868, Separate, forwarding the
undermentioned Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-04_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68118.txt
================================================================================

No. 118

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
despatch of 25th September, Separate, forwarding the
undermentioned Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-05_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68116SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your
despatches, of the numbers and dates noted on the annexed sheet.

*



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FILE: 1868-11-09_Ransom_to_Buckingham_B685MI21.txt
================================================================================

Ransom to Buckingham

I beg to enclose as required by our Deed of Settlement, the half
yearly statement of this Bank for the six months ended 30th
June 1868.



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FILE: 1868-11-10_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687099.txt
================================================================================

No. 99

I have the honor to transmit to you for your information Copies of
a Correspondence between the War Department and this Office respecting
the probability of your Government being shortly in a position to
liquidate the claims of that Department for Stores supplied for the
service of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-10_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68119.txt
================================================================================

No. 119

On the 9th ultimo I had the honor to receive a telegram in
cipher from Your Grace. Some of the words were unintelligible
but I make out the meaning to be as follows

The Foreign department have information which may be correct of
Fenian attack may be attempted on Vancouver Island. Prepare.

2. I lost no time in communicating to Rear Admiral Hastings a
copy of this Telegram. Having no other Ships of any force in
the harbour, he has been good enough to delay, for the present,
the departure for the South of his own flag-ship, the "Zealous."

3. Anonymous warnings continually reach me from San Francisco
and Portland, but I not not feel under any present anxiety on
the subject.



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FILE: 1868-11-11_Tilley_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685MI22.txt
================================================================================

Tilley to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Postmaster General having had before him your letter of the
26th of September last, enclosing a Minute of the Acting
Colonial Secretary of British Columbia, transmitted by the
Governor of that Colony, I am desired to state for the
information of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, with
reference to the first of the three questions dealt with in the
Minute, that, whereas the arrangement under which the Colonial
Government undertook to pay a monthly subsidy of $1,000 for the
conveyance between San Francisco and Victoria of the Mails to
and from the United Kingdom took effect on the 1st June last,
the arrangement for collecting and retaining the whole postage
upon letters so despatched to, and charging nothing on letters
received from, the United Kingdom took effect on the 17th of
January last; and that it is not stated what was paid for the
sea-conveyance between the two dates.

In order, therefore, that the accounts between the Mother
Country and the Colony, may be adjusted, I am to request that
the Governor may be called upon to supply this information.

The arrangement proposed by this Department, and agreed to by
the Colony was, as the Minute states, that the Mother Country
should pay half the cost of conveying the English Mails between
San Francisco and Victoria. But, on the other hand, the Colony
was to repay to the Mother Country half the cost of conveying
those Mails across the Atlantic and through the United States.

The adjustment of these several charges will be made by the
Receiver and Accountant General of this Department on the
receipt of the information required.

I am, at the same time, to request that it may be pointed out to
the Government of British Columbia that it was not intended that
the prepayment of postage upon ordinary letters sent to the
United Kingdom should be made compulsory, and that all letters
not prepaid should be detained. Such a course might occasion
much inconvenience to the Public; and the Postmaster General
considers that it will be better to send all letters whether
paid, unpaid, or insufficiently paid. As the same rule will be
followed in this country the arrangement will be in no way
opposed to the agreement that each office shall retain the
postage which it collects.

With regard to the second point adverted to in the Minute,
vizt: the exchange of correspondence between British Columbia
and the United States—the existing arrangement is that the Mails
are conveyed at the expense of the Colony; but a postage of 10
cents (5d) is levied upon each single letter by the United
States Post Office, that Office, however, paying no part of the
cost of sea conveyance. Upon this point the Acting Colonial
Secretary is of opinion that each Office should retain the
postage which it collects, but it appears to the Duke of
Montrose that, to make the arrangement just, each Office should
contribute a fair proportion towards the cost of conveyance;
and, as the Colonial Government is desirous that this Department
should endeavour to obtain better terms for the Colony with the
United States Post Office, His Grace will at once place himself
in communication with the Postmaster General of the United
States and suggest a more equitable arrangement.

Thirdly, the Colonial Government is anxious to exchange closed
Mails with Canada through the United States, and thus to reduce
the charge to which the correspondence to and from Canada is at
present subject.

There is no provision in the Convention between the British and
United States Post Offices for an exchange of Mails between two
British Colonies through the United States Territory; but, as
the Canadian Post Office has a separate postal agreement with
the United States, it is not improbable that, in that agreement,
there may be a provision of this nature; and, as a first step,
enquiry will be made upon this point of the Postmaster General
of Canada.



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FILE: 1868-11-14_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687099A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have to acknowledge your Despatch of the 3rd of August 1868,
respecting the reservation of laws for the signification of Her
Majesty's pleasure.

A misapprehension has evidently existed in consequence of the use
in the rule of Council No. 43 of the term reserve which was
sanctioned by the Secretary of State by Despatch of the 3rd of July
1865, No. 37.

The subject will be conveniently explained by reference to the two
Colonies with which you are most familiar, British Columbia, and British
Honduras.

In no Colony can laws be made except by the authority which is
legally empowered to make them.

The sole instrument which in British Columbia gives the power to
make laws is the Order in Council of 11th June 1863, and the only
authority to which such power is given is the Governor with the advice
and consent of the Council. No share in that power is given to the
Queen who can only disallow Laws but is not under any circumstances
enabled to take part in making them.

In British Honduras the Instrument which gives power to make Laws
is the Local Act 16 Vict: Cap 4. It gives that power to the Governor
and the Legislative Body, i.e. in British Honduras the Assembly, and is
so far like the British Columbia Order in Council. But like the laws of
Australia and Canada, it adds a qualification not contained in the Order
in Council of June 11th 1863. For it authorizes the Governor under
certain circumstances to do what is technically described as "reserving
a Bill for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure."

The effect of thus reserving a bill, as you doubtless remember and
will see by reference to the Act, is to enable the Governor instead of
assenting himself to a Bill to transfer the power of assenting to her
Majesty in person.

Thus you see that the power of transferring to Her Majesty the
power of taking a part in Legislation is unequivocally given to the
governor in one Colony and unequivocally withheld from him in the other.

The Governor therefore may exercise the power in British Honduras
where it is given, he may not exercise it in British Columbia where it
is withheld.

I now come to the consideration of the 10th clause of the Order in
Council of 1863, and the 43rd Rule of Council cited erroneously as 42nd
Clause in Confidential Despatch of 3rd August made under Authority of
that Clause and to which you refer as giving what the Order in Council
itself does not give. On this I first observe that the power given to
the Council of making rules for their own proceedings in British
Columbia does not include the power of investing Her Majesty with the
power not otherwise given her of assenting to Bills in England. The
assent of the Queen in England forms no part of the proceedings of the
Legislative Council in British Columbia.

You will further see on reading the 43rd Rule that the Council have
not in fact attempted thus to exceed their powers.

It is true that they have used the word "reserve" in the sense of
deferring or referring, but they had not used the technical phrase
"reserve for the signification at Her Majesty's pleasure." The rule
does not therefore like the British Honduras Loco, empower you to
transfer to Her Majesty the function of assenting to a Bill, but only
established or recognized your right to consult the Home government
before assenting to the Bill yourself. This of course you can do and
could have done whether the Council had authorized you to do it or not.

You have therefore two courses open to you in case a Bill of
doubtful propriety is presented to you.

1. To require the insertion of a suspending Clause and to assent
to it on the insertion of that Clause.

2. To refer the Bill home for Her Majesty's consideration and to
postpone your own assent to the Bill till you have received
instructions.

There is one point to which it may be well I should draw your
attention and which is suggested by the language of the 5th paragraph of
your Despatch viz. the extreme danger of supposing that any power and
especially any technical power is "inherent" in you as Governor which
you cannot shew to be expressly or implicitly given by your Commission
and Instructions or by Imperial or local laws.

I have no doubt that this explanation will prevent any future
misapprehension.

But as it is evident that the word reserve has received a different
interpretation in the Colony from that which was here understood to be
evidently its real meaning I think it would be advisable to take any
convenient opportunity to substitute the word "refer" for the somewhat
misleading word "reserve" in the 43rd Rule of Council.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-16_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68119PR.txt
================================================================================

Private

On the 14th instant I ventured to send to Your Grace the
following Telegram,

Needham begs for Chief Justice at Cape. Good Man. Do not
move Young yet."

2. It was sent at the request and expense of Chief Justice
Needham. I have only to say that he has given great
satisfaction as a Judge in this Colony. He is a man of
considerable energy, a good lawyer and keeps his court in
admirable order.

2. [sic] The removal of one of our Chief Justices, although
both are liked and respected would remove all the difficulties
with which our present judiciary arrangements are embarrassed.

4. For the sake of economy I tacked on to the message a request
respecting the Acting Colonial Secretary which had no relation
to the topic with which my message commenced. I shall address
Your Grace in a Separate despatch on this second subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-11-16_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68119PS.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

On the 5th of June, I recommended that Mr
William A.G. Young should not be appointed to the permanent
office of Colonial Secretary of British Columbia without some
further communication with me.

2. Your Grace informs me in reply on the 28th July that
you will endeavour to select some well qualified Gentleman for
the appointment, as Your Grace considers it of importance that
the Governor should be able to repose entire confidence in an
Officer holding that Situation.

3. I am afraid I expressed myself too strongly. I did not pray
for the removal of Mr Young, but rather that his
confirmation should be delayed until I had had further
opportunities of judging of him. In this Colony every public
officer is so maligned that caution after caution has been
conveyed to me to be on my guard as respects Mr Young.
After working for upwards of a year with him I have been unable
to find out the slightest unfaithfulness on his part, and I must
certainly state that I find him clever, hardworking and useful.

4. I cannot suppose that Your Grace would deprive Mr Young
of Employment after his long official service. Indeed I was
authorized by Your Grace's Predecessor to assure Mr Young
that in the event of his losing the Colonial Secretaryship he
would be provided with a situation equivalent in value. I would
refer Your Grace to the schedule of offices intended for the
United Colony in which Mr Young's name is placed down either
for the Office of Colonial Secretary or that of Police
Magistrate of Victoria. That schedule was made out principally
by Mr Blackwood and myself and was submitted for the
approval of the Earl of Carnarvon.

5. The Legislative Session is approaching and it would be
difficult for a man new to the Colony to conduct the business of
Colonial Secretary. When I shall have had the experience of a
second Session under Mr Young's Presidency, I shall be
prepared to submit a specific recommendation to Your Grace.

6. I telegraphed to Your Grace on this subject in these
words: "Do not move Young yet."



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FILE: 1868-11-19_Briggs_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AD16.txt
================================================================================

Briggs to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
send you herewith, for the information of His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham, Extracts of a Letter from Rear Admiral Hastings,
dated the 30th Septr, No 175, reporting his
proceedings in ascending the Frazer River, and the Road to the
 Gold Diggings of Cariboo in British Columbia, and pointing out
the great difficulty there would be in sending any Body of Men
from Her Majestys Ships to Cariboo.



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FILE: 1868-11-20_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68119SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your
despatches, of the numbers and dates noted on the annexed sheet.

*



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FILE: 1868-11-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68120.txt
================================================================================

No. 120

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 10 October, Separate, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



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FILE: 1868-11-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68121.txt
================================================================================

No. 121

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 82 of
the 2nd October enclosing a correspondence relative to the
promotion to the rank of Major of Captain Allen in Command of
the United States Troops at San Juan and the propriety of his
retaining that Command with his new rank.

2. The case appears to be virtually settled by the Brevet Rank
conferred on Captain Delacombe, the English Commandant, as
Communicated to me in Your Grace's despatch No. 83 of 2nd
October. The American Garrison is now under the command of
Captain Nickerson.

3. I enclose copies of my replies both Public and Confidential
to the representations made to me on this subject by Her
Majesty's Minister at Washington.

4. The utmost good feeling prevails between the two camps and
the Island is making great progress under military law and the
absence of taxation. The settlers number between four and five
hundred.



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FILE: 1868-11-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68121CO.txt
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Confidential

I received this morning with the greatest concern Your Grace's
despatch No. 85 of the 6th October, informing me that you had
appointed Mr Philip Hankin R.N. to be Colonial Secretary of
British Columbia. No mention is made of the present incumbent
of the office, Mr William A.G. Young.

2. I, on the 5th of June, requested Your Grace to defer the
formal confirmation of Mr Young until I had made some further
communication on the subject. I have never made a complaint
against him, nor have I had cause for being anything but fully
satisfied with his zeal, integrity, temper, and knowledge. If I
hestitated in recommending his final confirmation it was only
because I was informed that he was
too well acquainted with the place and had too many interests in it.
There were statements of his having been indiscreet in his
revelations to old friends but I do not believe in their truth.
I was but little prepared for the interpretation put upon my
letter by Your Grace. As soon as I heard that Your Grace
proposed to make an appointment I wrote to try to avert this
step, on the 16th November. I telegraphed to the same effect
on the 14th November,

*

and this morning I telegraphed again to
beg Your Grace to pause. Possibly the matter may be
reconsidered if Mr Hankin shall not have left England.

**

3. I may say that this would be a most unfortunate time for the
arrival of a new Colonial Secretary. The Session about to
commence, the first in Victoria, will be one of particular
difficulty. The people, not satisfied with the steady
reductions I am making, are determined that their
representatives shall only allow our present estimates to pass
by the official votes. How a man totally ignorant of what has
passed in the Colony for the last few years can furnish the
information which will be called for on every petty item of
expenditure I am at a loss to know. Mr Hankin, even if he
were able to fill the place of Colonial Secretary would come
before the public with peculiarly bad grace. It is but last
year that he received from the impoverished funds of the Colony
£51.11.0 as compensation for loss of office and £165 for
passages of wife and family to England. It is a little
embarrassing to me to find that a man whose services I could not
avail myself of in any of the offices of middling importance and
with which therefore I had to dispense returns on my hands after
due compensation for loss of office, to the highest post in the
Colony. Then, he will come before the Public, during the fury
for retrenchment which now rages, as a fresh burden on the
Colony. The President of the Council will appear weighted with
the money he got from my having dispensed with the
Services which might have been required of him in keeping
order below the bar. If Mr Young was to be removed, I
had in Mr Ball, Mr O'Reilly or Mr Trutch men of far
greater experience and better education than Mr Hankin. One
of these could have been transferred to the Colonial
Secretaryship and the Salary of his office saved. Her Majesty's
Government directs me to retrench in every way.

4. It is my duty to Your Grace and it is by no means unfair to
Mr Hankin to state what his antecedents in this Colony have
been and how far they will enable him to secure the full
deference and respect to which the Colonial Secretary (next in
succession to the Governorship) has a right.

5. Mr Hankin, a Lieutenant in H.M.S. "Hecate," resigned his
commission for the purpose of proceeding to our Northern Mines
to dig for gold. No one who does not know Cariboo can
understand the strange associations and singular friendships
which gold digging there entails, where muscle is nearly
everything, the brain of little use. I should however say, he
was accompanied by a brother. That brother has stuck to the
diggings. It is in no way discreditable to the Messrs Hankin
that they did not succeed in their labours. Mr Philip Hankin
returned "dead broke"—that is, without a farthing in his pocket.
Worked his way down, on foot I believe, stopping necessarily at
the [strange pot?] houses by the roadside.

6. On arrival in Victoria, after some delay he was appointed
Junior Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Office at a Salary of
£200 a year, under Mr Young; whom he is now to supplant.

7. But, as stated by Governor Kennedy in his despatch No. 100
of 3rd Decr 1864, Mr Horace Smith the Inspector of
Police was indicted for "having received numerous bribes to
permit gambling in various public houses and for other immoral
purposes." He resigned, and into his somewhat tainted and never
very agreeable appointment Mr Hankin was placed, at a salary
of £350 and a residence within the prison walls.

8. He was employed with Rear Admiral Denman on an expedition
against some Indian pirates, whom the natives declined to give
up. The scuttlers of a vessel and the murderers of her crew
were shelled for a considerable time by the flagship "Sutlej"
and the sloop "Devestation." The effect was considerable loss
of lives, eighty say the Indians, but the murderers were not
surrendered. For personal gallantry on this occasion Mr
Hankin at the intercession of Admiral Denman was restored to the Navy.

9. I beg to refer Your Grace to Sir James Douglas' despatch No.
67 of the 25th of October 1861. He reports "I have been
obliged to dismiss the Acting Harbour Master of the Port of
Victoria, Mr Jeremiah Nagle, in consequence of discovering
irregularities in his accounts, and that he had been in the
habit of charging and appropriating to his own use, fees for
services rendered in his official capacity." Mr Hankin
married one of Mr Nagle's daughters. The family is still in
the Colony. Would this connexion be a desirable one for the
highest officer in the Colony?

10. I make these observations in no illnatured spirit, but the
knowledge that until more liberal Institutions are granted much
of the comfort of Board of Trade and of the easy administration of the
Government will depend upon the personal weight of the public
Officers. And this is not a time when an ounce of that weight
can be spared. The "dead broke" miner must have some curious
friends. The Junior Clerk must have had associates of a class
similar to his own. The Inspector of Police must be well
acquainted with Public Houses and less reputable places. But he
is not the man to lead the Legislative Council, more
particularly if he comes back after having been paid in full for
the abolition of his police appointment and in acquital of
any claim he might be thought to possess, previously, upon the
Government of this Colony.

10. [sic] On the other hand Mr Young has been Colonial
Secretary of Vancouver Island since 1852 and, according to the
Office List, "compiled from Official records with permission of
the Secretary of State,"
Colonial Secretary of British Columbia since July 1867.

11. He is an excellent pains taking Public Officer and if the
only report that I ever heard against him—that he is still on
very intimate terms with his former friends and relations be
true—I look upon it at this present moment when the newspapers
are busy with a controversy as to the relative merits of Sir
James Douglas and myself, as fortunate that there is a mutual
friend who can and does prevent any asperity arising on either
side out of the Public arguments.

12. The news of Mr Hankin's appointment reached Victoria
this morning and I learn that great excitement prevails and that
he would not now be allowed to land without personal violence.
As to his managing the Legislative Council during the
approaching Session I look upon that as impossible. Should he
unfortunately have left England before my telegrams reach Your
Grace, I do not know what circumstances may require, but the
people are in no pleasant humour. Fenians, if not Americans,
would probably join in any riot which may arise.

13. Your Grace will excuse me for speaking out thus plainly,
but I know that you have but one object in view, that of
promoting the peace, order and good Government of the Colony.
All these I respectfully submit would be emperilled

should I meet the Legislative Council with Mr Hankin as President
and Leader of it.



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FILE: 1868-11-25_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687100.txt
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No. 100

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 75
of the 28th of July respecting the postal arrangements which exist on
the part of British Columbia with the United Kingdom, the Dominion of
Canada and the United States.

In reply I transmit to you for your information and guidance a copy
of a letter from the [Postmaster] General to whom your despatch was
referred, and I have to request that you will furnish me with the
information desired by His Grace with regard to the amount paid for the
conveyance of the British Columbia Mails between San Francisco and
Victoria from the 17th of January to the 1st of June last.



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FILE: 1868-11-28_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687100A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

With reference to your telegraphic Despatch by which you request me
not to replace Mr. Young at present. It is not possible for me now to
interfere. In your Despatch Secret of June 5th you requested that I
would not appoint Mr. Young as you could not give him that confidence
which a Governor should repose in his Colonial Secretary and I
accordingly replied on the 28th July, that I would endeavour to select
some well qualified person, and I accordingly appointed Lieutt. Hankin
whom on the strength of the recommendations of yourself and Admiral
Denman I had appointed Colonial Secretary of British Honduras where he
had proved himself fully deserving of the character given to him.

Lieutt. Hankin having left this Country for British Columbia on the
4th November I have no opportunity of delaying his arrival.



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FILE: 1868-11-29_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68121CP.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

The steamer that brought Your Grace's despatch No. 85 of 6th
October announcing the appointment of Mr Philip Hankin to the
office of Colonial Secretary only waited a few hours in port and
consequently, being thus pressed for time, I fear that my
despatch, Confidential, of 21st November bears marks of the
haste in which it was written.

2. It is however my deliberate opinion that the appointment of
Mr Hankin is an unfortunate one. For many reasons:

First; because in his mining persuits and in his police
employment he has been brought into immediate contact with the
lowest classes of the community.

Secondly; because, the Colony being financially embarrassed, I
bought off all Mr Hankin's claims at a very high price and
fondly imagined that I had got rid of him. He was totally
useless. The bargain was not a bad one for us. His passage
was paid to England and now it appears from Your Grace's
despatch that the Colony will have to pay him half Salary from
the date of his embarkation in England for this port. Your
Grace will forgive me for saying that this is but small
encouragement to me to carry out the reductions in expenditure
which have so often been urged upon me.

Thirdly; because the Office of Colonial Secretary is one of very
great importance. We govern here by moral influence alone, and
the social position of the principal public officers, as well as
their official capabilities, is freely canvassed by all persons.
I send Mr O'Reilly to collect the Revenue at the Kootenay
mines, 600 miles from Victoria, and to settle all disputes. He
is respected and liked by everyone. How could I send the "dead
broke" miner, Mr Hankin, on such a duty? He would be simply
made the laughing stock of the place. Yet the office of
Colonial Secretary is higher than that of Gold Commissioner.

Fourthly; Mr Hankin has not, as far as I am aware, shewn the
slightest aptitude for business during the time he has been
employed under the Colonial Government, and—not to make this
despatch too long—he has married into a family with which it
would not be pleasant for some ladies to associate. He is
personally extremely unpopular, being one of the two men
blackballed for the Vancouver Club, by no means an exclusive
establishment. If Mr Hankin, taken as he is, were but new
to the Colony, one might make something of him, but as it is, he
seems likely to disturb everything. I do not believe that
personal violence will be offered to him on his arrival, but I
fear it will be utterly impossible for me to get through the
Legislative Session if I appoint him Colonial Secretary, and as
such, President of the Legislative Council. I am informed,
though not officially, that the Members for Victoria will not
take their seats in a Council presided over by Mr Hankin.
Numerous petitions are being got up praying that I will not try
the experiment.

3. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter from Mr
William Young whom Mr Hankin supersedes. It would be vain to
deny the fact that I cannot place that entire confidence in
Mr Young which it is desirable that a Colonial Secretary
should receive from his superior officer. I fear that there is
no doubt of his being mixed up in the eternal small intrigues
which stir up the Victoria community. When I am in this town
there is no great harm in his proceedings, or suspected
proceedings, but I cannot leave Head Quarters without a slight
feeling of uneasiness. He is however shrewd, industrious,
painstaking, and in many respects able. I need hardly say that
I would infinitely rather take him—with the vague feeling of
distrust from which I cannot free myself—as Colonial Secretary
than Mr Hankin.

4. Mr Young certainly in his letter makes out a strong case
for Your Grace's consideration. He has served nearly ten years
as Colonial Secretary of British Columbia or Vancouver Island.
He gave up his Situation in the Navy for the Civil Service and I
believe that during his tenure of office here, he has given
satisfaction to Sir James Douglas, Mr Kennedy and I know to
myself—entirely so, but for his local connections. Mr Young
has some remarkably good qualities for a public officer and
prominently amongst them I should mention his industry, zeal and
temper. I could hardly desire to have a more efficient Colonial
Secretary in a place new to himself where he could venture to
think entirely for himself.

Entertaining a strong opinion as to Mr Young's claims upon
the Government it never occurred to me when suggesting in
Downing Street, the mode in which the amalgamation of the civil
Establishments of the two Western Colonies, then about to be
united should be carried out, to dispense with the Services of
Mr Young. I find in the list of Public Officers for the
United Colony drawn up principally by Mr Blackwood and
myself, but submitted for the approval of the Earl of Carnarvon
the following remark placed opposite the name of Mr Young.
It shews that the feeling of uneasiness on my part is not of
recent growth. "Mr Seymour would prefer (solely on public
grounds) that Mr Young, who will be displaced from the office
of Colonial Secretary of Vancouver Island should be appointed
to be Police Magistrate at Victoria, Salary £800 and that Mr
O'Reilly now a Stipendiary Magistrate up the Country should be
appointed Colonial Secretary at the Salary (as before) of £800."

6. Mr Young therefore makes no mistake when he says that I
assured him, on my assumption of the General Government, that he
should have the Colonial Secretaryship or a situation of equal value.

7. I cannot believe that under the circumstances Your Grace
will look with indifference upon Mr Young's appeal. I
confidently state that in him you will possess a valuable public
Servant. I am quite prepared to receive him from Your Grace's
hands as Colonial Secretary trammeled though he be with
recollections of the miserable disputes which signallized the
early Colonization of this Coast; but I imagine that he would be
still more useful in a new scene of action where he would start
free from all prejudices and partialities.

8. It seems to me, if I may venture to say so, that the public
faith is pledged to Mr Young by the communication which, with
 the sanction of the Earl of Carnarvon, I made to him on the
Union of the Colonies being effected.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687101.txt
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No. 101

I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information, a copy
of a letter from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty forwarding
extracts from a letter from Rear Admiral the Honorable G.F. Hastings,
Commanding the Pacific Squadron giving an account of his visit to the
gold Diggings of Cariboo and pointing out the great difficulty that
would be experienced in sending any body of men from Her Majesty's
ship to that place.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68122.txt
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No. 122

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 21 October, Separate, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68123.txt
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No. 123

My despatch No. 121 of 21st November informed Your Grace that
the United States Garrison on the Island of San Juan was then
under the Command of (Brevet Major) Captain
Nickerson. I have now the honor to state that Brevet Colonel
C. Bird has arrived on the Island and has assumed the command of
the American Troops.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68124.txt
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No. 124

I had the honor to receive, yesterday, Your Grace's despatches
No. 89 of the 21st October and No. 90 of the same month both
on the subject of including British Columbia in any treaty of
reciprocity which may be made with the United States.

2. It happened that I had summoned the Executive Council to
meet this morning—so I brought the subject under their
consideration. I found opinion divided. I shall therefore
consult the Legislative Council—about to meet—on the question.

3. Could I, however, without indiscretion venture to beg of
Your Grace for information as to the nature of the treaty which
it appears, is being negotiated with the United States?



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68125.txt
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No. 125

I have the honor to lay before Your Grace a letter addressed to
me by the principal leaders of a large and respectable Public
meeting, or as these Gentlemen prefer to style it, a Convention
held at Yale. I add a copy of my reply.

2. The principal questions upon which the convention agreed
appears

to have been:

1. Union or Confederation with the Dominion of Canada.

2. Representative Institutions and Responsible Government in
the Colony.

3. Retrenchment in the Public expenditure, principally in the
way of dismissing certain public officers and reducing the
Salaries of others.

4. A reciprocal commercial treaty with the United States
whereby the raw productions of the Colony might be introduced
into the neighboring Republic duty free.

3. As regards the first point I do not suppose that there is an
Englishman who would not desire to see one unbroken Dominion
under his flag extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For
all present facilities of intercourse we are as near to Japan as
to Ottawa. But the matter does not rest with the so called
Convention at Yale, but has already occupied Your Grace's
attention and that of the Government of Canada. I must say that
this Colony appears to possess so little interest for the people
of England that perhaps any change which would call attention to
its really wonderful resources would do good.

4. The second resolution is in favour of representative
Institutions and responsible Government in the Colony. The
Legislative Constitution of the Colony is a subject which has
occupied my attention much of late, but I have not been able to
see a clear path before me. Local politics have their Head
Quarters in Victoria. If one ascends the Fraser but a few miles
one finds less excitement and better tempers at New Westminster
and so it goes on in proceeding up Country till at Clinton the
whole thing is ignored. The miners of Cariboo and Kootenay are
in the most profound state of indifference as regards what is
passing at Head Quarters. I should be glad if we had some mode
of allowing the people of Victoria through their representatives
to relieve themselves of their burden of complaints and by
simply stating what the "miserable misgovernment" (with which
cry the streets echo) consists of, enable a respectful
explanation to be furnished. I shall anxiously consider this
subject and it is not unlikely that it will be brought up at the
next Session of the Legislature.

5. The Convention then urges retrenchment. We have an enormous
amount to pay for interest on Loans. Nearly a third of our
Revenue. Were we free from debts, our finances would be in a
most flourishing condition. I am not answerable for the debt.
It was not incurred by me, yet it devolves upon me to pay and I
believe that the doing so, is the principal cause of the outcry
of "miserable misgovernment." Reductions in Salaries to the
extent of upwards of $80,000 have been made during my tenure of
Office. I have never appointed anyone higher than a Constable
and have no hope of doing so during my incumbency of Office. I
think my own Salary a little high for the Colony to pay but
certainly not so for the holder of the very important and
expensive position I fill to receive. Sir James Douglas in
October 1858 (when the revenue had not amounted to £22,900)
reported to the Secretary of State that he could not live under
£5,000 a year.

6. As regards a treaty of Commercial reciprocity I agree
entirely with the Convention. Our nearest markets for lumber
now are Australia and France and at this moment when San
Francisco has been half ruined by an Earthquake and it is
proposed to rebuild the shaken houses of timber instead of Stone,
the citizens will have to depend upon the Mills of Washington
Territory for their supplies, instead of being able to make use
of the magnificent timber of Burrard Inlet. A few miles from
the boundary but unfortunately for the mill owners on English soil.

7. It is but right that I should state that the proceedings of
the Yale Meeting did not meet with universal approval. I
enclose two notices, very respectably signed, protesting against
the whole affair.

8. I may add that the more prominent advocates for
Confederation were defeated at the last elections in Victoria
for members to serve in the Legislative Council.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68125CO.txt
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Confidential

I have the honor to submit to Your Grace copy of a letter from
the Police Magistrate of Victoria respecting the proceedings of
certain persons, supposed to be connected with the Fenian
organization, in this town.

2. Although I do not feel much alarm on this subject, the
utmost vigilance is observed by the Officers of Civil
Government, and nothing can exceed the Zeal which Admiral
Hastings shews for the defence of the Colony.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68126.txt
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No. 126

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No 57
of the 3rd of August respecting some murders which had been
committed in the vicinity of Metlakahtlah.

2. I enclose a correspondence which has passed between Mr
Duncan and myself on this subject. My letter will shew that the
matter was almost entirely taken out of my hands. The
"Sparrowhawk" visited Metlakahtlah twice but nothing decisive
was done.

Mr Duncan now prays for a third visit, but it really seems to
me that I could hardly ask for the vessel again.

There is no one whom I could send up in her except Mr Duncan
and he—though one of the best of men—is a little too fanatical
to be trusted with the directions of the proceedings of a ship
of war 500 or 600 miles from Head Quarters.

3. I enclose copy of a statement which I made before the
Executive Council on this subject.



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FILE: 1868-11-30_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68127.txt
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No. 127

I have the honor to forward copy of a letter addressed to me by
the President of the Municipal Council of New Westminster
enclosing a petition to Her Majesty, and copy of one which will
be presented to the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

2. Both petitions, as Your Grace will have surmised, refer to
the claims, already urged, to compensation on account of the
Capital having been removed from New Westminster to Victoria.
Your Grace is well aware that the people of the former have, at
least, their fair share of my solicitude.

3. Everything stated in the petitions is incontestable, with
the exception perhaps of the subject of accounts between the lot
holders and the local Government. The question has been often
argued and very complicated accounts brought forward. This
however seems clear, that the whole of the money raised by the
sale of town lots has not been Expended in New Westminster. But
to me this appears to be a matter for local adjustment rather
than for a reference to Her Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament.



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FILE: 1868-12-01_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687102.txt
================================================================================

No. 102

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
No. 106, 22nd August reporting on the results of the Land System in the
Colony of British Columbia.

I see no reason for interfering with the system at present pursued
though it is one which in case of any large increase in Immigration will
require careful watching.

I have to instruct you to take care that there is no neglect in
defining and recording carefully all rights of property as they are
acquired.

If any such neglect were allowed it would cause great embarrassment
to the settlers hereafter.



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FILE: 1868-12-01_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68128.txt
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No. 128

With reference to the Circular despatches noted in the margin,

*

I have the honor to forward to Your Grace, copies of the
Ordinances and Journals of the late Session of the Legislative
Council of this Colony.

2. I add copies of all official publications, for the British
Museum.



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FILE: 1868-12-03_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687103.txt
================================================================================

No. 103

I have received and read with satisfaction your Despatch Separate
of the 1st September.

I am glad to learn that the inhabitants of New Westminster do not
allow themselves to be discouraged by the transfer of the Government to
Victoria, and that the depression consequent on that transfer is less
than you expected.



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FILE: 1868-12-04_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687104.txt
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No. 104

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
113 of the 7th September expressing a doubt whether you have power to
make grants in the name of the Crown for lands sold in Vancouvers Island
and requesting my opinion on the subject.

In reply I have to inform you that you had power by your Commission
to make grants of land in British Columbia and that the Act uniting
Vancouvers Island with British Columbia (29 and 30 Vict: C.67) gives you
the same powers in Vancouvers Island as you had in British Columbia.

There is nothing in the Deed of reconveyance affecting that power
which you undoubtedly possess.



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FILE: 1868-12-07_Buckingham_&_Chandos_to_Seymour_B687105.txt
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No. 105

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches of
the numbers and dates noted in the Margin

m

enclosing Returns exhibiting the financial condition of British
Columbia.

I have also received your despatch No. 72 of the 28 July enclosing
the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 1868, and an Ordinance No.
12, 1 May 1868 passed by the Legislative Council and entitled "An
Ordinance to appropriate the sum of $358,923.5 out of the general
revenue of the Colony for the contingent service of the year 1868."

I have to express my approval of those Estimates and to convey to
you Her Majesty's gracious confirmation and allowance of the Ordinance
No. 12 of 1868 making provision for expenditure which they involve.

I transmit to you for your guidance and for adoption so far as it
is applicable to British Columbia a printed copy of a despatch addressed
to the Governor of the Straits Settlements laying down the rules which
are to be followed in that Colony in the preparation of Estimates and
financial Returns for the future.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-08_Julyan_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG06.txt
================================================================================

Julyan to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 30th ultimo forwarding for any suggestions or
 observations the Crown Agents may have to offer a copy of a
despatch from the Governor of British Columbia, recommending
that future remittances on account of Interest and Sinking Fund
of the Loans of that Colony should be made through the Admiralty.

So far as the Crown Agents are concerned they see no objection
whatever to the adoption of such a course, but from what is
stated in the Colonial Secretarys Memorandum which accompany's

the Governor's despatch, it appears to be expected that the
Admiralty will give £100 in London for every £100 the Colonial
Government may pay to the Naval department in the Colony, while
in the same document it is stated that Bank Bills (less valuable
than those of the Navy) are only to be obtained at a premium of
3 per cent.

It can hardly be expected therefore that the Admiralty will
consent to such terms at a cost of at least £750 per annum.

As a further reason why such an arrangement is considered
desirable it is stated that the Banks and the local Government
now compete for Navy Bills in the Market, and that if the Colony
supplied the Naval department with money, "the charge of
encroaching upon the legitimate business of the Banks would be
removed."

Surely there must be some mistake in such a supposition.

The Banks now have their fair chance of competing with the
Government for Navy Bills, whereas under the proposed
arrangement they would to the extent of the Government wants be
entirely excluded from all chance of participation, and so far
from allaying dissatisfaction it would be much more likely to
increase it.

Still the two Governments have a perfect right to make such an
arrangement for supplying themselves with money if they think
fit without regard to the interests of the local Banks, and
if the Admiralty consent to do so, the Crown Agents recommend
its being entered upon without loss of time.



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FILE: 1868-12-08_Julyan_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG07.txt
================================================================================

Julyan to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

It is a matter of regret to the Crown Agents to be again under
the necessity of bringing under the notice of the Secretary of
State for the Colonies, the state of the British Columbia
account with this Office.

At the present moment the available assets are as follows:

Cash balance
£ 110:0:0

Acceptance of the Bank of British
Columbia, maturing 12th December
1000:0:0

Total
£1110:0:0

Liabilities

Due to the Sinking Fund on the 1st July 1868
£1000:0:0

Due to the Sinking Fund on the 1st October 1868
1125:0:0

Ditto (Vancouver) 1st Jany/69
800:0:0

Ditto    do   Interest 1st Jany/69
1200:0:0

Ditto (British Columbia) Interest 1st Jany/69
3000:0:0

Ditto  do  do Sinking Fund
3250:0:0

Total liabilities
£10375:0:0

Deduct assets
1110:0:0

Deficit
£ 9265:0:0

Of the liabilities, £1000 have been due since 1st July last,
and £1125 since the 1st of October, and we are now only three
weeks from the time when the whole amount should be forthcoming.

I would observe that all this money is in respect of Public
Loans—the Colony having ceased to supply any of their general
wants through the Crown Agents—and although to save the credit
of the Colonial Government the sums long past due have been
borne as deficits on the Sinking Fund, in preference to allowing
the Interest to go unpaid, yet it now becomes a matter of
serious consideration whether the Trustees would be justified
before the public in quietly acquiescing in the continuation of
this state of things.

Judging from the Minute dated 13th July last, which formed an
enclosure to Governor Seymour's despatch of the 5th August
following, it is evident that the gravity of the position in
which the Government of British Columbia is placed with respect
to its financial affairs is but very imperfectly understood by
the Secretary of the Colony.

Without going into details it is sufficient to say that
notwithstanding Mr Young therein endeavours to make it appear
that sufficient remittances had been made to the Crown Agents, yet
up to the present moment
there has not been sufficient money received to discharge the
debt which ought to have been paid twelve days before he penned
that Memorandum.

Under these circumstances the Crown Agents can do no more than
submit the matter to the consideration of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, and to request to be informed whether they are
to pay the £1000 which will come into their possesion on the
12th instant to the Trustees of the Sinking Fund, or whether
they are to reserve it towards paying interest on the 1st
proximo. They will be glad to be informed from whence they are
to derive the further sum of £9265 which will be due on the same
date—
.us£4200
of which, including the above named sum, will be for interest.

The question of keeping faith in this matter is not one which
concerns either the Government, or the creditors of British
Columbia only. Once let it be known that British Columbia is
unable to pay the interest on its loans contracted in this
Country, and the prejudicial effects will immediately be felt by
every borrowing Colony under the dominion of the Crown. And not
only that, but a vast concourse of people in the United Kingdom,
among whom something like seventy millions sterling of Colonial
Debentures are held, will find their securities seriously
depreciated in value.

It is scarcely necessary to state therefore that the maintenance
of the credit of a borrowing Colony—comparatively insignificant
though its debts may be—is a matter of very great concern to
some millions of people whose interests are thereby affected,
and the Crown Agents feel that they would be wanting in their
duty to the many Colonial Governments whose financial
representatives in London they are, if they failed to urge upon
the Secretary of State the adoption of such measures as will
ensure the punctual discharge of the liabilities, which British
Columbia has contracted in this Country, under their several
Loan Ordinances.

These representations are not made in any spirit of complaint,
and the Crown Agents would much regret that Governor Seymour
should look upon them in that light. They most sincerely
sympathize with him in the financial difficulties in which he
finds himself placed, and would not willingly do anything to
aggravate them. Still without intending the slightest
discourtesy towards him, they may perhaps be allowed to add
that the deplorable condition in which the public highways of
New Westminster and Victoria are represented to be would have little
effect in mitigating the disappointment of the Debenture holders
if their interest should not be forthcoming at the appointed
time; nor would such facts tend in ever so slight a degree to
ward off the blow which the credit of the Colonial Government
would sustain by such a calamity.

The enquiries made from time to time as to the state of the
Sinking Fund, tend to produce a belief that a deficit is at least
suspected, and the feeling exhibited in the tone of the enclosed
paragraph—cut from one of the daily London papers—shows that
there is no lack of ill disposed persons who would readily avail
themselves of the knowledge of such deficit, in order to injure
the Colony.



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FILE: 1868-12-08_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B685AD17.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to
transmit herewith, for the information of His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of a letter of the 30th
October No 194 from Rear Admiral The Honourable G.F.
Hastings, reporting the steps he has taken in consequence of
Anticipated Fenian Attacks on Vancouver Island.



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FILE: 1868-12-10_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68129.txt
================================================================================

No. 129

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 95 of
the 26th October, acknowledging the receipt of some reports
from the District Magistrates of this Colony.

2. It was my intention to have forwarded all the monthly
reports of the Magistrates but I find—especially at this time
of the Year—that the Majority of the Returns are of so
uninteresting a character, that I shall only lay before Your
Grace those that possess some special interest. The enclosed
letter from Mr O'Reilly, Gold Commissioner of the Kootenay
district, reporting the discovery of an apparently rich and
extensive Gold field may be worthy of Your Grace's perusal.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-12_Granville_to_Seymour_B687201.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

With reference to my Predecessor's Despatch of the 19th September
last, No. 74 I have to acquaint you that he has appointed Mr. Franklyn
to be Civil Commissioner of the Seychelles Islands under the Government
of Mauritius, with a Salary of £600 a year.

I will thank you to communicate this to Mr. Franklyn, and at the
same time inform him that it is desirable that he should make
arrangements for assuming his new duties without loss of time.

The governor of Mauritius has been duly informed of the
appointment.



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FILE: 1868-12-12_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68130.txt
================================================================================

No. 130

The Legislative Council having expired by the efflux of time, I
beg leave to report that I have reconstituted the Legislature in
the following manner.

2. In obedience to Her Majesty's Commands I have appointed the
Officers lawfully acting for the time being as Colonial
Secretary, Mr William A.G. Young; The Attorney General,
Mr Crease; The Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, Mr
Trutch; and the Collector of Customs, Mr Hamley.

3. The Situation of Treasurer being abolished I have placed the
Postmaster General Mr Arthur Bushby among the Official
Members. His appointment will give general satisfaction on
account of his own personal qualifications, and his knowledge on
Postal Matters will probably be valuable during the Session.

4. To the Magisterial Seats I have nominated:

1. Mr Edward Graham Alston, Registrar of Titles in
Victoria. A Member of the English bar.

2. Mr Henry Maynard Ball, Police Magistrate of New
Westminster.

3. Mr Henry Holbrook, President of the Municipal Council of
New Westminster.

4. Mr Peter O'Reilly, Gold Commissioner for the Yale and
Kootenay District.

5. Mr Augustus Frederick Pemberton, Police Magistrate of
Victoria.

6. Mr Edward Howard Sanders, Police Magistrate of Lillooet.

7. Mr George Anthony Walkem, a barrister, to look after the
interests of Cariboo, a distinction to which he has on previous
occasions been raised, three times, by the votes of the Miners.
I find it impossible to dispense with the Active Services of the
Salaried Magistrate Mr Brew from our principal Gold Mine.

8. Mr Thomas Lett Wood, late Attorney General of
Vancouver Island, fills a place at the Council Board.

5. Thus Your Grace will see that I am gradually enlarging the
popular representation in the Legislature. Mr Holbrook,
Mr Walkem, and Mr Wood are in no way connected with the
Government and will be free to vote in every matter as they please.

6. The undermentioned Gentlemen will have been selected by the
people and, I need not say, accepted by me.

1. Mr William Weir Carroll, from Cariboo.

2. Mr John C. Davie for the Victoria District.

3. Mr Edgar Dewdney for Kootenay.

4. Mr Montague William Tyrwhitt Drake for Victoria City.

5. Mr Henry Havelock, for Yale.

6. Mr John Sebastian Helmcken for Victoria City.

7. Mr Thomas Humphreys for Lillooet.

8. Mr David Babbington Ring, for Nanaimo.

9. Mr John Robson, for New Westminster.

7. Your Grace will observe that I have placed the names
alphabetically.

8. Though the unofficial members number twelve, while the
Salaried supporters of the Government are but ten, I have
no doubt but that matters will progress satisfactorily.

9. I am not personally acquainted with all the Gentlemen chosen
by the people, but I believe the Common opinion to be that the
new Legislature is as satisfactory in every respect as we can
expect to possess under the present constitution.

10. I have called the Council together for the despatch of
business on the 17th of this month.

11. The Appointments are made to continue in force until the
first of August 1871. I beg to recommend them for Your Grace's
favorable consideration.



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FILE: 1868-12-12_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68131.txt
================================================================================

No. 131

In Your Grace's despatch, No. 85, of the 6th October,
announcing the appointment of Mr Philip Hankin to the Office
of the Colonial Secretary, I am informed that that Gentleman
will be entitled to half Salary from the date of his embarcation
for the Colony.

2. Might I venture to inquire from what fund this allowance is
to be made. Mr Young has been drawing the full salary of
this office.



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FILE: 1868-12-12_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68131CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

In my despatch, Confidential of 16th November, I mention
that Mr Young will, ex officio, as acting Colonial Secretary
conduct the business of the Legislative Session about to be held.

2. Mr Hankin has not arrived on this coast, and I fear that
if he had it would have been impossible for him to carry on the
Public work satisfactorily. The labours of the last six weeks
would have to be repeated in a condensed form to instruct him
sufficiently to meet a Legislative Body far from willing to give
him support.



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FILE: 1868-12-12_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68132.txt
================================================================================

No. 132

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Circular despatch
of the 9th September, forwarding a copy of the 31st of
Victoria Chapter 29, relating to Medical Practitioners in the
Colonies. Your Grace directs me to take such steps as may be
necessary to bring our local legislation into conformity therewith.

2. I have the honor to forward a copy of our Ordinance No. 31
of 1867, entitled,

An Ordinance respecting Practitioners in Medicine and Surgery.

from which Your Grace will perceive that our proposed
Legislation is not at variance with the views of the Imperial
Government.

3. Probably the provisions of the 31 Vic: c. XXIX will have
removed the objection to our Ordinance specified in Your Grace's
despatch No. 5 of 29th of January 1868.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-14_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68133.txt
================================================================================

No. 133

I have the honor to forward the last report I have received from
the Magistrate of the Lillooet District.

2. I think Mr Sanders' endeavours to conciliate the native
races highly creditable to him, and his account of their
condition very satisfactory.

3. I shall enquire into the circumstances alluded to in the
closing paragraphs as I should be sorry to see Mr Sanders
put to much private expense by his judicious hospitality.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-14_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68133CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to forward copy of a correspondence which has
passed between Rear Admiral Hastings and myself respecting the
proposal of conferring the local rank of Brevet Lieutenant
Colonel on Captain Delacombe, Royal Marine Light Infantry, while
in command of the English Garrison on San Juan Island. Such
rank to be honorary and carry with it no precedence without the
Island nor any increase of emolument.

2. As Admiral Hastings acquaints me that he will communicate
officially with me on this subject, as soon as he shall have
heard from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I should
hardly venture to trouble Your Grace on this present occasion
were it not that I am informed that Captain Delacombe has been
put in possession of a copy of the letters I enclose. They may
therefore not improbably reach Your Grace before I shall be able
to answer Admiral Hastings' official communication. I need
hardly say that my letter of the 23rd November was purely
unofficial. But I would beg Your Grace to believe that I am not
preferring the slightest complaint against the Naval Commander
in Chief, with whom, I am happy to say, I am on the most
satisfactory terms.

3. Had I been writing officially I should certainly have
mentioned that the approval of Lord Stanley of the suggested
arrangement was more implied than expressed.

4. Brevet Colonel Bird is now in command of the American force
on the Island.



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FILE: 1868-12-16_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68134.txt
================================================================================

No. 134

I have the honor to forward the report of the Collector of
Customs, upon Your Grace's circular despatch (1) of the 26th
October 1868.

2. I think it would be well if this Colony were placed upon the
list of those favoured in the Spanish Dominions. We accord
every advantage to Spain.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Granville_to_Seymour_B687202.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have the honor to instruct you not to give your assent to the
Ordinance "for regulating the acquisition of Crown Lands in British
Columbia," which accompanied your Despatch No. 149 of the 22nd November
1867.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B685AG08.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Julyan's letter of the 8th instant,
I have the honor to report, for the information of Earl
Granville, that the Crown Agents have now received a remittance
from the Government of British Columbia of £3000, in Admiralty
Bills at 3 days sight.

The amount still required by the Crown Agents to meet the
liabilities in this Country of the Government of that Colony is
therefore £6265.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68135.txt
================================================================================

No. 135

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 31st October forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68136.txt
================================================================================

No. 136

I have the honor to inform you that I opened the Legislative
Session on the 17th Instant by an Address of which I enclose
a copy.

2. Late this Evening I received a reply copy of which I beg to
forward to Your Grace.

3. As far as I can judge I think that the people and their
representatives are in a better temper than I have seen them for
some years.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68137.txt
================================================================================

No. 137

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 31st October 1868, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68138.txt
================================================================================

No. 138

The Postmaster General of this Colony has received from the
General Post Office in London a letter dated 28th of
October, in which it is stated that letters posted in England
would be forwarded to British Columbia whether prepaid or
unpaid. It is suggested that the same course should be followed
in the Colony with regard to letters addressed to the United Kingdom.

2. I would beg leave to point out that an adherence to the
proposal made by the Duke of Montrose to the Treasury on the
12th of August 1867, would be much more convenient to the
Colony. His Grace proposes that both the Mother Country and the
Colony shall keep all the postage they may collect. I
understand this to mean compulsory prepayment which saves a
great deal of trouble.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-21_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68138SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

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

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-22_Granville_to_Seymour_B687203.txt
================================================================================

No. 3

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No.
114, 30th September, reporting the destruction by fire of the Town of
Barkerville. I have to express my regret at this great and sudden
calamity, and join in the hope expressed by Mr. Brew that the arrival of
goods and provisions will prevent a dearth amongst those who have been
so disastrously deprived of their homes.

I notice with much satisfaction the energy and public spirit which
has been displayed in repairing the injury caused by the fire.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68139.txt
================================================================================

No. 139

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No 99
of the 10 November 1868 respecting a claim advanced by the War
department against the Colony for the Sum of £141.1.3. I need
hardly assure Your Grace that British Columbia has not sunk
sufficiently low to be unable to meet this small payment and the
requisite instructions will be sent to the Colonial Agents.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-22_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68140.txt
================================================================================

No. 140

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of 27th October, forwarding the undermentioned
Parliamentary Papers.

*



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FILE: 1868-12-30_Cartier_to_Granville_B685MI23.txt
================================================================================

Cartier and McDougall to Granville

In connexion with the conversation we had the honor to have with
your Lordship a few days since, on the subject of the Island of
San Juan, we now beg, in accordance with the suggestion of Your
Lordship, to submit our observations on the subject in the form
of a written communication and in our Character of
Representatives of the Canadian Government.

Your Lordship is aware that the 146th Section of the "British
North America Act, 1867" makes provision for the admission into
the Dominion of Canada of New Foundland, Prince Edward Island
& British Columbia, and also of Rupert's land, and the North
 Western Territory. We are happy to inform Your Lordship that a
 large majority of the People of British Columbia appear to be
anxious for an immediate Union with Canada. With the assent of
the Imperial Government that Union may soon be accomplished, and
therefore the Dominion of Canada has presently & prospectively
a deep interest in the Settlement of the
Boundary Question, involving the title to the Island of
San Juan in the Gulf of Georgia. We notice that the President of
the United States in his last Message announces that the title to
that Island is one of the three questions now pending for
settlement between Her Majesty's Government and the Government
of the United States. We avail ourselves of the present
opportunity to represent to Your Lordship, that in our humble
opinion, it is of vital importance to British Columbia, and
prospectively to all British North America, that
an Island
which commands the passage by Sea to the principal Cities, ports
and Harbours of Her Majesty's possessions on the Pacific Coast,
should not be surrendered to a Foreign Power.

We think it is clear that the Treaty of 1846 which establishes
the boundary "through the Channel which separates the Continent
from Vancouver Island," intended by these words, the Channel
nearest the
Continent; the only one then generally known and
used by navigators. It is the
first Channel, and therefore preeminently the one which "Separates"
the Continent from Vancouver Island. The American Government, by
contending for the
third Channel, or that which is farthest from the Continent, (the
very existence of which appears to have been unknown to the British
Commissioners) show to the world that their object is not to
secure possession of a few rocky islets in the Gulf of no
 commercial or agricultural value, but of the important military
position of
San Juan,
where they may build a fortress that would lock up the Straits
of Fuca and overawe British Columbia as effectively as Fort
Montgomery, built on Canadian Territory, which was surrendered
to the United States by the Treaty of 1842, now locks up Lake
Champlain and threatens by its proximity and magnitude, the
 Chief City of the New Dominion.

Our experience of past diplomacy in the settlement of Boundaries
in North America, where the disposition on the one side to
concede, and on the other to encroach, was always present and
always resulted disastrously to Canada, admonishes us that a
similar disposition and similar results may be feared in the
future. A territorial compromise in British Columbia may be
deemed by some, of little moment in the settlement of the other
questions now pending between the two Governments, but we
respectfully submit that every resource of diplomacy, and every
argument derived from the practice and policy of coterminous
nations, from the geographical position and maritime
requirements of the respective Countries in the Gulf, as well as
from the language of the Treaty, should be exhausted before a
strategic position is given up, which future generations of
loyal Subjects may have occasion to regret, as bitterly and as
unavailingly, as the people of New Brunswick, Quebec and all Canada
now regret the unfortunate Concessions of the "Ashburton Treaty."

We crave your Lordship's pardon if we have pressed our views too
strongly on what may be thought rather an Imperial than a
Canadian question. We do not doubt that the importance of the
issue is already sufficiently impressed upon your Lordship's
mind, but we cannot help feeling, when we look at the Map of
Canada, and observe that on our eastern frontier the State of
Maine, by a recent Treaty, has been thrust, like a wedge,
between the Provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, intercepting
direct communications, and covering some 8,000,000 of Acres,
previously regarded as British Territory, and occupied by
thousands of British Subjects; and that, in the west, through
ignorance of the natural features of the Country in 1773, and
under a spirit of Concession in 1818, a vast territory was
surrendered, the boundary carried so far north, that
Communication between Canada and the great Vallies and plains of
the North Western Territory is through a region of lakes and
mountains, instead of a level plain; we say, we cannot help
feeling, when we recall these unhappy, and as we now find,
costly blunders of the past, that we are only discharging a solemn
duty when we add our earnest warning to the arguments your Lordship,
as Secretary of State for the Colonies, will use to prevent a
similar, and in some respects, a worse blunder, in reference to
our position on the Pacific Coast.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-30_Granville_to_Seymour_B687204.txt
================================================================================

No. 4

I transmit to you for your information copies of two letters from
the Crown Agents, the first submitting a statement shewing the
liabilities of your Government on account of the British Columbia and
Vancouvers Island's loans both as regards interest and sinking fund; the
second reporting the receipt of a remittance of £3000 from your
Government.

The Crown Agents have been instructed in a letter of which a copy
is enclosed, to pay out of this amount and out of the funds belonging
to the Colony which are already in their hands the interest falling due
on the 1st January, and I have to request that you will take measures to
provide for meeting all charges on account of Sinking Funds which are
now in arrear and such others as may hereafter become due.

The result of the present payment on account of interest will be
that the account will be overdrawn by £100.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-31_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68140SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your
despatches, of the numbers and dates noted in the margin.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1868-12-31_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68141.txt
================================================================================

No. 141

I have the honor to transmit returns relating to the Revenue and
expenditure of the Colony during the Quarter ended 31st of
December 1867.



================================================================================
FILE: 1868_Seymour_to_Buckingham_B68103SQ.txt
================================================================================

[Separate]

It is requested that the enclosed Despatch, marked Separate, may
be substituted for the Despatch No. 130

*

transmitted on the 18th of October 1867, but which was not signed
by Governor Seymour.

