I have not troubled you so often on the subject of Vancouvers
Island, without being ready to make a definite proposal as to what
should be done, in the event of Earl Grey refusing, (as all who are
interested in the country most earnestly hope will be the case,) to
grant the territory to the Hudsons Bay Company
It is my intention in this letter briefly to state, and Earnestly
to urge of the consideration of Earl Grey, that proposal.
I am the more anxious to do so, because I have received an
intimation that Messers Aspinwall of New York are willing to enter into
a contract to take a supply of coal, upon the basis of an arrangement
which I proposed to them some time ago (when I anticipated being a
Satisfactory arrangement with the Hudsons Bay Company about the coal.) and
which would, I believe, render it possible to work the Mines with
profit. Mr Aspinwall being satisfied, as I understand with the
evidence offered him that the coal is of a kind suitable for the
purposes of Steam Navigation.
On the one hand, then, in bringing this scheme before the public,
we can shew that there is every probability of success which the most
favorable mercantile Speculation can afford; but, on the other, I am
perfectly convinced that it will be impossible to secure the Confidence
and support of the public, until it is definitely known what HM Government
intend to do in the matter.
I am quite aware that it is the custom of the Colonial office, not
to take the initiative, but to wait until some definite scheme is
proposed by parties able to execute the same; but I do hope, that Earl
Grey, will consider that a feeling of general insecurity exists, owing
to the state of affairs, and that, although there is no want of money at
present, there is a great disinclination to invest it, Except upon ample
security; and that His Lordship will, for these reasons, and for the
urgent political expediency of founding a Colony on the N.W. Coast of
America, consent, on the present occasion, to depart from the policy
hitherto adopted and to state what the Crown will do with respect to
Vancouvers Island. And I hope this, because I assume that there is no real advantage in concealing the policy of the Government, and that the
same terms which Earl Grey would offer to one applicant for the
territory, are open to all.
If Earl Grey will promise that, supposing a company of Colonists
formed, Consisting of a certain number of persons, and possessing a certain
amount of Capital, intending to convey themselves to the Island, and
capable of doing so, — a charter of incorporation will in that case be at
once granted; by which charter,

(1) Vancouvers Island will be granted to the Company,

(2) A free Municipal System will be guaranteed (if with
right to elect their own Governor, so much the better.)

(3) The terms will be specified on which the company is to
dispose of land to settlers.
If, I say, Earl Grey would promise this, then there would be
positivebe a positive and practical scheme to lay before the country and I for one
believe that there would be no further obstacle to forming the Colony.
The Coals in that case would belong to the Company, and it could
Either work them with its own Capital, or borrow Money on what would
then be good security, to do so, or let them on lease to be worked by
private enterprise.
At any rate you would have a Company on the spot, whose sole
interest it would be to colonize the Island as rapidly as possible.
If this is not done, either the Hudsons Bay Company will have the
island, when there will be an End to all Colonization, or else the
Country will remain barren, and the Greatest opportunity yet offered for
the foundation of a Colony will be lost forever.
In the mean time the United States will be all powerful on those
Coasts, and we Shall be unable to Compete with them.
Hoping you will bring this letter under Earl Greys notice at
your Earliest Convenience.