Evans to Secretary of State

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

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

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

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

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

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

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