
================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-02_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625AD01.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to state
to you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that in a
letter dated the 25th Octr last, Captain Spencer of HMS Topaze,
has forwarded a communication from the Officer commanding the Royal
Marine Camp at San Juan Island, reporting that the regular Troops of
the United States Government in the Oregon District, have been
ordered to hold ready to be relieved by Volunteers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-03_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625LN01.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 20th ultimo, with
copies of two despatches from the Governor of British Columbia,
enclosing two Proclamations numbered 8 & 9 of 1861 and entitled
respectively

"The British Columbia Land Registry Act 1861" and

"The preemption Consolidation Act 1861."

2. As the Governor in his despatch of the 21st October
last gives a full recapitulation of the principal provisions
of the Registration Act it is only necessary here to state,
generally, that after providing for a Chief Office in New
Westminster and for District Offices with a Registrar General
and subordinate Officers, the Act proclaims that all instruments
in any way affecting Real Estate which have been properly executed
and certified may be registered in the District in which the
Land is situated.

3. Unlike the practice of the Register Counties in this
Country and in Upper Canada the Registration is effected not by
a short memorial but by a verbatim transcript in the Register
books of the original Instrument, and the measure is confined
to instruments inter vivos and does not affect testamentary
dispositions (see 37). The object of excluding Wills from the
operation of the Act does not appear from the Governor's despatch.

4. The effect of Registration is to make void all unregistered
instruments executed after the 1st Novr 1861 as against
subsequent purchasers or Incumbrancers of the same Estate except
in case of actual fraud or conspiracy. In other words priority of
Registry confers priority of Title. The Governor explains that
the measure is of a less elaborate character than the one in
force in VanCouvers Island and assigns as reasons for the great cost and the impossibility of procuring from the very limited body of Practitioners a sufficient number of properly qualified Officers.

5. The "Preemption Consolidated Act No 9 of 1861" as
its Title imports, and as the Governor explains, is merely a
consolidation of three existing Acts relating to preemption of
unsurveyed lands in the Colony, viz. The Act of the 4th Janry
1860. "The Preemption Amendment Act 1861" (No 2 of 19th
Janry) and "The Preemption Purchase Act 1861" (No 6 of 28th
May) which it repeals and reenacts with but little modification.
The principal alteration being in allowing the Holders of 160
acre claims to take possession of any contiguous Land on payment of
an instalment at the rate of 2s/1d per Acre as security that the
Land is held for the purpose of immediate settlement. The payment
of the remainder of the purchase money is deferred until the Land
is surveyed.

6. With this exception the Act contains nothing that has
not already been sanctioned.

7. I have the honor to report that these Proclamations appear
to me open to no objection, and I would recommend that they should
receive H.M. approval.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-07_Lugard_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625WA01.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to that portion of your Letter of the 14th Ultimo, in
which you state that the Duke of Newcastle is desirous that 1000
Rifles of a description superior to the Brunswick Rifles recently
despatched to Vancouver's Island should be presented to the Colony
for the use of the Volunteer Force—

I am to request that you will acquaint His Grace that the state of
the Store will not admit of the full number recommended being
granted, but that Sir George Lewis has given directions for the issue
of 500 Stand of Rifles, Pattern 53, with a proper supply of ammunition.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-07_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627097.txt
================================================================================

No. 97

I have the honor to acquaint you that it appears from a despatch
dated the 13th of December addressed to Earl Russell by H.M.'s Minister
at Washington that the House of Representatives on the 5th of that month
adopted a Resolution instructing the committee on Military Affairs to enquire into the expediency of fortifying the
mouth of Columbia River and Puget's Sound.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-08_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE01.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to former correspondence on the subject of the
examination of the Accounts of the Hudson's Bay Company in respect of
Vancouver's Island, I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majestys Treasury to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a Report on
this subject from Mr Andoe, dated 14 Ultimo.

I am to request that you will move the Duke of Newcastle, if he shall
concur in the views and opinions expressed in that Report, to
communicate with the Hudson's Bay Company; and I am to state that
Their Lordships will be ready to consider any arrangement that may be
proposed for the final settlement of the claims of the Company.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-13_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI01.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

On the 18th ultimo, Mr Colvile, one of the Directors of
this Company,
addressed a letter to Your Grace, in which he accepted, on behalf of
this Company, Your Grace's suggestion that the question as to the
claims of the Hudson's Bay Company to certain lands in Vancouver's
Island should be referred to Mr Dallas and the Company's Solicitor,
Mr Maynard, on the part of the Company, and to Mr Walcott and any
other Gentleman Your Grace might think fit to appoint on the part of
Her Majesty's Government, and some days afterwards MrColvile received a letter from Mr Chichester Fortescue informing him that
Your Grace had appointed Mr Murdoch and Mr Walcott to act on behalf
of Her Majesty's Government.

Since that period these Gentlemen have had several interviews upon
the subject and have virtually agreed to a Memorandum of Arrangement,
which we understand has been submitted to Your Grace with a
recommendation that the arrangement therein proposed should be
accepted by Her Majesty's Government, and which Mr Dallas and Mr
Maynard, at the request of the Government referees, have submitted
for the consideration of the Governor and Committee of this Company.

I have now the honour of acquainting Your Grace that having consulted
my Colleagues upon this question we have determined (in the
expectation that the arrangement will be ratified by Her Majesty's
Government) to accept the terms proposed, and I hereby do so on
behalf of the Hudson's Bay Company. The Board, though feeling that
they have been called upon to make a sacrifice of what they believed
to be the just rights of the Company, have been induced to do so from
a wish to avoid litigation and in the hope that as all other
questions have been amicably arranged, Her Majesty's Government will
be induced to come to a Settlement of the still outstanding Colonial
accounts without further delay—a measure the more necessary—as our
arrangement must be arrived at before the final revocation of the
Grant to the Company.

I, herewith, transmit a Copy of the Memorandum of Arrangement handed
to us and initialed by Mr Walcott—Your Grace will observe that
there are a few words added in red ink. They were mutually agreed to
by the referees, on both sides, after the Copy transmitted to Your
Grace was sent in, and they do not in any degree alter the original
terms of the Agreement—their only object being to clear up one or
two points which, if left unexplained, might have been liable to
misinterpretation.

I would further venture to suggest to Your Grace that if this
arrangement is to be adopted on the part of Her Majesty's Government,
it would be of great advantage to the Colony that directions should
be given, without delay, for its being carried into execution. The
doubts as to the Company's titles to the lands sold have been a
source of annoyance and loss to the purchasers, and it would be a
satisfaction to this Company to be able to relieve their minds on
that point as soon as possible.

In conclusion I beg to request that Your Grace will have the goodness
to direct the decision of Her Majesty's Government on this subject to
be communicated to me at as early a date as may suit your Grace's
convenience, in order that the necessary directions may be sent to the
Company's Officers in Vancouver's Island to carry the arrangement
into effect.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62001.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62001.txt
================================================================================

No. 1

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates described on the other side hereof.
*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62002.txt
================================================================================

No. 2, Military

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's Despatch
No 62 of the 25th of June last, enclosing Copy of a Correspondence
with the War office relative to the Erection of Barracks in Vancouver
Island, and directing me to report upon the question of a site for
those Buildings.

2. As the object of Your Grace's enquiries has more especially
reference to the question whether the land for the site of the
Barracks will have to be purchased, or if unsold land be available
for the purpose, I beg to offer the following remarks.

3. It will no doubt seem to Your Grace a very extraordinary
circumstance that at this early stage of the Colony's Existence, when
so much of the public land remains at the disposal of the Crown, and
so small a proportion of the actual area of the Colony is occupied by
settlers, Her Majesty's Government should be put to the Expense of
purchasing a site for Barracks; such is nevertheless the case; no
precautions having been taken in the early days of the Colony to
reserve land in the District of Victoria for that purpose: a remark
which I would observe applies only to Victoria, and not to the other
Districts, in all of which large reserves of land have been made for
public use. The latter being sparsely settled are hardly yet of
sufficient importance to attract an Enemy's attention, it being more
probable that his efforts would be directed to the capture of the
Town and District of Victoria, the present centre of wealth and
population; and it should be mainly our object to protect that part
of the Colony from attack.

4. For these reasons Colonel Moody proposes to quarter the Troops in
the neighbourhood of Victoria, and mentions two eligible sites near
the public Park, on one of which he recommends the Barracks should be
placed, having it in view to use the Park as a Drill and Parade
Ground; the space requisite for the Buildings would therefore not
exceed 10 Acres.

5. To that extent it will be necessary to purchase land, as all the
property in that neighbourhood belongs to the Hudson's Bay Company
and to private individuals; unless Her Majesty's Government should
approve of holding the site under a lease for a period of not less
than 21 years with the option of purchase at a fixed price.

6. An arrangement on that basis could be effected which would not
involve an annual charge of more than Sixty Pounds (£60) and would
not press heavily upon our resources, even should the Colony be
called upon to provide the sum.

7. As it may be assumed that Troops will ere long be stationed here,
I am of opinion that it would be a wise and proper step to secure a
suitable site for Barracks at once, before the land rises in price.
It would not, I think, be advisable to delay the acquisition until
the decision of the question pending with the Hudsons Bay Company;
for in the case of their claim not being confirmed by the Privy
Council, the outlay on the site may be re-imbursed by the sale of
part of the land which will thereby fall to the Crown.

8. I have further the honour of transmitting herewith for Your
Grace's information, a Communication from Colonel Moody on the
subject of this Despatch.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-14_Macdonald_to_Newcastle_B626M01.txt
================================================================================

Macdonald to Newcastle

Having a Work on British Columbia in Manuscript and being
desirious of perusing, before publication, papers relative to the
affairs of the Colony I have today made every possible enquiry at
"The Turn Stiles," and of Messrs Groombridge & Sons as to when
"Blue Book"
Part IV is to be published, but to no purpose.

May I therefore take the very great liberty of asking Your
Grace to instruct one of Your Grace's Secretaries to inform me how
soon it is expected that papers relative to British Columbia for
1861 Part IV will be published.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-20_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN01.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In obedience to the instructions contained in your letter of the
18th inst I have the honor to submit herewith for the approval of
the Duke of Newcastle, the draft of an Agreement which we have
prepared for carrying out in a more formal manner the terms embodied
in the Memorandum of arrangement which has been accepted by his Grace
and the Hudsons Bay Co for the final settlement of the claims of the
Company to Land in the district of Victoria in VanCouvers Island.

We have forwarded a copy of the draft Agreement to the Compy and
requested them if they concur in its terms, to fix a day for its
execution.

I apprehend that nothing further can be done in this Country towards
carrying out the arrangement and that a copy of the Agreement when
executed should be forwarded by the Secretary of State to the
Governor, and by the Company to their Chief Officer in the Island
with instructions to prepare under the directions of the Attorney
General of the Colony for execution by the Compy the necessary Deeds
of reconveyance of the portions of land to be surrendered to the
Crown.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62002.txt
================================================================================

No. 2

I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a Requisition
made by the Treasurer for 12 Cash books to be sent out viâ Panama
with the least delay, and I trust your Grace will be good enough
to issue instructions for the books in question to be supplied as
requested.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62003.txt
================================================================================

No. 3

I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a Requisition
made by the Superintendent of the Assay and Melter's Department
for 50 tons of the best hard coke to be sent out by the first
sailing ship leaving England after the receipt of the Requisition
and I trust your Grace will be good enough to give instructions
for the same to be purchased and shipped as requested.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62003SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I had the honour of laying before Your Grace in my Despatch
marked "Separate," of the 16th of September last, certain
statements relative to the recent discovery of Gold on the Stickeen River, and I have now further to communicate that those statements
have been fully confirmed by Alexandre Choquette, an adventurous
Miner, who lately arrived with specimens of Gold which he found
in that quarter.

2. Choquette is an experienced Miner, having been engaged
in that business for several years in California, and for the
last two years he has devoted the greater part of his time to
the examination of the Rivers debouching from the Northern Coast
of British Columbia.

3. His modest narrative, which will be found in the enclosed
cutting from the "British Colonist" of the 10th of January,
instant, proves the existence of productive surface diggings to
the extreme point of Stickeen River which he succeeded in reaching
about 115 miles from the sea. The Gold is clear and bright, in
minute particles, and cannot be economically saved without the
aid of mercury; it however increased in size as he ascended the
stream, leading him to the apparently well founded conclusion that
like the great valley of Frasers River, the interior of the Stickeen
contains rich deposits of the precious metal.

4. Specimens of Gold have also been brought from the "Nass"
or Simpson's River, the boundary of British Columbia to the North;
and from these indications it is with equal probability assumed
that extensive gold fields will ere long be discovered in the
valleys of both the Nass and Stickeen Rivers.

5. Already parties of Miners are preparing to start for those
Gold-fields and hundreds will follow their example should their
success prove at all satisfactory.

6. I herewith forward for Your Grace's inspection, specimens
of Gold from the "Nass" and Stickeen Rivers.

7. I may also mention as a fact of great importance connected
with Mr Choquette's discoveries, and illustrative of the physical
character of the country, that coal is found cropping out from the
banks at two several points on the Stickeen River. At one of those
places, about 80 miles distant from the sea, Mr Choquette found
a 36 inch seam of good bituminous coal: the other out-crop is
much nearer the coast, and was pointed out by the Indians who
accompanied him on his journey, but not having actually inspected
the seam, he can give no idea of its quality as a fuel, or of its
commercial value.

8. The probable increase of trade and population and the
material changes which may soon take place in Her Majesty's Northern
Possessions on this coast in consequence of these discoveries
naturally lead to the consideration of the effect which such changes
may have on our relations with Russia.

9. The British Possessions north of Latitude 56o are hemmed
in and divided from the sea by the line of coast ceded to Russia,
and are accessible to ships or vessels arriving from the ocean
only, by passing through the Russian Territory.

10. The right of freely navigating the inland seas and Gulfs
on the Coast, without trouble or molestation, as a means of access
to Her Majesty's Territories thus becomes a necessity, and appears
to be implied in the 6th article of the convention between His
Majesty and the Emperor of Russia of the 28th of February 1825,
which provides as follows:

It is understood that the subjects of His Britannic Majesty,
from whatever quarter they may arrive, either 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 to the Pacific Ocean, may
cross the line of demarcation upon the line of Coast

namely ten Marine leagues from the ocean ceded to Russia by the
4th article of the same Treaty.

11. I understand by this Article of the Convention that British
Subjects are for ever secured in the free navigation of the Coast,
and in the privilege of passing freely with their ships and property
to and from the Stickeen and all other rivers and communications
through which access may be had to the British Settlements and
Territory bordering on the line of coast north of Latitude 56o
held by Russia, and I beg to be corrected if my impressions as
to those rights, are not in accordance with the perceived
interpretation of the Treaty.

12. Much as I wish to avoid giving umbrage to Russia, either
by violations of Her Territory, or interference with Her Trade, I
clearly foresee how utterly impossible it will be to restrain the
rush of people towards that quarter, should gold prove to be
abundant on the Stickeen and other rivers of the Coast.

13. I trust indeed that the Emperor's Government, duly
allowing for the difficulties of the situation, will be accommodating
and considerate in their decisions, permitting British Vessels to
anchor when necessary in the Bays and Harbours of the Coast, as
well as at the mouths of Creeks and Rivers: and neither seeking
to impose restrictions on British trade, nor to levy duties on
goods in transit to the gold-fields of the interior, which would
be less justifiable, as, the settlement of Sitka excepted, the
coast is unoccupied by public or private establishments, and either
wholly desert, or at best partially inhabited by bodies of wandering
Savages.

14. As such questions are likely soon to be pressed by
approaching events upon Your Grace's attention, I have thought it
expedient to touch upon them at this time in order that I may have
Your Grace's instructions, and trusting it may be convenient for
Her Majesty's Government to revise the Convention of 1825, and to
obtain from the Emperor an explicit recognition of those rights
of navigation which have been secured to British Subjects.

15. I have also to request Your Grace's instructions with
respect to the Government of that Territory, which is beyond the
limits of British Columbia, and for authority to impose taxes
for defraying the expenses of Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-23_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN02.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 9th instant enclosing a copy of
a Report on the claims of the Hudson's Bay Co against Her Majesty's
Government on account of VanCouvers Island, submitted to the Lords of
the Treasury by Mr Andoe who had been appointed by their Lordships
to examine those Accounts. The result of Mr Andoe's report is to
reduce the claim of the Hudsons Bay Co against the Crown from
£53,569.14.2 at which they had stated it, to £27,412.10.4.

Mr Andoe's means of arriving at a correct judgment on these accounts
have been so much greater than ours, that it would be scarcely
possible, if any difference of opinion existed between us, to set our
judgment in opposition to his. At the same time I must add that I
see no reason to question the correctness of the conclusions at which
he has arrived. I presume that the next step will be to communicate
those conclusions to the Company with the grounds on which they have
been arrived at, that the Company may have the opportunity of
offering any explanation they may desire to give on the several items
objected to by Mr Andoe.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627084.txt
================================================================================

No. 84

I have the honor to acquaint you that the questions which have
been so long under discussion between Her Majesty's Government and the
Hudson's Bay Company respecting the Company's claims to Land in
Vancouver Island under a title anterior to the grant of the Island have
been brought to a close.

It had been determined as you are aware to submit those claims to
the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and the preliminary steps
had been taken for that purpose. But a long time must necessarily have
elapsed before the decision of the Council could have been obtained, a
protracted and expensive investigation must have been undertaken, and a
delay incurred, which could not fail to create a serious impediment to
the progress of the Colony.

Under these circumstances I readily agreed to a proposal from the
Hudson's Bay Company that an attempt should be made to settle the matter
by arbitration. Mr. Dallas and Mr. Maynard on the part of the Company
and Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Walcott on behalf of Her Majesty's Government
were accordingly appointed to confer upon the subject and after due
consultation agreed to a memorandum of arrangement, the terms of which
have subsequently been incorporated in the Agreement of which a copy is
annexed to this Despatch.

The Company having signified to me their acceptance of these
terms, I have felt no hesitation in likewise acceding to the
arrangement. The concessions thus made by the Company appear to me to
be as great as can be demanded from them; and, moreover, the speedy
settlement of these questions of title which, by keeping the public
mind in suspense, retard the progress of the Colony, must be of far
more value to the community than the issue however favorable to the
Government of a tedious and expensive litigation.

It only remains for me to instruct you to carry the present
arrangement into effect, and to authorize you, with this view, to
prepare under the directions of the Colonial Attorney General for
execution by the Company the necessary Deeds of reconveyance of the
portions of Land to be surrendered to the Crown.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62004.txt
================================================================================

No. 4

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatches of the numbers and Dates as described on the
other side hereof.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62004CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of the 30th November last marked "Circular,
Confidential," conveying the sentiments of Her Majesty's Government
as to the course which should properly be taken by British
Authorities in regard to Privateers carrying the Flag of the
so-styled Confederate States of America.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62005.txt
================================================================================

No. 5, Military

I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that I have
authorized the Treasurer to procure by Bills on the Paymaster
General, the sum of One Thousand Pounds (£1000) for the Regimental
Pay of the detachment of Royal Engineers serving in British Columbia, and I have to request your Grace will issue the
necessary instructions for the Bills presented on this account
to be paid when they become due.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62002CO.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Graces Despatch of
the 30th November last, marked "Circular Confidential" upon the
subject of the course which should properly be taken by British
Authorities in regard to Privateers carrying the Flag of the
so-styled Confederate States of America.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62003.txt
================================================================================

No. 3

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-28_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE01.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 20th Ultimo, I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to transmit to you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle,
the enclosed copy of a Report dated 21st Instant from the
Commissioners of Inland Revenue with copy of its Enclosure on
the subject of the Proclamation issued by the Governor of British Columbia entitled "The Distillers Excise Act 1861."



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627098.txt
================================================================================

No. 98

I have the honor to convey to you The Queen's approval of the
Proclamations issued by you as Governor of B. Columbia, Transcripts of
which were transmitted to me in your despatch No. 71 of the 15th of
November, instituted (No. 40) "the New Westminster Municipal Council
Extension Act 1861," and (No. 41) "the Harrison Lillooet Portage No. 2
Roads Bonds Act 1861."



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-01-29_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE02.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 18 Inst, I am directed by
the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to request that
you will move The Duke of Newcastle to forward to this Board the
Report of the Governor of British Columbia, relative to the creation of
a Registry of Titles to Land, also the Proclamation to which he refers.

My Lords also request to be informed whether the duties proposed
to be assigned to the Registrar, or any part of them, are at present
performed by the Officer commanding the Royal Engineers for whose
Establishment a sum of £1200 was voted in the Estimates of 1861-2
under the head of "Commissioner of Lands and Works."

Their Lordships observe in the Return of Appointments in British Columbia to 31 December 1860 the Office of "Registrar of Superior Court"
at a Salary of £300, and They would suggest whether the Officer might
not be able to perform the duties of Registrar of Titles to Land,
in addition to his other duties, with an increased Salary, whereby
a separate appointment with the large salary of £500, as proposed,
might be avoided.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-02-01_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE03.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to Mr Elliot's letter of the 24th, I am
directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that
My Lords are of opinion that, to meet the pressing emergency
described in the Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia,
it will be expedient to authorise him to adopt the provisional
measure which he recommends of fabricating Pieces of the intrinsic
value, in Gold, of the United States 10 and 20 Dollar Pieces, to
pass current as money, and to be received in payment of Government Dues.

Experience has shown that the recognition of Coins or Tokens
by accepting them in Government Contracts is, generally, sufficient
to give currency to them without declaring them to be Legal Tender,
and My Lords think that it would be desirable, if possible, to
avoid that step in the case of a provisional Token issued without
the controlling authority of the Master of Her Majesty's Mint. They
would not, however, object to a discretionary authority being given
to the Governor to declare the proposed pieces to be Legal Tender
for a limited period—say one year—with power to extend the same
by Proclamation for further limited periods, in case it should be
found that the Tokens do not obtain currency without such sanction.

My Lords suggest that the proposed pieces should bear a
distinctive Assay Mark denoting their gross weight and intrinsic
value in current money and They consider that the Governor is quite
correct in his opinion that such value should be determined by the
quantity of Fine Gold contained in each Piece without regard to the
Silver found in the Native Gold.

It is true that the admixture of Silver would give to the Coins
additional value in the General Bullion Market, but it is the invariable
practice to regard Silver contained in Gold coins as alloy, not affecting
their value in current exchange. Such is the case with the British
Sovereign commonly called the "Dragon" (from the device of St
George and the Dragon on the reverse) which contains a considerable
portion of silver introduced intentionally as Alloy, and with
the Gold Coins of Australia, the native gold of which contains a
considerable portion of Silver.

It will, probably, be desirable to protect the circulation of the
proposed Pieces by enacting Penalties for the fabrication of the
Assay Mark—and for attempting to pass them after they have been
chipped or otherwise wilfully deteriorated. Whatever may be the
device adopted, the Pieces should not bear the effigy of Her Majesty
the Queen—which is proper to Coins issued from Her Majesty's Mint.

My Lords have confined Their approval to the measure recommended
by the Governor of British Columbia, but it may be a question whether
Pieces of lower value than 10 Gold Dollars may not be desirable, and
They would not object to his being allowed a discretion to issue
them of the value of 5 Dollars, which would be equivalent to £1.0.6
in British money.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-02-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62006.txt
================================================================================

No. 6, Miscellaneous

I have the honour to acquaint Your Grace that I have drawn
on Her Majesty's Paymaster General for the sum of Four Hundred
and Thirty one Pounds, Five Shillings (£431.5.0), being the amount of
Salary due to me as Governor from the 1st of October to the
31st of December 1861, at the rate of £1800, per Annum,
Income Tax deducted, and I have to request Your Grace will be
pleased to obtain the necessary authority from the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury for the Bill presented on this
account to be paid when it becomes due.



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FILE: 1862-02-04_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627099.txt
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No. 99

I have the honor to convey to you the Queen's confirmation of the
Proclamation issued by you as Governor of British Columbia, No. 39
entitled "the Distiller's Excise Act 1861," a transcript of which was
forwarded to me in your despatch No. 62 of the 22nd of October last.

The Proclamation has been referred to the Lords Commissioners of
the Treasury and I enclose for your information a copy of a report which
their Lordships have obtained upon it from the commissioners of Inland
Revenue containing some suggestions relative to the regulations for
changing the duties which are established by this Proclamation.



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FILE: 1862-02-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62007.txt
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No. 7

I have on this occasion the honor of forwarding a very
valuable report from Mr Begbie the Judge of British Columbia
submitting his observations on the state of the communications
through the interior of the Colony from Lytton and Lillooet
to the Gold Fields on and about Antler Creek in the Caribou
Country a distance of nearly 500 miles from the Coast.

2. The judicious selection of roads, being an object of
vast importance to the Colony, is a subject which cannot be
too carefully studied, and is naturally viewed with profound
solicitude by this Government.

3. I consequently feel deeply obliged to Mr Begbie for
this useful contribution to our local information.

4. It is probable that the routes now in use from Lytton
and Lillooet to Alexandria will be established as a permanent
thoroughfares—for they not only traverse, and open to
settlement the most extensive farming districts of the Colony,
but are less obstructed by snow during the Spring and Winter
months than the other known routes.

5. That question cannot however be considered as finally
settled, while any part of the country remains comparatively
unknown in which category may be placed the extensive Districts
beyond Lytton and Lillooet which have not been examined with
such a degree of care and attention as fully to establish the
relative merits and defects of the several routes.

6. Mr Begbie's report is therefore very acceptable and
has been forwarded to the Commissioner of Lands and Works for
his information.

7. Mr Begbie's account of the enormous sums realized by
the Miners at Caribou is highly interesting and I would especially
call the attention of agriculturists to the price of grain at
"Williams" and "Beaver Lake"—i.e. 10d a lb for Oats and
1s/3d & 1s/6d a lb for Barley and also to
Mr Begbie's remarks on the
character and productiveness of the soil as exemplified by the
crops of the few farms which have been brought into cultivation.

8. With such prospects in view I hope that many of Her
Majesty's British subjects may be induced to visit this Colony
and to make British Columbia their home.



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FILE: 1862-02-06_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62008.txt
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No. 8

In reply to your Circular Despatch of the 22nd November
last, requesting specimens of all the Postage Stamps used in the
Colony under my Government, in order that they may be produced
at the International Exhibition of 1862, I have the honor
accordingly to furnish herewith to your Grace specimens of the
only description of Postage Stamps used in this Colony.



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FILE: 1862-02-06_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62004.txt
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No. 4

I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace copy of
correspondence and of an Agreement Entered into with respect to a
direct steam communication between San Francisco and the Colonies of
Vancouvers Island and British Columbia.

2. The disadvantages under which these Colonies were laboring
through the communication even from San Francisco not being
direct—or in other words, through the Steamers coming here from San
Francisco ascending the Columbia River and touching at Portland en
route, whereby freight became exposed to greatly increased risks, and
emigration was diverted—were very clearly exhibited in the Memorial
which I had the honor to forward to Your Grace in my Despatch of the
25th June last, marked "Separate."

3. The recent rich gold discoveries in the District of Carriboo in
British Columbia, and the large number of successful Miners who had
returned from that region exhibiting their rapidly acquired wealth,
and thus advertising abroad undoubted proof of the unprecedented
yield of the new gold fields, rendered it morally certain that a
large immigration would flow thither in the spring of 1862. It was
ascertained beyond a doubt that prodigious efforts were being made by
the people of Portland to stop this emigration at that point, not
only by artful representations of the facilities for reaching the
Carriboo being greater through their Territory, but also by
favourably contrasting the Diggings at the Salmon River—some new
gold fields said to have been recently discovered in American
territory about 500 miles from Portland. The truth or fallacy of
these representations would be of but little moment. So long as
every Steamer on its way to these Colonies touched at Portland, there
is but small doubt a large proportion of the Emigration would have
been checked, and the results to these Colonies would have been
greatly disastrous. The fact was patent to all, and it became a
matter of almost vital importance to counteract these evil
influences. The Legislature of Vancouver's Island consequently voted
a sum of Two thousand Five Hundred pounds (£2500) towards obtaining a
direct communication from San Francisco for a few months. This sum
was all that the small Reserve of this Colony could furnish, and even
that amount was only obtainable at the sacrifice of other works of
much importance. I propose to add another Two thousand Five Hundred
pounds (£2500) from the Revenues of British Columbia, thus making the
total sum available for the service Five Thousand pounds (£5000).

4. I trust that these proceedings may meet with the approval of Your
Grace, and that you will deem the Agreement which has been concluded
is as satisfactory as could possibly have been expected. By it a
weekly communication is provided for Six months, every alternate
Steamer either coming direct from, or returning direct to San Francisco. Indeed had it not been that the parties entering into the
contract firmly believe in the large emigration from California
hitherwards, it is not likely that the small sum we have offered
would have induced them to make such terms.



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FILE: 1862-02-06_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62005.txt
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No. 5

In reply to your circular Despatch of the 22nd November last,
requesting specimens of all the Postage Stamps used in the Colony
under my Government in order that they may be produced at the
International Exhibition 1862, I have the honor accordingly to
forward herewith to your Grace, specimens of the only description of
Postage Stamps used in this Colony.



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FILE: 1862-02-06_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE02.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
transmit herewith for the information of the Duke of Newcastle with
reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 18th January last—the enclosed
copy of a letter dated 28th January from the Comptroller of the
Stationery Office, with a specimen sheet of the Paper furnished to
the Governor of Vancouvers Island.



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FILE: 1862-02-07_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62009.txt
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No. 9, Military

Referring to the second Paragraph of my Despatch to Your
Grace No 72, of the 23rd November last, wherein I mention
the Sum of Two Thousand pounds (£2000) as being still available from
the Parliamentary Grant for British Columbia, for the year
ending 31st March 1862, I have the honor to acquaint Your
Grace that money being required to meet payments due to the
Royal Engineers, I have authorized the Treasurer to draw for
this Sum in the usual manner of Bills on Her Majesty's Paymaster
General, which Bills I trust will be duly accepted on presentation.

2. I have been obliged to obtain this money earlier than I
intended, for I had no other resource from which to pay the troops.
As is mentioned in my Despatch of this date marked "Separate,"
Fraser River has been frozen over since the beginning of the year,
and the direct communication with New Westminster stopped. In
consequence our usual Revenue has almost completely failed me,
and we have been reduced to the necessity of effecting a temporary
loan to meet current expenditure.



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FILE: 1862-02-07_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62009SP.txt
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Separate

The unusual severity of the weather since the beginning of the
present year, has brought business entirely to a close in
British Columbia.

2. An event which fortunately seldom occurs, the freezing
of Fraser River for many miles below New Westminster, has cut
off the direct access by water for the last five weeks; since
then the communication with that place, has been carried on
through Burrards Inlet from whence an overland transit of five miles leads into the town.

3. The navigation of the River beyond New Westminster is
also obstructed by ice; the River Steam boats cannot move and
the inland transit is therefore for the time being completely suspended.

4. About Hope and Yale the snow lies from 1 to 2 feet in
depth, and fears are entertained of heavy losses occurring among
the running Stock in those Districts.

5. It is however satisfactory that a much more favorable
state of things exists in the Upper Country; especially in the
Districts of Lillooet Lytton, Buonaparte and the Thompson
where, by late advices, we learn that the pastures are not
deeply covered with snow, and that the farm Stock and transport
Mules and Horses, wintering there in great numbers, on the range
of the country, are generally in good condition and have not
suffered from the severity of the season nor for want of food.

6. The weather is still, however, unusually cold, materially
interfering with the industrial pursuits of the Colony and
affecting the state of the public revenue, which has suffered
to a serious extent from the decrease in imports since Frasers River was frozen.

7. It will require redoubled exertion on the opening of the
navigation to make up for this inopportune delay, in providing
for the exigencies of the coming season, and the wants of a
larger population, but I have no doubt the Merchants and Packers
will prove equal to the emergency.

8. There is nothing further of interest respecting the
Colony to communicate.



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FILE: 1862-02-07_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62006.txt
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No. 6

Referring to Your Despatch No 52, of the 7h April last,
transmitting a claim made by the Board of Inland Revenue upon Mr
G. H. Cary, Attorney General for Vancouver's Island, for an arrear of
assessed taxes, I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace
copy of a letter from Mr Cary stating the arrangements he has made
for the payment of these taxes.



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FILE: 1862-02-07_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627085.txt
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No. 85

I have received your despatch No. 74 of the 7th of December 1861,
enclosing a copy of a report from the Chief Justice of Vancouver Island
in which he states the reasons which had prevented Mr. John Copland
from being admitted to legal practice in that Colony.

As Mr. Copland has qualified himself by study in Scotland for
practice as a Writer to the Signet, I think the Chief Justice would have
acted wisely if he had carried into effect his intention of making a
rule of Court under which that Gentleman might be admitted to practise
in Vancouver Island after a years instruction in that Colony, nor can I see what reason
there was
for doubting that the Chief Justice possessed
the power of making such a rule in spite of the provisions of 12 and 13
Vict: cap: 48 which do not appear to deprive him of any authority which
he previously possessed.

Failing such a rule of Court, I also think that the Legislature
would have done wisely in enacting a Law with a similar object and I
hope that in one way or other it will be found practicable to admit to
the Bar on the roll of Attorneys persons who like Mr. Copland are
presumably well qualified to practise the law.



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FILE: 1862-02-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62007.txt
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No. 7

With reference to Your Despatch of the 30th of November last,
No 78, calling my attention to a Petition to the Queen from Mr John Copland praying to be admitted as an Attorney and Solicitor of the
Supreme Court of Vancouver Island, forwarded to me in your Despatch No 50 of the 30th of March last, I beg to refer Your Grace to my
Despatch No 74 of the 30th of November last, covering the required Report from the Chief Justice upon that Petition, and which Report
contained an Explanation from that functionary of the cause of the
delay in its transmission.



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FILE: 1862-02-08_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625LN03.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 18th and my letter of the 20th
ultimo, I have now to transmit, herewith, in original the Agreement
duly stamped which has been executed in duplicate between the Crown
and the Hudsons Bay Co for settling the claims of the latter to
certain Lands in the Victoria District in the Island of Vancouver.



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FILE: 1862-02-09_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627100.txt
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No. 100

I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from Mr.
Robert Holloway dated New Westminster, 30th of November, and to request
that you will furnish me with a report upon the allegations contained in
it.

You will also acquaint the Writer, by my desire, that established
rules require that representations to the Secretary of State should be
forwarded through the Governor, and that if he had taken this course I
should have been in a position by this time to give a decision on his
case but that as he has sent his letter direct without affording an
opportunity for the Governor to add any requisite explanation, it has
become necessary to refer his letter back to the Colony for report.



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FILE: 1862-02-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62008.txt
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No. 8

I duly received Your Grace's Despatch No 66 of the 15th August last, acquainting me that the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury had
directed the acceptance and payment of the Bill for £430, which I had
drawn to effect the final settlement on account of the cost of
Building the Light Houses in Fuca's Straits.

2. I feel very grateful to Her Majesty's Government for the
essential aid afforded by the advance of the funds required for the
erection of these Lighthouses; for otherwise the work could not have
been undertaken and successfully carried through. I will take the
earliest fitting opportunity of bringing to the notice of the local
Legislature the necessity of providing for the repayment of the
proportion of that advance due from the Colony, but Your Grace is
aware our Revenue is very scanty, and our wants numerous and urgent,
and I doubt not Her Majesty's Government will afford us reasonable
time to meet our obligations.



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FILE: 1862-02-11_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62010.txt
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No. 10, Financial

In conformity with the instructions contained in the Book
of Colonial Regulations, I have the honor to forward herewith
to Your Grace the Returns described on the other side hereof,
*
as received from the Treasurer for the 2nd Quarter of the year 1861.



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FILE: 1862-02-11_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62009.txt
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No. 9, Legislative

I have the honour to inform Your Grace that the second Session of the
Second Parliament of Vancouver Island was closed by Prorogation on
the 3rd day of the present month (February), and I herewith enclose
a Copy of my speech to the Legislature on that occasion.

2. Twenty Bills have, in all, been introduced during the late
Session, Seventeen of which have passed both Houses and received my
assent, and three are now before the Council, and will probably not
pass without material alterations.

3. The Estimates submitted to the House at the opening of the
Session were voted, with a few unimportant alterations: the whole
sum granted for the service of the Year 1861 being £20,460, or £75 in
excess of the estimated Expenditure; the House having increased the
sums allowed for Schools and other objects.

4. The Public Revenues for the same period have produced the sum of
£20,687 and there remains to be collected a further sum of £1300,
being arrears of Taxes for 1861, and applicable to the service of
that year.

5. Bills were introduced early in the Session for the purpose of
quieting Titles derived through Aliens—and for enabling Aliens to
hold Real Estate—and to enjoy, after a certain residence in the
Colony, all the rights and capacities of British Subjects, saving
only that of serving as Members of either branch of the
Legislature—and also for amending the present practice and pleadings
of the Civil Courts. These were all duly passed, and the several
Acts have since been forwarded to Your Grace for Her Majesty's approval.

6. These Acts are essential to the proper growth and development of
the Colony, and are much appreciated by the foreign population who
have become residents of the Country.

7. Acts have also been passed for preventing frauds on creditors by
secret Bills of Sale—and unnecessary Expense and delay in recovering
on Bills of Exchange—and for declaring the Law relating to
Bankruptcy and Insolvency; these latter Acts being simply adaptations
of the Imperial Statutes for the same purposes.

8. The other Acts of the session are of merely local importance, or
of a private nature.

9. The Legislative Assembly throughout the Session have exhibited a
tone and spirit worthy of their position, as well as a sincere desire
to promote the public welfare.

10. Copies of all the Acts referred to in this Despatch, excepting
those previously forwarded, and the Bankruptcy Act, which has not
been received from the Printers, are herewith transmitted to Your
Grace with the Attorney General's Report, and the accompanying Schedule.



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FILE: 1862-02-12_Townsend_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B626T03.txt
================================================================================

Townsend to Under-Secretary of State

I am compiling some information respecting the colonies of
British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, with a view to publishing
it in a cheap form.

In a Parliamentary Paper published in 1859, on the subject of
the former colony, I find much relevant information; and should be
glad to know whether I could obtain permission to reproduce any
part or parts of it that might seem desirable, for publication in
the manner named? Acknowledging of course, the source from whence
it is obtained.

I am informed that a second Parliamentary Paper on British
Columbia is expected to be shortly published, and I should feel
obliged if you would have me informed also whether this is the
case, &, if so, whether the same permission could be granted with
regard to it for which I ask a reference to the first named publication?



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FILE: 1862-02-14_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627101.txt
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No. 101

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 77
of the 7th of December enclosing, with some explanatory remarks, a copy of a Resolution of the Municipal Council of New Westminster respecting a
delay which has recurred in forwarding to me the Memorial of the Council
for the grant of a subsidy to a Mail line of Ocean Steam communication
with British Columbia.

I am quite satisfied that you did not intentionally delay the
transmission of the Memorial nor act with any indifference to the
important object which it advocated.



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FILE: 1862-02-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62011.txt
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No. 11, Military

Agreeably to the instructions conveyed to me in your Grace's
despatch No 22 of 5th May 1860, I have the honor to forward
herewith an Abstract of Receipts and Disbursements on account of
the Detachment of Royal Engineers serving in the Colony of British
Columbia between 1st July and 30th September 1861, accompanied
by proper Vouchers.



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FILE: 1862-02-17_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN04.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 15th instant enclosing a letter
from the Governor of the Hudsons Bay Co in answer to the report on
their Vancouvers Island accounts submitted by Mr Andoe, the
gentleman appointed by the Treasury to examine those accounts.

2. The first item objected to in Mr Andoes report was a charge of
£15,123.19.3 for services extending from 1857 to 1859 omitted in
previous returns. Of this the Governor withdraws £4,000 charged for
the "Otter" Steamer & expresses a willingness to deal with the rest
on some general principle. Before any conclusion is come to on this
point it would be desirable to have the opinion of Mr Andoe who has
examined the detailed accounts.

3. An objection was taken by Mr Andoe to a charge of £2405.13.10
for commission on Land Sales of which a portion of the proceeds only
is brought to the credit of the Crown in these accounts. But as it
is admitted that the balance of the proceeds has been received by the
Governor and applied to the expenses of the Colony the Company are
in my opinion entitled to claim the whole Commission. Whether the
Commission due on payments not brought to credit by the Company
should be paid out of Imperial or Colonial Funds is a question
between the Home and Colonial Governments, not between the Government
and the Company.

4. The general objection to the charge of interest the Company
assume could not be maintained and express their willingness to
discuss the question as to the mode in which interest should be
charged. Upon the general question Government would I presume be
very much guided by Mercantile usage in such matters, with which I am
not acquainted—but on reconsideration I am disposed to modify the
opinion thrown out in my report of 25th May last that no charge for
interest was admissible.

5. The explanation given of the striking difference in the items
making up the charge of £25,550 for introduction of Settlers in the
first account sent in and in the last is remarkable. In the first
instance the Company charged for 350 Settlers only (being one moiety
of the whole number sent out)

Passage £ 8,050

Maintenance & Wages £17,500

£25,550

In their second account they increased the number of Settlers to 557
1/2

and the cost of passage to £12,717. 5.-

But they reduced the cost

of maintenance to £12,925. 9.7

£25,642.14.7

and the sums being so nearly the same they retained the original
claim. This explanation to say the best of it shows a very lax mode
of making out the accounts. It is impossible with such an
explanation before us to feel any confidence in other items which
from their nature are rather estimates than actual expenditure.

6. Another item objected to was interest on the moiety of the
expenditure at Fort Rupert which had been admitted by Government. I
do not understand on what ground Mr Andoe objected to this claim,
unless it is to be understood from his report that the original claim
of £12,469.4.7 included a charge for interest in addition to the
usual charge for interest on the expenditure of the year in which it
is carried to account. There is nothing in the papers sent to us to
show whether this is so or not. If not, I should have been disposed
to consider that if a claim for interest is to be allowed in any case
it should be in this.

7. I would submit that it would be desirable to communicate Mr
Berens' letter to Mr Andoe for any observations he may have to make,
and the Duke of Newcastle might perhaps think it desirable that Mr Andoe should be put in personal communication with us on the subject.
After seeing him we might obtain from Mr Dallas any further
explanations necessary to enable us to submit our views to His Grace.



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FILE: 1862-02-17_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627102.txt
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No. 102

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 67
of the 14th of November last, representing the inconvenience and loss
which is experienced in British Columbia from the want of a circulating
medium and proposing to issue from the Government Assay Office Gold
pieces equal in value to the 10 and 20 Dollar American Coins.

I have brought your proposal under the consideration of the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury, and I transmit for your information and
guidance a copy of their Lordship's reply.

I have only to add that if you should require any dies to be
prepared in this country, or any apparatus supplied for striking the
Coin you should make early application for the purpose to this
Department.



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FILE: 1862-02-18_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62009SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

The mournful intelligence conveyed to me by Your Grace's Despatch of
the 16th December last, of the death of His Royal Highness
the Prince Consort, was received in this Colony with feelings of the most
unfeigned regret.

2. I considered it becoming upon so melancholy an occasion to make
public Your Graces Despatch, and to call upon Her Majesty's loving
Subjects to testify their sympathy and sorrow by appearing in
mourning. I enclose a copy of the notice I issued, and I need only
remark that the warm response made to that call abundantly proves
that in no part of Her Majesty's Dominions are to be found Subjects
more loyal and attached than in the remote Island of Vancouver.



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FILE: 1862-02-18_Duncan_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V626D01.txt
================================================================================

Duncan to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

This morning I have had the honour to receive your letter of
yesterday and the copy of a dispatch addressed by the Duke of
Newcastle to the Governor of Van Couvers Island respecting the
admission of Mr John Copland to practise the Law in that Island and
which shall be communicated to him.



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FILE: 1862-02-18_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627086.txt
================================================================================

No. 86

With reference to my despatch [B.C.] No. 38 of the 3rd of July 1860 on the subject of the Stationery sent for your use from this
Country, I enclose, for your information, a copy of a letter from the
Comptroller of H. M. Stationery Office mentioning the date at which the
Stationery was shipped to Vancouver Island and describing the nature of the paper supplied. I have to request that you will make use of this
paper both for your despatches, and for their enclosures, in
corresponding with this Department.

Much inconvenience is felt in this Office by your continuing to
use paper of a size different from that which is ordinarily employed.

I have also to call your attention to my despatch No. 63 of the
26th of June last, and to request that you will give directions for the
payment without delay of the account of the Stationery Office in the
manner therein suggested.



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FILE: 1862-02-18_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE04.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 10th Inst. I am directed
by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint
you that Their Lordships agree with the view taken by the Duke of
Newcastle that the coin, to the value of £6900, which was sent
out to British Columbia in 1860 cannot be considered as a grant to
the Colony in addition to the sums voted by Parliament.

Instructions will be given for the repayment of that charge out
of the Parliamentary Grant for the Colony as signified in the
Treasury letter of 25th October 1860.

My Lords request that the Governor may be reminded that the
amount available for Bills drawn by the order upon this Country
will be proportionably reduced—and that he may be instructed
on no account to cause the sums voted by Parliament for the service
of British Columbia to be exceeded.



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FILE: 1862-02-19_Bell_to_Secretary_of_State_B626B02.txt
================================================================================

Bell to Secretary of State

I would like you to inform me whether Government offers to
approvable Emigrants free passages to British Columbia. An answer will oblige.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-02-20_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE05.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit herewith copy of a letter, dated 5 Inst
No 45, from the Commissioner of Audit, relative to a sum of
£67 paid in by Captain Gosset for "repayment of his passage
money from Ceylon to England," which Item appears in the Accounts
of the Treasurer of British Columbia for 1859, and I am to request
that you will move the Duke of Newcastle to inform My Lords from
what funds the sum of £67 was issued in order that steps may be
taken for the adjustment of the account.



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FILE: 1862-02-20_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627087.txt
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No. 87

With reference to my despatch No. 60 of the 14th of June last, I
have the pleasure to inform you that the Secretary of State for War has
on my recommendation authorized the issue of a supply of Rifles for the
use of the Volunteers of Vancouver Island of a description superior to the Brunswick Rifles recently sent out, and that 500 stand of Rifles
Pattern /53 with a proper supply of ammunition have accordingly been presented to the Colony.

As no ship of War is likely to leave England for Vancouver Island for several months, application has been made to the Transport Office
to provide conveyance for these stores.



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FILE: 1862-02-20_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE06.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury have had
before them your letters of the 19th September, and 27th
December last, and their enclosures.

Their Lordships desire me to state, for the information of the
Duke of Newcastle, that, after fully considering the subject of
the memorials submitted for improved Postal Communication with the
Colony of British Columbia, and having communicated thereon with
the Postmaster General, they see no sufficient reason, at the present time, for granting a subsidy towards improving the arrangements
under which correspondence is conveyed between this Country and the
Colony of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-02-22_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627102A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

With reference to your despatch transmitting the Estimates of
British Columbia for the year 1862, I have to instruct you to cause the summaries of the Revenue and Expenditure which accompany them to be prepared in future on paper of the same size as your despatch.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-02-22_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627103.txt
================================================================================

No. 103

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
72 of the 23rd of November, in which you request that the coin sent out
to British Columbia from this Country in the year 1860 may not be
reckoned as part of the Parliamentary Grant in aid of the Colony. I
have to refer you to the letter from the Board of Treasury dated 25th
of October 1860 and transmitted to you for your guidance in my despatch
No. 58 of the 30th of that month, (and acknowledged in yours of 8th
February 1861 No. 13) in which it is expressly stated that the value of
the Coins, amounting to £6900, would be paid from the Parliamentary
grant and that the Colonial Treasurer should abstain from drawing upon
the Paymaster General to an equivalent extent. The fact that part of
the sums granted by Parliament for the service of British Columbia has
been sent out in Coin can afford no reason why it should be treated as a
present in addition to the vote, and I must decline to accede to your
application.

Should you before the receipt of this instruction have drawn for
this sum of £6900 or for any part of it, it will be necessary that you
should limit to a corresponding extent your drafts on the amount which
will be voted by Parliament for the service of the Colony for the year
1862-63.



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FILE: 1862-02-22_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627104.txt
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No. 104

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 75
of the 30th of November enclosing an Estimate of the Expenditure
necessary for the maintenance of the Detachment of Royal Engineers
serving in the Colony during the year 1862-63, and expressing your hope
that the whole of this Expenditure amounting to £17,900 may be provided
for from Imperial funds.

It is not possible that I should comply with your request: nor can
I sanction a renewed application to Parliament for so large a sum as
that which has hitherto been voted on this account. The entire cost
both Imperial and Colonial of the Royal Engineers amounts according to
your Estimate to £22,000 and of this sum Her Majesty's Government have
decided that one moiety of £11000 must be defrayed from the Colonial
Revenue of the remaining moiety to be paid from Imperial Funds £3,800 are
already borne on the Army Estimates for the Regimental pay of the
Engineers, and there will therefore remain a sum of £7,200 to be
provided by a Parliamentary grant. This sum in addition to the salary
of the Governor will constitute the estimate to be submitted to
Parliament for British Columbia for the year 18621863; and you will limit
accordingly the Bills to be drawn by you on the Imperial Treasury.

With respect however to the Salary of the Governor it is not a
charge which ought longer to continue to be borne by Imperial funds, and
I have to instruct you to take measures for making provision for that
purpose from the Colonial Revenues, after the close of the ensuing
financial year.

I understand that there is reason at the Financial Departments of
the government to believe that notwithstanding the instructions which
have been conveyed to you, you have continued to draw upon the Imperial
Government not merely for the Colonial pay of the Engineers, but also
for the miscellaneous expenditure amounting to about £6000 per annum.
It is necessary that I should point out to you the great irregularity of
such a course, and it is my duty to inform you that if you draw Bills
upon the Treasury in disregard of the instructions which you receive
from this Department, you must be prepared to find yourself held
personally responsible for the amount.



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FILE: 1862-02-23_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627088.txt
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No. 88

I duly received your despatch No. 67 by the 25th of October
reporting that Mr. John D'Ewes, Acting Postmaster of Victoria had
absconded, leaving behind him debts to a considerable amount and being
a defaulter to the Colonial Government in a sum of between £300 and
£400.

Having taken steps to learn that Mr. D'Ewes' address and inquired
whether he had any explanation that he could offer on this subject or
whether there were any prospect of recovering the money, I regret to
acquaint you that I am informed that he lately proceeded to Homburg, the
German Watering Place in the neighbourhood of Frankfort, and that after
as it is supposed, losses at play, he committed suicide by shooting
himself.

He cannot have left any property, and the unhappy termination of
his life puts an end to the question of any further proceedings.



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FILE: 1862-02-24_Lugard_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625WA01.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 22nd ultimo, transmitting copies of correspondence relative to a grant in aid of a School being made to the Royal Engineers in British Columbia, I am directed by Secretary Sir George C. Lewis to forward herewith a copy of a letter addressed to Colonel Moody, Royal Engineers on
the subject.



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FILE: 1862-02-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627089.txt
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No. 89

In another despatch I have announced to you the disastrous end of
the late Mr. D'Ewes.

But there is once aspect of his case which is of so much future
and general importance that I cannot omit making it the subject of a
distinct communication. I find that in September 1858 Mr. D'Ewes
received from Sir Edward Lytton a letter of introduction to you
grounded on testimonials given to him by Lord Willoughby de Broke and
Mr. Tooke F. R. S. Very soon afterwards however Sir E. Lytton discovered
that, in consequence of certain occurrences at Ballarat in Victoria in
the year 1854, Mr. D'Ewes' name was erased from the Commission of the
Peace, and Sir E. Lytton accordingly communicated this information to
you in a confidential despatch dated the 29th of November 1858. I should wish to know whether you received this last despatch, and, if
so, what induced you to confer an appointment upon anyone respecting
whom you had been supplied with such information.

I feel it incumbent on me to call for an explanation on this point,
because I have with great regret heard it alleged that you have created
an impression that you felt bound in selections for appointments, to
give a preference to persons who brought out letters of introduction
from this Office. If this be so it is a great error on your part. You
must be aware that the standing form, never omitted in such letters,
impresses it upon you, that you are on no account to view them as
bestowing any claim on your patronage, and I can assure you that so far
from obliging the Secretary of State, you cannot more certainly incur
his displeasure, than by treating his letters, contrary to his own
express desire, as any reason for disposing of the patronage in the
Colony other wise than in the manner best calculated to promote the
public interests and uphold the character for Public Service.



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FILE: 1862-02-24_Townsend_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B626T04.txt
================================================================================

Townsend to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Being desirous of obtaining a copy of the existing regulations
for the disposal of Crown land in the colony of British Columbia,
and being only able to obtain those enacted by Proclamations dated
January 1860, and January 1861, some of which I am reliably
informed have been repealed and reenacted, with alterations, I
take the liberty of stating that I should feel obliged if you
would favour me with a copy, or abstract, of the regulations at
present in force, or if you would inform me where I can obtain the
same.



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FILE: 1862-02-25_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62009SQ.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace an Address to Her
Most Gracious Majesty which has this day been placed in my hands on
behalf of the Inhabitants of Vancouver's Island.

2. Her Majesty's loyal Subjects in this Colony would desire in all
veneration to offer to their beloved Sovereign an expression of their
profound sympathy in this Her time of deepest sorrow.

3. I know not whether this proceeding be altogether appropriate at
such a season, but I feel that it will not be misunderstood; and I
fain would hope that it might prove a source of consolation to Her
Majesty, however slight, to know that the feelings and affections
which have already poured before Her so full a measure of condolence
and sympathy, are not confined to any one portion of Her realm, but
that those same feelings and affections exist even in this remote
corner of Her dominions, neither chilled by distance, nor enfeebled
by absence.



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FILE: 1862-02-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62010.txt
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No. 10

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Despatch No 79 of the
4h December last conveying for my information copy of correspondence
with the Hudson's Bay Company arising out of the application made by
this Government to the Supreme Court of the Colony for an injunction
to restrain the Company from further independent action in the
disposal of land, their claim to which was disputed by Her Majesty's
Government, and from the sale of portions of the Park, Church
Reserves, Public Streets &ca.

2. I observe that the instructions given in May last to the
Company's Agent in Vancouver's Island were not confined to a certain
portion of the water Frontage, as I had previously supposed from the
perusal of Mr Beren's letter to Your Grace, but were intended to
apply to the whole of the 3084 Acres claimed by the Company under a
title anterior to and irrespective of the Charter of Grant.

3. While those instructions are in our respect perfectly
satisfactory, as evincing the desire of the Hudsons Bay Co
voluntarily to put a stop to the acts complained of by this
Government, they nevertheless have the practical effect of retarding
the progress and settlement of the Colony, and if accepted, of
relieving the Hudson's Bay Company from the onus thereof, inasmuch as
most of the land still in the hands of the Company is capable of
being immediately utilized, and would find ready purchasers if
offered for Sale at public Auction; some, indeed, is in the best
business portion of the Town, and just now is eagerly sought after.

4. The present is a critical period for this Colony. Every Steamer
brings intelligence confirmatory of the expectation that a large
emigration will flow from California during the Spring. Indeed
business men from that State are already flocking hither to form
Establishments, and land is consequently much in demand.

5. Some time, I presume, must yet elapse before the decision of the
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council can be obtained as to the
ownership of the disputed 3084 Acres. Appeal to the Supreme Court of
the Colony is precluded, that Court having already refused to
interfere, on the ground that the case of dispute is at present
before a Superior Court. In the mean time it is highly desirable and
necessary to prevent, as far as possible, injury to the progress of
the Colony. I would therefore earnestly beg Your Grace to obtain
from the Hudson's Bay Company an arrangement whereby land may be
disposed of with the concurrence in each individual case of the local
Government, the proceeds either being deposited in the Bank of
British North America, or placed in charge of a Receiver, to await
the decision as to ownership already sought from the Privy Council.



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FILE: 1862-02-27_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627105.txt
================================================================================

No. 105

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
74 of the 13th of November, enclosing the Estimates of British Columbia
for the year 1862.

I have to point out to you that whilst the salaries comprized in
their estimates are exhibited in almost superfluous detail, those heads
of expenditure which most demand scrutiny and deserve explanation are
exempted from all supervision in this Department by the course you have
taken of merely stating them in a single large sum such as £31,749 for
Roads and £7500 for Works.

My attention has also been attracted to the evidence which your
annual estimates exhibit of a disposition continually to augment the
Civil Expenditure so as to equal or even exceed the growing revenue.

In another despatch I have approved you that the sum of £11000,
being one moiety of the total cost, has been appointed to the colony in
respect of its Military Expenditure for the year 1862, and I have to
instruct you that you must so far curtail some of the different services
proposed in your estimate as to admit of paying this charge out of the
Colonial Revenue.



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FILE: 1862-02-27_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE07.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 21st Inst. I am
directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that My Lords concur in the terms of the Despatch
which the Duke of Newcastle proposes to address to the Governor
of British Columbia in reply to his Despatch, No 74, of 13 November last on the subject of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure
of that Colony for the year 1862, conveying to him instructions to
curtail some of the different services proposed in those Estimates,
so as to admit of the payment, during the year 1862, from the Colonial
Revenue, of a moiety of the expense of the Royal Engineers;

Their Lordships will not object to that part of the other
Draft Despatch to the Governor which undertakes to discharge out of
Imperial Funds the other moiety of the cost of maintaining during
the year 1862/3 the Detachment of Royal Engineers serving in the
Colony, amounting to £11,000, of which the sum of £7200 is to be
provided by a Parliamentary Grant, the remainder, viz £3800, being
already borne on the Army Estimates.

My Lords will not object to provision being made, in the Civil
Service Estimates for the same year, for the Salary of the Governor
to the end of that year—the Salary after that date to be paid from
the Colonial Revenue.

With reference, however, to the past expenditure from Imperial
Funds, Their Lordships desire to draw His Grace's attention to the
Returns transmitted in Governor Douglas' Despatch No 56, of 16 September 1861, enclosed in Mr Elliot's letter of 7 November last, of the bills drawn upon the Paymaster General, and of the Expenditure of the sums drawn on account of the Detachment of
Royal Engineers for the years 1859 and 1860.

For the service of the year 1859 The Governor has drawn Bills
to the extent of £39,320—viz

For Colonial Pay £15189. 8.6

other Expenses £24130.11.6

£39320. 0.0

against the sum of £27,000 which was provided in the Parliamentary
Estimates—viz

Estimate 1859/60 For Colonial Pay £11000

Do To meet Bills drawn for

current service in 1859 £16000

£27 000

Thus involving an excess of payments beyond sums voted, for
the service of the year 1859 of £12,320—viz

Colonial Pay £ 4 189. 8.6

Other Expenses £ 8 130.11.6

£12,320. 0.0

For the year 1860 the Governor has drawn for £22,856.6.4—viz

For Colonial Pay £11,929. 8. 2

Other Expenses £10 926.18. 2

£22,856. 6. 4

against the sum voted for 1860/1 viz £11,000 for Colonial Pay
only—thus involving an excess of payments beyonds the sum voted for
1860/1 of £11,856.6.4

viz Colonial Pay £ 929. 8. 2

other Expenses £10,926.18. 2

£11,856. 6. 4

Payments have also been made in this country in excess of the sums
provided on account of the expenses of the Royal Engineers prior to
their arrival in British Columbia, as well as on account of the Salaries of the Governor and Commissioner of Duties.

I am to enclose a statement which has been prepared in this
Department, showing the particulars of the several payments, and
exhibiting an amount unprovided for, to the extent of
£26,958.9s10d.
This is exclusive of the claim of £6,900 for the Silver Coins which
were sent to British Columbia in October 1860, and though the Governor
was told that that claim would be settled out of the grant, and that
he must instruct his Treasurer to diminish his Drafts accordingly,
he has continued to draw Bills as if no such claim existed.

My Lords request that the attention of the Governor may be drawn
to the large amount of expenditure from Imperial Funds on his
Requisitions in excess of the sums provided by Parliament, and that
he may be called upon to furnish the fullest explanations in his power
of his proceedings in the matter.

Their Lordships request also that His Grace's attention may be
called to the subject—with a view to some prompt arrangement being
made for the repayment of the whole excess from the Funds of the Colony.

My Lords would further observe, with reference to the Governor's
Despatch, No 72, of 23 November last relating to the above-mentioned
sum of £6900 supplied in specie in 1860, that he has already
authorized the Treasurer to draw Bills on account of the year
1861/2 to the extent of £9000 against the grant of £11000
for the Colonial Pay of the Royal Engineers, and he remarks that,
if the Coin is not to be deducted from the grant, there will remain
a sum of £2000 available before the 31 March 1862 for that service.

My Lords apprehend that the Despatch informing him that Her
Majesty's Government must be repaid the value of that specie
will not arrive in time to prevent the drawing for the sum of £2000.

The sum of £6900, for the specie, will be chargeable to the
grant His Grace proposes to limit to £7,200.
*

According to this arrangement the sum remaining to be drawn
against the grant for 1862/3 will amount to £300 only;

My Lords would further observe that the Salary of £1200 a
year, of the Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers, Colonel Moody, has been hitherto paid in this country.

After the 31 March next there will be no funds, except the sum of £300 above mentioned, to meet the Salary in England and
Their Lordships will, therefore, be unable to direct any further
issues on that account beyond the 31 March next.



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FILE: 1862-02-28_Lugard_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625WA02.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to that portion of your Letter of the 8th Instant
which relates to the conveyance of the Rifles which have recently been
granted for the use of the Volunteers in Vancouver Island, I am
directed to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle, that Sir George Lewis has ascertained from the Admiralty
that no Ship of War is likely to leave England for that Station for
several months, and application has therefore been made to the
Transport office to provide conveyance for these Stores.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-02-28_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE08.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle, that they have deferred their reply to your letter
of the 28 Ultimo, on the subject of the proposed Loan of £100,000
to be raised on the security of the Colonial Revenue of British Columbia; until They had before Them the Estimates of Revenue and
Expenditure for the year 1862.

The general question of those Estimates, and of the amount
to be granted by Parliament in and of the Colonial Revenue, having
been dealt with in a separate communication My Lords request that
you will submit to His Grace the following observations upon the
proposed arrangements for raising a Loan.

They would observe that, by Their letter of 7 January 1861,
They intimated, that They would require satisfactory information
in regard to the ability of the Colonial Revenue to bear the charge
for the Loan, together with all other legitimate Colonial charges
before They could consider Themselves justified in assenting to
the measure.

The latest and best information on this subject may be gathered
from the Estimates for 1862, as submitted by the Governor in his
Despatch No 74 of 30th November 1861, According to these Estimates
it would appear, that the whole of the Local Revenue has been
appropriated to meet the cost of the Civil Establishments and
the cost of works in progress, on which latter subject His Grace
has called for more definite information.

It has, in addition, been determined by Her Majesty's Government
that one half of the expenses of the Detachment of Royal Engineers
for the year 1862 shall be borne by the Colonial Revenue, and that
the sum owed by the Colony for the specie, sent in 1860, shall also
be repaid this year, and the Governor has been instructed to curtail
the charges proposed by him to be defrayed from that Revenue, in order
to meet these services.

It has also been considered expedient
*
that the Imperial Government
should be relieved as soon as possible of the Colonial Expenses of the
Royal Engineers,
**
and also, that prompt arrangements should be made for
the repayment by the Governor of the large advances he has unduly
obtained from Imperial funds in excess of the grants of Parliament.

Under these circumstances My Lords are doubtful whether the
Colonial Government should be authorized to raise Money on the
security of the Local Revenue, while that Revenue is still receiving
aid from Parliament, and while no provision has been made in respect
of the above additional charges.

They are therefore of opinion that the raising of the proposed
Loan should be deferred, until such time as the state of the Local
Revenue shall be such as will enable it better to bear the charge for
the Interest and Redemption of the Loan.

My Lords would, further, observe that, before any steps can be
taken for raising any portion of the Loan in the country, the
Proclamation that has been issued by the Governor will require
amendment in respect to provision being made for the redemption of
the Principal sum borrowed, by a Sinking Fund, or otherwise, and
for giving it a priority, over all demands upon the Revenue, the
terms of the Proclamation, as now issued, giving the ordinary
expenditure of the Colony the preference over the Loan.

The Proclamation will also require amendment in regard to the
arrangments for raising the money through the Agents General for
Crown Colonies.

My Lords will communicate further with His Grace on the
subject of the requisite amendments, but, in the mean time, They
are of opinion that the Governor should be informed that any immediate
proceedings for raising the Loan must be suspended.



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FILE: 1862-02_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI02.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Mr Under Secretary
Elliot's letter of the 29th Ulto. accompanying a copy of the Report
which has been submitted to Her Majesty's Government by Mr Andoe
in reference to the accounts of the Company in connection with the
resumption of the Island of Vancouver by the Crown.

I will now proceed to notice the objections made by that Gentleman to
the Accounts furnished by this Company.

The first item objected to is the sum of £15,123.19.3 for expences
incurred between the first of March 1851 and the 31st of May 1859 as
furnished in a statement made up by Mr Dallas when in the Island of Vancouver. With reference to this amount the principal objection
appears to be that this Company have already delivered an account of
advances covering the greater part of the same period amounting to
£8,505.6.11. In reference to this last account which was forwarded
to the Secretary for the Colonies by Captain Shepherd late Governor
of this Company on the 16th December 1856 Your Grace will find the
account was made up at the request of the Colonial Office in
consequence of a despatch from Governor Douglas in which he stated
that it was not in his power to furnish a statement of the sums
expended on account of couvers Island. In answer to this
application the account referred to was made up from such materials
as existed in the Company's Office here and the result was furnished
to the Government as requested by them; but it was impossible that
the Officials here could undertake that the Accounts so furnished
embraced all the expenditure properly chargeable to the Colony.

All that they professed to do was at the request of Her Majesty's
Government to furnish the best account in their power. When Mr
Dallas went out to Vancouver's Island in the year 1851 he found that
no proper distinction had been made in the books kept there between
the outlay specially made on behalf of the Colony and that made on
behalf of the Company's Fur Trade; and this led him to investigate
the different accounts and he selected such items as appeared to him
to be properly chargeable to the Colony which constitute the sum of
£15,123.19.3 the correctness of which is now disputed.

I may observe that in regard to the sum of £4,000 for the services of
the Steamer "Otter" Mr Dallas was not aware that Captain Shepherd in
his letter of the 16th of December 1856 before referred to had
intimated that the Company would not under the circumstances make any
charge for her cost and maintenance, altho' there cannot be any
reasonable doubt as to the Government being properly chargeable with
a considerable sum on account of the services rendered to the Colony
itself by the employment of that Steamer; and in furnishing the
account in question Captn Shepherd's letter was not referred to and
the attention therefore of the present Board was not called to what
had passed with him. As however he had adopted the liberal course of
making no charge in respect of the "Otter" the Company now will not
seek to do so.

With regard however to the other items in Mr Dallas' Statement
amounting therefore to £11,123.19.3 I have to submit that they are
all in respect of matters properly chargeable to the Colony. At the
period in question the Government had their own establishment for the
purposes of the Colony the whole cost of which was defrayed by the
Company without reference to the services rendered to the Colony.
Whether the particular amounts put down by Mr Dallas represent the
proper proportion of the outlay incurred by this Company in reference
to the items in question may be a proper subject of investigation;
but I respectfully submit that the new Government cannot expect the
Company to maintain at their own cost the Governor appointed by the
Crown and the other Officers attached to his department and still
less to pay for the entire administration of Justice, the Government
Surveyor &c &c, and I shall be quite willing that this Company shall
now be allowed for the period over which these disbursements extend
at the rate at which the Government are now paying for the same
services since this Company has ceased to make these disbursements.
There will be no difficulty I feel confident in satisfying the
Colonial Authorities that these charges are much less than the
Government would themselves have incurred had they provided the
Establishments, and it is obvious that this Company cannot be
deprived of their right to be allowed them merely because that at the
request of the Government they upon a former occasion furnished such
accounts as the materials in their hands enabled them to render.

The next item objected to by Mr Andoe is a sum of £2,405.13.10 being
the commission of 10 per cent upon land sales actually made by this
Company and the proceeds of which have been received by the Governor
of the Colony. The fact of his having received them is admitted by
Governor Douglas and it cannot rest with this Company to account to
the Government for the mode in which he may have applied them. The
right to this Commission is distinctly reserved to this Company by
the Grant from the Crown and I really cannot understand upon what
ground the right to make the charge is now impeached.

The Third item objected to is the sum of £3,712.13.10 for Interest.

I do not understand whether it is intended to be suggested that the
Company are to be allowed no interest upon the large advances made by
them from time to time on account of the Colony. I can hardly
suppose that it is intended to raise such an objection. If any
question arises as to the mode in which the interest is calculated
that may be a fair subject for discussion and this Company will be
prepared to enter upon the investigation in any manner that may be
found convenient.

The last material item objected to by Mr Andoe is the charge made
for the passage of Settlers from this country to the Colony; and as
to this he has misapprehended what are the actual facts. In the
statements originally furnished to the Government it was assumed that
of 700 Settlers expected to be sent out to the Colony one half would
be taken up by the Puget's Sound Company and the passage money for
each was charged £23 per head and it was estimated that the wages and
maintenance would amount to £50 per head. The Colony in consequence
was charged with passage money for 350 Settlers which at £23 per head
comes to £8050 and at £50 per head for wages and maintenance to
£17,500 making together £25,000. In the result however it turned out
that instead of the Puget's Company taking over 350 Settlers they
took over only 80. The total number sent out was 631 1/2—two
children being estimated as one adult leaving 551 1/2 chargeable to
the Colony. Their passage money per head at £23 each amounted to
£12,717.5.0; but it was ascertained that instead of the wages and
maintenance amounting to £50 each the total sum expended on these
accounts was £12,925.9.7 giving a total therefore chargeable to the
Colony of £25,642.14.7; but as in the account already rendered the
amount had been given as £25,550 this Company were then content to
adopt the amount and charge the wages and maintenance therefore at
£12,832.15.0 to make up £25,550 instead of charging as they were and
are now entitled to do the total sum of £25,642.14.0.

I must here observe that a correct list of all the Settlers sent out
is now in this Office and was submitted to the Gentleman who attended
from the Emigration Office to examine the Accounts; and I take the
opportunity of sending herewith a concise statement also submitted to
him shewing the results which I have above detailed.

Your Grace will observe therefore that Mr Andoe is mistaken in
supposing that the number of Settlers as originally assumed was only
350 and consequently that instead of the account last rendered being
in point of charge in excess of the former one the passage money is
precisely at the same rate but a large dimunition is made in the
charge for wages and maintenance the difference arising entirely from
the fact of the estimated number of 350 having proved erroneous from
the circumstance of the Puget's Company not taking over as expected a
like number of 350.

The only other item alluded to by Mr Andoe is a sum of £247.11.11
which he seeks to have disallowed as being the moiety of a sum
charged for interest on the outlay for searching for Coal at Fort
Rupert.

I cannot suppose that there is any intention to alter the express
arrangement come to by the Colonial Office that the Company should
forego one half of the sum claimed by them in respect of that outlay.
By this arrangement the Company have already lost one half of a
claim to which I believe they were originally entitled.

I may likewise observe in reference to a remark made in Mr Andoe's
Report, that the delay in settling these accounts arose first from
the introduction into them by the Company of inadmissible items; that
the Company by no means admit that the items introduced by them and
afterwards by their consent withdrawn were such as they might not
reasonably have insisted upon. At the time this discussion first
arose they were desirous of meeting the Government in a friendly and
liberal spirit and on that account they did not press all of what
they were then and still are advised is the strict legal effect of
the terms of the Grant; I would take leave in conclusion to express a
hope that this Company will be met by Her Majesty's Government in the
same liberal spirit. No money compensation which they can now
receive will at all indemnify the company for the more serious losses
which they have incurred from having accepted the Grant of the Island
from the Crown under the belief and expectation that neither their
exclusive licence of trade nor the Grant itself would have been put
an end to at so early a period.

Independently of other losses and of the great injury to their
general trade caused by the absorption of the Sum and attention of
their best Officers whose services were necessarily diverted to the
Colonial business in the first years of the new Government, I must
beg to inform Your Grace that in one transaction alone a dead loss of
£17,000 was incurred which fell entirely upon the Company. This loss
was incurred upon a purchase of provisions, which Mr Douglas
considered himself bound as Her Majesty's only Representative in that
part of the World to make for the support of the Miners flocking into
British Columbia on the first discovery of the Gold Fields. These
purchases were made under the pressure of the moment entirely out of
the funds of the Company and for the loss they incurred the Company
have received no compensation.

I shall merely add that Mr Dallas will be leaving England at the end
of next week but if your Grace should be of opinion that further
explanation on any of the points above referred to are necessary he
will be glad to hold himself in readiness at any time to meet any
Gentleman you may please to appoint for that purpose.



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FILE: 1862-03-01_Kelly_to_Newcastle_B626K01.txt
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Kelly to Newcastle

The growing importance of British Columbia—whence I have lately
returned—is my excuse for briefly calling your Lordships attention
to a state of things in that and the sister Colony [earnestly?]

calling for special intervention.

Governor Douglas is a clever man—considering his
opportunities he is not exempt from the influence of self
interest. All his possessions and those of the Hudsons Bay Co
on the Pacific Coast are on Vancouver Island and he naturally
endeavours to [alt?] it at the expense of the mainland. That he has
succeeded is only too easily proved by a comparison [of] the
value of real estate in Victoria and New Westminster.

He first encouraged the belief that Fraser River was only accessible to small coasting vessels of light draft of water
untill he cajoled the mercantile immigrants to establish
themselves in Victoria where they are now as it were rooted. But since the able report of Captt Richards RN dispelled that
illusion the Governor is endeavouring to discover a shorter
northern route to the Carriboo country (via Benticks Inlet) than
that by the valley of the Fraser, which latter is obviously the
natural line of road to the interior and would—as I will show—open
up other vast resources of [made?].

But as I have already said, all
he desires is to secure the supremacy of Victoria by opening up
another avenue of Supply to its merchants.

In order to demonstrate at a glance to [His] Lordship the grievous
injustice to the consumer in British Columbia which this policy
entails I have only to state that the freight shipping charge
insurance &c &c &c from London or Liverpool to either Victoria or
New Westminster are about equal, but as all merchandize is at present
shipped to Victoria it is subsequently saddled with a cost in
transhipment across the Gulph of Georgia fully more than the
entire of that from England around the Horn which of course the
poor Digger has to pay in addition to the 10 p cent Customs Duty.

As Captain Richards has conclusively discovered—there is not
a finer, safer or more accessible harbour on the Pacific Coast than
that within Frasers River—nor can the world produce a more
magnificent naval station than Burroughs Inlet—almost an adjunct
of New Westminster—yet through the adroitness of Governor Douglas
consistently aided by Mr Fraser "The Correspondent of The
Times" (the largest proprietor of real estate in Victoria) We
have been studiously kept in the back ground—in order to
enhance the estimation of the [rural ports?] in the Island.

In a [word?] my Lord Duke if you [but put in?] British Columbia
an independent energetic Governor (not Col Moody) its progress
will transcend that of any other of the British Colonies, for its
mineral and other resources—as it will show by exploration and
comparison—exceed those of other either California or Australia
in extent and variety.

Hoping your Grace will excuse the [freedom?] of this communication.



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FILE: 1862-03-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627106.txt
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No. 106

With reference to your despatch No. 68 of the 14th of November, I
have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of a letter which has been addressed by direction of the Secretary of State for War to Colonel Moody in answer to his application for grant in aid of a school for the children of the Royal Engineers.



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FILE: 1862-03-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627107.txt
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No. 107

I have the honour to enclose for your information a copy of a letter just received from the Treasury on the subject of the Proclamation transmitted to me in your despatch No. 70 of the 15th of November, providing for the raising of any sum not exceeding £100,000 on the security of the Revenue of British Columbia. On this important subject I shall have to address you further, but I think it necessary not lose the present opportunity of directing you on no account to take any additional proceedings for borrowing money under this Proclamation until you shall receive further instruction.



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FILE: 1862-03-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627108.txt
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No. 108

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No 47
of the 14th of July, transmitting a Memorial from the Inhabitants of
Vancouver Island praying that assistance may be granted from the
Imperial Treasury towards the establishment of a postal communication
with the Colony. I have also to acknowledge your despatch No. 76 of the
30th of November enclosing a similar memorial adopted at a public
meeting at New Westminster.

Her Majesty's Government are very sensible of the benefit which the
two Colonies would derive from the establishment of a line of Mail
Steamers to Panama or even to San Francisco, and they have not failed to
give the wishes of the Memorialists their careful consideration. But I
regret to inform you that they do not feel themselves justified at
present in applying to Parliament for a subsidy from Imperial Funds
towards improving the arrangements under which correspondence is
conveyed between this country and Vancouver Island and British Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-03-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62012.txt
================================================================================

No. 12

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Despatches of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other
side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-03-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62011.txt
================================================================================

No. 11

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-03-03_Townsend_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B626T05.txt
================================================================================

Townsend to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
28th ult replying to my letter of the 24th ult, and
forwarding for my information, by permission of the Duke of
Newcastle, a Proclamation which regulates the disposal of
Crown-land in British Columbia.

Having made an abstract of this Proclamation, I herewith
return it, and beg to express my best thanks for the accommodation
afforded me.



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FILE: 1862-03-04_Bacher_to_Gairdner_Chief_Clerk_B626B01.txt
================================================================================

Bacher and Eschwege to Gairdner (Chief Clerk)

A certain Dr Max Pfeiffer, native of Germany is in the newspapers
reported to have been murdered in British Columbia in August last.
He was for a long time practising physician at San Francisco,
where he received a few years ago about £3000 from his family; &
the latter wish to ascertain his reported end & in case of his
death what had become of his property.

Please to have the necessary inquiry made in British Columbia
& to inform us meanwhile w[h]ether and when we may expect to learn
the result.



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FILE: 1862-03-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62013.txt
================================================================================

No. 13

In conformity with the instructions contained in the Book
of Colonial Regulations I have the honor to forward herewith
to your Grace the Returns described on the other side hereof,
*
as received from the Treasurer for the 3rd Quarter of the year 1861.



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FILE: 1862-03-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62014.txt
================================================================================

No. 14

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch No 79 of the 30th December last, in which is
conveyed to me the Queen's approval of Eight British Columbian Proclamations numbered in the Schedule to the said Despatch 29 to 36.



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FILE: 1862-03-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62014SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Grace's
despatch of the 16th December last, conveying the melancholy
announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Consort.

2. I considered it becoming on such an occasion to issue a
Government Notice publishing your Grace's despatch and calling
upon all persons to go into mourning.

3. The mournful intelligence has been everywhere received
by all classes of Her Majesty's Subjects with the most profound
regret, and not even in the Mother Country could the universal
expression of respect and sympathy towards our beloved Sovereign
have been more heartfelt and sincere.



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FILE: 1862-03-04_Pearse_to_Newcastle_V626P01.txt
================================================================================

Pearse to Newcastle

I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to grant me an
extension of leave for a Period of Three Months, private affairs of a
most urgent and pressing nature compel this application.

Appended hereto is a Copy of the letter granting me leave.

I have been Ten Years in the Public Service of the Colony, during
which time I have only had Leave of Absence from it for two months,
and further, now have been for Two Years, Acting Surveyor General
without any extra pay whatever.



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FILE: 1862-03-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62015.txt
================================================================================

No. 15

With reference to your Grace's Despatch No 94 of the 7th December last, I have the honor to forward herewith the report of the Attorney General upon certain Proclamations transmitted in my Despatch No 27 of the 23rd April last, and which Report I regret has been inadvertently overlooked until now, for which I beg to tender my apology.



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FILE: 1862-03-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62016.txt
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No. 16, Military

I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that the last draft on Regimental Pay account having been exhausted, I have instructed the Treasurer to procure by Bills on Her Majesty's Paymaster General, in the usual manner, the sum of Fifteen Hundred pounds (£1500) and I have to request Your Grace will issue the necessary instructions for the Bills presented on this account to be paid when they become due.



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FILE: 1862-03-07_Townsend_to_Newcastle_B626T06.txt
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Townsend to Newcastle

In consequence of a former application of mine for
information respecting British Columbia, your Grace directed a copy of a Proclamation regulating the disposal of Crown-land there
to be forwarded to me for my perusal, and which I duly returned.

I am encouraged to enquire, whether, by your Grace's
directions, I can be furnished with, or allowed access to, any
information bearing on the agricultural conditions of British Columbia; which I am
anxious to obtain.

I may remark, with regard to the nature of the information I seek, that it is given very fully respecting VanCouver Island in a report of an official survey of land around the Nanaimo River, and in the Cowichan Valley in that Island, which was published in
October '59 by the Emigration Commissioners, by direction of the
Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I will not plead as my excuse for making this request, the
great public interest felt in British Columbia, for I am
individually interested in the colony, and am, moreover,
collecting information for publication respecting it. I may further plead the opinion so frequently expressed by Governor
Douglas in his published Despatches of the necessity which exists
for an emigration of agriculturists to the colony; which would of
course be likely to be forwarded by the publiation of information
bearing on the subject.



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FILE: 1862-03-08_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE09.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 4th Ult. I am directed
by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you,
for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that My Lords are of
opinion that the duties of the Registrar of the Supreme Court and of
the Registrar of Titles to land in British Columbia should, for the present, be discharged at a less cost than £800 a year, and They concur with His Grace in thinking that the same Officer might fill
both offices and be sufficiently remunerated by a Salary of £500.

My Lords observe that the Registrar of Lands is required to appoint
a Deputy Registrar, who may perform the duties of the office and
receive a Salary not exceeding £300, but They trust that, if such an
appointment is made, none but a nominal Salary will be attached to it.



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FILE: 1862-03-10_Morris_to_Secretary_of_State_B626M08.txt
================================================================================

Morris to Secretary of State

I trust you will pardon the liberty I take in making the
present application and that you will so far oblige me as to
bestow your kind consideration on the statement I wish to make.
In July 1855 I entered the Pay Office of the London Recruiting
District as an Extra Clerk and I there gave such satisfaction that
I was promoted to Third Clerk on the Establishment; in Decr
1860 I was fortunate enough to be appointed Clerk in the War
Department and was attached to the Store Office at the Tower.
While there, I am proud to say that the most flattering reports
were frequently made of my zeal and ability, but my salary was
small and I had a mother to support, so on being offered an
appointment in Ireland at a slight increase, I resigned my
situation. Unfortunately a War Office Circular was immediately
promulgated which greatly reduced the pay of the Department I was
about to enter, and my resignation having been accepted at the
Tower, I was thus thrown out of employ. I did the best I could
for some months, and eventually made an appeal to the War Office,
when in consequence of my peculiar misfortune, I was told that Sir
George Lewis had with much pleasure placed my name upon the list
of candidates again. No hope however can be held out of my
receiving an appointment for a very long period, and my wants are
so pressing, that having a small sum in my possession I
contemplate emigrating to British Columbia.

My object in this application is to enquire whether you can
bestow upon me any appointment in that Colony, or whether you can
afford me the chance of obtaining any employment, if I paid my own
expenses out. My testimonials show that I have served Her Majesty
well and faithfully in this country and should I succeed in
obtaining what I now seek, I hope to do so again in a new field.
I may add that I have had two Uncles in H.M. Navy (one drowned
while on Service) and that my brother was Accountant in the Land
Transport Corps and was in charge of the Native Camp at Sinope
when His Grace the Duke of Newcastle visited it and expressed his
approval of its arrangements &c.



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FILE: 1862-03-10_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627109.txt
================================================================================

No. 109

I have the honor to convey to you my approval of the leave of
absence which you have granted to Mr. Philip Henry Nind, Stipendiary
Magistrate, and Assistant Gold Commissioner for the District of Cariboo,
as reported in your despatch No. 80 of the 29th of December.



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FILE: 1862-03-10_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627090.txt
================================================================================

No. 90

I have the honor to acquaint you that I have acceded to an
application from Mr. B. W. Pearse of the Surveyor General's Office for an extension for three months of his leave of absence from Vancouver Island on the ground of urgent private affairs.



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FILE: 1862-03-12_Fisher_to_Newcastle_B626F03.txt
================================================================================

Fisher to Newcastle

Since I had the honour of appearing before you on behalf of
the Colonists of British Columbia I have been in constant
communication with Steam Boat proprietors; but find among them an
unwillingness to enter into the Northern Pacific trade, to compete
with the American Steamers which have been so long established
between "Panama" and "San francisco," unless they can depend upon
a liberal subsidy from the Imperial Government, as well as from
the Colonies, for the conveyance of the Mails to and from British Columbia direct. The
Pacific Royal Mail Steam Company appear to be the best
prepared for this service; and with their establishments on the
Bay of "Panama," and a connecting link with the West India Royal
Mail packets at Colon (or Aspinwall) command all the requisites
for performing extra work with greater facility than any other
existing company: and have already sent in a Notice to The
Treasury that they are prepared to tender so soon as it may please
Your Grace to desire it. But, as they only propose to run twice
a month between "San francisco" and the Colonies, the advantages
for direct Mail communication will only be partially realized.

In noticing the reply of "The Right Honourable The Chancellor of
the Exchequer" to Mr Caird's motion in the House of Commons on the
21st ultimo, I came to the conclusion that the Imperial
Government had already sanctioned the appropriation of a certain
portion of the Colonial revenue for the Ocean postal service: But
as the arrangement alluded to by the "Post Master General" only
appears to be a temporary one; and with an "American Company," it
can never be depended upon. The irregularities and corrupt
practices connected with the American "postage" system are so
notorious, that neither this Government nor the Commercial
interests of the country can place any confidence in it. As a
large Emigration is likely to take place this season, and has
already commenced, very great inconvenience and an alarming degree
of suffering is sure to attend those who venture across the
Isthmus, and are detained in Panama for want of Steamers to convey
them further unless speedily guarded against. The American Boats
which sail every ten days, in connection with those from "New York,"
(but with no regard to the West India Mail packets) are
generally overcrowded; and are now conveying Troops of the Federal
Government: so that all the horrors of the middle passage have to
be endured by those who have no other alternative left.

Besides all this, the passengers from "New York" by
American Boats, which run every ten days in connection with those
on the Pacific, have a preference over those by the English
Steamers; who may be left for weeks, and even months, exposed to
the unhealthy climate of the Isthmus, unless immediate steps are
teken to avert the danger. These American Steamers which run
between Panama and San Francisco, have long been considered (by
those who travel most) very inefficient: but even if they had
proved adequate for the work of the past, they are not calculated
for the increasing traffic with the British Colonies, and the rush
to the Gold fields which may be anticipated "a rush" not only from
"Europe" and the "Eastern States" of America, but from the
Southern portions of the globe, equal to and perhaps surpassing
that which called the present line of large Steamers into existence
to supply the demands of California, at a time when Thousands of
our Countrymen were left to die in Panama for want of accommodation.

The communication ought on no account to be less frequent
than three times a month—say every ten days—between San
francisco and British Columbia, by (or in immediate connection
with) the Steamers from Panama; or the Mails and passengers may
still be detained from five to fifteen days in San Francisco.
Families of limited means (and the means of nearly all Emigrants
are very limited) allured by all the temptations of the place, and
exposed to the designs of the heartless, will soon be deprived of
the resources necessary to convey them to their destination; and
left in a foreign country to deplore their inevitable ruin: whole
commercial operations the success of which depends so much upon
frequent and direct communication will continue to be confined to
the Americans whose monopolizing spirit and exclusive aim has so
pernicious a tendency.

In granting a subsidy, to foster a young
Colony, permit me to suggest that some conditions might be
introduced to secure the cheap conveyance of Third class
passengers, on the same principle if not at the same rate as
Parliamentary Railway trains which run at a penny a mile and
althoug[h] at present there appears to be a great unwillingness
on the part of British Steam Boat proprietors to interfere with
the American Companies on the Northern Pacific, I feel confident
that they could compete with success now: and not only open a new
and profitable trade with distant markets, but secure political as
well as commercial advantages: the value and importance of which
it would be difficult to over estimate. The presence of a Mail
Steamer under British colours, with qualified officers and a
disciplined crew, in the Frazer river; would have as great a moral
and political affect as a Ship of War: and cost very much less
under the most liberal Mail subsidy.

I trust Your Grace will
excuse me for presuming to address you so freely. The fear of
trespassing too much upon your very valuable time alone prevents
me entering upon the no less important question of internal
communication, and the great and growing importance of a regular
and more efficient "postal" system throughout the Colony. For
although the recent experiment of a Military Gold escort from the
Cariboo mines proved a failure, as was predicted by the best
informed persons on the route, there is no reason to doubt but
that a more economical a more successful and (ultimately) a self
supporting mode of transit can be established, to meet the
exigencies of the time and circumstances of the place: and more
in accordance with the wants and wishes of the people, who are
most deeply interested. Recent exposures in the "Post office"
department as well as in the "Land" and other financial
departments in Vancouver's Island, must have attracted the
attention of the Imperial Government before this; and proved the
urgent necessity of a more vigilant control over the public
revenue, when the sources and distribution (under one head) are so
dissimilar: and when the less governs the greater.

And although there is heavy taxation without representation
in British Columbia, very little has been done towards the
necessary Surveys and the construction of leading highways or
roads into the interior. I might say something about the disputed
Island of "San Juan" the "Boundary Commission" and the Treasury
which would prove worthy of grave consideration at the present
junction: but, relying as I do upon the information which Your
Grace may already possess, I cherish the hope that the Infant
Colony for which I have the honor to plead will soon prove worthy
of the highest consideration which Your Grace can bestow.

I have not considered it necessary to use any influence
which I may be fortunate enough to possess outside the Cabinet to
secure the object of my mission: because all the information
which I am able to give, and any degree of intelligence or energy
which I can devote, is reserved for Your Grace, whenever you may
be pleased to command my humble services. And as I must soon
prepare to leave this country, I shall feel happy if I may be
honored with another interview before I return to British
Columbia, to give an account of my Stewardship to my Brother Colonists.



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FILE: 1862-03-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62016SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor of transmitting herewith to your Grace
an Address to the Queen from the Municipal Council New Westminster
testifying their deep sorrow at the late melancholy bereavement
which has deprived Her Majesty of a beloved and affectionate
Husband, and the Nation at large of a wise and good Prince.

2. Although perhaps it may be that this Address will be
the last to reach Her Majesty on this sorrowful occasion, I
would trust that it may not on that account be esteemed the
less, coming as it does from the Capital of one of the most
distant of Her Colonies, and imbued as it is with the most sincere
reverence and affection for Her Person and Throne.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62012.txt
================================================================================

No. 12

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch No 83, of
the 31st December, acquainting me with the nature of the reply your
Grace had caused to be given to certain suggestions offered by
Lieutenant Colonel Foster, Commanding the Vancouver Island
Volunteers, upon the mode of appointing the officers of the Corps;
and I beg to return my thanks to your Grace for such information.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62013.txt
================================================================================

No. 13, Civil

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Grace's Despatch of
the 30th December last No 81, acquainting me that an application
had been received from the United States Minister for the issue of an
Exequatur to Mr Allen Francis, of Illinois, as United States Consul
at Victoria, Vancouver Island, and directing me to report whether
there is any objection to the appointment, and, if not, to recognize
him provisionally until the arrival of the Exequatur.

2. In reply thereto I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that Mr
Francis is not a resident of Vancouver Island, and that I have no
personal knowledge of him, and am, consequently, unable to offer any
opinion upon the appointment.

3. Mr Francis has not yet arrived, but whenever he does I shall not
fail to follow your Grace's instructions as before mentioned.



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FILE: 1862-03-13_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627110.txt
================================================================================

No. 110

With reference to my despatch, No. 89 of the 22nd of October last,
directing you to remit to the Colonial Agents General the sum of £67
which had been paid into the Colonial Treasury of British Columbia by
Captain Gosset on account of his passage from Ceylon to England, I have
to call upon you to report whether this remittance has yet been made,
and at what date and by what means. If it has not yet been made, you
will abstain from the course of remitting the money, and it will be
simpler and more convenient, on learning from you that the money is
still in the Treasury Chest, to procure the issue of a corresponding
amount from the Treasury in this Country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-14_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62014.txt
================================================================================

No. 14

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Despatch No 72 of
the 9th of October last, transmitting copy of a letter addressed to your Grace by Mr John Irving applying to be allowed to relinquish
certain Lands purchased by him in Vancouver Island prior to the
reduction of the price of Crown Lands from £1 to 4s/2d per acre;
and to have a deposit of £50 paid on such purchase, refunded to him.

2. Cases similar to Mr Irving's have already occurred in the
Colony, and in dealing with them it has been made a rule to refuse to
purchasers of Crown Land the option of Cancelling purchases actually
completed, for the very reasons so forcibly stated in your Grace's
Despatch, Vizt that such a proceeding would unsettle the whole Land
transactions of the Colony, and might involve the Colonial Government
in liabilities beyond its power to meet.

3. The alternative suggested by your Grace was also considered,
Vizt to permit purchasers to select Land at £1 an acre to the extent
of the deposit money, and to relieve them from the rest of their
Contract but after examination this was found impracticable from the
very varied character of the land: one portion of a section or group
being worth considerably more than the original price, while the rest
would be worth considerably less: so that the practical effect of
permitting purchasers to select land according to the value of their
deposits, would probably have been to place the Government in the
position of being unable to sell the abandoned land at any price
whatever, and consequently of sustaining a loss of Sixteen Shillings
an acre on the land retained.

Again, had such a privilege been granted to those who had not
fulfilled their Contract on the ground of the general price of Land
being lowered, how could the Government have met the application of
those who had completed their Contract by paying in full, and who
desired to abandon the sections of inferior land they originally
purchased.

4. The amount of instalments unpaid upon land had increased to such
an extent that it became absolutely necessary, at the close of last
year, to adopt some stringent measures either to compel the
purchasers to complete their contract, or to deprive them of their
speculative holding of the Land. After due notice, a forfeiture of
land on which instalments were overdue, was declared; and all that
was not in the occupation of actual settlers was resold at public
auction. The land of Mr Irving fell within the category and would
have been sold but for the arrival of your Grace's Despatch now under
reply.

5. Under these circumstances I cannot recommend that any exception
should be made in the case of Mr Irving: but I shall carefully
abstain from taking any action in the matter until I receive Your
Grace's instructions with respect thereto.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-14_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627090A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential
despatch of the 28th of December describing the plan of operations
which you thought it would be advisable to adopt for the protection of
the colonies under your government in case of hostilities between this
country and the United States.

Though the prospect of those hostilities is now removed, I am glad
to have received your suggestions which I have communicated to the War
Dept. as affecting the question of the defence of that quarter of
British North America.



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FILE: 1862-03-14_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625AD02.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you, for the information of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, that
arrangements have been made by the Admiral in the Pacific for landing
two 68 Pd Guns at Vancouver, for the defence of Victoria or Esquimalt, as it appears there are no Guns there at present.

These two Guns will be furnished by H.M.S. "Bacchante" and "Topaze",
which are about to be supplied with Armstrong Guns; and their present
heavy Guns can therefore be appropriated to the Service of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-15_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627090B.txt
================================================================================

Separate

Inconvenience has frequently arisen to Merchants and others in
this Country from the absence of any general official statement of the
duties levied on articles imported into Her Majesty's Possessions
respectively. I am anxious to be able to prepare the best tabular
statement which can be given, and to lay it every year before the
Houses of Parliament, and I have, therefore, to request that you will
furnish me annually with a table of the duties thus levied in the
Colony under your Government.

As Parliament ordinarily meets in February, this table should be
corrected up to the latest date at which it can be conveniently
dispatched so as to reach this Country about the 1st of January.

An address for these Returns having been moved for in Parliament
this Session and agreed to by me, I request you to have these Returns
prepared at once and forwarded by the succeeding Mail.

I forward, for your guidance, a copy of the last Return presented
to Parliament in 1860.



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FILE: 1862-03-15_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627091.txt
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No. 91

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 77 of the
28th of December, reporting that Mr. George Tomline Gordon, Treasurer
of Vancouver Island, had been committed for trial upon a charge of
embezzlement of the public funds and that you have consequently
suspended him from his Office. I have also received your despatch No.
78 of the 28th of December reporting that you have appointed Mr. Alexander Watson to act as Treasurer in the place of Mr. Gordon.

I have received this intelligence with much concern. It is
incredible that three of the persons recently appointed by you to
Offices of trust and responsibility in your Government would have
proved defaulters, if you had exercised proper care in the distribution
of the patronage which has been left so unreservedly in your hands.
These repeated instances of defalcation are discreditable to your
Government and cannot fail to deprive the Executive of the respect and
confidence of the Colonists.

Nor can I pass unnoticed the irregularity which you have committed
in appointing without my sanction a permanent successor to Mr. Gordon.
It is your duty in all such cases to make none but provisional
appointments, and to submit them for the approval and sanction of the
Secretary of State. In the present instance you have practically
placed the appointment beyond my control since it appears that in
accepting the Office of Treasurer Mr. Watson has resigned the place of
Accountant in the Bank of British North America and it would be a
hardship, which I should not be prepared to inflict on that gentleman,
were he now to be deprived of the appointment for which he has
relinquished his career. On this ground, and on this only, I have
decided to confirm Mr. Watson in the Office of Treasurer and I shall
forward to you the Royal Warrant for his appointment by an early
opportunity.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-17_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627111.txt
================================================================================

No. 111

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches Nos.
60 and 61 of the 15th and 21st of October last, enclosing transcripts of
two Proclamations entitled respectively No. 37 "The British Columbia
Land Registry Act 1861," and No. 38 "The Preemption Consolidation Act
1861."

I have laid these Proclamations before the queen, and I have the honor to acquaint you that Her Majesty has been pleased to approve them.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-17_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627112.txt
================================================================================

No. 112

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the
25th of October, No. 63, reporting your appointment of Mr. Arthur I. Bushby to the recently created office of "Registrar General" of Lands in
British Columbia.

On referring to the return of appointments in British Columbia to
31st of December 1860, I find that Mr. Bushby's salary as Registrar of the Supreme Court is £300 per annum, but you do not mention, when reporting your selection of this Gentleman for the office of Registrar
General, (to which a Salary of £500 a year is attached) whether it is
intended to relieve him from his office in the Supreme Court, or whether
you propose that he should hold the two situations with a combined
income of £800 per annum. If this latter be your intention, I am
decidedly of opinion that the Salary would be excessive. In the present early stage of Registration in British Columbia, whether of Lands or of
deeds in the Supreme Court, I cannot doubt that the business may very
well be performed by the same person, with a Salary not exceeding the
whole £500 per annum. If Mr. Bushby accepts these combined offices on
these terms, I shall not object to confirm your nomination of him. If he
refuses them you will report to me his refusal in order that some
different arrangement may be made, making such provisional arrangements
as you can, at an expense not exceeding the rate of £300 per annum.

I observe that the Proclamation requires the Registrar of Lands to
appoint a Deputy Registrar who may perform the duties of the Office, and receive a Salary not exceeding £300 per annum.

I shall be glad to be informed whether such an officer is necessary
for the Execution of the provisions of the Law, and, if so, whether the duties can be performed for a less sum than £300 per annum.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-18_Cox_&_Co._to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C02.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We have the honor to transmit a certificate showing that
Colonel R.C. Moody, R.E., Chief Commr of Works, British
Columbia, was alive on 2nd January last and to request that the
usual authority may be issued to the Paymaster General, for the
payment of that officer's salary, December quarter 1861.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-18_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN05.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

With reference to the correspondence which has passed on the subject
of the claims of the Hudsons Bay Co, as administrator of the
Government of VanCouvers Island, I have the honor to submit the
following report for the consideration of the Duke of Newcastle.

2. The claim of the Hudson's Bay Co, as far as it had been
rendered up to 1860, amounted to £40.289.19.2. In that year a sum of
£25000 was paid on account. It was expected that when the complete
accounts were sent in the balance against the Crown would not be
increased beyond the sum then left owing vizt £15.000.

3. The complete accounts were sent in in March 1861, and the balance
made out against the Government instead of £15.000 was £53.569. In a
report dated 25 May last I explained the manner in which this balance
was made up and the objections to which I thought many of the items
obnoxious.

The items which appeared to me peculiarly open to
objection were—

A new Charge for various services between 1857

and 1859 amounting to . . . . . . . £15123.19.‹3 +

Interest on balances amounting to  3276. 6. 5

making a total of . . . . . . . . . £18400. 5.‹8

I also pointed out that sums amounting in all to upwards of £35.000
were charged under the head of "Supplies," "expenses," "Cash" or
equally indefinite terms.

4. The whole of the papers were referred by the Treasury to Mr
Andoe of the Audit Office, and after a careful and minute inspection
of the Company's Books Mr Andoe

on 14th of December last reported the result of his investigation to
the Treasury. The conclusion to which he came was that charges
amounting in all to £26157.3.10 might properly be struck off the
Company's account, thereby reducing the balance due to them to
£27.412.10.4. The Company on being put in possession of Mr Andoe's
report withdrew a claim of £4000 on account of the services of the
"Otter" but adhered to their other charges. Their claim, therefore,
against the Government is according to their own statement
£49.469.14.2.

5. Having been put by the Treasury in communication with Mr Andoe
it appeared to me, after going through the accounts with him, that it
would be desirable, before attempting to report to the Duke of
Newcastle, that I should enter into personal communication with the
Governor and some of the Directors of the Company. I accordingly
requested an interview with the Governor and he called at this Office
some days ago accompanied by Mr Maynard the Solicitor of the
Company, and Mr Colvile. After some discussion I stated to them my
willingness to recommend to the Duke of Newcastle a payment of
£25.000 in satisfaction of their claim. To this, however, they
refused to listen and demanded as their minimum £40.000. As that sum
appeared to me more than the Crown could with justice be required to
pay I declined to recommend it.

6. The offer of £25.000 is so small as compared with the balance
claimed, that I feel bound to explain how I arrived at it. It will
be seen from Mr Andoes report that the charge for sending out
settlers was in the first accounts stated as

Passage for 350 at £23 each £ 8 050.—

Maintenance for one year at £50 each 17 500.—

£25.550.—

But in a later statement this charge was altered to

Pass[ag]e for 557 1/2 at £23 each £12.717. 5

Maintenance for one year at about £23 each 12.832.15

25.550.—

The explanation of the Company is that the whole number of Settlers
sent out was 700—that of these the Puget Sound Co was expected to
take half—that they did not do so—and all they did not take were
therefore, charged as Settlers to the Crown—that on enquiry it was
found that the charge for subsistence had been calculated too high,
and therefore though the actual expenditure slightly exceeded the sum
of £25.550 (the exact amount is said to have been £25642.14.7) they
decided to adhere to the sum which had been inserted in their first
account. This appeared to me an unsatisfactory explanation—and I
considered that the Government were entitled, if they chose, to take
the number of Settlers and the cost of maintenance at the lowest
amounts stated by the Company—i.e. the number of Settlers at 350 and
the cost of their maintenance at about £23 a head.
This would reduce the claim of £25.550 to £16.100 being a reduction
of £9.450 which added to £15.723.19.3 the new claim inserted by Mr
Dallas which I considered inadmissible—and £3279.6.5 for interest
which I thought questionable—would make a reduction of £27853.5.8
and bring the claim down to £25.716.8.6. I was confirmed in my view
by discovering that Mr Andoe had arrived independently at the same
conclusion.

7. I admit, however, that £25.000 was a low estimate of the amount
due, and had the Governor been willing to accept £30.000 or £32.000 I
should have been prepared to recommend that sum to the Duke of
Newcastle's favorable consideration. Mr Andoes report as I have
stated admits a claim to £27.412.10.4 and that report having been
communicated to the Company they naturally claim the benefit of it.
But one item which Mr Andoe disallows—that for commission on Land
Sales effected but not realized—amounting to £2405.13.10 must, I
think, be admitted—and further consideration leads me to the
conclusion that a charge for interest, though perhaps not to the full
extent claimed, would not be unreasonable. A payment, therefore, of
about £32,000 would not in my opinion be excessive.

8. From later communications I have had with one of the Directors I
understand that the Company would be prepared to accept £35.000 in
full of all their demands,

and it is for Her Majesty's Government to consider whether it is
worth while, with a view to an early settlement, to accede to that
arrangement. In considering this question it is on the one hand to
be borne in mind that the Government are accepting accounts which the
Company themselves have no means of verifying—but which they receive
on the credit of their Officers in the Colony—that a portion of
those accounts are estimates, and that those estimates have in one
instance (that of the maintenance of Settlers) been admitted to be
entirely inaccurate. This appears a strong ground for concession on
the part of the Company. But on the other hand it must be remembered
that without the consent of the Company VanCouver's Island could be
recovered from them only by legal proceedings—that
such proceedings might be protracted for years to the injury of the
Colony—that they would be very expensive, and the result doubtful at
last. Under these circumstances, although I do not acknowledge the
Company's title to so large a sum as £35.000, I think it would be
good policy and economy to pay that sum if the matter cannot be
settled for less, rather than have recourse to legal proceedings for
the settlement of the points in dispute.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-19_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62017.txt
================================================================================

No. 17

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Grace's
Despatch No. 97, of the 7th January, communicating to me that
The House of Representatives at Washington had, on the 5th
of December last, adopted a Resolution instructing the Committee on Military affairs to enquire into the expediency of fortifying
the Mouth of the Columbia River and Puget Sound, for which information I beg to thank Your Grace.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627113.txt
================================================================================

No. 113

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the
31st of December 1861, No. 81, together with copies of the British Columbia Blue Book for the year 1860.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627114.txt
================================================================================

No. 114

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 82
of the 31st of December forwarding the usual certificate of the leave of absence granted to Mr. P.H. Nind.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-19_Paget_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD01.txt
================================================================================

Paget to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you will move His Grace the Duke of Newcastle to cause the sum of Ninety eight Pounds ten Shillings (£98.10.0) to be paid to the Credit of Naval Services, being the Amount of Freight
on 20 Tons of Hay and Oats shipped on board the "Thames City," which vessel was engaged on the 20 Augt 1858 to proceed to Vancouver's Island but which Stores were discharged at Gravesend by orders of Colonel Moody.

The Paymaster General has been requested to receive this amount.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-20_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62015.txt
================================================================================

No. 15, Legislative

I have the honor of transmitting herewith to Your Grace a Copy of the
Minutes of the Legislative Council of Vancouver Island from the 26th
June 1861, to the 3rd February 1862.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-20_Powles_to_Newcastle_B625MI01.txt
================================================================================

Powles to Newcastle

I am Chairman of the Port Phillip & Colonial Gold Mining
Company, established under Royal Charter, & now working in the
Colony of Victoria.

This Company is restricted by its Charter to the Australian
Colonies, but some of its members are desirous of examining the
question of Mining, on a systematic scale in the Colony of
British Columbia.

For this purpose, they contemplate sending out a competent
person to examine into the exact state of affairs, before
incurring the expense of forming an establishment.

But it is essential for us to know the conditions on which
Leases of Mineral Ground will be granted in the Colony.

May I therefore take the liberty to ask the favor of your
Grace, to be informed on this point.

I should hardly have ventured to take this liberty, but that
I apprehend that it may be considered desirable, on public grounds,
to encourage the formation of establishments which may carry on
the business of mining in the regular manner in which it is conducted
in this country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62016A.txt
================================================================================

No. 16, Legislative (Duplicate)

I have the honor of transmitting herewith a Copy of the "Bankruptcy
Act 1862",

*

which completes the series of measures passed during the last session
of the Legislature of this Colony as enumerated in my Despatch No 9,
of the 11th February last.

2. The necessary report from the Attorney General explaining the Act
is also herewith transmitted.

**



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62016B.txt
================================================================================

No. 16, Legislative (Triplicate)

I have the honor of transmitting herewith a Copy of the "Bankruptcy
Act 1862", which completes the series of measures passed during the
last session of the Legislature of this Colony as enumerated in my
Despatch No 9, of the 11th February last.

2. The necessary report from the Attorney General explaining the Act
is also herewith transmitted.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-21_Julyan_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AG01.txt
================================================================================

Julyan to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acquaint you in reply to your letter of
the 13th Instant that the sum of £67 was paid by me to the
Admiralty on the 7th December last, being the cost of the passage
of Captn Gosset from Ceylon to England.

The sum to be remitted from British Columbia will be duly credited to the Ceylon Government when received.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-21_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627092.txt
================================================================================

No. 92

I have the honor to acquaint you that the Lord Commissioners of
the Admiralty have apprized me that, as it appears that there are no
guns at Victoria or Esquimalt, arrangements have been made for landing
two 68 pr. Guns which may be spared from H.M.S. "Bacchante" and
"Topaze."



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-24_Lugard_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625WA02.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Duke of Newcastle, the enclosed copy
of a letter from Captain Cochrane in which he requests to be informed whether any and if so what advantages in the purchase of Land in British Columbia are accorded to Officers who may retire from the Army for the purpose of settling
in that Colony.

Sir George Lewis will be glad to be informed of the answer
which should be returned to this application.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-24_Nind_to_Newcastle_B626N01.txt
================================================================================

Nind to Newcastle

I have the honour to report to your Grace that I have arrived
in England from the Colony of British Columbia having obtained
leave of absence for nine months on account of ill health, and
that I have delivered at the Colonial Office in Downing Street the
Duplicate of a Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia in
reference thereto.

Having been informed by the Colonial Secretary of British Columbia that I could draw my half salary whilst in England I have
the honour to request to be informed what steps are necessary for
me to take with a view to obtain the same.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62016SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honour to enclose herewith, an Address to the Queen, which
has been handed to me by the Reverend Ephraim Evans, D.D. the
Principal of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionaries in the Colonies of
Vancouver Island and British Columbia, with the request that I would
forward the same to Your Grace for presentation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-27_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE10.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to the Letter from this Board of the 15th Ult., I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been
authorized to pay to the Account of the Master of the Mint at the
Bank of England, the sum of £6,900, in repayment of the value of Specie
supplied in 1860 to the Colonial Government of British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-27_Harris_to_Newcastle_B626H01.txt
================================================================================

Harris to Newcastle

It is proposed to form a Company with a Capital of 50,000£
for the purposes of working the Alluvial Gold deposits in British Columbia. For the successful carrying out, it is necessary to
send out Artizans and Laborers, and as Contracts will be made with
them here for the due performance of their duties there,
permit me to enquire if the Law in British Columbia is
sufficiently strong to enforce agreements if an attempt should be
made to evade them.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-27_Helps_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625CO01.txt
================================================================================

Helps to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lord President of the Council to transmit to you
the enclosed Order of Her Majesty in Council of the 21st inst; for
leaving to their operation four acts passed by the Legislature of
Vancouver Island in the months of October and November 1861 and I am
to request that you will be pleased to lay the same before the
Secretary of State for the Colonial Department.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-28_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625AD03.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 24th Instant, acknowledging the
receipt of my letter of the 14th Instant, respecting the two Guns
landed from H.M.S. "Bacchante," and "Topaze," for the defence of
Victoria, and Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, I am commanded by my Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information
of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, that these Guns have been
reported to the War Department, and are now considered as belonging
to that Department.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-29_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62016SQ.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honor to transmit herewith an Address to the Queen, which
has this day been handed to me on behalf of the Bishop and Clergy of the United Church of England and Ireland in Vancouvers Island and British Columbia, with the request that I would forward the same to Your Grace for presentation to Her Majesty.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-29_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625LN06.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 21st inst, enclosing a Despatch
from Governor Douglas on the subject of the erection of Barracks in
Vancouvers Island. The Duke of Newcastle desires to be informed
whether the sites pointed out by Governor Douglas and Colonel Moody
as most suitable fall within the Lands recovered to the Crown under
the recent Agreement with the Hudsons Bay Co.

2. Without a more precise specification than is given in Governor
Douglas' despatch and Coll Moody's letter of the sites in question
it is not possible to speak confidently on this point. But I should
have little doubt that the Crown now possesses Land enough in the
situation indicated by Coll Moody for the erection of Barracks. The
situation which he points out is Beacon Hill, and on the Chart
furnished to us by Mr Dallas, containing we believe all sales up to
a recent date, the Land in the neighbourhood of Beacon Hill appears
to be still undisposed of—Beacon Hill itself is in the Public Park
reserved by the Hudsons Bay Company when they marked out the Land
which they originally prepared for public sale & which they claimed
as their private property.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-30_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62017.txt
================================================================================

No. 17

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-30_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62018.txt
================================================================================

No. 18, Financial

I have the honor to forward herewith an Abstract Statement,
exhibiting the Receipts and Disbursements of Imperial Funds, on
Military and Civil Account in connection with the Island of San Juan
&ca between the 1st April and 31st December 1861.

2. The expenditure of the Sum of Two Hundred and three Pounds,
Seventeen Shillings, and Six Pence (£203.17.6), was incurred upon the
requisition of Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Maitland, the Naval Commander
in Chief, for the erection of separate Cells, and for other additions
to the Prison at Victoria so that Naval Prisoners should be confined
apart from other Prisoners; and the outlay is therefore recoverable
from the Admiralty.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62018.txt
================================================================================

No. 18

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-03-31_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625LN02.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I enclose herewith, for the consideration of the Duke of
Newcastle, the copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr W.S. Lindsay on the subject of the promotion of Emigration to B. Columbia.

2. The promotion of Emigration to VanCouvers Island was
very much desired by the Foreign Office something more than
two years ago, and I would beg to refer to the reports on the
subject from this Board dated 24 Novr 1859 and 6th Janry 1860. The success of Gold digging in British Columbia has since attracted much notice to that Colony, and the
enquiries made from time to time at this Office lead to the
belief that if there were any easy and certain means of getting
there a considerable Emigration would spring up. At present the
transport on the other side of the Isthmus of Panama is so
uncertain as to deter all but persons of an adventurous
disposition. Whether looking to the political importance of
promoting Emigration from the Mother Country to VanCouvers
Island & British Columbia it might be advisable to grant some
assistance towards the establishment of a regular Steam
communication between Panama and those Colonies I do not
venture to pronounce.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62019.txt
================================================================================

No. 19, Military

I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that I have authorized
the Treasurer to obtain the sum of Four Thousand pounds by Bills
on Her Majesty's Paymaster General on account of the sum voted by
Parliament for the support of the Royal Engineers serving in
British Columbia
for the financial Year 1862-63, and I trust your Grace will cause the necessary authority to be issued for the acceptance of the Bills upon presentation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62019.txt
================================================================================

No. 19, Financial

The Imperial Funds in the hands of this Government to liquidate
expenses for Colonial Pay &c of Royal Marines at San Juan, being
exhausted, I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that I have
authorized the Colonial Treasurer to obtain the sum of Eleven Hundred
pounds (£1100) by Bills upon Her Majesty's Paymaster General, and I
trust your Grace will cause the necessary steps to be taken so that
the Bills may be accepted upon presentation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-02_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627093.txt
================================================================================

No. 93

I have received and have had under my consideration Acts noted in
the margin [Marginal note: Nos. 38, 39, 40, & 41.] passed by the
Legislature of Vancouver Island in the months of October & November last, and transmitted to me in your Despatch noted in the margin
[Marginal note: No. 73: 25th Novr 1862].

I have reported to Her Majesty in Council my opinion that the said
Acts should be left to their operation: and I have the honour to
transmit to you herewith an Order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the
[blank] approving that Report.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-02_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE11.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit herewith for the information of the Duke
of Newcastle copy of a letter dated the 17th Ult. from
the Master of the Mint, with copy of an Account enclosed therein,
showing the several amounts which have been disbursed from the
Mint Cash Account in respect of the Government Refinery and
Assay Office for British Columbia, and I am to acquaint you that directions have been given to the Paymaster General to pay to
the account of the Master of the Mint the sum of £152.3.8 in
repayment of these further expenses, beyond the sum (£1800)
issued to him in February 1860, charging the amount on account of
the grant for British Columbia.

This sum must be considered to be paid out of the vote for 1862/3. It will therefore still further reduce the sum for which the Governor should draw.

My Lords request that you will move His Grace to instruct the
Governor of British Columbia to limit his drafts accordingly.

It will not be in their Lordships power to authorize payment
of any drafts from British Columbia in excess of the sum to the
credit of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62020.txt
================================================================================

No. 20

I have the honor to forward herewith to your Grace copy of a
communication I have received this day from the Speaker of the
Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island enclosing an Address of
Condolence to Her Majesty upon the death of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort.

2. The Legislature was not in Session when the sad intelligence first
reached Vancouver Island, which will account for the late period at
which this Address is forwarded.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62020.txt
================================================================================

No. 20, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that I have drawn
on Her Majesty's Paymaster General for the sum of Four Hundred
and Thirty-one pounds five shillings, being the amount of
Salary due to me as Governor from the 1st January to 31st March
1862, at the rate of £1800 per annum, Income Tax deducted, and I have to request your Grace will be pleased to obtain the
necessary authority from the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury
for the Bill presented on this account to be paid when it becomes due.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-08_Sargeaunt_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625AG01.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 4th instant, I have the honor to
acquaint you for the information of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle
that the sum of £250 paid to Mr Pemberton in February 1861, was
covered by remittance of £300 received in a letter of which the
enclosed is a copy.

I may add that the account with the Colony is at this moment overpaid
to the extent of £178.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-09_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE12.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 22 Ult. enclosing a Life
Certificate of Colonel Moody, Commissioner of Lands etc in British
Columbia, signed by G.E. Cook, JP for Westminster, and requesting
that directions may be given for the payment of Col Moody's Salary
for the Quarter to 31 December last, I am directed by the Lords
Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to return herewith the
Certificate in question, and to acquaint you for the information
of the Duke of Newcastle that My Lords will require, as on previous
occasions, a Certificate signed by some Officer or Magistrate
residing in British Columbia, that Colonel Moody was in existence
and in the performance of his duties as Chief Commissioner of Lands
and Works for the period of which the Salary is applied for.
The enclosed Certificate is one of the Forms furnished by the Pay
Office to Persons on the Superannuation List resident in the
Country to enable them to receive their Pensions.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-12_Howard_to_Newcastle_V625MI04.txt
================================================================================

Howard to Newcastle

Having lately read [a] Report to the French
Government
from the Timber Inspector [in] Cherbourg Dock Yards [in] which he speaks highly of
the qualities of the Vancouver Douglas Fir for Shipbuilding purposes
I think it would be advisable to plant such portions of the Royal
Forests with it as are not well suited for growing [Oak].

It is quite hardy which the Deodara is not, as the
latter, with every precaution taken in rearing & planting out in the
Forests will not stand our severe spring frosts.

I should be much obliged to you if you could assist me in obtaining a
supply of the Douglas Fir Seed through the Governor of Vancouver. If
he could send me half a hundred weight by next spring & continue to
send the same quantity for sowing each succeeding spring for [a] few
years to come it would enable us to raise a sufficient supply of
plants for stocking the Forests.

Of course this Department will defray any Expenses that may [be] incurred
in collecting & transmitting the Seed which should be ordered home
viâ Panama to avoid the long sea voyage.



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FILE: 1862-04-12_Lugard_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B625WA03.txt
================================================================================

Lugard to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have laid before the Secretary of State for War your letter of the 28th March
last together with its enclosure from the Admiralty respecting the claim of the Owners of the
"Thames City" for freight of 20 Tons of Hay and Oats shipped
on board that Vessel for Vancouver Island, but subsequently discharged at the request of
Colonel Moody.

In reply I am to transmit to you for the information of the Duke of Newcastle the enclosed copy of a letter from Mr E. King, late Deputy Storekeeper at the Tower, from which it appears that the Owners are entitled to the payment
of the freight.

I am to add that there is reason to believe that the Hay
and Oats thus removed were returned to the Contractor under
arrangements made by Colonel Moody.



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FILE: 1862-04-12_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD02.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 28th Ulto
requesting certain information on the subject of 20 Tons
of Hay &c which had been embarked in the "Thames City"
for conveyance to Vancouver's Island, but were removed
from that Vessel at Gravesend previous to her departure;
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
to transmit herewith, for the information of His Grace the
Duke of Newcastle, a copy of a Report from the Comptroller
of Transports on the above subject, together with a copy of
a letter from Mr King Inspector of Shipping at the Tower
reporting on the claims of the owners of the "Thames City"
to Freight under the circumstances of the case.



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FILE: 1862-04-14_Chadwick_to_Newcastle_V626C01.txt
================================================================================

Chadwick to Newcastle

I take the liberty [to] say that I shall feel very greatly obliged to
your Grace if you will be so kind as to forward to me any information
relative to the [tenure and letting?] of land, the system of licensing
for mining [and] trading, the selling of land also, as well too if
there be a Government Assaying establishment [at] Victoria Vancouver's Island for British Columbia [one word off microfilm], and a mint, and
[if] I be [thrusting?] too
much on you to ask this, if you will then be so kind to state where
the information desired is to be got and if in Parliamentary Papers
where they can be Sought. I do not know (except from some doubtful
books) where I can apply except to your office and therefore I have
ventured to write to your Grace.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-15_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI03.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

With reference to the letter which I had the honour to address to
your Grace on the 12th February on the subject of the Settlement of
the Vancouver's Island Colony Accounts, and the various
communications both personally and by correspondence, which I have
had on that subject with Mr Murdoch and Mr Walcott, I am
reluctantly obliged to remind Your Grace that these Accounts still
remain unsettled.

Arrangements which the Company are obliged to make at this season of
the year render it desirable that the Directors should be informed
with as little delay as possible, as to the determination of Her
Majesty's Government on the subject, and I trust that this will be my
excuse for requesting that your Grace will favour me with an early
answer.



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FILE: 1862-04-15_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62020SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

It is with an intense feeling of relief and satisfaction that
I have to inform Your Grace of the disappearance of the last
vestiges of the severest and most protracted winter that probably
ever visited this Colony. The Fraser burst its frozen barriers a
few days ago sweeping before it the vast fields of ice which for
nearly twelve weeks have rendered navigation impossible, and
completely interrupted the communication by water with Yale and Douglas.

The river Steam boats are again at work; the wants of the
country are being rapidly supplied; trade is active; and the
population generally full of hope and enterprise.

The accounts from Lytton and the Districts east of the coast mountains, are favourable beyond expectation; no disastrous floods have swept over the fair face of the country; the mountain roads are uninjured and the loss of cattle does not exceed the ordinary
casualties of winter.

2. Emigration is already setting in from California. Three
passenger Steamers have arrived at Victoria within the last two days and
a sailing ship is reported with 400 passengers from the same place.

A great part of the California emigration will be diverted
from this country to the United States Territory in Oregon by the
reputed richness of the Salmon river Mines; but should these mines
be unproductive there will no doubt be an immediate rush towards
the Gold Fields of British Columbia, which will in that case be
over run by a not very desirable population.

3. The severity of the weather has hitherto prevented me from
carrying into effect the views relative to the extension of roads,
and facilities of access to the Gold Fields of British Columbia
which I had the honor of laying before Your Grace in paragraph 10
of my Despatch (Separate) of the 24th October last. These
important public works are however to be immediately commenced and
vigorously prosecuted; the Chief Commissioner of Lands & Works
having been authorised to give out contracts for two separate lines
of carriage road, intersecting the best farming Districts in the Colony.

4. One of these roads will connect at Lillooet with the
carriage road from Douglas, of which it is to be a continuation,
starting from Lillooet it will follow the valley of the Fraser to
Pavillon, and from thence the table land or divide which separates
the waters of the Buonaparte from the Streams flowing directly
into Fraser's River, until it reaches Williams Lake; beyond which
it will re-enter and follow the valley of the Fraser to the
termination of the road at Alexandria.

5. The other line will commence at Yale and follow the present
Mule road by the passes of the Fraser to Lytton, thence bending South and keeping the banks of Thompson River it will enter the valley of the Buonaparte, a few miles from its debouche, and
follow the course of that Stream, and the table land beyond it
to Axe Lake, and thence take a North West course to Williams Lake, where it will form a junction with the road from Lillooet and continue on the same line to Alexandria.

6. From Alexandria upwards, the country becomes more accessible
for trade; the Fraser no longer retaining its dangerous prestige
becomes a smooth and navigable stream presenting few obstacles to
the navigator.

But two rapids occur in the whole distance of 150 miles between
Alexandria and Fort George, and for 350 miles further, following
the South branch of the Fraser to "Tete Jaune Cache"; there exist
no impediments to navigation, more serious than two rapids which
are passable for canoes. Between "Tete Jaune Cache" and Fort
George the river flows with a smooth and easy current more like a
lake in fact than a river; it has in the shallowest part of the
channel no where less than 6 feet of water, and in the narrowest
part is not less than 500 yards wide, and I am satisfied that it
may be safely navigated for the whole of that distance, by the
small class of Stern wheel Steamers, now in general use between
New Westminster and Hope.

7. The conviction has been forced upon my mind by that and
other circumstances that the Fraser beyond Alexandria will exercise
a very important influence in the development of the Gold Fields
as well as of the Colony at large. Departing the general North
by West course which it maintains from Hope upwards, one branch bends to the East at Fort George, and then stretching away South
of East towards the Rocky Mountains, it encloses as a base, the
greater part of the Carribou District, thus forming a means of
communication which will lessen the cost of mining operations,
and greatly facilitate the progress of settlement.

8. It may also in another respect have a very important
bearing on the future condition of the Colony, as part of an
overland communication with Canada by a route possessing the
peculiar advantages of being secure from Indian aggression,
remote from the United States Frontier, and traversing a country
exclusively British, and which from its position, character and large resources can hardly fail, in the ordinary course of events,
to become the seat of a large population.

In point of actual distance the route will be longer than that
by the Coutonais Pass explored by Palliser, but it is the course
which trade and settlement are naturally taking; and I believe
that a small amount of fostering, would confirm that tendency, and
soon lead to its being opened for travel the whole way to Red
river Settlement.

9. By the proposed route the Traveller would start from Victoria,
and proceed by the following stages:

To Yale or Douglas in 2 days by Steamer;

thence to Lillooet or Lytton in 2 days by Stage Coach;

thence to Alexandria in 4 days by Stage Coach;

thence to Fort George in 2 days by Steamer;

thence to Tête Jaune Cache in 5 days by Steamer.

A Stage road as far as Lillooet is already completed; that to
Alexandria is in progress, and the machinery of a Stern wheel Steam boat to ply on Fraser river beyond Alexandria is now on the way to
that place; so that when these works are finished the entire
passage from Victoria to Tête Jaune Cache may be made in fifteen days, and with increased facilities the journey may be performed
in two thirds of that time or ten days.

10. Tête Jaune Cache is remarkable as being the western
terminus of one of the least elevated and most accessible passes
in the Rocky Mountains. It is about one hundred and twenty miles
distant from the opposite terminus at Jasper House on the eastern
slope of the Rocky Mountains, and the ascent on either side towards
the summit level, is so easy as to be scarcely perceptible. This
pass is chiefly frequented by Native Tribes who reside about Tête Jaune Cache, and procure their supplies from Jasper House travelling
to and from that place on horse back over a very rude trail which
may however be converted at little cost into an easy carriage road.

11. The next stage from Jasper House to Edmonton on the Sascatchewan a distance by the present Indian trail of about two hundred miles of level wooded country may be travelled either wholly by land, or, by descending the Elk or Athabasca river, by water
to Fort Assinniboin, and then taking the Assiniboin Portage, a distance of ninety miles, to Edmonton. In the same manner there is a navigable steam communication by the Sascatchewan river and
Lake Winipeg from Edmonton the whole way to Red River involving perhaps a change of Boats at the Grand rapid near Lake Winipeg.
There is also an overland communication, striking off from the
Sascatchewan at Carlton from whence the rich open prairie country
is practicable for carts the whole way to Red river.

12. Thus to complete the thoroughfare as far as Red river
nothing more is really necessary, than to improve the two sections
of road situated as before described, between Tête Jaune Cache and
Edmonton, which would not be a formidable undertaking, and could,
I feel assured, be accomplished at a total cost not exceeding fifty
thousand pounds. The journey to Red river could then be easily
made in 15 days from Tête Jaune Cache or in twenty five days from
Victoria. When the scheme, to the extent thus suggested, has been executed, the work may be left to the public, as the reported discovery of gold in the Sascatchewan, will attract population,
lead to the rapid settlement of the country, and to the placing of
Steam boats, and other means of conveyance upon the route.

13. I will not hazard an opinion on the character of the route
from Red river to Lake Superior; I may however observe that it
presents, to the best of my recollection, no serious difficulties;
nothing comparable, for example, to the obstacles successfully
encountered in pushing roads through the mountains of British Columbia,
and I may also observe that when that section is completed the
overland route from Canada to British Columbia will be open to the
world, and I believe the effort will cost so little, and tend so
much to the public advantage that, when the task is accomplished,
it will be a matter of surprise that the attempt was not sooner
made, and I sincerely trust that the glory of this great national
achievement will be remembered as one of the trophies of Your
Grace's administration.

14. I will make no apology for this digression as the question of overland communication with Canada is so closely connected with
the prospective interests of the Colony that I feel assured Your
Grace will not regard it as out of place.

15. To return to the subject of the Yale and Lillooet roads,
I have to inform Your Grace that the first cost and maintenance of
these works is to be provided for by means of tolls levied on all goods leaving the several termini at Douglas, Yale, Lytton, and
Lillooet, a plan which was submitted for consideration; and, as Your Grace will observe by the accompanying petitions, met the urgent support of the people of those Towns who having abundant proofs in the roads already made of the reproductive character of such improvements are now fully alive to their extreme value and importance.

To give an idea of their utility in British Columbia where
the absence of navigable rivers almost every where involved the necessity of land carriage, I may cite as an example the present cost of conveying goods inland from New Westminster to Alexandria, which averages about
30 cents a pound weight (or 600 dollars a ton); a charge that would really amount to a prohibition of trade in any but a gold
producing country.

The saving by the formation of the projected roads, will be
equal to about two thirds of that charge, that is to say goods
will be carried between the same points at an average cost not
exceeding 200 dollars a ton, making a positive reduction of 400
dollars in the single item of transport; thus allowing for the
tolls which will come to about 40 dollars a ton; there will remain
to the country a clear gain of 360 dollars a ton besides the saving
of time and the countless other advantages arising from facilities
of inter-communication.

16. These two lines forming all together 325 miles have been given out in four contracts, the lines from Lillooet and Lytton to Alexandria, about 150 and 120 miles respectively, to two several companies largely interested in the trade, who have agreed to do
the work entirely at their own expense, in consideration of having
a charter for five years granting a right of toll, at the rate
of one cent a pound weight on all goods carried over the roads.
The third line from Chapman to Boston Bar has been given out on similar terms, saving that the rate of toll is to be only one half
cent a pound weight, but the fourth and last line from Boston Bar to Lytton is to be made at the Government charge and to be paid for in cash as the work progresses.

17. In accepting these terms it was however stipulated by
the Contractors of three of the lines, that they should have the
assistance of a Government loan equivalent in amount to one third
of their outlay; the first payment to be made to them only after the completion of 10 miles of road, and afterwards progressively, at the close of every ten mile section.

The loan, with the current rate of interest thereon, is to
form a first charge, and to be secured on the tolls, so that
there is no risk of loss to the public.

18. Our liabilities for the year on account of these works
will therefore not fall much short of Eighty thousand pounds, and to meet them I rely, in a great measure, on the loan for which I
applied to Your Grace in my despatch No. 70 of the 15th November
1861. I am consequently anxiously awaiting Your Grace's instructions,
that I may be in a position to raise the sums of money which may
be required in addition to the disposable revenue of the current year.

19. It is most gratifying to notice the extraordinary degree
of enterprise which has been elicited among the people of the
Colony by the gold discoveries in Carribou, and their unlimited
confidence in the resources of the country; this has, among other
causes led to applications for charters to open roads into Carribou from "Bute Inlet" and "North Bentinck Arm", the parties binding
themselves to open roads, without government aid, and entirely at
their own expense, on condition of being authorised to levy tolls
on goods passing through.

I have accepted these offers, and granted a five years charter
in both cases, the tolls being limited to two cents a pound weight
on goods. I enclose herewith the notices issued for the public by the contractors of the rival roads to give an idea of the spirit
of enterprise that is afloat. If not followed by any more valuable
results, these roads will, at least, lead to wider explorations,
and hold monopoly in check, by opening other avenues into the Colony.

20. These roads are all to be completed according to the
specifications, and to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner
of Lands and Works.

21. In conclusion I will merely observe that these works are
on a scale not more than commensurate with the most urgent wants
of the Colony, but notwithstanding that consideration as the cost
will exceed our present means of payment, I should have felt a
degree of hesitation in undertaking their execution, had I not
confidently relied on Your Grace's assistance in raising the
necessary funds by loan in England.

22. I transmit herewith a sketch showing the position of the
roads mentioned in this Despatch, and also of the proposed line of
intercommunication with Red River and Canada.



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FILE: 1862-04-16_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62021.txt
================================================================================

No. 21

I duly received Your Grace's Despatch No 67 of the 23rd August
last, conveying your opinion and instructions upon the case of the
Reverend Edward Cridge, and with respect to the disposition of the
portion of land at Victoria known as the Church Reserve.

2. The conveyance of that part of the land which forms the site of
the Church, and of the Cemetery, can I believe be effected without
any difficulty, in the manner Your Grace indicates; but with respect
to the conveyance to Trustees of the remaining portion of the ground,
designated as the Glebe, "for the use of
the Incumbent" a point has arisen in connection with local
circumstances which probably did not occur to Your Grace, from
ignorance of these circumstances.

3. The portion of ground to be conveyed for the use of the Incumbent
comprises about 20 Acres. At present if utilized it would produce
but a very moderate stipend for the Incumbent; but it is situated in
what will undoubtedly be the very heart of the City, and, in a few
years even, may yield a princely revenue. I therefore propose, and
the Bishop and Mr Cridge both coincide with me in the arrangement,
that the ground in question should be conveyed to Trustees for
"the benefit of the Church of England", being subject to the
following charges in the order in which they stand.

1st A suitable stipend (to be fixed beforehand) for the Incumbent
of Christchurch.

2nd The repairs and necessary Expenses for the due maintenance of
Christchurch.

3rd Such Clerical aid at Christchurch as may become necessary.

4th The foundation and maintenance of Schools in connection with
Christchurch.

5th For the benefit of the Church of England generally: that is
to say for the establishment and maintenance of other Churches and
Schools throughout the Island.

4. I believe I should be but following Your Graces views were I to
carry out this arrangement of the matter at once, but as the terms of
Your Graces Despatch are distinct—"for the use of
the Incumbent, if local circumstances prevent no obstacle to
that course"—I prefer representing the local circumstances that do
affect the case and submitting the foregoing proposition for Your
Graces sanction.



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FILE: 1862-04-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627115.txt
================================================================================

No. 115

With reference to your despatches No. 80 and 82 of the 29th and
31st of December last I have the honour to acquaint you that I have
authorized the Colonial Agents General to give to Mr. Nind the
Stipendiary Magistrate and assistant gold Commissioner for British Columbia the half salary to which he may be entitled during the period
of his leave of absence and I have to request that you will remit to
them without delay a sum sufficient to meet their payments. I take
this opportunity of imposing upon you the necessity which exists for
keeping the Agents General supplied with funds for the Services which
may from time to time be required in this country for British Columbia.
You should remit such a sum as to give them a moderate balance in hand
to meet accruing demands.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-16_Rogers_to_Douglas_V627094.txt
================================================================================

No. 94

I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to transmit to you a copy
of a letter addressed to His Grace by the Honorable James K. Howard,
one of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Woods and Forests, requesting
that half a hundred weight of the seed of the Douglas Fir may be
obtained from Vancouver Island by next Spring, and that the same quantity may be supplied for a few successive years, and I am to
request that you will take the necessary steps for complying with Mr.
Howard's wishes in this respect.

You will observe that the Office of Woods and Forest will defray
any expense which may be incurred, and that it is desirable that the
seed should be sent home via Panama.



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FILE: 1862-04-21_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627116.txt
================================================================================

No. 116

I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the
Board of Treasury relative to the issue of Colonel Moody's Salary as
Chief Commissioner of Works in British Columbia.

I have to request that you will acquaint Colonel Moody that in the present instance the amount due to him will be paid to his Agents on the production of a certificate which has been furnished by this Department but that it will be necessary that he should hereafter procure and send to this Country a certificate duly signed by an officer or Magistrate residing in the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-04-22_Hammond_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625FO01.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to my letter of the 21st of January 1861, I am
directed by Earl Russell to transmit to you a copy of a letter from
the Hudson's Bay Company relative to their claim for compensation, on
account of the losses alleged to have been incurred by that Company
through the maintenance of their Establishment on the island of San
Juan, and I am to request that in laying this Paper before the Duke
of Newcastle, you will state to His Grace that Lord Russell
apprehends that the question is one entirely for the consideration
and decision of the Colonial Office, and the Governor of the Hudson's
Bay Company has been informed that a copy of his letter has been sent
to that Department.



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FILE: 1862-04-23_Cox_&_Co._to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B626C03.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 22d inst with reference to the form of certificate
enclosed in our letter of the 18th of March last upon the subject of Colonel Moody's Salary as Chief Commissioner of Lands in British Columbia.

We beg now to transmit a certificate to the effect required,
which has since reached us, and will take care in future that your
instructions are fully attended to.



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FILE: 1862-04-23_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627117.txt
================================================================================

No. 117

I have the honor to transmit to you copies of a correspondence
between this Department and the Board of Admiralty relative to a demand
for £98-10-0 on account of freight on some Hay and Oats shipped on board
the "Thames City" and discharged at Gravesend by direction of Colonel
Moody.

It does not appear from these papers what became of these stores
after they were landed, and I have to request that you will call upon
Colonel Moody to afford any information in his power on that point.



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FILE: 1862-04-24_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62022.txt
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No. 22, Legislative

I have the honor to inform your Grace that the Parliament of
Vancouvers Island met according to summons on the 19th Ultimo, and I
enclose herewith a copy of the Speech with which I opened the
Session, and of the Address in reply.

2. My Speech presents the Programme of Measures which it is proposed
to bring forward in course of the present Session. Last year the
attention of the Legislature was devoted chiefly to the adaptation of
certain of the Imperial Statutes to the actual circumstances of the
Colony. This year it will be directed to objects of a somewhat more
practical character—the settlement of the Native claims upon public
Land—the investigation of the mineral resources of the Colony—some
desirable modifications in the Land Act—the improvement of Victoria
Harbour and the Incorporation of the Town of Victoria. It is also
desirable to make some reduction in the Fees payable in the Law
Courts, and to increase the Number of representatives for Victoria,
which city is at present inadequately represented in the Assembly.

4. [3.] It is also proposed to raise a sum of money by loan for
internal improvements, and to provide for the payment of the annually
accruing interest and the gradual repayment of the principal by
imposing a small duty chargeable by stamps on Legal Instruments and
on Receipts.



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FILE: 1862-04-25_Chadwick_to_Newcastle_V626C02.txt
================================================================================

Chadwick to Newcastle

I beg to thank you for the information you have been so good as to
forward to me relative to British Columbia. For the interests of
many I wish Parliamentary Papers could be more easily obtained and
where to get them better known.



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FILE: 1862-04-25_Tindall_to_Colonial_Secretary_B626T02.txt
================================================================================

Tindall to Colonial Secretary

I want information, as to whether their is a practcable rout
throug Canada to British Columbia Gold Fields.

An Overland Transit Co have sprung up in London, who promise
to take us there in five weeks by the above rout.

There departure will be on or about the 17th May next. As
their is a party of us wishfull to go the quickest and best rout,
We would feel very gratfull for your information, as to
whether such Co can be relied upon.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-26_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627118.txt
================================================================================

No. 118

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch marked
Separate of the 7th of February last reporting upon the state of the
Colony of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-04-26_Taylor_to_Newcastle_B626T01.txt
================================================================================

Taylor to Newcastle

Your Lordship will oblige by informing me where I may obtain
correct information respecting the gold fields of British Columbia,
their resources and the means of Emigration thereto.

A number of intending Emigrants are desirous of receiving
reliable information owing to the various contradictory accounts
which appear at times in the papers. Your Lordships reply will
therefore be esteemed a favor by



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62021.txt
================================================================================

No. 21, Financial

Agreeably to the instructions conveyed to me in your Grace's
despatch No 22 of the 5th May 1860, I have the honor to
forward herewith an Abstract of Receipts and Disbursements on
account of the Detachment of Royal Engineers serving in the Colony
of British Columbia, between the 1st October and 31st December 1861, accompanied by proper vouchers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627119.txt
================================================================================

No. 119

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 7 of the 5th of February last enclosing a copy of a Report from Mr. Begbie, the Judge of British Columbia, containing his observations on the state of the communications through the interior of the Colony, and I have to request that you will express to the Judge my thanks for the
valuable information which he has contributed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-30_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN07.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 24th instant, with one from the
Governor of Vancouvers Island in which he suggests that some
arrangement should be come to with the Hudson's Bay Co to allow of
the sale of the Land claimed by them on the ground of occupation
previous to 1849, pending the settlement of the questions respecting
this claim in dispute between the Company and H.M. Government.

2. In reply I have to state that all questions regarding this Land
have been set at rest by the Agreement concluded with the Company on
the 3rd of February last which has no doubt been communicated to the
Governor. That Agreement will have put it in the power of the
Governor to dispose of all the Land in the Town of Victoria not
previously disposed of to others, with the exception of some small
reservations for the Company, and will therefore have exactly met the
object proposed in his present despatch.



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FILE: 1862-04-30_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627095.txt
================================================================================

No. 95

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 2 of the 13th of January last on the subject of a site for Barracks in Vancouver Island.

The project of sending a Regiment to Vancouver Island, which led to my request for the Report with which you have now furnished me, has
for the present been dropped: but there can be no doubt that it is
proper to reserve a fit site for the future erection of Barracks for
any of H. M's Troops who may be stationed in the Colony. Adverting to
the large extent of the Lands recovered to the Crown under the recent
agreement with the Hudsons Bay Company (of which a copy was transmitted
to you with my despatch No. 84 of the 24th of January last) I
confidently expect that you will be able, with Colonel Moody's
assistance, to select a fitting spot for the purpose on ground belonging to the government. It would be highly unbecoming if, in a
Colony which has been so recently formed, there would be a question of
the necessity of buying the Land required to provide accommodation for
the Queen's Troops.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-04-30_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627096.txt
================================================================================

No. 96

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
together with an Address of Condolence to the Queen from the
Inhabitants of Vancouver Island.

I have to request that you will inform the Chairman and Secretary
of the Public Meeting from whom this Address has emanated that I have
duly laid it before The Queen and that Her Majesty derived much
satisfaction from the sentiments of sympathy and attachment expressed
by Her loyal subjects the inhabitants of Vancouver Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-02_Whittle_to_Newcastle_V626W01.txt
================================================================================

Whittle to Newcastle

I venture to trespass upon your Grace's time & attention by a desire
of obtaining a little information from your Grace as Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonies respecting Vancouver's Island or
British Columbia.

If the Government intend sending out to that Island any
Emmigrants?—or whether any such Scheme is about to emanate from them
for any other part of Her Majesty's Dominions.

If your Grace would kindly favor the undersigned with an answer to
the above queries Your Grace will greatly oblige; as the information
is sought for on behalf of a party of residents in this Town, being
desirous of learning something respecting the above Colony in
particular.



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FILE: 1862-05-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62022.txt
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No. 22

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-05-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62023.txt
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No. 23

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-05-06_Brand_&_Co._to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B626B03.txt
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Brand & Co. to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

The accompanying power of Attorney of C.S. Wylde in favor of
Green & Benjamins of Surinam, having proved inoperative in
Consequence of the Signature of the Governor of British Columbia, appended thereto, not having been legalised by a Dutch
Functionary, we take the liberty of applying to you to obtain the
favor of a Certificate from your Department to the genuineness of
the Signature of Governor Douglas.



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FILE: 1862-05-06_Townson_to_Newcastle_B625MI02.txt
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Townson to Newcastle

I have been directed by the Council of this Chamber to
forward the accompanying Memorial on the Subject of Postal
Arrangements between England and the Colonies of British Columbia and VanCouver's Island, for which I am to beg the
favor of your Grace's consideration.



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FILE: 1862-05-08_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627096A.txt
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Separate

With reference to my Despatch No. 91 of the 15th of March last I
transmit to you herewith the Queen's Warrant for the appointment of Mr. Alexander Watson to be Treasurer for the Island of Vancouver in the
room of Mr. George Tomline Gordon.

The Colonial Agents General have been instructed to pay to Mr.
Gordon Gairdner the Chief Clerk of my Office the sum of 1.10.0 being
the price of the Stamp on the enclosed Warrant; and you will call on
Mr. Alexander Watson to repay this amount into the Colonial Treasury.



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FILE: 1862-05-08_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627098.txt
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No. 98

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 10
of the 27th of February last, suggesting that some arrangement should be
made with the Hudson's Bay Company for the sale of the Land in Vancouver Island claimed by them on the ground of occupation prior to 1849.

All questions regarding this land have been set at rest by the
Agreement concluded with the Company a copy of which was communicated to
you in my despatch No. 84 of the 24th of January last. That agreement
will have put it in the power of the Governor to dispose of all land in
the Town of Victoria not previously disposed of to others, with the
exception of some small reservations for the Company, and will therefore
have met the object proposed in your present despatch.



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FILE: 1862-05-09_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627120.txt
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No. 120

I have the honor to enclose, for your information and guidance, a
copy of the Colonial Estimates for the present year, in which you will
find, at page 5, the amount and particulars of the Vote submitted to
Parliament for British Columbia.

Adverting to the progress of the Colony and to the growth of it's
Revenue, Parliament cannot be again asked to provide for the Governor's
salary. This charge must next year be defrayed out of the Colonial
Revenue.



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FILE: 1862-05-09_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627099.txt
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No. 99

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
marked Separate of the 18th of February last, enclosing a copy of the
notice which you issued on the occasion of the death of H. R. H.
The Prince Consort. The feelings of loyalty and attachment to Her Majesty which you describe as evinced by the Inhabitants of Vancouver Island
are very gratifying.



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FILE: 1862-05-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62023.txt
================================================================================

No. 23

With reference to your Grace's despatch of the 15th March
marked Separate, I have the honor to forward herewith a Tabular
Statement of the duties levied on articles imported into the
Colony of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-05-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62024.txt
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No. 24

I have had the honor of receiving your Despatch No 102 of
the 17th February last, in reply to mine of the 14th November 1861, upon the subject of issuing from the Government Assay Office at New Westminster gold pieces of the value of the 10 and 20 Dollar
American Coins, to avoid a recurrence of the inconvenience and loss
which was last year sustained through the large amount of Bullion
in the Market, and the small supply of Coins.

2. I thank Your Grace much for the valuable paper you enclose
to me conveying the views of the Lords of the Treasury upon this
subject, & I am gratified to find that in all the steps I have as
yet taken in this matter I have, in anticipation, entirely followed
the course suggested by their Lordships.

3. The requisite apparatus and Dies have been procured from
San Francisco, and I forward herewith for Your Grace's inspection
two specimens (in silver) of the gold pieces we propose to issue.
Should any further machinery be required, I shall not hesitate to
avail myself of Your Grace's suggestion to make application to
Your Department, if it shall appear that we cannot with equal
advantage supply ourselves from San Francisco.

4. I do not propose to issue the Pieces until the produce of
this years mining Season commences to arrive. The Coin at present
in circulation will then soon become absorbed, and the conversion
of Bullion into Coin at the least rate of discount will I hope be
then felt as such a boon, that the Government pieces will immediately
obtain free currency without declaring them to be Legal Tender.

5. I am thankful for the suggestion that the circulation of the
proposed pieces should be protected by enacting Penalties for the
fabrication of the Assay Mark, or for attempting to pass them after
they have been clipped or otherwise wilfully deteriorated, and I
will not fail to give effect to it so soon as requisite.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62025.txt
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No. 25

I have to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's Despatch
No 105 of the 27th February last, and I regret to observe
that Your Grace disapproves of the form in which the Estimates
for British Columbia for the year 1862 have been transmitted,
inasmuch as while the Salaries comprised in these estimates are
exhibited in almost superfluous detail, those heads of
expenditure which most demand scrutiny and deserve explanation
are merely stated in a single large sum, such as Thirty one
thousand seven hundred and forty nine pounds for roads, and
Seven thousand five hundred pounds for Works. Your Grace also
alludes to evidence of a disposition, exhibited by the annual
estimates, continually to augment the Civil expenditure so as
to equal or even exceed the growing revenue, and lastly Your
Grace announces the decision of Her Majesty's Government to
throw upon the Colony of British Columbia a portion of the
Military expenditure for the year 1862, amounting to the sum of
Eleven thousand pounds, and instructs me to curtail some of the
different services proposed in the Estimates so as to admit of
paying this charge out of the Colonial Revenue.

2. I have in explanation to submit that the sum of seven
thousand five hundred pounds the proposed outlay on Works,
comprises the cost of keeping in repair and erecting some
additional public buildings wanted in the Colony, and for
maintaining the Buoys which mark the channels leading into Fraser River.

3. These several objects are indicated in the Estimates
with as much precision as is possible in the case of works not
actually commenced, and of which the cost is uncertain and
necessarily dependent on the value of labour and material.

I forward herewith a detailed summary of them taken from
the Estimates, but should Your Grace desire any other form to be adopted,
I will not fail to give immediate effect to your instructions.

4. The subject of roads in British Columbia and the peculiarly
difficult and inaccessible nature of the Country, which really gives
to the opening and improvement of the inland thoroughfares a
character of the highest importance, have so often been dwelt upon
at length in my despatches to Her Majesty's Government, that in
forwarding the formal Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure I did
not consider Your Grace would desire that I should enter into any
further recapitulation of those matters, than was contained in my
Despatch enclosing them No 74 of 30th November 1861. The whole
sum disposable for that service was something short of thirty two
thousand pounds which at most represents an insignificant item of
the sum which must sooner or later be laid out in the formation of
upwards of three hundred and fifty miles of road connecting Lillooet
and Lytton with the Gold fields of Carribou.

5. The increase of the civil expenses of the Colony, I would
beg to observe, is one of the inevitable effects resulting from
the extension of population and discovery.

Wherever men congregate in large bodies, instant and vigorous,
measures must be taken for the prevention of crime, and for the
protection of life and property, otherwise a state of license and
misrule will be inaugurated which would be, at once disgraceful
to a civilised community, and injurious to the honor and dignity
of Her Majesty's Government.

6. I can assure Your Grace that no increase of the civil
expenditure except the small proposed augmentation of the Salaries
of a few of the subordinate officers not in the whole exceeding the
sum of Six hundred pounds, has arisen from other causes than those
I have just stated, neither fancy buildings nor ornamental works of
any kind, nor even the Government House at New Westminster which I
was authorized by the Estimates of 1861 to erect, have been
attempted; but the whole disposable revenue of the Colony has been
rigidly applied to the paramount objects, of opening the thoroughfares
and maintaining the peace and good Government of the Colony.

7. With respect to the large proportion of the Military expenses
which are hereafter to be defrayed from the Colonial Revenue I think
it altogether inadvisable to enforce the payment of that charge for
the present year, as the works of interior improvement which are
detailed in my Despatch of the 15th April last marked Separate
are now in rapid progress, and will absorb the disposable revenue
of the Colony as fast as it comes into the Treasury; in fact it
was solely with the view of carrying on these works that I applied
to Your Grace for authority to contract a loan to the extent of
Eighty thousand pounds in England.

8. I will not occupy Your Grace with a review of the reasons
which induced me to undertake those works as they are very fully
set forth in my (several) despatches commencing with that of the
24th October 1861 marked Separate and I am now, as the season
advances, more than ever impressed with their value and importance
to the Colony, for numbers of people are arriving, by every Steamer,
from California Canada and England, and the rush towards the Gold
Fields is incessant. Steamers are running every day with freight
and passengers from this place to New Westminster; the Customs
receipts have for the last 4 weeks been doubled in amount; the
inland duties will experience a corresponding impulse, and there
is little doubt of a great increase in the annual revenue, if we
can only succeed in retaining the population now arriving, and in keeping them from being driven from the Country by want and
starvation, a calamity which will inevitably happen unless the
appalling cost of inland transport to Carribou, now exceeding
seven hundred dollars a ton, be greatly reduced; such reduction
being the effect proposed by the works in progress which it is
estimated will produce a saving of at least five hundred dollars
on the ton, in the charges for the transport.

9. I have adopted these measures from the fullest conviction
of their urgent necessity, and that they will materially aid in
the development of the Country, add to the public revenue, render the Colony independent of extraneous aid, and redound to the honor and advantage of Her Majesty's Government.

10. It is in fact impossible to retain a population in the
Colony unless such improvements are made, and without population
there can be neither wealth, revenue, nor progressive development.

11. I submit as an impressive corollary to those views the
following extract of a letter just received from Mr Elwyn, Gold
Commissioner for the Carribou District, dated Lillooet, 6th May
1862:

The past severe winter tells against us more than I could
ever have expected. About four hundred men have up to the
present time left this place for Carribou; certainly a similar,
in all probability a greater number have started from Lytton.
Not one single pack train, has yet left either place (most
luckily two or three trains are expected to leave Lytton tomorrow having got their loads out of boats from Yale) and those
Miners who have started had with very few exceptions only
sufficient provisions to take them up. The long winter must
have almost entirely exhausted the stock of provisions laid in
last autumn, from the best information that I can obtain I
believe that the road side houses between here and Williams
Lake could not muster five sacks of flour between them. I
am entirely at a loss to know what those men will do who have
gone up, and greatly fear a rush back, though they will hold
on almost to the verge of starvation on account of losing
their claims. Added to all this, there are between three and
four hundred men at this point, only waiting to get a sack or
two of flour per company to start.

Even this much they can only get in driblets, and have to pay from 25 to 30 cents per lb. (last year 12 1/2 cents).

Unless provisions are rushed up from below I can see nothing for it but a stampede down stream.

12. Whatever expenses Your Grace may have in contemplation to
bring against the Colony should not, I submit, be brought forward
and enforced at the very hour of its greatest need, and when it is
maintaining an arduous struggle with difficulties altogether
unprecedented, in the early history of Colonies. It has, up to
the present time, defrayed the whole of its own civil expenditure
and has put the Imperial Government to no expense whatever except for the Governors salary, and the pay and maintenance of the Troops, and is therefore entitled to some consideration.
*

The services of the Troops are, I admit, most useful to the
Colony, but as the portion of those services devoted to civilian
pursuits really amounts to no more than about the labour of eighty men for five months in the year, I conceive, they will be dearly
purchased at the proposed charge of Eleven thousand pounds per annum.

13. I have however no wish to moot that question at present,
nor to dwell upon the value of the large and growing trade of the Colony, which will more than re-imburse the Mother Country for the
expenses of this small Military force. All that I would propose to
Your Grace, is not to enforce a charge which would so seriously
embarrass me, and which by crippling my operations, would, at
this epoch, produce the most disastrous effects upon the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62026.txt
================================================================================

No. 26

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
of the 27th February last No 104, acquainting me that it is
not possible for your Grace to comply with my solicitation for a
continuance during the year 1862-63 of the provision from Imperial
Funds necessary for the maintenance of the Detachment of Royal
Engineers serving in British Columbia, but that on the contrary,
one moiety of the cost, viz. £11,000, must be defrayed from
Colonial Funds, and calling my attention to the belief existing
in the Financial Departments of the Government, that I have drawn
upon Her Majesty's Government in excess of the sums voted by
Parliament for the service of the Colony.

2. The circumstance of so large a sum as £11,000 of the
Colonial Revenue being diverted from the pressing object of
opening the communications of the country towards the maintenance
of the Royal Engineers, is so intimately connected with the present
critical state of the Colony, that it is fully discussed in another
despatch No 25 of this date, and it is therefore unnecessary for
me to enter into any repetition here, further than to observe,
that although your Grace's instructions shall be implicitly followed,
it is my positive duty plainly to represent to your Grace the
sacrifice of Colonial and necessarily of Imperial interests that such a course must involve, unless immediate measures be instituted
for the adoption of some expedient whereby the works I have set on
foot, as fully detailed in my despatch of 15th April last,
Separate, may be vigorously prosecuted, works that are no less
essential to the advancement and prosperity of the Colony than to
its peace, order, and good Government, works that cannot be delayed,
not alone on account of the sacrifice of interests which would be
involved but also on account of the consequences which would follow their abandonment, consequences inevitable from the congregation of
starving multitudes attributing their distresses not to their own
precipitancy and improvidence, but to the inaction and indifference
of the Government.

3. I have in previous despatches attempted so fully to place
before Your Grace the exact condition of the Country. I have reported
at such length all the information of importance in connection with the extraordinary discoveries of gold in the Carribou District; I
have represented to your Grace the consequent certainty of an immense
influx in the spring, of a population not altogether the most desirable,
drawn as it principally would be from the dissatisfied of California,
and of the vital necessity which exists for pouring food into the
Country in adequate quantities, and at lessened prices, that I feel
loth to trespass upon your Grace's time by any recapitulation of these
matters, and will only here state that the rush of people to the mines
has commenced, that altho' the season has not yet opened, such
impatience is manifested, such improvidence is exhibited, that
provisions destined for the Upper country are actually consumed on
the road before one third of the journey has been accomplished, and
that the stream of immigration is by latest reports actually in
advance of the means of subsistence. Your Grace cannot I am certain
but feel for me in the harassing and perplexing position in which I
now find myself placed, impelled to action and action of a
vigorous and indispensable character, crippled in resources and
involved in a heavy liability. To abandon that action, to break
the faith of my Government, and to leave the solution of difficulties
to the category of chances, would be a course which is almost forced
upon me; but forseeing as I do the disaster and ruin that would
follow, it is a course which I dare not take, a course which Her Majesty's Government could not approve when its fruits became
developed, and however much I may have failed in placing before
Her Majesty's Government in a sufficiently clear light the
circumstances and condition of the country, the results of any
stoppage in the work of opening roads to the Carribou District
are to me so apparent and so appalling that I am satisfied Her
Majesty's Government would consider me unworthy the sacred trust
I hold, did I for one moment stay my hand with the conviction upon me of thereby bringing such results on the Country.

4. Although the sum of £11,000 is but about an eighth part
of the expenditure demanded by the Works in question, yet your Grace
can readily understand what a serious matter it will be to part even
with that eighth, and that if it be parted with, other means must
be instituted to replace it. If Her Majesty's Government will not
grant this money for this one year longer, I earnestly trust on
behalf of the Colony and the serious interests at stake, that Your
Grace will be pleased to obtain an arrangement whereby the Lords
of the Treasury will advance the sum as a loan, and I will make
provision in the Colonial Estimates for the ensuing year for the
repayment of such loan together with any interest that their
Lordships may think fit to settle.

5. With respect to your Grace's observations as to my overdrawing upon the Imperial Treasury and more especially with regard to the
remarks contained in the Postscript of your Grace's despatch, I am
utterly at a loss to comprehend the position of affairs therein
represented, and I can in no way reconcile it from any data I can
obtain here. I have been under the firm impression all along that
my Drafts upon the Imperial Treasury were strictly confined to the
sums voted by Parliament. The only point upon which I had any doubt
was the charge of the £6900 sent out in coin, and this doubt was created in my mind from the fact of noticing in the Printed Estimates
for the year ending 31st March 1862 Page 4, that on the 31st
December 1860 there was a Balance in the Exchequer of £10,000 in
favor of British Columbia on the vote 1860-61, while the £6900 of
coin was shipped from the Treasury in October 1860.
*

6. I am not in possession of all the data necessary to form a
precise account, but I have collated such as I can collect and
roughly arrive at the following result:

Voted by Parliament for service

of British Columbia 1859-60..............£42,998

Voted by Parliament for service

of British Columbia 1860-61.............. 30,000

Voted by Parliament for service

of British Columbia 1861-62.............. 17,800

Total..... £90,798

Amount drawn by Bills during 1859..........£39,320

Amount drawn by Bills during 1860......... 20,706

Amount drawn by Bills during 1861......... 9,000

Governors Salary........................... 5,400

Paid in England for stores &c

for Royal Engineers, say................ 12,000

Colonel Moody salary as Chief Commissioner

of Lands and Works.............  3,600

Total..... £90,026

722

Silver coin sent out.......................... 6,900

Balance against the Colony on 31st March 1862...... 6,128

How the balance against the Colony as appearing from the
Treasury Returns should be £20,000 in excess of this sum I
am quite at a loss to explain.

7. In conclusion I deem it right again to repeat, that the
application of Imperial Funds within the Colony has been strictly
confined to the expenditure of the Royal Engineers, an expenditure
which having been arranged by Her Majesty's Government with the
Colonel Commanding and mainly left to his discretion, is almost entirely beyond my control. I will bring this subject again
before your Grace in a subsequent despatch, when I have obtained
from Colonel Moody certain items of information and certain
Returns for which I have called.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62024.txt
================================================================================

No. 24

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Despatches Nos 88 and
89 of the 23rd and 24th February 1862 respectively, addressed to me
by Your Grace upon the subject of Mr D'Ewes the late Acting
Postmaster at Victoria, having absconded, and informing me of his
disastrous end at Homburg, and calling upon me for an explanation in
regard to the Circumstances under which I had conferred an
appointment upon him.

2. In November 1859 Mr D'Ewes presented to me
the special letter of Introduction with which he was furnished by Sir Edward Lytton in
September 1858. He also at the same time produced other letters
and testimonials bearing evidence to his abilities, literary
attainments, and to the position which he held in Society. He was a
person of good address, and appeared to possess a considerable amount
of business knowledge and experience. He had with him a wife and two
children, and represented himself to be in very straitened
circumstances through certain property which he claimed being in
Chancery; and he begged for any employment that I could give him as
the whole of his available means had been exhausted in defraying the
cost of the passage of himself and family from England to this place
by a Sailing Vessel. Shortly afterwards the Clerk in the Post Office
at Victoria resigned his position on account of the insufficiency of
the Salary. Amongst all the Candidates for Employment under the
Government, there was not one that I could fix upon as
properly fitted for the office: it was necessary to fill it
immediately and the most fitting person I could select appeared to me
to be Mr D'Ewes. He entered into the Office and carried on the
duties with a degree of assiduity and willingness that made me feel
satisfied I had done wisely in selecting him. At this time however
the Confidential Despatch addressed to me in November 1858 by Sir
Edward Lytton and received by me in
January 1859, came to my remembrance. That Despatch
unfortunately referred to a Mr
John Dewes, not D'Ewes and had I regret to say in the length of
time which had elapsed between its receipt, and the arrival of Mr D'Ewes, and in the heavy pressure of public business by which I was
surrounded, escaped my recollection. The name
Dewes is not uncommon or striking, and it is not remarkable that
amidst the [blank] hundred letters of introduction which passed
through my hands, I should after a lapse of ten months for the moment
have lost sight of its particulars as having reference to a gentleman
who presented letters of introduction bearing the somewhat uncommon
name of
D'Ewes. My first impulse immediately upon assuring myself of
the application of Sir Edward Lyttons Despatch to Mr D'Ewes, was to
discharge him. Various considerations presented themselves however.
Mr D'Ewes was not in a position of any very great trust or
responsibility. He was giving every satisfaction in the performance
of his duties—and I may here mention that to the last he maintained
his reputation with the public for being attentive, energetic, and
most obliging in carrying out the functions of his not very enviable
office. He had a wife and family dependant upon him for support and
it was reasonable to assume that he would not imperil his own and
their means of subsistence by any impropriety on his part. Against
all this however was the fact that he had forfeited a position of
trust in another Colony. The bare fact, nevertheless, was all I had
to deal with, for the precise reasons which led to the forfeiture
were not given in such detail as to enable me to judge whether they
unfitted Mr D'Ewes for every trust. By the Minute of Sir Charles
Hotham enclosed to me by Sir Edward Lytton, it appeared simply that
Mr D'Ewes had

subjected himself to influences unbecoming his position as a police
Magistrate and a public officer by having had himself under
obligations to a class of persons whose conduct in their capacity of
licenced Victuallers brought them under the scrutiny of the Bench of
which he was Chairman.

Such being the case, and serious riots having occurred, it was not
unnatural that Mr D'Ewes was considered unfit longer to be retained
in the important position of Magistrate, but the nature of the
obligations is not stated, and there is no evidence to shew that Mr D'Ewes was unfit for Employment in a subordinate Capacity. Sir Edward Lytton states that he "has been personally acquainted with Mr D'Ewes for many years": and in the Confidential Despatch
subsequently addressed to me he merely observes that he was not aware
of the circumstances he therein communicates to me, when he gave Mr D'Ewes the letter of introduction; but at the same time he remarks
that he is "not prepared to pronounce any opinion upon Mr D'Ewes conduct."
Having carefully weighed all these and other considerations, I came
to the conclusion that it would be scarcely just were I to remove Mr D'Ewes from his office, and to be the means of denying him the
opportunity of re-establishing a character, which so far as I was
aware from the evidence before me had possibly only suffered through
acts of indiscretion, and not of moral turpitude.

3. With reference to Your Graces remarks in respect to the Letters
of Introduction furnished by the Secretary of State, I would observe
that I am not aware of having expressly adopted any course whereby
the impression could be created—as has been alleged to Your
Grace—that I felt bound in selections for appointments to give a
preference to persons who brought letters of introduction from the
Secretary of States Office; but it seems to me that the impression
may have existed notwithstanding: for it is but reasonable to
suppose that in cases of selection I should give the preference to a
person possessed of so satisfactory a voucher to his respectability,
character and position, over one who could produce no such reference.
I have, nevertheless, never viewed the Letters of Introduction of the
Secretary of State as being
binding upon me; but I have felt very grateful to him for giving
me the benefit of those letters, knowing as he must have done the
perplexing position in which I was placed to obtain adequate
assistance in the harassing duties which surround me.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE13.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 24th ultimo, I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized
to pay the two Bills drawn by Mr Gosset, Treasurer of British Columbia, for the sum of £1,000 each, on account of the Colonial Pay &c of Royal Engineers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-13_Lindsay_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B626L03.txt
================================================================================

Lindsay to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

The annexed ship is bound for the New Colony—as she is the first steamer, I may be thereupon called the pioneer of the route.
You may like to see the particulars. The Duke of Newcastle may also like to know, that if any inducement offers, I may afterwards
employ her between Panama & B Columbia.

If you have any recent information of interest from B Columbia it would be very desirable if it could be made known
through the newspapers, as my firm cannot supply the many inquiries which are daily made in regard to the
last news & the prospects to capitalists & others.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627121.txt
================================================================================

No. 121

I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter
from the Master of the Mint to the Treasury with the Account therein
enclosed of expenses incurred for the Refinery and Assay Office
established in British Columbia. This Account shows a sum of £152.3.8 due to the Mint beyond the sum of £1800 which was provided for in the
Parliamentary Grant of last year.

The Lords Commissoners of the Treasury have paid to the Mint this
excess of £152.3.8. I have to instruct you to repay the amount to their
Lordships in the manner pointed out in my other instructions by the
present opportunity relative to the sum of £6,900 due for the Specie
supplied to the Colony last year.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-13_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627122.txt
================================================================================

No. 122

With reference to former correspondence on the subject, and more
especially to my despatch No. 103 of the 22nd of February 1862, I have
the honor to inform you that I have received a letter from the Treasury,
stating that their Lordships have paid to the Account of the Master of
the Mint at the Bank of England the sum of £6,900 in repayment of the
value of specie supplied in 1860 to the Colonial Government of British Columbia.

I have therefore to give you positive instructions that you must
forthwith discharge this debt to the Treasury. The simplest course
would have been that you should pay the amount into the Treasury Chest,
if there had been one in British Columbia as is the case in many
Colonies. In the absence of a Chest you can only settle the matter by
one of two methods: either by issuing out of the Colonial Revenue to the
Royal Engineers as much as £6,900 of the amount voted by Parliament for
their pay this year, and by curtailing to that extent your drafts on the
Treasury or else by a direct remittance to England. I have no objection
to your adopting the former course if you can make the payments to the
Royal Engineers from Colonial funds with perfect punctuality, but in
case of the least difficulty on that point, it would be necessary for
you to draw Bills on the Treasury so far as is warranted by the
Parliamentary Vote, since the Royal Engineers evidently are the first
claimants on the sum intended for them by Parliament. In this event
however you must take the first opportunity of remitting the sum of
£6900 to England.

I cannot too strongly impress upon you the necessity of your prompt
obedience to these instructions, and the impossibility of permitting any
Governor to appropriate to the service of his Government Imperial funds
which he has no authority to make use of.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-13_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627123.txt
================================================================================

No. 123

In my despatch No. 104 of the 27th of February last, I informed you
that the entire pay of the Royal Engineers in British Columbia being estimated at £22,000, one moiety would henceforward be required to be
defrayed from the Colonial Revenue and the other moiety be contributed
by this Country, the sum of £3,800 being borne on the Army Estimates and
the balance of £7,200 being provided by a Parliamentary Grant for
British Columbia. In the same despatch I noticed the heavy over drafts
made by you, to which serious attention had been called by the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury.

There can be no doubt that to appropriate British money to the use
of the Colony without leave, by drawing unauthorized Bills on the
Treasury which place their Lordships in the dilemma of either
dishonoring the Governor's drafts or else allowing him to obtain funds
which were not intended for him, is a very grave irregularity. I trust
that you will be sufficiently warned against it by the admonition which
you have received; and without dwelling further on that point, I shall
now proceed to explain to you the measures which have occurred to me for
the settlement of the financial affairs of British Columbia. They have
been devised with the utmost consideration of the convenience of the
Colony, nor am I yet in a position to state that they have met with the
consent of the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury, but until you may
hear to the contrary, your best course will be to follow to the utmost
of your power the mode of settlement which I shall point out.

The topics to which I have directed my attention are these.
1st What are your resources
2ndly What are your liabilities to this country
3rdly From which portion of those liabilities Parliament
can with any propriety be asked to relieve you, and 4thly what should be
the method and order of repayment.

You have reckoned your Revenue for 1862 at £90,000, and that this
is no under estimate may be inferred from the subjoined table:

Revenue of 1859 actual £47,125

—Do—- " 1860 —do— 53,326

—Do—- " 1861 Estimated 63,368

—Do—- " 1862 —do— 90,000

This reckons on an increase of 50 per cent
upon the receipts of any previous year, and I much fear that the severe
winter, and consequent interruption of traffic, which you have since
reported, must tend to produce a temporary disappointment in your
expectations. With regard to expenditure I observe that after providing
for all charges of a fixed nature, your practice it so devote whatever
is to spare to "Roads, Streets and Bridges."  The amount this year is
£31,750. If you should realize the large increase of revenue on which
you have calculated, this sum of £31,750 represents the portion of
Revenue which is disposable for general purposes.

2ndly. Such being your estimated resources the following are the
demands which have since arisen:

Colonial moiety of total expenses of the Royal

Engineers imposed on the Colony by recent

instructions dated the 27th of February 1862————-£11,000

Value of Specie supplied from England—————————6,900

Excess in the cost of Assay Office———————————-152

Overdrafts of 1859 and 1860 for the Royal Engineers—-22,026

£40,078

Deduct

Available Revenue £31,750

The Specie itself  6,900—————————————-38,650

Deficiency—————————————————————-£ 1,428

Even if the whole expenditure on the indispensable object of Roads were
stopped, the Colony would be in a deficiency. And much outlay on
that account must have been incurred before the present instructions
can arrive.

But 3rdly, there is a question to which I have above
adverted, how far Parliament may be asked to relieve you from some of
these arrears and to assume the charge of part of your former over
drafts. The "Regimental Pay" of the engineers amounting to £3810 per
annum is provided for in Army Estimates, and may be left out of the
present account. Exclusive of that pay, the sums drawn for by you on
account of the Royal Engineers in 1859 and 1860 are reported by you to
have been as follows:

1859. £39,320

1860. 20,706
£60,026

The sums voted by Parliament for the same period in the Colonial
Estimates for the Engineers amount to £38,000; the excess is
£22,026.

One portion of these Bills, amounting to £10,704, is for
Roads, Bridges and Surveys, and evidently ought never to have been
charged except to the Colony. The other portion, amounting to
£11,322, is for the pay, sustenance and movement of the Engineers, and
for this sum I have suggested to the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury that application may be made to Parliament. In order to
enable the Colony to succeed in defraying the intended liberal share
of its future military expenses, I hope that their Lordships may
assent to proposing to Parliament to grant it this relief.

4thly. On a review of all these circumstances, the following is
the course which has occurred to me as the best to be adopted This
year the Colony should pay the following items:

Moiety of cost of Royal Engineers——————-£11,000

Value of the Specie—————————————— 6,900

Remaining cost of Assay Office————————- 152

£18,052

This would leave you an available sum of £13,698 out of the amount
on which you have hitherto calculated of £31,750.

Next year you should pay

Moiety of cost of Royal Engineers——————————£11,000

Past overdrafts for Royal Engineers

as above selected—————————————————— 10,704

£21,704

By that time there will also be other debts to this Country, in
respect of the year 1861, for you to adjust.

I am well aware that the proposed repayments will seriously
impair your current means for the important object of the
construction of roads, which is in itself so material to the
prosperity of the Colony. I have however conveyed to the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury my strong recommendation that you
should be authorized to make a fresh law providing for the
creation of a loan for this purpose, limited to the extent of
£50,000. Such a law could not however be followed by any
practical success in this country, unless it set forth with proper
distinctness that the debt was to have a priority over all other
demands upon the Revenue and unless it provided for the redemption of
the principal sum by means of a sinking fund. It would also require
to contain some express declaration that the Agents General for
Crown Colonies should profess authority to borrow the money.

In the meanwhile I shall be glad if you will to the best of your
power regulate your proceedings by the scheme which I have sketched
for discharging the liabilities of the Colony and placing its finances
on a satisfactory and independent footing.



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FILE: 1862-05-13_Stephenson_to_Secretary_of_State_B626S03.txt
================================================================================

Stephenson to Secretary of State

I shall feel much oblige[d] if you will inform me whether the
Government have published any information relative to Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and where such can be obtained as I
purpose emigrating very shortly and wish to secure the most
reliable and authentic statements procurable.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-14_Sleigh_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B625MI04.txt
================================================================================

Sleigh to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to request you will submit to His Grace The
Secretary of State for the Colonies the following proposition with
reference to opening up the Postal Service via Canada to British Columbia.

This Company will undertake forthwith to organize a Pony Express
from the Red River Settlement to Lytton in British Columbia and
thence to Vancouvers Island by Steamer. The time of transit for
letter to and from Great Britain and British Columbia to occupy
25 days. The Company will erect Stations at every 25 Miles on the
land route, put on an efficient Staff of Post boys and an ample
Stud of Horses.

Her Majesty's Government to undertake upon receipt from any
duly delegated Authority of the Government, of a certificate,
stating that the Stations, Horses &c are on The Spot, and in
readiness for the Postal Service, to grant to The Company
£[blank] per week for a Mail from Great Britain to British Columbia. Such Sum not to be paid unless the Post Master
General of British Columbia certifies to the due performance
of each Weekly Contract.

This Company is ready to send out in its Chartered Steamer the
"United Kingdom" to sail from Glasgow on the 31st of May Inst.
Stabling for this Service—The Company will purchase the necessary
Stud of Horses, forthwith, and employ the necessary
number of Post Boys and be in readiness to carry a Mail from England
on the 1st July, if the above offer is accepted by Her Majesty's
Government.

The Service will be conducted from England by the usual Mail
Steamers to Canada and thence per Rail to St Paul's and per
Steamer &c to Red River Settlement, from thence per Pony Express to
Lytton and from thence per Steamer to Vancouver's Island.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-15_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27, Miscellaneous

In reply to your Despatch No 110 of the 13th March,
directing me in the event of a remittance of the sum of £67
which has been paid into the Colonial Treasury by Captain Gosset on account of his passage from
Ceylon to England, not
having been made to the Colonial Agents General, to abstain
from doing so, as it will be simpler and more convenient on
learning from me that the money is still in the Treasury
Chest, to procure the issue of a corresponding account from
the Treasury in the Mother Country, I have the honor to acquaint
your Grace that the Sum of Five Hundred pounds, having been
remitted from this Colony to the Agents General, they were on
the 10th February last requested to make this repayment on
account of Captain Gosset, and I therefore presume that the
matter is already adjusted. Should it not be so, and, should
Your Grace find it convenient to make any alteration in the
arrangement I will take care that it is carefully observed as
far as we are concerned.



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FILE: 1862-05-15_Weatherby_to_Newcastle_B626W02.txt
================================================================================

Weatherby to Newcastle

I at this moment I would deem it as a real christian favour
from you for you to condescend to my request Viz to obtain for me
a free grant of Land at or near Victoria, on Frazer River British
Columbia Colony without delay and likewise I request the favour of
Sir Geo Grey Bart Home Secretary of State for England and you
immediately to demand the Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds Sterling
left to me from my late uncle Mr Thomas Weatherby late of
Linnhead by Cockburnspath Berwickshire, Scotland and two years
interest due on that sum at Whitstide 1862. Your Grace by this
time must know I lost nearly Eleven Thousand Pounds starting with
farming [sick?]

rented Farms under the late Earl Grey and General
Grey of Morwick by Warkworth in Northumberland England and with
other failures of highland Farmers in the sad years of from 1826
to 1833 [that Ruined Poor me?]. I would deem it as a very great
favour from you by first mail to hear, an answer.

Your Grace knows I know strange events which has and will happen for several years to come
and Sir Geo Grey knows the same if he knows the peoples thoughts in
Northumberland England. I hope you will not think I am insane when
I write to you so truthfully and freely. If you remember I put a
Black thread round the newspapers I sent to England from here
after the middle of December last.
I was very sorry when I heard of the death of him for he was
doing a very vast deal of good for England. Your Grace I am 57
years old and has had a part of hardships to contend with
since I left England on the 6th November 1852. I arrived at
Melbourne Victoria with only one Shilling in my Pocket. I have
been in New Zealand for 4 1/2 years and I think it is full time I
was out of it. Fiji Island, and Chattam Island are worthy of
protection and will pay for such. Protect British Columbia
very strongly both by sea and Land.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62025.txt
================================================================================

No. 25, Miscellaneous

I have had the honor to receive your Despatch No 91 of the 15th March upon the subject of the suspension from office of Mr George
Tomline Gordon, the Treasurer of this Colony, in consequence of his
having been committed for trial upon a charge of embezzlement of the
public Funds: and also commenting upon the manner in which I had
appointed a Successor to Mr Gordon.

2. Your Grace considers that the defalcation in three instances of
persons recently appointed by me to Offices of trust and
responsibility is discreditable to my Government, and cannot fail to
deprive the Executive of the respect and confidence of the Colonists;
and Your Grace attributes this state of things to the want of proper
care in the distribution of the patronage that has been left so
unreservedly in my hands.

3. It is with the most sincere regret that I find myself thus
imperatively called upon to defend myself from the very serious
reflections which Your Grace has esteemed it necessary to cast upon
me. I do so, however, unhesitatingly & fearlessly, conscious of my
own rectitude of action, and of my honest endeavour to discharge the
trust reposed in me faithfully & impartially. In the career of my
office I have neither sought nor coveted the exercise of patronage,
on the contrary in the difficulties surrounding me gladly would I
have freed myself from that not the least of the responsibilities and
cares pressing upon me. Her Majesty's Government, however, thought
fit to charge me with that responsibility, and I did not shrink from
it—as I have not shrunk from any onerous duty demanded from my
position—but I have on all occasions endeavoured to discharge it to
the best of my knowledge and belief for the sterling interests of the
public service. From the moment that the circumstances of the
Country suddenly and urgently demanded the creation around me of all
the machinery of Government—amidst a state of previous quiescence &
retirement that precluded the existence on the spot of fitting
materials—from that moment until now, the selection of individuals
to perform its various functions has been a matter of deep and
increasing anxiety. Easy indeed, by comparison, would have been the
task, had I been able to fall back upon a long tried and proved staff
of officials regularly educated in the service, and advanced from one
stage to another in regular gradation according to character and
ability: easy would it have been, light would have been the
responsibility, when it became necessary to make a fresh appointment,
if that appointment had been but to instal a junior clerk to a
subordinate office. But what has been my position? I will venture
to say it is without a parallel. I have had to organize a Government
Staff. I have been compelled to appoint at once to positions of
trust and responsibility men who I felt were not properly qualified
to discharge the duties required of them, but who were the best
qualified I could obtain; men of whom I, personally, knew
nothing; men in whom I, personally, had no interest; and of whom I
could only judge from the Letters of introduction which they brought
to me, and from the Character they bore elsewhere, or had acquired
during their residence in the Colony. One person whom I appointed in
this manner was Mr Gordon, the defaulting Treasurer. I staved off
the responsibility of making such an appointment as long as it was
practicable. I employed the services of Captain Gosset the Treasurer
of British Columbia while the Treasury of that Colony was
temporarily established in Vancouver's Island, but upon its removal I
was forced to create the fresh office. I knew not where to find a
suitable person to fill it, whose antecedents and character were such
as I could rely upon with confidence. Of all the candidates for
public employment Mr Gordon appeared the most fitting. He had been
12 months in the Colony. He had earned for himself a good
reputation. He had worked assiduously during part of the time as a
Clerk in a Barristers office. He had acquired a certain status and
position. He was a Member of the House of Assembly. He had settled
in the Colony with his wife and a family of seven children. He was a
graduate of Cambridge—and finally he had presented to me not an
ordinary—but a special letter of introduction from Your Graces
predecessor in Office, Sir Edward Lytton. Could I, under the
circumstances, have desired more satisfactory evidence of character
and respectability, or—as to the point I mainly sought—honesty?
Was it not natural that with such evidence I should have felt secure
in appointing Mr Gordon to the vacant office. That his subsequent
defalcation may be discreditable to my Government I will not contest,
but much as I may deplore the circumstance—bitterly as I do feel
it—I must contend that I am more entitled to the sympathy than to
the reprehension of Her Majesty's Government.

4. Into the other two cases of defalcation alluded to by Your Grace
I will not now enter. One I have already explained in a previous
Despatch; the other—that of the Harbour Master—has turned out upon
strict investigation to be not so bad as it first appeared, and
might, perhaps, under less scrupulous supervision and watchful
carefulness have been overlooked altogether.

5. With regard to Your Graces remarks upon the manner in which I
appointed Mr Watson as a Successor to
Mr Gordon, I hasten to
express my regret that my Despatch should have led Your Grace into
the supposition that I had adopted any other course than that
prescribed by the regulations of the Service. The appointment I
gave to Mr Watson was merely
provisional, as I intended to convey by the use of the words to
act as Treasurer, and in begging that Your Grace would be
pleased to obtain Her Majesty's
confirmation of the appointment.
Mr Watson perfectly
understood this, and in leaving the Bank of British North America,
and accepting the appointment the only stipulation he made was that I should
recommend his confirmation to the Secretary of State.
The
immediate appointment of an officer was an act of imperative
necessity. Revenue was coming in every day. There was no Cashier or
other person to receive it. The Treasurer himself comprises the whole
staff of his Department, and it was necessary to keep that Department
in being: and the opportunity of obtaining the services of Mr Watson
was not to be thrown away. I feel very thankful that Your Grace has
confirmed the appointment, for Mr Watson promises to be a most
useful Member of my Government, and a most efficient public Servant.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627124.txt
================================================================================

No. 124

With reference to your despatch No. 9 of the 7th of February 1862,
I have the honor to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been
authorized to pay the two Bills drawn by Captain Gosset for the sum of
£1000 each, on account of the Colonial Pay of the Royal Engineers.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-19_Sargeaunt_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AG02.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of
The Right Honorable The Secretary of State, that the Cash Books
& Coke supplied for the service of the Government of British
Columbia pursuant to your letter of the 24th March last were
shipped on board the Vessels and on the dates as p[er] margin
for conveyance to that Colony.
*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-20_Murdoch_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625LN03.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to report, for the information of the
Duke of Newcastle, that our attention having been called to
advertisements in the public Papers of a Company formed for
the purpose of forwarding Emigrants through Canada overland
to British Columbia, we thought it our duty to make some
enquiry on the subject. We accordingly requested an interview
with the Secretary of the Company and on Saturday the 18th
instant Coll Sleigh, who appears to have been actively
engaged in getting up the Company, called upon us with the
Company's Broker.

2. Coll Sleigh stated that the Company had undertaken
the project of forwarding Emigrants overland to British Columbia
very much on the information derived from Governor Douglas' despatches and from
Mr Pemberton's "VanCouvers Island and British Columbia."
The despatch from Governor Douglas to which he principally referred is that of 18th Octr 1859
in which it is said that the experiment of a land journey from the
Red River to British Columbia had been repeatedly made by parties
of Red River people—and that it had been stated that the whole
distance from Lytton to Red River, with the exception of the
Coutannais pass, might be safely travelled by Carts.

3. Coll Sleigh stated that arrangements had been
already made at St. Pauls, through which the Emigrants will
pass on their way to Red River, to provide the necessary stores of food, horses and carts for the journey across the Saskatchewan
Country and in answer to the objection that great hardship and
exposure might be encountered on that journey he alleged, that
the party would be accompanied by a number of Indians as Guides
and Assistants; and that it would consist exclusively of Men in
the prime of life, many of whom had been in Australia and America,
and all were accustomed to horses and firearms—that there would
not be a single old man, woman or child with them—and that
accordingly they might be safely trusted to take care of
themselves. At our request Coll Sleigh has since put in writing the
main points of what he stated to us, a copy of which I enclose.

4. It appears to me that if, as we are assured, the party
going out is composed exclusively of young men accustomed to a
Country life, it is not necessary that the Government should
interfere in the matter. No doubt some hardships will be
encountered—but none greater than is encountered every day by
persons of adventurous disposition—and none that men of courage
& resource may not safely face. For their own credit and
advantage the Company will probably form its first parties of
the materials specified by Colonel Sleigh—and if they succeed
in opening and rendering safe the overland journey to B. Columbia,
there cannot be a doubt that an essential service will thereby be
rendered to that Colony—and the connection between it and the
Mother Country be materially strengthened. All therefore that will
be necessary, as it appears to me, is to watch the proceedings
of the Company to see that their engagements with their Emigrants
are carried out in good faith, and I would submit that the
attention of the Governors of Canada and B. Columbia should be
called to that point. The portion of the Company's operations
carried on in this Country will be comparatively unimportant.

5. I enclose a Copy of the prospectus of the Company with
the names of the Directors &c, and the Copy of a Notice issued
by them. I have only to add that Coll Sleigh is the same
Gentleman who in 1857 was connected with a scheme for a
Military Colony in New Brunswick on which a report was made from
this Office on 8th June of that year.
*



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-21_Henson_to_Rogers_B625MI03.txt
================================================================================

Henson to Rogers

Having observed a notice of question intended to be put by
Mr [Malcolm], M.P. on Thursday night, with reference to the
Overland Route to British Columbia, and the chance of passengers
Starving between Montreal & British Columbia—

I have the honor to inform you that on the 10th Inst.
two gentlemen interested in this Company, had a lengthy interview with Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners, and gave full details
of the steps adopted to ensure the provisioning of our Passengers to British Columbia.

The Substance of this interview was reduced to writing and forwarded from this Office to the Commissioners on the
16th instant. This letter will furnish you with every information.
*

I have the honor further to state that we have received a letter from
Mr Hime, Agent of Masonic Hall, Toronto, dated
April 26th in which he writes:

I attended a Meeting of intending emigrants a short time since and strongly advocated the Overland Route via
St Paul and Red River,
since which a party of 52 have gone from here by that route, and other parties from different places round about.

We have also advices from St. Paul's up to the 30th April
announcing the arrival of another body of Emigrants from St. Thomas's Canada West, and their departure for
Red River and British Columbia
by this route. Numerous other parties are proceeding by the same road.

We forward with our passengers Waggons, containing provisions for 60 days subsistence not calculating upon the game and fish
which abound along the Saskatchewan.

Our Agents are upon the Spot and our Passengers are guaranteed safe transit by our Waggons
and Pack Horses through the Rocky Mountains.

I have further the honor to direct your attention to a letter forwarded from this Office to the Under Secretary of State for the
Colonies, dated the 14th instant, tendering to Contract for
the establishment of a Pony Express, and which letter was entrusted to Colonel Pierce Somerset Butler,
later M.P. who informs us that he laid the same before the Colonial Office on the
19th Instant.
**

I would also direct your attention to the "Canadian Memo of the 10th" inst. in which you will perceive reference to
the operations in Toronto of the Committee engaged in forwarding passengers via the Red River.

The St Pauls Pioneer
30th April will also furnish you with other reliable information,
irrespective of that forwarded from this Office.

Governor Douglas's despatch of the
19th December 1859
***
to His Grace the Secretary of State for the Colonies, states that this

Route is no mere theory. The experiment having been repeatedly
made by parties of Red River people travelling to
Colville from whence there is a good road to Lytton,
so much so indeed that I am assured that the whole distance from Lytton to
Red River, with the exception of the Coutannais Pass, may be
safely travelled with carts.

In conclusion I beg to state that we have lost no opportunity in forwarding every information in our power at all times to Her
Majesty's Government.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-21_Langford_to_Newcastle_V626L02.txt
================================================================================

Langford to Newcastle

I have the honor to enclose to your Grace the Copy of a letter from
the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Demerara and also the copy of
one from the Sherriff-Clerk at Perth, giving information concerning
Mr David Cameron the Chief Justice
of Vancouver Island, who is one
of the officials whose conduct is complained of in the Statement which
I had the honor to address to your Grace on the 18th June last,
which statement was placed in your Grace's hands by Mr Charles W.
Fitzwilliam.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-21_Tennent_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TA01.txt
================================================================================

Tennent to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council
for Trade to transmit to you the enclosed communication which
has been addressed to this Board by Mr Brown of Sydney New South Wales and I am to state that the Writer has been informed
that his enquiry has been handed on to your Department.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627126.txt
================================================================================

No. 126

I have the honor to transmit to you an extract from a Report of the
Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners on the subject of a Company
which has been recently formed for the purpose of forwarding emigrants
through Canada overland to British Columbia.

I concur generally in the views expressed by the Commissioners, and
although I do not consider the direct interference of H.M.'s Government
to be necessary, I am desired to call your attention to this Company, in
order that their proceedings may be entitled for the purpose
of ascertaining whether their engagements with their Emigrants are carried
out in Good faith.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-26_Cox_&_Co._to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C04.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of the 22nd
ultimo, we have the honor to state that, having made several
enquiries at the office of HM's Paymaster General for Colonel Moody's salary as Commissioner of Works, British Columbia, we are
informed that the Treasury Authority to issue the same for
December quarter 1861 has not been received by that department.

We beg, therefore, to request that you will be good enough to
cause the necessary directions to be issued in the usual manner.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62026.txt
================================================================================

No. 26

In reply to your Despatch of the 15th of March last, marked
"Separate", calling for a Return of Customs Duties levied on articles
imported into this Colony, I have the honour to acquaint Your Grace
that Victoria being a Free Port, no Customs Duties are leviable.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62027.txt
================================================================================

No. 27, Miscellaneous

I have to express my regret that the inconvenience caused to Your
Department by the use of paper of a size larger than that supplied
from Her Majesty's Stationery Office should not have been sooner
removed. The cause however was attributable to circumstances beyond
my control as was explained in my Despatch No 88 of the 8h October 1860, British Columbia. The paper referred to by Your Grace in your
Despatch No 86 of the 18h February last was shipped on board the
"True Briton" bound for Vancouver's Island in August 1860. That Ship
however met with a series of disasters and did not reach Vancouver's Island until more than Twelve months afterwards. By a curious
coincidence she had also on board the Duplicate supply of Stationery
which we had ordered from Home in April 1859, the original supply
having been lost with the Vessel conveying it, as mentioned in my
aforesaid Despatch. Therefore, until the arrival of the "True Briton" we were, as I have before explained, entirely dependant for
our stationery upon the American Market.

2. I trust Your Grace will pardon my being thus minute in my
explanation, but I am so to shew that our use of paper of an
inconvenient size after Your Grace had called my attention to the
circumstance by Your Despatch of the 3 July 1860 No 38, did not
arise from inattention, but from inability to comply with Your
Grace's wishes.

3. The Colonial Agents General were requested on the 10 February
last to pay to Her Majesty's Stationery Office the sum of £5:16:11
the same being the cost of the paper which Your Grace was good
enough to direct should be forwarded.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-05-28_McMaster_to_Newcastle_B626M04.txt
================================================================================

McMaster to Newcastle

I have been in communication with a number of friends of
Temperance in Various parts of the Kingdom who have a desire to
emigrate to British Columbia with a view to forming a Temperance
Settlement in that Colony. It is intended that agriculture shall
be the chief pursuit of the settlers although there will not be
any restriction upon tradesmen to prevent them following their
ordinary calling.

We desire to receive the assistance of Government in carrying
out the project in the shape of a free grant of a suitable tract
of land for the purposes of the intended settlement. We trust
that as the Government of Auckland is making free grants to the
Nonconformist Settlers and others & the Government of Queensland &
Canada free grants to Settlers from Europe, we will not be
deemed to be making an impracticable request & believing as we do
that the land is the possession of the Crown & under the control
of the Government in Engld. This project has the countenance of
the leading temperance men of Manr & if a grant can be made to
us, steps will immediately be taken to make the project public &
it will be carried forward with vigour. Already in reply to the
enclosed advtt in one weekly newspaper

*

numerous replies have been received & from
present indications I have no doubt that a respectable company of
settlers will soon be got together. In admitting applicants to
join the party every care will be taken to ensure that they are of
good moral character.

To induce the Government to comply with this request I might
point to many advantages the Colony would derive from the
accession of a body of permanent settlers at a period when the
majority of immigrants are adventurers & foreigners bent only upon
the speedy acquisition of wealth & who either satisfied with
success or disgusted with failure at the diggings will return to
their homes in other lands to the manifest disadvantage of the
Colony, but I do not think you will overlook the importance of
such contingencies especially as the present system of Government
there will soon be at an end & the necessity of a population
British in principle and sentiment is so apparent.



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FILE: 1862-05-29_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62027SP.txt
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Separate

I have to communicate for the information of Her Majesty's
Government that great numbers of persons, principally able-bodied
men, unaccompanied by women or children, continue to arrive in
this Colony, on their way to the Gold Fields of British Columbia.
It appears from the Custom House Returns, that upwards of
Four thousand men have passed New Westminster since the first day
of March last; besides these, about one thousand more are reported
to have made their way overland by the Southern Frontier, making
altogether from that date, an addition of about five thousand
men to the population of the Colony.

From present appearances there is every reason to believe
that the influx of people will go on increasing, and that the
population of British Columbia will, this season, receive large
accessions, not only by the ordinary Emigration from California,
but also from the "Salmon River" Mines, which, it is reported, do
not fully realize the extravagant hopes of the restless and wandering Miners who have resorted to that Gold Field.

2. There has been no reaction this season in British Columbia;
though considering the inaccessibility of the Country, the great
distance of the Gold Fields from the sea, the heavy expense of
transport, and the fact that the country itself as yet remains
untilled, and, relatively to the demand, may be said to have neither
corn nor cattle of its own growth, a mischievous reaction may at
any time occur from the mere want of food. Even with the advantages
of good roads and every other possible facility, the capital and
commercial enterprise of the Colony could hardly be expected to
cope with our present circumstances and to provide sufficient
quantities of food for the subsistance of eight or ten thousand
people residing at a distance of five hundred miles from the Coast, and without such facilities it is very evident that the attempt
could not possibly succeed, and would simply be productive of
loss and disaster.

I am therefore making every possible effort to push on with
the roads now in progress, and perhaps never was there a more
favorable opportunity for carrying on such works with economy
and despatch, as labour is abundant, and the public have unlimited
confidence in the resources of the Country.

3. These roads will benefit and improve the Country to an
almost incredible extent, not only by effecting an enormous saving
in the cost and facilities of transport, and by giving an impulse
to business and to the ordinary sources of revenue, but also by
increasing its productive powers of taxation, without injury or
oppression to the Country; it being, for instance, my intention
immediately on the completion of the first fifty miles of the roads
starting from Lytton and Lillooet, to impose an additional tax of
three farthings per pound weight—i.e. seven pounds sterling per
ton—on all goods carried inland from the several termini.

It is estimated that such a tax will produce an annual revenue
of about Sixteen Thousand Pounds, and with the existing one farthing
tax, which last year yielded nearly Six Thousand three hundred
pounds, will produce altogether about Twenty two thousand three
hundred pounds. The Country will at the same time be a pecuniary
gainer probably to the extent of twenty times that sum, simply
through the saving in the cost of transport.

4. I am now anxiously awaiting Your Grace's further instructions
concerning the loan for British Columbia, being by the instructions
contained in your Despatch No 107 of the 6th of March last,
precluded from taking any additional proceedings for borrowing
money under the Loan Proclamation.

This delay is unfortunate and Your Grace may conceive my
intense anxiety under the existing circumstances of the Colony,
and the difficulties which surround me.

5. The increasing Revenue of the Colony has hitherto enabled
me to meet all its existing liabilities, but the anticipated calls
upon the Treasury on account of the Roads commenced before the
arrival of Your Grace's said Despatch, have compelled me to resort
to the expedient of issuing promissory notes payable on demand at
the Treasury of British Columbia, the amount of which will be
strictly limited to the sum required, in addition to the ordinary
Revenue to complete those works.

The Road Contractors have agreed to receive all such notes
at par, and to keep them as long as possible afloat, by accepting
them as cash in their business transactions at a premium of one
per cent. The principal commercial houses in the Colony being
concerned in the contracts for these Roads, and the Government
Notes being issued to them as a loan to enable them to carry on
the work; and they being moreover chargeable with interest on
the notes when redeemed, under the arrangements explained in my
Despatch, marked "Separate" of the 15th April last, they have
a very strong inducement for keeping them in circulation, and
preventing their immediate return to the Treasury.

This plan will enable me to struggle through with our financial
difficulties until I am favoured with Your Grace's final instructions
respecting the loan.

6. I beg in conclusion to remark that Her Majesty's Government
have no real cause for alarm about the resources of the Colony or
the ultimate repayment of the loan, as I did not recommend the
measure until I had received the most satisfactory evidence of the
latent wealth of the Colony; and I should not have been so pressing
and urgent in my appeals for assistance had it been for a less
essential object than opening the internal communications of the
Country by which that wealth can alone be made available, and the
Colony rendered self supporting and independent of foreign aid,
so thoroughly indeed am I satisfied with the prospects of the
Colony, that I should have no hesitation, were that course open
to me, of embarking every farthing of my own private fortune on
the security it offers.



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FILE: 1862-05-29_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE14.txt
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Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle that under the circumstances represented in the
correspondence enclosed in your letter of the 5 Inst, My Lords
will not withhold their assent to the charge upon the Revenues
of British Columbia of the sum of £2,500 being one half of the sum required to fulfil the engagements made by the Attorney
General of Vancouvers Island for a fortnightly Steam Communication for the conveyance of the Mails between San Francisco and Victoria or Esquimalt for 6 Months from February to July, the
other half having been voted by the Legislature of Vancouver Island.

This charge will be an addition to the charge already
sanctioned upon the Revenue for 1862 according to the Estimate
submitted in your letter of 21 February last, and Their Lordships consider that the Governor should be instructed to limit the
amount of the expenditure provided therein for Public Works so
that the Revenue may be able to meet the additional charge.



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FILE: 1862-05-29_Laird_to_Newcastle_B626L01.txt
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Laird to Newcastle

I beg to enclose a letter that I have received from Mr C.R. Janion of Liverpool, a Merchant engaged in Trade with Van Couvers Island and British Columbia, pointing out the great
irregularity in the Postal Service between those Colonies and this
Country.

The great disadvantages these Colonies labour under from the
present irregular conveyance of the mails, is so clearly shown in
Mr Janion's letter that I hope it will be possible for the
Government to take some steps to remedy the evils complained of.

Mr Janion is a Merchant of the highest respectability,
carrying on business in Liverpool and having branch houses at
Vancouvers Island and other Ports in the Pacific.

I beg also to enclose copies of two documents forwarded to me
by Mr Janion—one being Plan of the proposed Postal route from
Panama to Vancouvers Island—the other copy of the Memorial
referred to in his letter.



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FILE: 1862-05-29_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627125.txt
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No. 125

I have the honor to appraize you of the close of the labours of the
Oregon Boundary Commissioner. Colonel Hawkins, the British
Commissioner, and Staff are expected in England during this Summer.

On the subject of the difficulty which in the 5th paragraph of your
Separate Despatch of the 28th of February 1861. You represent to have
arisen in consequence of a discrepancy between the Boundary Lines as
severally determined by the British and United State Commissioner, I
have the honor to enclose copy of an explanatory statement extracted
from a letter from Colonel Hawkins to Lord Russell.



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62028.txt
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No. 28, Military

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Despatch No 87 of
the 20th February last, acquainting me that the Secretary of State
for War has, on Your Grace's recommendation, authorized the issue of
a supply of Rifles for the use of the Volunteers of Vancouver Island,
of a description superior to the Brunswick Rifles recently sent out;
and that 500 stand of Rifles pattern 53, with a proper supply of
ammunition have accordingly been presented to the Colony.

2. I beg to assure Your Grace that your kind attention in thus
providing for the wants of the Colony in this respect, is highly
appreciated.

3. I will duly advise Your Grace so soon as the Arms may arrive.



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62029.txt
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No. 29

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Grace's Despatch No
90 of the 10th March, acquainting me that
you had acceded to an
application from Mr B.W. Pearse of the Surveyor General's Office for
an Extension for three months of his leave of absence from Vancouver Island on the ground of urgent private affairs.



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62030.txt
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No. 30

I have had the honour to receive your Despatch No 92 of the
21st March 1862, and I am gratified to
learn thereby that arrangements
have been made for landing in Vancouver Island two 68 pounder Guns,
which may be spared from Her Majesty's Ships "Bacchante" and
"Topaze".



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62031.txt
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No. 31

I would desire to address Your Grace upon the subject of the
Constitution of the Council established for Vancouver Island under
Her Majesty's Commission and Instructions addressed to me as Governor
of the Colony.

2. At the time that Council was constituted the circumstances of the
Colony differed materially from those of the present day. Then there
were no principal Executive Officers attached to the Government, and
the Council was necessarily entirely composed of private individuals
holding no office under the Government. Now however, I have around
me certain principal officers of the Government who should, ex
officio, form a distinct Executive Council. I have however, no
power to constitute them such, and were I to place them in the sole
Council authorized by my Instructions, it would, the Chief Justice
already being a Member of that Council, reduce the unofficial members
to two, and the people would then have just cause of complaint that
their interests were inadequately represented in the Upper
Legislative Body by unofficial members.

3. I would therefore submit to Your Grace that the time has arrived
when in this Colony, two Councils should be formed, an Executive, and
a Legislative. The Executive to consist of the undermentioned
officers,

The Colonial Secretary,

The Attorney General,

The Treasurer,

The Surveyor General,

The Legislative to consist of seven members as at present, with not
less than three unofficial
members. The members of the Executive Council, if not in the House
of Assembly as Representatives of the people, to be eligible for
appointment to the Legislative Council. The official members of the
Legislative Council to take precedency of the unofficial members,
and the two classes amongst themselves to take precedency in the
Council, the official according to the Colonial rank of their office,
the unofficial according to seniority of appointment.

4. I believe what I here propose is strictly according to the
practice followed in other Colonies similarly circumstanced to
Vancouver Island at the present time, and I therefore apprehend the
propriety of the arrangement will be so patent to Your Grace, that it
is unnecessary for me to dwell upon it at great length.



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627100.txt
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No. 100

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 4 of the 6th of February last, and to approve the course
you have taken in appropriating a sum of two thousand five hundred pounds [£2500] from the Revenues of British Columbia,
in addition to a like amount voted by the Legislature of Vancouver Island, in order to secure a direct
and regular communication with San Francisco.



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FILE: 1862-05-31_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627100A.txt
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[Separate]

This letter will be presented to you by Mr. James Davidson Walker
who is proceeding to Vancouver Island.

Mr. Walker is going out as Manager of the
Chartered Bank of British Columbia,
and is recommended to me by the Directors of the Bank at
whose request I write this letter. I have no doubt that you will be
happy to shew him any attention which you properly can.



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FILE: 1862-06-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62032.txt
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No. 32, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace Six copies of a
Pamphlet which has just been published by this Government with the
view of diffusing information concerning Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1862-06-02_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627101.txt
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No. 101

I have the honor to transmit to you copies of two letters which I
have received from Mr. Edward E. Langford containing allegations
affecting certain Government Officers in Vancouver Island and the administration of Justice in that Colony. I have to request that you
will submit these statements to Mr. Cameron, Mr. Begbie and Mr. Good to
whom they refer and that you will forward to me together with your own
observations whatever explanations these gentlemen may have to offer on
the subject.

Upon referring to your despatches in 1855 I find no allusion to
the circumstances affecting Mr. Cameron as detailed in the enclosures
to Mr. Langford's letter of the 21st May last. On this point I wish to receive a Report from you explaining how far this gentleman's
antecedents were known to you and if they are correctly stated by Mr.
Langford and his correspondents, how it happened that you took no
notice of them, at the time you recommended him for the Acting Chief Justiceship.

I observe that this appointment when created was regarded by you
as a mere temporary expedient and as I am of opinion that the time is
approaching when it will be necessary that Vancouver Island should
receive the services of a professional Judge; I should therefore wish
you to bring the question of making provision for his remuneration
before the local Legislature.



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FILE: 1862-06-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62028.txt
================================================================================

No. 28

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-06-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62033.txt
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No. 33

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-06-03_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE15.txt
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Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 22nd April
last, I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been
authorized to pay to Messrs. Cox & Co on account of Colonel
Moody, R.E. the sum of £300, being his Salary as Chief Commissioner of
Works in British Columbia, for Quarter to 31 Decr 1861.



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FILE: 1862-06-03_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE16.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 25 April last, I am
directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle,
that before giving any directions for the repayment to Naval
Services of the sum of £98.10, being freight claimed by the
owners of the "Thames City" for certain Hay and Oats shipped for
British Columbia but landed at Gravesend under orders from
Colonel Moody, Their Lordships wish to be informed whether Col
Moody's proceedings in the matter have been approved of by the
Department under whose instructions he was acting when making
arrangements for the departure of the Party of Royal Engineers
to that Colony.

My Lords would observe that at the request contained in
Mr Elliot's letter of the 11 November 1858, They paid to Col Moody the sum of £183.3.1 the value of certain Hay and
Oats purchased by him.

It now appears that the Forage was landed at Gravesend,
but it is not clearly shown how it was then disposed of or
whether the value, if returned to the contractor as surmised
in the letter from the War Department of 12 April last, has
been accounted for. My Lords request that enquiries may be
made into this matter, and that the value of the Forage, in
whatever manner it may have been accounted for may be repaid to
the Paymaster General on account of the Board.

Apart from this question it appears to Their Lordships that
the sum of £98.10 is a very high charge for the freight to
British Columbia of Forage of the value of £183.10, and They would wish to be furnished with an explanation from the Naval
Department in regard to the fairness of the charge.



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FILE: 1862-06-05_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE03.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 25th April 1861, in regard to the funds from which the extra pay issued by Governor Douglas to the
Royal Marines employed at San Juan Vancouvers Island is to be
defrayed I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majestys
Treasury to transmit herewith, for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle, copy of a letter addressed to the Admiralty on the 26
December 1861, with an extract from a letter from the War Department
dated 7 February last, with copies of three Accounts of the
Expenditure of the sums drawn for service connected with the
occupation of San Juan by a Party of Royal Marines—viz

Bill for £4000 for service - 9 Augt 1859 to 30 Sept 1860

" " £1800 " " 1 Octr to 31 Dec 1860

" " £3000 " " 1 Jany to 31 March 1861

____

6800

Including a balance of £2936-6-4 which it stated to be required
for arrears of Extra Pay.

I am also to transmit copy of a letter of this days date which My
Lord has addressed to the Admiralty.

His Grace will observe that a portion of the Expenditure included in
these Accounts, has been incurred for Civil Service, to the extent of
£491.1.11 the principal charge being for the salary of a Magistrate
at £250 a year.

Their Lordships wish to be informed whether this Salary and the other
Civil charges have received His Graces approval, and they would
remind His Grace that no provision has been made by Parliament for
any Civil Expenditure connected with the occupation of San Juan.

My Lords were under the impression until the receipt of these
Accounts that the Expenditure at San Juan, for which Bills have been
drawn by the Treasurer of Vancouvers Island had reference only to the
expenses of the Royal Marines.

As it now appears that certain expenses have been incurred
unconnected with Military or Naval Service, My Lords apprehend that
it will be necessary to make special provision, as well to meet the
Civil Expenditure up to the present time, as to cover the expenditure
to be incurred hereafter, if it is considered necessary to continue
the service of the Magistrate, and other Civil Expenses.



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FILE: 1862-06-05_Langford_to_Newcastle_V626L03.txt
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Langford to Newcastle

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from Mr
Fortescue of the 31st ulto, in which he states that, any charges
that I had to prefer against the Administration of Justice in
Vancouvers Island ought to have been brought forward in the Colonial
Legislature or transmitted through the Governor; in reply to these
remarks I beg to state that from the peculiar composition of the
small Legislative Assembly of Vancouver's Island an appeal to that
body would have been futile and that from the connection of Mr Good
and Mr Cameron with the Governor I felt that an application to his
Excellency would have been also useless.

Mr Fortescue remarks in his letter that my Statements are imperfect,
I must observe that, from the singular nature of those statements and
the position of the persons that they affect, it could scarcely be
expected that a complete chain of evidence could be produced in
England, but as regards the unfitness of Mr Cameron and the
impropriety of confiding the Supreme Judicial authority to his hands
I did think that the copies of the letters from the Sheriff-Clerk at
Perth and the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Demerara would have
been considered as fairly conclusive. I herewith give the simple
facts regarding the Chief Justice Mr Cameron which facts can be
proved by persons now living in this country; Mr Cameron is a man of
obscure origin with no legal education whatsoever and a very
imperfect general one, he was an uncertificated Bankrupt in Scotland
and was sometime afterwards discharged as an Insolvent debtor in
Demerara shortly before arriving in Vancouver Island. But for the
impropriety of such a person as Mr Cameron holding such a high and
responsible office, it is extrmely unlikely that I should ever have
had to try such grievances before Your Grace.

I can most unhesitatingly assert that the purity of Justice has been
entirely overthrown in Vancouvers Island, rendering the proceedings
in the Law Courts in the Colony the theme of scorn and derision among
the colonists as also throughout the American Territories in the
Pacific.

I have felt disappointed at the delay that has taken place in
instituting even the preliminary enquiries now about to be made, the
treatment that I received at Vancouver having been for me fraught
with serious loss and inconvenience.

It is important for me to remark that no allusion to Mr Cary the
Attorney General of Vancouvers Island as made by Mr C. Fortescue,
the charge against Mr Cary is, that he committed a fraud in his
professional capacity—and from which I know that he could not
exculpate himself before a qualified and impartial Judge.



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FILE: 1862-06-06_Hammond_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625FO01.txt
================================================================================

Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 2nd Ultimo, referring,
for His Lordship's consideration, a Despatch from the Governor of
British Columbia, making certain enquiries as to the rights of Great
Britain with regard to the Navigation of a river
flowing from the British Territory through Russian Territory.

I am to state to you in reply that His Lordship referred
the question to Her Majesty's Advocate General, a copy of whose
opinion on the subject is enclosed herewith for the Duke of
Newcastle's information; and I am to request that you will, in
laying the same before His Grace, express Lord Russell's opinion
that it would not be expedient at present to raise any question
on the subject with the Russian Government.



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FILE: 1862-06-06_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627102.txt
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No. 102

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
marked "Separate" of the 27th of March together with an Address of
Condolence from the Minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in
Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

You will acquaint the Ministry from whom this Address proceeds
that it has been laid before the Queen and you will convey to them Her
Majesty's acknowledgments for their loyal and pious expressions of
sympathy.



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FILE: 1862-06-06_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627103.txt
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No. 103

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
marked "Separate" of the 29th of March last together with an Address of
Condolence to the Queen from the Bishop and Clergy of the United Church
of England and Ireland in Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

You will acquaint the authors of the Address that it has been duly
laid before The Queen and that Her Majesty has derived much
satisfaction from their loyal sympathy and the devout consolation
tendered by them to Her in the affliction with which she has been
visited by Divine Providence.



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FILE: 1862-06-07_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627128.txt
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No. 128

With reference to my recent despatch No. 100 of the 31st of May,
sanctioning the appropriation which you had made of £2500 from the Revenue of British Columbia towards securing a direct postal
communication with San Francisco, I have the honor to remind you, at the request of the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury, that it will be necessary for you to curtail accordingly your projected expenditure on
public works, so as to enable the public funds to meet this additional charge.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-09_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI05.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to refer your Grace to the letter which I addressed
to you on the 15th April last
on the subject of the settlement of the Vancouvers Island Colony Accounts.

Not having been favoured with an Answer to that letter I feel
compelled to recur to the subject and to inform your Grace that as
the Hudsons Bay Company consider that interest is running on the
amount of their claim they trust that your Grace will see the
desirableness of having the matter brought to a settlement with as
little further delay as possible.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-09_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627127.txt
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No. 127

I have to acquaint you that the Colonial Agent General has apprized me that the articles supplied for your Government pursuant to the requisition transmitted in your despatches No. 2 and 3 of the 21st of January last, were shipped on board the vessels noted in the margin for conveyance to B. Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-09_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627127A.txt
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Separate

This letter will be presented to you by Dr. David Walker who is
proceeding to B. Columbia.

Dr. Walker, who has been recommended to me by Sir J. Emerson Tennent, was Surgeon and Naturalist on
board the "Fox" during Sir E. McClintock's exploring expedition in search of the remains
of Sir John Franklin. He is now going out to B. Columbia to prosecute the study
of Natural History and to make collections in the Colony. I do not doubt that you will be happy to afford him any attention or assistance in your power.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62028SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

No information of a reliable or very definite character
respecting the auriferous deposits on Stickeen River has been
received since the date of my Despatch to Your Grace marked
"Separate," of the 21st of January last.

2. The adventurers, to the number of one hundred and fifty
men, were, by late accounts, encamped at Point Rothsay near the
entrance of the Stickeen, awaiting the disappearance of the ice.
They had tried for gold at several points higher up the Stream,
in every instance with a favourable result, and it appears that
they were generally satisfied with their prospects.

3. They had met with no molestation whatever from the Native
Indian Tribes; and I infer from a communicatiion of the 7th of
April, addressed to me by the present Stickeen Chief, "Shakes,"
that the Miners continue to maintain a kind and friendly intercourse
with the Natives; so far therefore as regards the security of the
former from Indian aggression, their position is most favourable.

4. Many small Vessels are still fitting out at this place with
supplies and passengers for Stickeen; and I trust we shall soon
receive intelligence as to the true character and value of the
country as a productive gold field.

5. I have not hitherto deemed it necessary to take any overt
steps for the Government of the Stickeen Country, and I am in daily
expectation of Your Grace's instructions on the subject.

6. I herewith enclose a copy of a portion of Vancouver's Chart
of the North West Coast, on which I have traced the position of the
Stickeen River, shewing its course to a distance of 30 Miles from
the Coast, and also a sketch of the same portion of the River on a larger scale, shewing the main channel and depth of water up to
that point.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62034.txt
================================================================================

No. 34, Legislative

I have the honor of transmitting, herewith, for Her Majesty's
approval, six copies of an Act authorising the Governor of Vancouver Island and its Dependencies to borrow money for temporary purposes.

2. The object of this Act is to enable the Governor to meet the
demands upon the Treasury pending the collection of the Public
Revenue by means of temporary loans, not exceeding altogether the sum
of Four thousand pounds sterling (£4000), to be raised by Debentures,
payable within sixty days, at a rate of interest not to exceed one
and a half per cent, per month ([1] 1/2 per cent per month), that is
eighteen per cent per annum (18 per cent per annum).

3. Your Grace will no doubt be surprised at the sanction of a public
loan at the high rate of interest above quoted, and may possibly be
disposed to think that, in this instance, the Legislature have not
been sufficiently influenced by considerations of prudence and economy.

4. Such is not however the case; the Legislature deeming that
temporary loans are indispensable in the present financial condition
of the Colony for carrying on the service of Government with order
and regularity, and knowing that it might be found impossible to
raise money at a lower rate of interest than is usually taken in
private transactions, have simply authorised the measure in such a
form as to make certain of the end proposed, and every effort will be
made by publicly inviting tenders to procure the money at a lower
interest than the maximum rate prescribed by the Act.

5. The draft of this act was prepared by the Attorney General, whose
report will be forwarded when it comes to hand.



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FILE: 1862-06-10_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62035.txt
================================================================================

No. 35, Legislative

With reference to my Despatch No 22 of the 24th April last,
announcing the opening of the third Session of the Second Parliament
of Vancouver Island, I have now to communicate that shortly after its
first meeting the House of Assembly Entered upon the consideration of
the annual Estimates as submitted by my authority, and voted the
moneys, as per the accompanying Schedules [marginal note: Nos 1, 2,
3 & 4], amounting altogether to the Sum of Twenty five thousand four
hundred and fifty one Pounds (£25,451), for the service of the Year
1862—being Two Hundred and Sixty five pounds (£265) short of the
proposed Expenditure for that period; and the House is, I have no
doubt, prepared to grant any further Sums that the public exigencies
may demand.

2. The Legislature has, since the commencement of the Session, been
also engaged with matters of Great local interest, which I will bring
before Her Majesty's Government—should it appear necessary—at the
close of the Session—and have moreover passed an Act to authorize
the Governor to borrow money for temporary purposes, to which I have
given my assent.

There is nothing else of much importance connected with the
proceedings of the Legislature to communicate.



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FILE: 1862-06-10_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627131.txt
================================================================================

No. 131

With reference to my Despatch No. 123 of the 13th of May I
have the honor to transmit to you for your information and guidance a
copy of a letter which has this day been received from the Board of Treasury
relative to the mode of adjusting the financial questions
between Her Majesty's Government and the Colony of British Columbia, and
to your proposal for raising a loan with a view to the improvement of
the Colony.

You will now be at liberty to provide for the negociation of such a
loan to the extent of £50,000
in the manner pointed out by the Board of Treasury, and I have to instruct you to use
your utmost endeavors to effect the repayment of the various sums due to the Imperial Treasury
within the specified time.



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FILE: 1862-06-12_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627129.txt
================================================================================

No. 129

With reference to my Despatch No. 117 of the 23rd of April last on
the subject of certain Hay and Oats which were shipped on board the "Thames City"
in 1858, for British Columbia, but are stated to have been
afterwards unshipped at Gravesend by Colonel Moody's direction, I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Board or
Treasury and to request that you will communicate it to Colonel Moody
for any additional information which he may be able to offer.



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FILE: 1862-06-12_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627104.txt
================================================================================

No. 104

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 24 of the 16th of April last relative to the appropriation of the
portion of land at Victoria known as the Church Reserve.

For the reasons stated by you I have to signify my approval of the
arrangement you propose, and in which it appears from your despatch
that both the Bishop of Columbia and the Revd. Mr. Cridge concur, that
the portion of the ground designated as the Glebe should be conveyed to
Trustees for the benefit of the Church of England subject to the
charges specified by you.



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FILE: 1862-06-12_Scott_to_Secretary_of_State_B626S01.txt
================================================================================

Scott to Secretary of State for the Colonies

Alice Duffy received information from the "War Office" the
13th August 1861, that her Son "James Duffy" of the "Royal
Engineers" was frozen to death in British Columbia on the 9th
January in same year," his effects at the time of his death
consisted of over £58 and some landed property. She took out
letters of administration and received the above amt.

She is now anxious to know what is the nature of the landed
property which belonged to her Son at the time of his death. Viz
the acreage—the part of B. Columbia in which it is situated and
how she is to get possession of it and such information as you may
consider useful to Widow Alice Duffy.



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FILE: 1862-06-13_Helps_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625CO02.txt
================================================================================

Helps to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lord President of the Council to transmit to you
the enclosed Order of Her Majesty in Council of the 7th instant,
leaving to their operation twelve Acts passed in Vancouver Island
in July, Septr, October, November & December, 1861 & January and February, 1862 Nos: 42 to 53; and I am
to request that you will be pleased to lay the same before the
Secretary of State for the Colonial Department.



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FILE: 1862-06-15_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627130.txt
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No. 130

With reference to my Despatch of the 29th of May last I have the
honor to transmit to you a copy of a Report from Colonel Hawkins
detailing the proceedings of the Commission under his Command during the
Season 1861.

I have to direct your attention to the concluding paragraph of this
Report as Her Majesty's Government deem it most important that measures
should be at once taken for the preservation of the Boundary Monuments
and Cuttings, and I would suggest for your consideration whether some of
the Royal Engineers stationed in British Columbia could not be the
proper persons to undertake this service.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-16_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62029.txt
================================================================================

No. 29

I have had the honor to receive your despatch No 112 of the 17th March last referring to the appointment of Mr A.T.
Bushby as "Registrar General" of British Columbia, under the
"British Columbia Land Registry Act 1861" and calling for certain
further information in connection with this appointment.

2. With reference thereto, I beg to acquaint your Grace that
upon the appointment of Mr Bushby to the Office of Registrar
General he was relieved from his duties as Registrar of the Supreme
Court, and another gentleman (Mr G.C. Mathew as already reported)
was selected to perform them.
*
The continuation of the two offices
is not practicable, from the fact that the principal Office of the
Registrar General must be at the Capital, and that either he or his
deputy must be constantly present, while the Registrar of the Supreme
Court is for probably more than six months in the year and at uncertain
periods, absent from the Capital on Circuit with the Judge. To explain
this the more fully as well as to exhibit the varied duties of the
Registrar of the Supreme Court, I enclose copy of a letter—dated the
4th February 1861 addressed to me by Mr Begbie, bearing testimony
to the value of Mr Bushby's services as Registrar of the Supreme
Court and soliciting for him an increase of salary. It was owing
to this and to previous and subsequent strong recommendations from
Mr Begbie, that I was induced to select Mr Bushby for the very
responsible Office of "Registrar General."

3. With regard to the Salary, Five Hundred Pounds per annum,
I assure your Grace that in this country it is really not justly
commensurate to the responsibility of the Office. It cannot, indeed,
be considered equivalent to a salary of Three hundred Pounds per
annum in England, for although at present at New Westminster the
common articles of food are moderately cheap—that is to say Beef
is 1s/- per pound, and Bread -/4d per lb—yet House Rent,
and Servants wages, and many other necessary requirements, are so
extravagantly high, an ill built wooden tenement, not containing
the accommodation afforded in England by a brick house of from
£15 to £20 annual rental, commanding a rent of £120 per annum,
and a very ordinary servant being difficult to obtain at the wages
of £84 a year while the cost of washing is from 6s/- to 8s/-
dozen. I trust your Grace will pardon my entering into these
particulars, but I do so to shew that in fixing salaries, as well
as in all other matters of expenditure, I have endeavoured to
practice the strictest economy compatible with enabling the Officers
of the Government to live as gentlemen.

4. In reply to your Grace's enquiry as to whether a Deputy
Registrar is necessary for the execution of the provisions of the
Law, I have the honor to acquaint you that up to the present time
no such appointment has been made. As business increases and
Registration extends, such an Officer will be indispensable, but
as a present expedient, the Registrar General forming the whole
of the Establishment and the services of a second person being
requisite to compare the copies registered with the Original deeds,
I have authorized the employment of the Attorney General's Clerk,
granting him an allowance at the rate of £50 per annum for the
extra duty imposed upon him, which I believe is the most economical
arrangement it is possible to adopt.

5. From the date of opening the Office 1st Novr 1861, till the end of the last month there have been registered 163 Deeds containing 78,300 words or 783 folios of 100 words each, and the business of the office is steadily on the increase.



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FILE: 1862-06-16_Irving_to_Newcastle_V626I01.txt
================================================================================

Irving to Newcastle

I had the honor to receive an official letter dated the 10th October 1861 in reply to a communication of mine of the 23rd Sept in which
your Grace is pleased to state that my letter would be referred to the
Governor of Vancouver's Island and that I should be apprized of the
decision arrived at in the matter.

Trusting to be favored with an early reply.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627105.txt
================================================================================

No. 105

I have received and have had under my consideration twelve Acts
passed by the Legislature of Vancouver Island in the months of July, Sepr., Novr., Decr., Jany. & Feby. last, and transmitted to me in your
Despatch noted in the Margin [Marginal note: Nos. 42 to 53, No. 9—11th
Feby/62].

I have reported to Her Majesty in Council my opinion that the said
Acts should be left to their operation: and I have the honor to
transmit to you herewith an Order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the
7th Instant approving that Report.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-16_Peel_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B625TE17.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle that Their Lordships have had under Their attentive
consideration the measures proposed in your letters noted in
the margin
*
for the adjustment of the financial difficulties
of British Columbia.

Their Lordships fully recognize the obligation of co-operating
with His Grace, as far as is consistent with Their duty to the
Public in this Country for this purpose, and in endeavouring to
place the affairs of that Colony on a sound and satisfactory footing.

With this view My Lords deem it advisable to re-state the
position of the Colony in its financial relation to the
Imperial Government for the years 1859 and 1860.

In these years Parliament having voted £38,000 for the
maintenance of the Royal Engineers on service in British Columbia,
the Bills drawn by the Governor on account of the Engineers
amounted to £60,026, leaving a debt as against the Colony,
under this head, for these two years, of no less a sum than
£22,026, as adverted to in your letter of 22 April. There is
also the sum of £6,900 due to Her Majesty's Government for
the Silver Specie sent out in 1860, and for which there was an
engagement on the part of the Governor that a corresponding
amount of the Parliamentary Grant should be undrawn and there
are the following sums chargeable to the Colony, vizt

£152. 3.8 for the Assay Office

34. 6. Passages of

 35. 7.  the Bishop

£221.16.8

With regard to the £22,026, the Duke of Newcastle in Sir F. Rogers' letter of 22nd March urges that a portion of this
excess (amounting so far as can be at present ascertained to
£11,322) being for the extra cost of the Supplies necessary
for the use of the Royal Engineers should be defrayed from
Imperial resources, while His Grace admits that the remainder,
vizt £10,704 incurred in connection with the employment
of the Corps on Public Works, Roads, Bridges, and Surveys is
properly chargeable against the Colony as a debt.

Assuming this calculation to be correct, My Lords are
prepared to accede to His Grace's proposition in this respect
upon the clear understanding that this sum of £10,704 shall be
repaid by the Colony in the year 1863.

With regard to the £6,900 and the £221.16.8, My Lords
are under the necessity of requiring that they shall be repaid
during the present year.

My Lords admit the importance of developing the resources
of the Colony by Roads and other public works, and although
the Colonial Revenue for the present year does not seem over
estimated at £90,000, yet after deducting the fixed charges
together with the repayment of £7,121.16.8 to Her Majesty's
Government as already referred to, and the share which the
Colony will have to bear this year of the cost of the Royal
Engineers, a less sum perhaps will remain available for
Public Works and Roads than it may be for the interest of
the Colony to expend in that manner.

My Lords will therefore not object to the necessary steps
being taken to raise a Loan not exceeding £50,000 with a
provision for a Sinking Fund.

The Proclamation already issued by the Governor for
raising a Loan being defective in several particulars, Their
Lordships annex a Memorandum with reference to the Roads
Loan Act of 1861, shewing the amendments necessary for enabling
the Agents to raise money in this Country, also a draft clause
relating to provision for a Sinking Fund, with a form of
Debenture, and They request that the Duke of Newcastle will
convey the necessary instructions to the Governor to pass an
amended Proclamation accordingly.

With regard to the year 1861, My Lords observe that the
Bills drawn by the Governor for the Colonial Pay for the
Royal Engineers amount to £11,000, which is the sum provided
in the Votes of Parliament for the year 1861-62. My Lords
therefore observe that no overdrafts have been made by the
Governor in respect of the past year.

During the current year the Governor has already drawn to the extent
of £4,000 against the sum of £7,200 provided in the Estimates.

These Bills appear to have been drawn previously to the
receipt of His Grace's instructions of February last, limiting
the amount of the Parliamentary Grant for the Colonial Pay of
the Royal Engineers to £7,200.

My Lords cannot conclude this communication without
conveying to the Duke of Newcastle Their dissatisfaction at
the course taken by the Governor in drawing upon the Imperial
Government apparently without regard to the sums voted by
Parliament, and for his omitting to pay for the Specie
according to his instructions, and the promise made in his
Despatch of 8 Febry 1861.

My Lords make it a condition of Their assent to the course
recommended by the Duke of Newcastle that the Governor shall for the
future keep strictly within the limits of the sums
voted by Parliament.

His Grace has already warned him that if His Grace's
instructions on this head shall be again disregarded, he
must be prepared to be held personally responsible for the
consequences, and it will be Their Lordship's duty, in future,
whatever may be the inconvenience to the Colony, to refuse
payment of any Bills in excess of the Grants to the credit of the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-17_McMaster_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B626M05.txt
================================================================================

McMaster to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

Will you be good enough to inform me if any further dispatch
from Governor Douglas British Columbia containing a report of a
reconnaissance by Captain Parsons & a party of Royal Engineers of
the Country on the Smess & Chilwayhook rivers alluded to by
Governor Douglas in paragraph No 10 of his dispatch May 31/60 &
contd in Blue book entitled further papers relative to the affairs of British Cola part 4 presented to parliament Mar 1862 has been received & if so if it is printed & obtainable or if not
printed could I see a copy of it if I should go to London.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-17_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627132.txt
================================================================================

No. 132

I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from Mr.
Alexander Scott relative to some landed property stated to have been
left by James Duffy of the Royal Engineers, who died in British Columbia on the 9th of January 1861, and I have to request that you will
cause enquiry to be made respecting this land, and report to me the
result.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-18_Cox_&_Co._to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C05.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We have the honor to transmit, herewith, a certificate
showing that Colonel R.C. Moody, R.E. was alive and in the
exercise of his duties, as Chief Commissioner of Works for British Columbia, on 5th April last, and beg that the usual authority
may issue to the Paymaster General's Office for the payment of
that officer's salary, March quarter 1862.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627133.txt
================================================================================

No. 133

I have the honor to request that you will acquaint the Municipal
Council of New Westminster that their Address of Condolence to the
Queen, forwarded with your despatch "Separate" of the 13th of March,
has been duly laid before Her Majesty, and that you will assure them that
its expressions of loyal sympathy are fully appreciated by Her Majesty.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627106.txt
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No. 106

With reference to my despatch No. 101 of the 2nd Instant, I transmit to you a copy of a further letter from Mr. Edward E. Langford,
and I have to instruct you to submit the statement affecting Mr. Cary,
the Attorney General of Vancouver Island, to that Gentleman, for any observations which he may have to make upon it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627107.txt
================================================================================

No. 107

With reference to my despatch No. 72 of the 9th of October last, I
have to request that you will furnish me with a report upon the subject of Mr. John Irving's application.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-20_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE04.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliots letter of the 25 March last, to your
letter of 16 Inst, and other correspondence, I am directed by the
Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for
the information of the Duke of Newcastle that My Lords have given
full consideration to the Report of Mr Murdoch of 18 March last as
well as the other communications and have conferred further with Mr
Andoe as to the amount which may properly be offered to the Hudsons
Bay Company in full of all their demands as administrators of the
Government of Vancouver Island.

His Grace suggests in Mr Elliots letter that looking to the
importance of putting an end amicably to the outstanding questions
between Her Majesty's Government and the Company, in addition to the
advance already made of £25,000 a payment of £35,000 should be
sanctioned. My Lords concur with His Grace that in the interests of
the Colony it is desirable that the matter should be brought to a
speedy settlement, but they have to observe that after a very careful
and minute investigation by Mr Andoe, and a reference of his Report
to Mr Murdoch, and a further Report, after consideration of Mr
Murdoch's remarks, by Mr Andoe, it appears that both Gentlemen
arrive at nearly the same conclusion, viz that the Balance properly
payable to the Company may be taken at about £25,000.

Their Lordships likewise have fully considered the Reports of those
gentlemen and the other documents on the subject, and concurring
generally in their views would not feel justified in sanctioning the
payment of £35,000.

My Lords desire however further to remark with reference to the
objects and character of the expenditure out of which the claims of
the company arise, and with reference more particularly to some of
the Items in these claims, such as the Commission on the amount of
Land Sales received by the Governor and applied to the Expenses of
the Colony, that a portion at least of the balance which Her
Majesty's Government may now agree to pay in liquidation of the
claims of the company should be defrayed out of Colonial Funds, and
although My Lords cannot admit that the claims of the Company are
established to an extent much exceeding £25,000, yet with a view to
the advantage of the Colony from an early and amicable settlement,
Their Lordships will not object to pay the Company the sum of £30,000
in full satisfaction of all their claims, with a clear understanding
that £5000 of that Amount is to be considered as an advance repayable
by the Colony at the earliest possible opportunity.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-24_Nind_to_Newcastle_B626N02.txt
================================================================================

Nind to Newcastle

I have the honour to inform your Grace that having been under
medical treatment for a nervous disorder since I arrived in
England from British Columbia in March and that any recovery being
still postponed, I am recommended to apply for an extension of
leave until the spring of next year by my medical adviser Dr Gull from whom I enclose an opinion.
*

Feeling that under the circumstances a complete restoration to
health is essential to the proper fulfilment of my duties in
British Columbia, I trust your Grace will not deem it inexpedient
to increase the length of my furlough to the time recommended. My
address for the next fortnight will be 8 Guildford Street, Russell
Square.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-25_Hammond_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625FO02.txt
================================================================================

Memo, Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Mr Hammond presents his compliments to
Sir Frederic Rogers and, with
reference to the Letter from the Colonial Office of the
10th Instant
is directed by Earl Russell to state, for the information of His
Grace The Duke of Newcastle that the Queen's Exequatur
empowering Mr
Allen Francis to act as United States' Consul at Victoria,
Vancouver's Island, has this day received Her Majesty's Signature.

The notification of Her Majesty's Approval of Mr Francis'
Appointment will appear in the "Gazette" of the 27th Instant.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-25_Nind_to_Newcastle_B626N03.txt
================================================================================

Nind to Newcastle

I have the honour to forward to you an opinion from Dr Gull referred to in my letter of yesterday to your Grace which
through inadvertence was omitted to be enclosed.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-26_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI06.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Fortescue's
letter of the 21st on the subject of the questions pending between Her Majestys Government and the Hudsons Bay Company respecting the amount to be repaid to the Company on the resumption of Vancouver's Island by the Crown—and in reply I venture to request that your Grace will favor me with an interview at an early date when I hope we shall be able to arrive at a final settlement of those claims.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-26_Paget_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD03.txt
================================================================================

Paget to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 14th Instant requesting
to be furnished with any information or remarks, which my Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty can afford, on the propriety of
the charge made for the freight of Hay and Oats shipped on board
the "Thames City," in 1858 for British Columbia, and afterwards
landed at Gravesend by
Colonel Moody's direction; the charge for Freight being £98.10 whilst the value of the goods appears
to have been only £183.3.1; I am commanded by their Lordships
to acquaint you, for the information of His Grace the Duke of
Newcastle, that the amount paid for the freight of the Stores
in question or any other goods, is necessarily irrespective of
their value; and that the Rate agreed upon in the case of the
"Thames City" viz. £4.18.6 per ton was the lowest that could be obtained, and has since been frequently exceeded in forwarding
Stores to Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1862-06-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62036.txt
================================================================================

No. 36, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Sir F. Rogers despatch
of the 16th April No 94 transmitting an application from the
Honourable James K. Howard one of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Woods and Forrests

for half a hundred weight of the seed of the Douglas Fir to be sent
to England by next spring, and that the same quantity may be supplied
for a few successive years, and I beg to acquaint your Grace that I
will take immediate steps to meet the views of the Commissioners of
Woods and Forrests in this respect.

2. From the experience we have of sending these seeds to England it
is found that Separating the seeds from the cones exposes them to
climatic and other injurious influences, and it is therefore
requisite to send the cones entire. I will cause a collection to be
carefully made and have the cones put up in water tight casks for
Shipment to England, which arrangement, though more expensive, will
be repaid by the seeds being received in a perfect state of preservation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-28_Lightfoot_to_Newcastle_B626L02.txt
================================================================================

Lightfoot to Newcastle

As an intending emigrant to British Columbia I am naturally
desirous of acquainting myself, with the History resources & details
of that Colony previous to my departure from England. I therefore
take the great liberty of addressing myself direct to Your Grace,
for the purpose of requesting that you would cause me to be
referred to the best sources of information on the subject,
whether books, or otherwise.

I shall be "called to the Bar" in Michaelmas Term of the
present year, after which it is my intention to proceed at once to
British Columbia.

I have been for many years engaged very extensively in
Mercantile pursuits (chiefly between this Country & India and the
Colonies) prior to studying for the Bar; and am perfectly and
practically (from great experience) versed in all the principles
and usages of Trade & Commerce, Shipping, &c &c.

I speak four European Languages besides English, and though I
know not how far such qualifications would be useful in such a
Colony, in the hope of rendering them available for acquiring an
independence, and at the same time possibly making them useful to
others I am very desirious of as far as by any means is
attainable, adding to my store of local information.

May I therefore be permitted to beg of your Grace that you
would at this same time pardon my (I fear) unusual request, and
cause me to be furnished with references to the information I am
searching after.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-30_Haslewood_to_Colonial_Office_B626H02.txt
================================================================================

Haslewood to Colonial Office

Will you have the kindness to let me know how to proceed in
the following case.

My son who has been several years at Sea is anxious to
Emigrate to British Columbia. He is a very experienced man can do
all that sailors do on bd ship and is handy at every thing a
good Tailor Painter & Sewer. Can you send me any papers on this
Subject and what advantages are offered to those who choose to
Emigrate. As I am the Mother of Seven sons the Expense is of
importance. His brother a fine lad of 15 Wishes to accompany his
brother. My sailor son has just done with my Garden in first rate
style indeed he does every thing well.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-30_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN08.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 26th instant, with one from the
Treasury dissenting from the Duke of Newcastle's proposal to offer
the Hudsons Bay Co £35,000, but consenting to the offer to them of
£30,000, in addition to the £25,000 already paid, in full of all their
claims on the resumption by the Crown of Vancouvers Island—on
condition that £5000 of that amount be considered as an advance
repayable by the Colony at the earliest possible opportunity.

2. I see no objection to the payment of a portion of the repurchase
money out of the Funds of the Colony provided the essential interests
of the Colony are not thereby interfered with. The expenditure of
the Company must have been beneficial to the Colony and there is no
injustice in requiring the Colonists to contribute towards the
expense of the benefits they thus obtain. But whether the Hudson's Bay Co
will be willing to accept the amount proposed by the Treasury
is more open to question. The whole amount of their outstanding
claim is upwards of £49,000, and although we have reason to know that
they would compromize that claim for £35,000 they have peremptorily
refused to accept any less sum. It is of course needless to
speculate on the steps to be taken should they refuse the proposal
[marginal note: made on the (1?) June last]

about to be made to them, but it would be unwise to assume that they
will certainly accept it.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-06-30_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627108.txt
================================================================================

No. 108

With reference to your despatch No. 13 of the 13th of March, I
have the honor to acquaint you that the Queen's Exequator empowering
Mr. Allen Francis to act as United States Consul at Victoria has
received Her Majesty's signature.

The notification of Her Majesty's approval of Mr. Francis' appointment appears in the Gazette of the 27th instant.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-07-01_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE18.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 24th inst.
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been
authorized to pay to Messrs. Cox & Co on behalf of Col. Moody,
the sum of £300, as Salary as Chief Commissioner of Lands and
Works in British Columbia for Quarter to 31 March last, at the
rate of £1,200 per annum.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-07-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627133A.txt
================================================================================

Confidential

I have the acknowledge the receipt of your despatch marked
"Separate" of the 21st of January last, and with reference to that
portion of it which relates to the rights of Great Britain, under the
Treaty with Russia of the 28th of April 1825, to navigate a river
flowing from British and through Russian Territory, I enclose for your
information a copy of a Report of H.M.'s Advocate General.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is of opinion that it
would not be expedient at present to raise any question on the subject
with the Russian Government, and you will not of course give publicity
in any way to the Report of the Queen's Advocate.

As to the Government of the Territory belonging to Great Britain,
which is beyond the limits of British Columbia concerning which you ask
for instructions I have to inform you that, in the opinion of H.M.'s
Government, the moment has not arrived for considering the establishment
of a separate Government.

I shall address you hereafter respecting the mode of providing if
necessary for the temporary Administration of Justice in Gold producing
territories beyond the limits of B. Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-07-03_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627109.txt
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No. 109

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
22 of the 24th of April enclosing a copy of the speech with which you
opened the Legislative session of Vancouver Island and of the Address
which you received in reply.



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FILE: 1862-07-03_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE19.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit Copy of a Report received from The Commissioners
of Audit, dated 16th May, having reference to the accounts for
British Columbia to 31 December 1859, with Copies of Statements
A, B, and C, and to request you will move the Duke of Newcastle to
favor their Lordships with his opinion whether, under the circumstances
stated by The Commissioners of Audit, the several fragments to which
attention is drawn should be allowed.

With regard to the Military Expenditure from September 1858 to
June 1859, amounting to Seventeen thousand and forty six pounds,
three shillings and two pence (£17,046.3.2), the particulars of which are
given in Statement C, and which expenditure was reserved "as Subject to
allowance or disallowance hereafter by Her Majesty's Government,"
it appears to their Lordships that the same forms a portion of the
General Military and other Expenditure which is to be adjusted between
the Imperial and Colonial Governments in accordance with the
arrangements which formed the subject of Mr Fortescue's letter
of 22nd April and the reply of this Board of 16th Ulto.

It is requested that the State of Account may be returned to
this Department.



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FILE: 1862-07-04_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI07.txt
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Berens to Newcastle

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Under Secretary
Fortescue's letter of the 21st ultimo on the subject of the amount to be paid to this Company in the resumption of Her Majestys
Government of Vancouvers Island and by which it is proposed that the
Company should accept the sum of £30,000 in addition to what they
have already received in full of all claims in connection with their
outlay on the Island.

Although this Company are exceedingly desirous to come to a
settlement with Her Majestys Government of their claims for their
advances they really do not feel that they ought to be called upon to
make the large sacrifice that would be entailed upon them by the
acceptance of the sum proposed.

Your Grace is aware that upon the Accounts last sent in by this
Company they made a balance due to them of £55,569.14.2 but upon the
investigation which took place at the desire of Her Majestys
Government by Mr Andoe he suggested that this amount was subject to
reductions amounting to £26,157.3.10 thereby reducing the sum payable
to this Company to £27,412.10.4.

As Mr Andoe has furnished the particulars of the reductions he has
made from the Account rendered by the Company I feel confident that
upon consideration your Grace will feel that many of these deductions
are not warranted and ought not to be asked.

Mr Andoe takes off in a lump various sums claimed by the Company in
respect of payments made by them in the Island which in the first
instance had been charged to their own establishment but which
manifestly had reference to the Government of the Island as well as
to their own affairs. These sums amount to £15,123.19.3 the whole of
which is disallowed by Mr Andoe, and as this Company had not in the
first instance brought forward this claim not being aware of the mode
in which the Accounts had been kept in the Island the Company are
prepared (to avoid further discussion) to forego the whole of it.

The other items however which make up the £26,157.3.10 are of a
nature to which I apprehend there can be really no objection.

The first is a sum of £2,405.13.10 being the Commission on sales of
Land actually made by this Company at the rate provided in the Grant
of the Island. The purchase monies on these sales were made payable
with the sanction of the Colonial Office by instalments at stated
periods which had not expired at the time the Government gave notice
of resuming the Island but as the Commission is payable for effecting
the Sales I apprehend there can be no question as to the Companys
right to be allowed it.

There are two sums charged for interest amounting together to
£3960.5.9 the whole of which Mr Andoe has disallowed upon what
ground I cannot understand as I conceive there can be no question as
to the right of this Company to be allowed interest upon the advances
they have made.

The remaining deduction is a sum of £4,667.5.0 which is termed
"excess in the charge for Settlers."

In the Accounts first sent in by this Company the charge for sending
out Settlers was estimated at £23 per head and the charge was made at
that rate for 350 being one half the number actually sent out, it
being supposed that the other half would be engaged by the Puget
Sound Company and upon this number of 350 the wages and maintenance
for one year was estimated at £50 each giving a total charge of
£25,550. It afterwards turned out that the Puget Sound Company did
not engage the number expected, and the actual number chargeable as
Settlers was 551 1/2 which at £23 per head, amounted to £12,717.5.0.
But it was found that the charge of £50 per head for wages and
maintenance exceeded the actual outlay which in fact amounted only to
about £25 per head so that the reduction in the charge for wages and
maintenance was just about equal to the charge for the increase in
the number of the Settlers.

For some reason which I cannot understand Mr Andoe proposes to adopt
the reduction in the rate of charge for wages and maintenance but not
to allow the increase in the actual number of Settlers and thus he
contends that there was an overcharge for Settlers to the amount of
£4667.5.0.

This proceeding appears so entirely untenable that I feel satisfied
that it only requires to be explained to be set right.

The result of the figures I have stated would be to make the
Company's claim amount to £38,445.14.11 but in order to put an end to
further discussion the Company have very reluctantly agreed to accept
£35,000 in full.

I trust that your Grace will consider that in doing so they are
making a very great sacrifice and that you will therefore be pleased
to direct the immediate payment to them of the £30,000 already voted
by the House of Commons and that in the next Session of Parliament
you will bring forward their claim for the remaining £5,000.



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FILE: 1862-07-04_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627110.txt
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No. 110

I have had the honor to receive your despatch No. 24 of the 13th
of May, containing an answer to my despatch of the 24th of February
last, relative to your having appointed the late Mr. D'Ewes to an
office at Victoria.

The circumstances which you mention account for your having
conferred the appointment on him, and your explanation is quite
satisfactory.



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FILE: 1862-07-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62030.txt
================================================================================

No. 30

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-07-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62037.txt
================================================================================

No. 37

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-07-08_Ward_to_Colonial_Office_B626W01.txt
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Ward to Colonial Office

The writer a respectable middle aged Widow, active and
energetic, and her Daughter (over 20 years of age) trained to
business and all kinds of household and domestic duties, finding
it difficult to earn a livelihood here have been anxious for some
time to emigrate and having lately had their attention turned to
British Columbia. It would confer a very great favor if Sir F. Rodgers, would kindly inform them if they would be taken there on
payment of a small sum.

Should assistance be given a number of respectable girls
would gladly emigrate there, under the Matronship of Mrs Ward who is well known throughout the North of Ireland and who could
obtain a great number of references as to her character and
suitability to fill that situation—

Lord Robt Montague

The Earl of Antrim

Admiral Bruce

Sir J. Haygate Bart

The Bishop of Londonderry

Sir H.H. Bruce Bart &c

All or any of the foregoing Mrs Ward can with confidence
refer to. It would confer a boon not only on the writer but on
many struggling females if Sir F. Rodgers can point out (if not in
his own power) the plan to pursue to get to a Country where their
labour would be remunerated.



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FILE: 1862-07-09_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62030SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have much satisfaction in communicating for your Grace's
information that intelligence was this morning received, by the
arrival of the Sloop "North Star," from Stickeen of the continued
welfare of Her Majesty's Subjects in that quarter.

2. In addition to the statements of the Master of that vessel,
a number of private communications have been received from the miners by
their friends at this place, which furnish much valuable and apparently
reliable information respecting Stickeen and its resources.

3. It appears by these reports that the mines are not yet
fairly started, for no sooner had the ice disappeared, and the
mining claims been selected and opened, than the freshets swollen
by the mountain snow, set in with violence, flooding all the River
Bars, and compelling the reluctant miners to suspend for a time
their productive labours. The yield of gold is said to have,
therefore, not been large, yet the miners do not complain, but are,
on the contrary, full of hope, being now convinced from the
researches made, and from their own experience, that the country
does actually possess large auriferous resources, a few, moreover,
are said to have realized handsome sums, especially one party of
two men, who, in the interval between the departure of the ice and
the rising of the river, a period of about seven days, succeeded
in taking out of their claim six hundred and seventy-five dollars
worth of gold.

4. The miners who have visited Stickeen appear to have formed
a very favorable opinion of the Country, believing that it contains
rich and extensive deposits of gold, no less so, indeed than those
existing in the valleys watered by the Fraser and its tributaries, an opinion which
derives force and
corroboration from the number of places, both River Bars and Bank Claims, which have been successfully tested.

5. Several small bodies of miners are engaged in constructing
flumes and making other preparations for the steady and vigorous
prosecution of their arduous labours.

6. The Stickeen trade already gives employment to a number
of small sail vessels which are continually plying to and from
this place. The Stern wheel Steamer
"Flying Dutchman," lately
employed in Fraser River, is now plying on the Stickeen, and has
successfully accomplished its ascent to the distance of 140 miles
from the sea. The great ambition of her enterprising owner being
now to reach the "Upper Narrows" (Big Canon) about 160 miles from
the sea, which is considered as the head of Steam Boat navigation,
the river beyond that point being inaccessible to craft larger than
boats and Canoes.

7. I enclose cuttings from the British Colonist of the 9th
instant, conveying further
information relative to the new gold
field which may be interesting to your Grace.

8. No communication whatever relative to the Stickeen, has
hitherto passed between my Government and the Governor of the
Russian American Company's Possessions on this Coast. I have not
considered it expedient to enter into any explanations, nor has
that officer demanded information on the subject, nor made any
attempt to interfere with British Subjects proceeding to the Stickeen River.
I have now however made
arrangements with Admiral
Sir Thomas Maitland to despatch one of Her Majesty's Ships on a
complimentary visit to the Governor of the Russian Settlement of
Sitka, to assure him of the friendly sentiments of Her Majesty's Government,
and of our earnest wish to avoid every cause of
difference, and to co-operate cordially with him in maintaining
peace and order.

9. Before closing this Despatch I have further to remark,
that, slender as is our knowledge of the general features and
resources of Stickeen, and imperfectly as it has hitherto been
explored, there is in my opinion a sufficient attraction in the
simple fact, now so clearly established, of the existence of gold
in remunerative quantities to draw a mining population to the
Country; and the experienced miner has something stronger even
than that fact to build his hopes upon; he sees in it an earnest
of further and more valuable discoveries probably of rich deposits
of heavy gold at remoter points, from whence the smaller particles
descending through the force of floods, and torrents, have
gradually settled in the sands and flats of rivers. The drift
gold is thus prized not only for its intrinsic worth, but as being
also an evidence of the existence of richer deposits; and I have
long entertained the opinion that were the researches of science
practically directed to the advancement of this branch of knowledge
data might be found in the character and indications of the soil,
that would conduct, by inerring process, from the outpouring as it
were, of the lead, to the parent mines.

10. Under these circumstances the Stickeen can hardly fail to
become the resort of a mining population, and Her Majesty's
Government will no doubt consider it necessary, ere disorders arise,
to take measures for the government of the Country.

11. All that perhaps is necessary for the present to secure
tranquility until more formal action can be taken by Parliament, is
to empower me to extend the Laws in force in British Columbia to
all parts of Her Majesty's Dominions west of the Rocky Mountains,
not included within the limits of any other Colony.



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FILE: 1862-07-09_Hosken_to_Secretary_of_State_V626H01.txt
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Hosken to Secretary of State

Having been informed that there is a good opening for young men in
VanCouver's Island and that Government has generously seconded the
efforts of all those who are anxious to go there, I should Esteem it a
great favor if you cd kindly send me all necessary information as to
what Government guarantees to do in the matter.

I address you in behalf of a young man from the Blue Coal School,
whence he has borne the highest Testimonies. Age 16. Is at the
present moment engaged in an office. Awaiting the favor of an early
reply.



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FILE: 1862-07-12_Henson_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625MI05.txt
================================================================================

Henson to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 11th Instant, together with enclosure dated
Quebec 9th June.

I have also received from St Pauls and Red River letters
from our Agents on the Spot informing me that 150 emigrants (not forwarded by this Company) have started this year Overland for
British Columbia by the Saskatchewan route and that others are following.

So fully impressed were the Company with the importance of
their passengers getting through safely, that we wrote to our Agent Mr Hime
at St Pauls, that should he find any real, or
serious difficulty presented, he was authorised to send our
passengers via the United States Overland Route, or the Panama
Route notwithstanding the heavy expense which would be incurred
thereby. We advised our Agent on receipt of letter from Colonial
Office enclosing extract from Red River respecting the Cereal Crops,
and instructed him to well enquire into the matter before letting
the passengers start by that route.

Mr James Hayward whom we sent as through Agent, received
similar instructions, and our Agent at Quebec has also had
instructions forwarded to him, that in the event of apprehended
danger on the route to send the passengers per "United Kingdom
Steamship," via Panama, and to draw upon the Company for such
extra expenses.

We are fully cognisant of the importance of this question,
and have given by every Mail very careful instruction to our
Agents. We must remark at the same time that the most
contradictory, and conflicting accounts respecting this route
have reached us. The Red River Newspapers and a portion of
the Canadian Press represent the route as the most advantageous
and practicable on the Continent, while other Newspapers give a
contrary opinion.

We have in our possession letters from Mr Dawson offering
to Amalgamate his Company "The North West Navigation &c Compy"
with the "British Columbia Overland Company" and eulogising the route
in the most confident terms. What are we to believe with such
facts before one?



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FILE: 1862-07-12_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN09.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 10th instant enclosing a
further letter from the Hudsons Bay Co on the subject of the amount
to which they are entitled on the resumption of Vancouvers Island by
the Crown.

2. I do not see that I can add anything on this subject to what is
stated in my report of 18th March last. No new statements or
arguments are brought forward in the present letter from the Company,
and I continue to think that a payment of from £30,000 to £32,000
would meet the justice of their claim. At the same time it would
appear to me very bad economy, irrespective of all questions of
policy, to incur the expense of legal proceedings for the sake of the
difference between that sum and the amount which the Company are
willing to accept—and if the Company are determined, I do not see
how, without legal proceedings, they can be compelled to retransfer
Vancouvers Island. But I presume that the Duke of Newcastle will call on Mr Andoe to report on the present letter from the Company
before any conclusion is come to upon it.



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FILE: 1862-07-12_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627111.txt
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No. 111

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
20 of the 4th of April enclosing an Address of Condolence to the Queen from the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island.

I have to request that you will acquaint them that their Address
has been duly laid before the Queen and that Her Majesty was pleased to
receive it very graciously, and derived much satisfaction from the
assurances of sympathy with Her and with the Royal Family expressed by
the Legislative Assembly.



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FILE: 1862-07-14_Bowring_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625TA01.txt
================================================================================

Bowring to Under-Secretary of State

With reference to the letter from the Department of the 23rd May
1861 in which it was stated that a Statement would be forwarded of
the sum expended in respect of the Stores supplied for the Lighthouses at Vancouvers Island I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade to acquaint you that the
following Disbursements have been made by this Department in respect thereof viz

For oil £ 82.10.00

Lighting, Stores, Oil Tins &c 211.10.11

Freight  62. 1. 0

£356. 1.11

I am to request that you will move the Duke of Newcastle to
cause the amount to be paid to Her Majesty's Paymaster General to the
credit of the Vote for Lighthouses abroad.



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FILE: 1862-07-14_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B625LN04.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 11th instant
with a letter from Mrs Ward enquiring whether any
assistance would be given towards the Emigration to B. Columbia of herself and her daughter, and offering, if such
assistance be given, to take charge of a number of respectable
young women who are anxious to emigrate to that Colony.

2. In reply I have to state that there is no Fund under
the control of the Government, nor am I aware that there is
any fund under private control, out of which Emigration to
British Columbia can be assisted. It will not, therefore,
be possible to take advantage of the services of Mrs Ward
on the conditions she has proposed.



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FILE: 1862-07-16_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62030SQ.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honour to enclose for the information of Her
Majesty's Government, copies of several important communications,
received this day, from the Assistant Gold Commissioners for the
Carribou District, reporting on the present condition of that Gold-field.

2. The almost impassable state of the roads beyond Williams Lake, and the high price of food and of all other necessaries of life, are, as Your Grace will learn from these reports, of great
detriment to the Country; and I add with the deepest regret, that
it is wholly out of my power for want of money to undertake to a
greater extent than is now being effected, the removal of obstacles
so fatal to the growth and prosperity of the Colony.

3. While these Reports prove the vast extent and richness of
the Mines, that thousands of people may be employed in rendering
them productive, that they cannot be fully developed without a
larger population than the Colony yet possesses, that labour and
capital are essential for that purpose, and that every individual
miner is really of value to the Country, we receive the painful
announcement that upwards of four hundred able-bodied men have
been driven from the mines by mere inability to procure subsistence
during the time required for testing, and getting their claims
into working order.

4. I am using every effort, and taxing the uttermost farthing
of the local revenue to remove these obstacles to access, which
so greatly enhance the price of all the necessaries of life in
British Columbia. I have endeavoured and find it impossible to
raise money in this Colony at any rate of interest less than 18
per cent per annum, and the Attorney General is now amending the
"Loan Proclamation" as suggested in Your Grace's Despatch of the
13th May No 123, and I trust it will be ready to forward by
the next mail. In the meantime, until the aid expected from that
measure arrives, we shall struggle with the difficulties that
beset the Colony in the best manner we can.

5. Mr Elwyn's Report is chiefly remarkable for its revelations
respecting the extraordinary richness of the mines, especially
"Cunningham's Claim", which surpasses every precedent of California
Gold Mining. In another letter, not transmitted with this Despatch,
he reports the discovery of a Quartz Reef on Lowhee Creek, a
circumstance which I mention from its being the first auriferous
quartz in situ discovered in this Colony.

6. Mr O'Reilly in his Report estimates the number of men in
the Carribou Gold field at between four and five thousand, and that
four hundred have been lately compelled to leave those Mines from
sheer destitution. He also reports the discovery of a new Gold
field on North River to the eastward of Quesnelle Lake, which
promises to be a most valuable acquisition to the Colony.

7. The same Report is corroborated by Mr Commissioner Ball,
in the accompanying letter from Lytton. He also states that the construction of the public Roads is progressing satisfactorily,
and mentions other circumstances, which may be interesting to Her
Majesty's Government.



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FILE: 1862-07-16_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN10.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 12th instant with a despatch
from the Governor of Vancouvers Island reporting on the application
of Mr Irving to be allowed to surrender certain land which he had
purchased in that Island and to receive back his deposit.

2. In 1859 Mr Irving purchased 159 Acres in Vancouver Island at £1 an Acre and paid a deposit of £50. In Feby 1861 the price of Crown
Land was reduced from £1 to 4s/2d an Acre. Mr Irving in
consequence applied to have his purchase cancelled and to receive
back his deposit, on the ground that the value of his land had been
depreciated by this Act of the Government. In a report from this
Office of 3rd October last it was pointed out that to comply with
Mr Irvings application would be to admit a principle which would
unsettle every purchase of Crown Land in the Colony—that purchasers
must be assumed to take their land subject to the contingencies
legitimately attaching to it—that one of those contingencies is an
alteration of price—and that if that alteration had been in the
direction of increase instead of reduction Mr Irving would have
received the benefit of it.

3. The Duke of Newcastle concurred in this view of the case, but
directed the Governor to consider whether purchasers who had paid a
deposit only might not be permitted to select Land at £1 an Acre to
the extent of their deposit, and to abandon the rest of their
Contract. The Governor answers that such an arrangement had upon
consideration been found impracticable from the difference in the
value of Land in the same section or group—that some of it being
valuable and other worthless, the worthless would be left on the
hands of the Government while the better would be selected—and he
observes that if such a privilege were conceded to those who have not
completed their purchase it could not be refused to those who have.
He adds that the amount of unpaid instalments having increased he had
been compelled to forfeit the Land on which they were overdue—but
had abstained from taking that step with reference to Mr Irvings
land pending the correspondence with the Colonial Office.

4. It cannot be denied that if the change in the price of land is to
entitle those who have paid deposits only to a relaxation of their
Contract it would make it more difficult to resist the claim of those
who have paid their whole purchase money to consideration on the same
ground. There is however the essential difference that in the former
case the Government would have to deal with transactions still in
progress—but in the latter with those that are absolutely completed.
The question has, however, been concluded by the forfeiture and sale
of all lands except Mr Irvings on which instalments were overdue.
There is no ground for an exception in Mr Irvings case—and it is
clear that in every case where the instalments paid do not exceed
three fourths of the whole purchase money it would be to the
advantage of the purchaser to forfeit his instalments and buy at the
present price. In the case of Mr Irving the allotment which he
received of 159 Acres would at 4s/2d an Acre cost £33.2.6 which
added to his forfeited deposit of £50 would make in all £83.2.6
offering therefore a premium of £75.17.6 on the abandonment of his
Land and its repurchase under existing regulations. Even if he had
paid three fourths of the purchase money or £119.5 he would obtain a
benefit by abandoning the Land and repurchasing it. It is not
surprizing

that under these circumstances the majority of those who
have paid deposits only should prefer to forfeit their deposits
rather than complete their Contracts.

5. Upon the whole I would submit that it would not be possible with
due regard to public interest to interfere between the purchasers of
Crown Lands and the Local Government, and I would recommend that the
Governors proceedings should be approved and that he should be left
to deal with Mr Irvings land in the same manner as with other Land
similarly situated.



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FILE: 1862-07-20_Nind_to_Newcastle_B626N04.txt
================================================================================

Nind to Newcastle

I have the honour to accept the prolongation of leave of
absence from the Colony of British Columbia for six months offered
to me in your Grace's letter of the 4th Instant in reply to my
application to be granted additional furlough for the recovery of
my health.

I have the honour to state for the consideration of your
Grace that having made enquiries of the Colonial Agents General
respecting the amount of half salary due to me I was informed that
instructions had been received by them to pay me half salary at
the rate of Four Hundred and Fifty Pounds (£450) per annum full
salary—but on the 1st January 1862 my salary was increased to
Five Hundred (£500) per annum with an allowance of an additional
Hundred Pounds (£100), and previous to leaving Victoria I was
given to understand by the Colonial Secretary of British Columbia
that whilst in England I should be able to draw half salary at the
amended rate. I trust should your Grace find my figures correct
that the Colonial Agents may be authorized to issue to me the
higher pay.



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FILE: 1862-07-21_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62031.txt
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No. 31, Miscellaneous

I have the honour to acquaint Your Grace that I have drawn
on Her Majesty's Paymaster General for the sum of Four Hundred
and Thirty One Pounds, Five Shillings, being the amount of
Salary due to me as Governor, from 1st of April, to the 30th
of June 1862, at the rate of £1800 per annum, Income Tax deducted,
and I have to request Your Grace will be pleased to obtain the
necessary authority from the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury
for the Bill presented on this account to be paid when it comes due.



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FILE: 1862-07-24_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62038.txt
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No. 38, Legislative

I have the honour of transmitting herewith, Copies of the following
Six Acts, lately passed by the Legislature of this Colony, and which
have received my assent, vizt:

No 1 An Act to protect the property of a Wife deserted by her
Husband.

No 2 An Act to authorize the Chief Justice of Vancouvers Island and its Dependencies to make certain necessary appointments.

No 3 An Act to establish Fire Limits within the Town of
Victoria.

No 4 An Act to confirm the appointment of certain Members of
the Court of Revision under the "Real Estate Tax Act 1860."

No 5 An Act to enlarge the time for the Establishment of Gas
Works and Buildings by the Victoria Gas Company.

No 6 An Act to authorize the appointment of a Sanatory
Commission for the Town of Victoria.

The Attorney General's Report, which is also transmitted, so fully
and clearly explains the character and objects of these Acts, that it
appears unnecessary to trouble Your Grace with further remarks on the
subject.



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FILE: 1862-07-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627112.txt
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No. 112

I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the
Board of Trade containing an account of expenses incurred for the
stores supplied to the Lighthouse in Vancouver Island referred to in my despatch No. 58 of the 30th of May 1861.

I have authorized the Colonial Agents, in the event of their
having no funds in their hands to meet the expense, to pay the sum of
356-1-11 to the credit of the vote for Lighthouses abroad as an
advance on account of your Government, and I have to instruct you to
take immediate steps for reimbursing the Agents to the above extent.



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FILE: 1862-07-24_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE20.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 4th Instant
on the subject of Coinage for British Columbia.

I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle, that My Lords see no objection to the device
(according to the specimens in Silver forwarded) for the pieces
to be issued from the Government Assay Office; but They think that
it may be advisable, with reference to the proposed issue of the
20 Dollar pieces, that the Governor should be informed of a fraud that
has been discovered in this Country in the case of the United States
Double Eagle. On melting some of these Coins at the Bank of England,
it was found that by an ingenious contrivance the Coin had been cut
in half horizontally, and rejoined, after the removal of Gold from
the inside and the substitution of platinum, so as to restore the
Weight and substance of the Coin.

It is obvious that a fraud of this nature could not be readily
perpetrated with a thinner coin; and it renders questionable the
policy of issuing Gold pieces of the size proposed.

The specimens in Silver are herewith returned.



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FILE: 1862-07-25_McNab_to_Newcastle_V625MI08.txt
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McNab to Newcastle

I am instructed by the Director of this Bank respectfully to submit
for the Consideration of your Grace the enclosed Extract of a letter
received from the Manager of their Branch in Victoria, Vancouver
Island, Shewing the great inconvenience to which that Colony is
subjected for want of a direct Communication with the Isthmus of
Panama.



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FILE: 1862-07-26_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627134.txt
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No. 134

In my confidential dispatch of the 1st of this month I informed you
that in the opinion of Her Majestys Government the moment had not
arrived for considering the establishment of a separate government in
the British Territories North of British Columbia, but that I should
address you again respecting the mode of providing for the temporary
administration of justice in those Territories.

I enclose an Order in Council which has been passed for that
purpose, with copies of the Acts of Parliament on which, as you will see
by the recitals, that Order in Council is founded.

The order provides that the Territories in which you anticipate the
discovery of gold in large quantities shall constitute the "Stikin" or
"Stickeen Territories", that the government of these Territories shall
be administered by the Governor for the time being of British Columbia
with power to appoint and suspend judges and justices of the Peace, to
pardon offenders and to exercise other functions of government,
especially that of making regulations for the disposal of land and
occupation of the gold fields, in respect of which he will be able to
levy a revenue by way of fees.

The Supreme Court of British Columbia will take cognizance of all
suits, actions and prosecutions in respect of matters arising within the
Stikin territories; trying all such cases by the Law of England so far as the Law is applicable to the circumstances of the country. Cases of
Minor importance, however, may be tried by Justices of the Peace, whose
proceedings are to be regulated by general rules laid down by the
Supreme Court of British Columbia.

I anticipate that these powers, the extent of which you will learn
more precisely from an examination of the Order in Council, will enable
you to deal satisfactorily with any amount of population by which these
territories at present are likely to be occupied. If this should not be
the case, you will of course report to me any difficulties in which you
may find yourself involved and I shall be glad to receive, with your
report, such suggestions as may occur to you respecting the most
effectual mode of dealing with those difficulties.



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FILE: 1862-07-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62032.txt
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No. 32

I have the honor to forward to you herewith at the desire
of the Assay Department of British Columbia, certain correspondence
respecting a claim put forth by them to an increase of salary.

2. I regret that these Gentlemen should have assumed the
position that these Documents will disclose, for it appears to
me to bear very much the complexion of an attempt upon their part
to coerce the Government into a compliance with their demands, at
a moment when they believe their services are indispensable, and
the Government wholly in their power to carry out an important
measure in connection with their Department.

3. Your Grace is aware of the project I entertained of issuing
Gold pieces from the Assay Office of the value of Ten and Twenty
dollars American currency, and Her Majesty's Government have approved
the scheme. To carry it out I consider the Staff at the Assay Office
ample, in short that is proved by the fact that a large number of
these pieces have for practice been produced by that staff, and
indeed the Gentlemen themselves do not pretend to assert that they
are unequal to the labor. They consider however the operation as
one in no way connected with their duties, and before undertaking
any of the work, apply for an increase of salary. I inform them
that when the contemplated arrangements are carried out I will
take their case into consideration, they reply by refusing to
"take any part" in what they term "Mint operations."

4. They also endeavour to support their claims to increased
salary by referring to "promises of the Home Government" made
through the Master of the Royal Mint at the time he engaged them.
For these assertions I cannot find the least foundation. The
reports of Professor Graham respecting the engagement of
these Gentlemen are full and precise. An increase of
salary is promised after the first year of their engagement if
that increase was duly accorded; therefore perfect faith has been
kept with them in the promises made by Professor Graham, and not
only so, for they have since their arrival in the Colony been
provided with free quarters, an advantage which does not appear
to have been promised by Professor Graham, and one which is not
to be lightly estimated in a Country where most of the other public
Officers have had to incur a heavy outlay in purchasing land and
building Houses for themselves. It is, however, not improbable
that Professor Graham did hold out hopes to these gentlemen that
in time they would obtain larger salaries than he could offer,
to an increase the legitimate result of their own exertions
and integrity, but such a circumstance would form no ground on
which to assert so positive a claim as that put forth by these
gentlemen, nor to justify them in the course they have adopted.

5. I cannot therefore consider that these gentlemen have
any case of complaint to present to your Grace, and I trust your
Grace will support me in the action I have taken. The period for
which their salaries were assured to them by Professor Graham
will expire next month, and it was my intention then to remodel
the Establishment for it has been a most expensive one, the entire
outlay in connection with it having exceeded £9000, while the
receipts are little more than £900. The staff has been a double
one and capable of conducting the most extensive operations, but
40,000 ounces of gold only having passed through their hands in
2 years, these gentlemen have in consequence been leading a life
of comparative idleness. Now, when there is a prospect of their
services being remunerative, they refuse to render those services
unless specially paid for them.

6. Your Grace will observe that when first requested by these
Gentlemen to refer their case to you, I declined to do so, considering
that there was no necessity to trespass upon your Grace's time with
a matter of detail which was left to me to settle. As however, they
have claimed their right to such reference, I have only to comply
with the regulations of the service and to forward the correspondence
with this my report.



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FILE: 1862-07-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62033.txt
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No. 33

I have the honour to forward herewith, the Copy of a communication from Mr John Ramage, President of the Municipal Council of New Westminster, transmitting the enclosed Memorial for presentation to Her Majesty the Queen.

2. The professed object of the Memorialists is to represent
grievances; and more especially to draw the attention of Her
Majesty's Ministers to the fact that the Imperial Act of the
2nd day of August 1858, providing for the Government of British Columbia, will expire with the present year.

3. The prayer of the Memorialists is summed up under the
following heads:

1st That the Governor should reside permanently in the
Colony.

2nd That "a system of responsible Government similar to
that possessed by the Eastern British North
American and Australian Colonies" should be
granted to British Columbia.

4. My views on the subject of establishing Representative
Government in British Columbia having been laid in much detail
before Your Grace in my Despatches "Separate" of the 22nd
April 1861, and the 8th October 1861, it is unnecessary to
occupy your time by a repetition of them on this occasion.

5. It was stated in those Despatches that I saw in the almost
total absence of agricultural Settlers, and of a landed proprietory,
in the paucity of the British element, and in the migratory and unsettled habits of the population who had resorted to British Columbia, substantial reasons for maintaining unaltered, within the Colony, the Government of the Queen in Council, as by Parliament established.

6. The circumstances then contemplated have since somewhat
changed. British Colonists are increasing in number, and it is
expected that the Roads now being constructed towards the Mines
will have the effect of producing permanent settlements; yet this
progress, however satisfactory, is not sufficient to establish the
expediency of maintaining a Constitution on the model of the
populous and wealthy Colonies, with a House of Representatives and
a Council, alluded to in the Memorial.

7. The Memorial is, I am persuaded, merely the work of a
party, yet so fondly are we attached to the name of liberty, that
I feel assured were it a matter of choice, every Englishman in the
Colony, without stopping to enquire about its effects on the Country,
or supposing that the administration would improve by the change,
would at once give his suffrage on behalf of Representative
Government: the concession of some form of popular government
will therefore, I believe, give general satisfaction to the people
of the Colony, and may probably be considered a political necessity.
On that subject I submit, with diffidence, the following remarks.

8. In a community containing a small number of inhabitants,
widely dispersed over a vast extent of country, I would advocate
a simpler form of government, and one capable of acting in
emergencies with greater promptitude and economy than would be
attainable under the forms recommended in the Memorial. A small
and more select body, forming a single Chamber of perhaps 15
Members, one third nominated by the Crown, and the remaining two
thirds elected by the people, would, I conceive, for the present,
and probably for some years to come; perform all the functions
really required in the existing condition of the Colony.

9. The power of assenting to, or negativing, or suspending
for the assent of the Crown, the measures passed by Council, to
be reserved for the Governor, and the initiation of all money
votes in the local Government.

10. I would also recommend the adoption of thoroughly
conservative principles in the construction of the Council.
Members should, I think, be possessed in their own right of at
least £500 of freehold estate; and with respect to electors, I
would on the same principle provide, that no person should be
qualified to vote for Members of Council, unless possessed of
land, or other fixed or immoveable property of the marketable
value of £100 sterling within the Colony.

11. I offer these remarks merely from a sense of duty,
begging at the same time to assure Her Majesty's Government that
whatever may be the conclusion arrived at with respect to the
future government of the Colony, I shall be fully prepared to
carry out their instructions to the best of my ability.



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FILE: 1862-07-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62034.txt
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No. 34, Financial

I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's Despatch No 123
of the 13th May, upon the financial condition of the Colony of
British Columbia.

2. I trust Your Grace will accept my very sincere acknowledgments
for your kind endeavours to assist me in the embarrassing position in
which I am placed for want of funds to carry on the work of opening
the communications of the Country.

3. My Despatches of the 13th May, Nos 25 and 26, and 29th
May, marked Separate, detail and discuss very fully the measures in
progress towards this most important end and represent the precise
state of affairs, in a pecuniary point of view, and the extent to
which I had pledged my Government upon the strength of obtaining a
Loan in England under the "Roads Loan Act 1861". I therefore need
not occupy Your Grace's time by a repetition of these matters in
this Despatch. I will only say that I have according to Your Grace's
suggestion, passed an Act to raise a Loan of £50,000, (which Act
I forward for Her Majesty's confirmation in another Despatch of
this date) and Your Grace may depend upon me with confidence to
regulate my proceedings to the best of my ability in accordance
with the scheme sketched in Your Despatch.

4. Upon the subject of the expenses of the Royal Engineers
serving in British Columbia, I propose to address Your Grace in a separate Despatch, and I trust then to be able to remove the impression which I regret to find is entertained, that I have
appropriated British Money to the use of the Colony without leave,
by drawing unauthorized Bills upon the Imperial Treasury.



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FILE: 1862-07-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62035.txt
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No. 35, Legislative

With reference to your Despatch No 123, of the 13 May, and
to mine of this date No 34, I have the honor to forward herewith
for Her Majesty's Confirmation the "British Columbia Roads Loan
Act 1862," accompanied by a Report from the Colonial Attorney General.

2. The Attorney Generals report points out wherein this Act
differs from the Act of 1861, which it repeals. The main features
of difference exist in the Amount and in the rate of Interest.
The sum to be raised is limited to Fifty thousand Pounds (£50,000), and
the rate of interest the lowest at which that sum can be obtained, not
exceeding 10 per Cent per annum. I was induced to specify a
Maximum rate of interest from the fact that I received an offer
from the House of Henderson and Burnaby of London and Vancouver's
Island, to furnish any sum that might be required as a Loan not
less than £50,000, at interest of 10 per Cent per annum, but
I trust that the continued intelligence of the vast auriferous
wealth of the Colony, and the rapidly increasing confidence in
its ultimate importance and prosperity, may justify the hope
that we shall be able to obtain a more favorable rate of interest
than 10 per Cent.

3. Your Grace's instructions respecting a priority being
given to the Loan over all other Demands upon the Revenue, and
for its redemption by means of a sinking fund, as well as for the
Agents General being duly empowered to borrow the money, have
been carefully followed.

4. The period of redemption has been fixed at Ten years,
instead of Twenty as in the 1861 Act, as it was considered more
desirable to terminate the liability in the shorter period.



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FILE: 1862-07-29_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627113.txt
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No. 113

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
14 of the 14th of March reporting on the application for Mr. Irving to
be allowed to surrender certain land which he had purchased in
Vancouver Island and to receive back his deposit.

Under the circumstances stated by you I do not consider that it
would be possible, with due regard to public interests, to interfere
between the purchasers of land and the local Government.

I have therefore to approve your proceedings in this matter, and
you will be at liberty to deal with Mr. Irving's land in the same
manner as with other Land similarly situated.



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FILE: 1862-07-30_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62039.txt
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No. 39, Military

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch No 95, of
the 30th April last, acquainting me that the project of sending a
Regiment to Vancouver Island has for the present been dropped but
desiring that a fit Site for the future erection of Barracks for any
of Her Majesty's Troops who may be stationed in the Colony should be
reserved; and mentioning in reference hereto, your Grace's confident
expectation that I shall be able with Colonel Moody's assistance to
select a fitting spot on the "large extent" of lands recovered to the
Crown under the recent agreement with the Hudson's Bay Company.

2. I sincerely trust that it may be within my power to fulfil Your
Grace's expectations in this respect, but at the present moment I
must confess I have great doubts upon the subject.

From the time of the receipt of Your Grace's Despatch of the 24th
January 1862, No 84 vizt—the 28th March—until now,
I have in vain
endeavoured to ascertain from the Hudson's Bay Company the extent and
position of the land that is to be surrendered to the Crown. The
agreement before mentioned provides for the retention by the Company
of 50 acres, without purchase, of land to the South of James'
Bay—and for the surrender of the whole of the remaining portion of
the unsold Lands. A reference to the Assessment Roll of 1861 shews
the unsold land then possessed by the Hudson's Bay Company to the
south of James' Bay to amount to exactly 50 acres. It probably is
much less than that now; consequently, instead of a large extent of
land being recovered to the Crown under that agreement, as is the
impression entertained by Your Grace, I fear it will be found that by
it the Crown does not take benefit of one single acre—and not only
so—but from the absence of any plans or maps being attached to the
agreement, and from its very skilful wording—owing no doubt to none
of the parties to it—save Mr Dallas only—having any local
knowledge of the lands treated of—the Hudson's Bay Company so far
from making any concessions to the Government which the agreement
would lead any one to infer—have actually obtained from the Crown
almost the whole of the very small portion of ground not covered by
Buildings actually now and for years past in the possession of the
Government; and to which the Company had no sound claim, as I think
has been very clearly shewn in the correspondence which I have had
the honor, upon former occasions, to address to your Grace upon the
subject.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62036.txt
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No. 36, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Grace's
Despatch No 126 of the 29th May, forwarding an Extract from
a Report of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners on the
subject of a Company which has been recently formed for the purpose of
transporting Emigrants through Canada overland to British Columbia.

2. I have to thank your Grace for these papers and I will
not fail to ascertain whether the Company carry out their
engagements with good faith, in respect of the party of Emigrants
which they were about to forward.

3. I have been informed that the three names appearing
amongst the Board of Directors, as Residents of Vancouver Island,
were inserted without the permission of the parties themselves,
or indeed, without any knowledge on their part of the existence
of the Company in question.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62037.txt
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No. 37, Military

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Circular
Despatch of the 14th April 1862.

2. With reference thereto I have to inform your Grace that
there are no Militia or Volunteer Corps at present existing in
British Columbia.

3. Should any such Corps be hereafter formed, I will not
fail to forward the half yearly Return required by your Grace's
aforesaid Despatch.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62040.txt
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No. 40, Miscellaneous

The undermentioned Stores being required for service of the Race
Rocks and Fisgard Island Lighthouses,

*

I have the honor to request that your Grace will be pleased to issue
the necessary instructions for their being sent out viâ Cape Horn.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62041.txt
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No. 41, Military

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Circular Despatch of
the 14th April 1862 and with reference thereto I beg to forward
herewith the Return required of the Militia and Volunteer Corps at
present Existing in the Colony of Vancouver's Island.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627135.txt
================================================================================

No. 135

I have the honor to transmit to you herewith, for your
information, a copy of a correspondence between Mr. Nind and this
Department, respecting an extension of his leave of absence, and the
issue of his salary whilst in this Country.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627136.txt
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No. 136

I forwarded for the inspection of the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury the specimens of the 10 and 20 dollar pieces which you propose
to issue from the Government Assay Office in British Columbia, and which
were enclosed in your despatch of the 10th of May No. 24.

Their Lordships have apprized me that they see no objection to the
device of these Coins: but they think it advisable that you should be
informed of a fraud that has been discovered in this Country in the case
of the United States Double Eagle.

On melting some of these coins at the Bank of England it was found
that, by an ingenious contrivance, the coin had been cut in half
horizontally and rejoined, after the removal of gold from the inside,
and the substitution of Platinum, so as to restore the weight and
substance of the Coin.

It is obvious that a fraud of this nature could not be readily
perpetrated with a thinner coin, and it would therefore appear advisable
that the thickness of the proposed Gold pieces should be reduced.



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FILE: 1862-08-01_Willis_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD04.txt
================================================================================

Willis to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In transmitting the accompanying documents (which it is
requested may be returned to this Department) respecting the
conveyance by the Royal Mail Company from England to Colon
in September 1858 of Extra Baggage belonging to Captains
Parsons and Grant and their respective detachments of Royal
Engineers; I request that I may be informed whether, in the
event of the amount claimed by the Packet Company on account
of this Baggage being paid by the Admiralty, the sum will be
credited to Naval Funds by your Department.



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FILE: 1862-08-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62038.txt
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No. 38, Financial

I have this day had the honor to receive your Grace's
Despatch No 131 of the 16th June containing copy of a letter from the Board of Treasury relative to the mode of adjusting the financial questions between Her Majesty's Government and the
Colony of British Columbia, and suggestions relative to certain details being provided for in the Act which I am permitted to pass to enable this Government to raise a Loan not exceeding
Fifty thousand pounds (£50,000), with a view to the improvement of
the communications throughout the Colony.

2. Being urgently pressed for money, for reasons of which your
Grace is by this time aware, and not feeling certain of receiving
any further information upon the subject of the "Loan Act" than
that contained in your Despatch, No 123, of the 13th May,
received by me on the 2nd July, I did not, when every day is
of such consequence to me to relieve me of the financial pressure
now bearing upon me, deem it prudent to delay the passage of the
Act, which your Grace was so good as to inform me would meet with
your sanction, I therefore on the 26th July passed the "Roads
Loan Act 1862" and transmitted the same to your Grace, in my
Despatch No 34 of the 28th July 1862.

3. The valuable information with which your Grace now furnishes
me, and which clears up doubts that we entertained of the propriety
of expressly providing for several matters of detail, which
although in themselves highly desirable to the more simple working of the Act, yet
from the perusal of other Colonial Loan Acts we feared were novel
and unusual, and consequently might create delay in the allowance
of the Act, and the consideration that this Despatch may reach
your Grace at the same time as No 34, induces me to beg that your
Grace will not take any steps in respect to the Act therein enclosed.

I conceive it will be desirable to repeal that Act altogether,
and to pass a fresh Act embodying the provisions recommended by
the Lords of the Treasury.

4. I will put the matter at once in the hands of the Attorney
General, and have the Act ready for transmission by the next Mail.

5. Although I have not time by this opportunity to do more
than write this hurried Despatch, yet I cannot close it without
again assuring your Grace that I will do all in my power to carry
out the views of your Grace and of the Lords of the Treasury in
respect of the repayments that may be considered due from the
Colony, but I earnestly hope that it may be within my power to
shew that the sums which I am charged with having improperly
drawn have been expended solely on account of the Royal Engineers,
under the immediate control and superintendence of their Commanding
Officer, Colonel Moody, and that the particular sum of £10,704, occurring under the head, Roads, Bridges, and Surveys, is for the
most part, if not wholly made up of items of expenditure peculiar
to the Royal Engineers, and of no benefit to the Colony.

6. I beg also to mention that I have drawn no Bills on account
of the Royal Engineers, since the 4th April last, that the
sum expended by them this year in excess of drafts on the Imperial
Treasury is some £4000, that they have been paid regularly, and
that I have kept the public works going by various expedients of
short loans, and that I hope to continue to do so, and with your
Grace's kind co-operation to bring the Colony satisfactorily
out of her present financial embarrassment, if I can calculate
with certainty upon being able to draw upon the Colonial Agents
General for the amount of the Loan within six months.



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FILE: 1862-08-02_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B626M06.txt
================================================================================

Moody to Under-Secretary of State

I have the honor to enclose for the information of the
Secretary of State copies of a correspondence between the Governor
of B.C. and myself respecting a Provisional appointment to the
office of Treasurer in the Colony during Captain Gosset's absence
in England on Leave of absence.

I was anxious to aid His Excellency as far as I could and
hence offered suggestions. I now venture on the liberty of recording
the matter as I trust Captain Luard having been named it may
possibly prove of service to him some future day.

My Department (Military and Civil) is already crippled for
want of officers and if with the daily increasing duties and heavy
responsibilities this officer in particular be removed it will be
rendered altogether inefficient and material injury to the Public
Service with extra expenditure will unavoidably follow.



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FILE: 1862-08-02_White_to_Colonial_Office_B626W03.txt
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White to Colonial Office

Having a son who is anxious to emigrate to one of our
Colonies, I should be obliged to you if you would be kind enough
to let me know what steps I am to take in order to obtain an
assisted passage for him to British Columbia—he is Twenty three
years of age and has worked for some time in an Engine Factory,
and is at present employed by a Farmer.

Perhaps you may be able to recommend me some book which might
give me a little information respecting the Settlement of British
Columbia, as to the climate &c. My income is under 130 pounds a year.



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FILE: 1862-08-05_Laird_to_Newcastle_V626L01.txt
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Laird to Newcastle

I have been requested by Mr R.C. Janion of Liverpool, to forward to
Your Grace, the enclosed documents received by him from Victoria
Vancouvers Island, in reference to the great want of regular Mail
communication between Great Britain and her possessions in that part
of the World.

The documents are:

No 1 A Memorial from Most of the respectable residents at
Victoria to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, praying that Her
Majesty's Government will assist the Colonists in promoting a Safe
and Speedy British Steam Mail Communication between Panama &
Victoria.

No 2 Letter from Messrs Janion & Green dated 24 May
accompanying and explaining the benefits which would accrue to the
Colony from a quick and certain Postal communication, and stating
facts connected therewith.

No 3 Another letter from Messrs Janion & Green relative to the
same subject, and enclosing copy of a letter from Her Majesty's
Consul at San Francisco.

No 4 Copy of a Letter from Mr Wm Booker, British Consul at
San Francisco, stating that the Indians had destroyed some Mails 400
Miles East of Salt Lake, etc.

I may also refer to the British Memorial which I forwarded to Your
Grace some weeks ago on the same subject, which Memorial was signed
by most of the leading Mercantile Houses in this Country.

I hope that Her Majesty's Government may after investigating the
case, be able to devise some means for remedying the difficulties
complained of.



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FILE: 1862-08-05_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE05.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of 15th Ultimo, on the Subject of the
Claim of the Hudson's Bay Company on the resumption of Vancouver's
Island by the Crown, I am Commanded by The Lords Commissioners of Her
Majestys Treasury to transmit Copy of Mr Andoes Report of 24th
Ultimo for the information of the Duke of Newcastle.

I am directed to request that you will observe to His Grace that
previous to submitting to Parliament a Vote to defray expenses
consequent upon the resumption of Vancouver's Island from The
Hudson's Bay Company by The Crown, this Board had given much
Consideration to the claims of that Company, that the Sum of £55,000
was submitted to Parliament as a maximum and that The House of
Commons evinced some hesitation in Voting it.

Their Lordships have since further considered the Representations
made by the Company, and in Their Letter to you of 20th June, after
adverting to the Reports of Mr Murdoch and Mr Andoe, My Lords
expressed Their opinion that, while the claims of the company could
not be considered as Established to an extent much beyond £25,000 in
addition to £25,000 paid on account, yet, with a view to the
advantage of the Colony from an Early and amicable Settlement, They
would not object to pay the Company £30,000 in full Satisfaction of
all these claims.

My Lords have given further and full consideration to the letter of
the Governor of the Company of 4th Ultimo, with the Report thereupon
of Mr Andoe, and Their Lordships have only to repeat that they would
not feel justified in extending the offer made in the communication
of 20th June, or in Submitting any further Vote to Parliament in
respect of the Claims of the Company.



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FILE: 1862-08-05_Ramage_to_Newcastle_B625MI06.txt
================================================================================

Ramage to Newcastle

In accordance with a resolution passed at a Public meeting,
held in this City, I most respectfully beg leave to enclose
to Your Grace the accompanying copy of a Memorial; with a
request that Your Grace will use every effort to have the prayer
of the Memorial granted.

The Memorial was forwarded through His Excellency Governor
Douglas to Your Grace on the 17th Ulto for presentation to
Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council; but it was deemed
necessary to forward the enclosed, direct, to Your Grace, as
on former occasions, Three Memorials have, at different periods,
been sent through the same channel, to none of which has an
answer been received.



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FILE: 1862-08-06_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE06.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 14th June last, I am directed
by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to transmit
herewith copy of a Report from the Commissioners of Audit—No 289 of
28 July 1862—together with Copy of a letter from Lieut Col Hawkins
RE, HM Commissioner for the North Western Boundary, on the subject of an advance of £200 made to him by the Treasurer of British Columbia
in August 1859 on account of the expenses of his journey to England
on the occasion of the seizure of the Island of San Juan by the
United States—and I am to request that you will state to the Duke of
Newcastle that it appears to their Lordships that this expense should
be considered as a Civil charge connected with the occupation of San Juan.

If His Grace concurs in this opinion their Lordships would suggest
that provision should be made for the amount in the same manner as it
has been proposed to provide for other Civil Expenditure connected
with San Juan—which formed the subject of the correspondence noted
in the margin,

*

viz in the Parliamentary estimate for British Columbia for the year
1863/4.



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FILE: 1862-08-11_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI09.txt
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Berens to Newcastle

On the 4th July I had the honour of addressing your Grace with reference to the claims of the Hudson's Bay Company for their outlay
in the Colonization of Vancouver's Island, and in that Communication
I ventured to express a hope that Your Grace would be pleased to
direct the immediate payment of the £30,000 voted by the House of
Commons.

As more than a month has elapsed since that Communication, and as the
Claim is obviously increasing by the accruing interest, I trust that
I shall not be considered intrusive in requesting your Grace to
direct the payment of the said Amount.



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FILE: 1862-08-12_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62039.txt
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No. 39

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-08-12_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62042.txt
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No. 42

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-08-13_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62039SP.txt
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Separate

Nothing of much importance, beyond the ordinary routine of
events, has occurred in British Columbia, since I had the honor of addressing Your Grace on the 16th July last, with the exception of a cruel Murder which was lately committed by some parties unknown near the Forks of Quesnelle river. The victims
of this crime were three persons, Merchants and Packers, who
were travelling in confident security inspired by the tranquil
state of the country, from Carribou to the Forks of Quesnelle, with a considerable amount of Gold Dust valued at £3000, the
whole of which was carried off by the assassins.

2. The most active search is being made after the perpetrators
of this crime, and several persons have been taken into custody on
suspicion, but as yet there exists no direct evidence of their
complicity. For the interests of humanity I trust that these
exertions will be crowned with success, and that those who have
so signally outraged the laws of God and Man will be brought to
exemplary punishment.

3. I have received advices from Commissioner O'Reilly, dated
Carribou, Lightning Creek, 15th July. The report of that Officer is satisfactory so far as respects the tranquil state of the Country and the prosperous condition of the Miners. The opening of many new
mining works had increased the demand for labour, and wages had
gone up to ten dollars a day for ordinary hands. The country was
still however inadequately supplied with food which was selling at
exorbitant prices and occasionally, as Mr O'Reilly remarks, not
a pound of flour could be had at any price. This is partly
ascribable to a deficiency in the means of transport and to the
excessive charges made by Packers for the carriage of goods to
the mines. The new roads which are being made will, in a great
measure, put an end to that species of oppression which is really
the most formidable obstacle to the progress and development of
the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-08-13_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN11.txt
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Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 8th instant with one from the
Treasury enclosing a further report from Mr Andoe on the amount to
be paid to the Hudson's Bay Co for the reconveyance of VanCouvers Island to the Crown.

2. The position of the case is as follows. The Company sent in a
claim amounting to £53.569.14.2. Mr Andoe to whom it was referred
suggested the disallowance of items to the extent of £26,157.3.10
reducing the claim to £27,412.10.4. Mr Andoe's report was
communicated to the Company. When the papers were subsequently
referred to this Board I submitted that two items disallowed by Mr
Andoe vizt Commission on unpaid Land instalments £2405.13.10 and
interest on expenditure stated by the Company at £3279.6.5 might
fairly be allowed but I submitted whether a greater reduction ought
not to be made on the claim of the Company for the maintenance of
Settlers under the circumstances explained in my report of 18th
March last—Mr Andoe in his letter of 24th ultimo adopts that view
and thereby after allowing the Commission and interest reduces the
claim of the Company to £28,995.14.11. The Lords of the Treasury
concurring with Mr Andoe announce that they would not feel justified
in submitting to Parliament any vote beyond that taken last session
in respect of the claims of the Company.

3. The Company on the other hand maintain the justice of the claims
they originally put forward but agree to accept as a compromize the
sum of £35,000. The question between them and the Crown is therefore
a sum of £5,000.

4. The case is somewhat complicated by the fact that Mr Andoe's
first report admitting the claim of the Company to the extent of
£27,412.10.4 is known to them and that they are aware that their
claim for Commission on unpaid Land instalments and for interest
cannot be resisted. If these were added to the above sum of
£27,412.10.4 they would make a total of £33,097.10.7. It was on these
grounds that I suggested in my report of 18th March last that a payment of £32,000 would not be excessive, and that it would be good
policy and economy even to pay £35,000 rather than have recourse to
legal proceedings to compel the Company to reconvey the Island. That
opinion I repeated in my report of 12th ultimo and I continue to adhere to it. If the Company are determined not to accept a balance
of £30,000 in full of their claim, and compel the Crown to resort to
legal proceedings it can scarcely be doubted that the expense will be
great—the result doubtful—and the delay most injurious. I do not
think they would be compensated by a saving of £5000 even if the
decision should eventually be in favor of the Crown.



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FILE: 1862-08-14_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62040.txt
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No. 40

In conformity with the instructions contained in the Book of Colonial Regulations I have the honor to forward herewith
to your Grace the Returns described on the other side hereof, * as received from The Treasurer for the Quarter ending 31st December 1861.



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FILE: 1862-08-14_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62043.txt
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No. 43, Legislative

I have the honour of transmitting herewith to Your Grace, a Copy of
the Journals of the House of Assembly of Vancouver Island for the
Session extending from the 26th day of June 1861, to the 3rd day of
February 1862.



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FILE: 1862-08-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627137.txt
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No. 137

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
"Separate" of the 29th of May last relative to the increasing population
of British Columbia and to the necessity which you conceive to exist in
consequence for losing no time in improving the means of communication
between different parts of the Colony by the construction of Roads.

I regret that in pursuing this object you should have brought
yourself into a position in which it was necessary to resort to the
issue of promissory notes which I infer you would not have been able to
meet had they been presented for payment; but I trust that the authority
for borrowing £50,000 on the security of the local Revenue conveyed to
you in my despatch No. 131 of the 10th of June will enable you to
withdraw from circulation the promissory notes which have already been
issued and that you will never again have occasion to resort to so
questionable an expedient.



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FILE: 1862-08-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627138.txt
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No. 138

With reference to the 8th Paragraph of your despatch marked
"Separate," of the 10th of June, I have the honor to refer you to my
despatch No. 134 of the 26th of July, enclosing an Order in Council
providing for the Administration of Justice in
the Stekin Territory.



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FILE: 1862-08-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627114.txt
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No. 114

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No.
35 of the 10th of June enclosing a schedule of sums voted by the
Legislature of Vancouver Island, since its opening on the 19th of April
and alluding generally to the business of the session.



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FILE: 1862-08-18_Collingwood_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C01.txt
================================================================================

Collingwood to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to a question answered by Mr Chicester S. Fortescue in the House of Commons in May last respecting the
British Columbia Overland Transit Company; I beg to submit the
following questions on behalf of the thirty two (32) passengers
left by that Company at St Paul Minnesota, on the 27th of
June last, on their own resources, no further transit having been
provided.

Will His Grace the Duke of Newcastle recommend Her Majesty's
Government to assist the passengers in returning to England from
St Paul, or in proceeding to British Columbia via Panama or any
other route?

Criminal proceedings were commenced at the Guildhall against
the Company's Secretary, Mr James Henson, on Thursday last, and
the "Times" and other newspapers of the 15th inst have full
reports. Will His Grace advise a Government prosecution of the
parties believed to have been guilty of the fraud?

On Wednesday morning next at 12 o'clock I purpose waiting
upon you with my powers of Attorney.

I beg to add that an early reply is of vital importance to my
unfortunate fellow travellers as many of them are without the
means of subsisting or of returning to England.



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FILE: 1862-08-18_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627115.txt
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No. 115

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 34 of the
10th of June transmitting an Act passed by the Legislature of Vancouver Island in the month of May last and intituled
 An Act to authorise the Governor of Vancouver Island to borrow
money for temporary purposes.

As it may have been necessary to borrow this money and as the Act
has been passed by a Representative Legislature, I will not recommend
Her Majesty to dis-allow it; but it is evident that a Government cannot
go on borrowing at that rate of interest without the most ruinous
consequences, and that it is the duty of the Executive which cannot be
neglected without the gravest culpability to take care that there is no
necessity for such a mode of proceeding.

It is evident, that nothing can justify any person in borrowing at
such interest but the opportunity of making corresponding profit, and
that as Government makes no profit on its money, nothing but an
unforeseen emergency can justify the Government in so borrowing.



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FILE: 1862-08-21_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627138A.txt
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Confidential

This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Thomas L. Wood a Member
of the English Bar who is proceeding to B. Columbia for the purpose of settling there with his family.

I grant this introduction at the request of Mr. Lindsay M.P. who
informs me that Mr. Wood is going out with the intention of investing
his capital in the colony, and in the hope that with the return from it
and the practice of his profession he will do better than in this
country. I have no doubt that Mr. Wood will prove a valuable settler.



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FILE: 1862-08-22_Finnis_to_Secretary_of_State_B626F02.txt
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Finnis to Secretary of State

A charge of Fraud is now pending before me as the sitting
Alderman of this Justice Room against the Secretary of the
British Columbia Overland Transit Company.

It appears that 33 persons were induced from an Advertisement
which appeared in the Times to pay to the Secretary £42 each for a
passage from England to British Columbia. They sailed from
Glasgow on the 31st of May last and having arrived at Quebec
were forwarded to St Pauls in the United States. On arriving at
that place on the 27th of June no arrangements whatever had
been made to forward them to their destination although assurances
were held out that such arrangements were completed. Eight of the
persons who arrived at St Pauls have returned to this Country—during
the investigation of the charge and from information I have obtained I
am assured that the 25 men who have been left at St Pauls are unable
from want of means either to return to England or to proceed on
their passage and that those persons are now in the greatest
distress and should no assistance be afforded them before the
Winter season their state must necessarily be most deplorable.

It was stated during the investigation before me that a
person who is said to be Col: Sleigh of St John's Woods acted
as the Manager of the Company and that he received the whole of the
money paid by the 33 passengers and that he has since sold his
furniture and gone to Spain out of the jurisdiction of the
Criminal Courts.

My object in soliciting your Lordships attention to the
painful circumstances of this case is to enquire whether your
Lordship can allow any assistance for relieving these poor persons
who are detained at St Pauls either by causing them to be
forwarded to British Columbia or to enable them to return to England.



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FILE: 1862-08-23_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62040SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

By the arrival of the Hudson's Bay Company's Steamer "Otter" last
night, I have received intelligence from Stickeen to the
11th of August.

2. It appears by these accounts that the Miners as a body,
have not been successful in discovering remunerative diggings,
a few only of the mining claims having yielded from eight
to ten dollars a day.

3. It is stated on the other hand that lump-gold has been
found on the North Fork of the Stickeen; and that a party of
resolute adventurers have determined to explore that Branch of
the River, and to winter there. The great majority of the Miners
will however, no doubt return to this place.

4. Notwithstanding these cheerless accounts, and the present
despondency of the Miners, I firmly believe that the exploration
of the country will be vigorously prosecuted, and that the proper
auriferous leads from whence the drift gold is carried and deposited
on the river banks, will be ultimately discovered and turned to
good account.

5. Her Majesty's Steam Frigate "Devastation" was lately
dispatched by Admiral Sir Thomas Maitland, at my request, on a
friendly visit to New Archangel (Sitka) and Stickeen. I took
advantage of that occasion to address the enclosed Communication
to the Governor of the Russian-American Possessions, expressing
my great desire to cooperate with his Government in maintaining
the peace of the country, and the friendly relations subsisting
between our respective Governments. I however carefully abstained
from raising questions touching territorial rights, assuming as
a settled point, that the visits of British Vessels and Subjects
to the Stickeen River, and the acts necessarily consequent thereon,
such as passing through the Russian Territory, and anchoring in
Russian waters, are strictly in accordance with the spirit of the
Convention of 1825.



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FILE: 1862-08-23_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62044.txt
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No. 44

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Grace's Despatch No
101 of the 2nd June last, referring for report copy of letters from
Mr E.E. Langford, formerly a resident of Vancouver's Island,
containing complaints against certain of the Officers connected with
my Government; & I have also the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your
Grace's Despatch No 106, of the 19th June, transmitting, for the
same purpose, copy of a further letter of complaint from Mr Langford
upon the same subject.

2. I have in accordance with Your Graces instructions called upon
the officers concerned for any remarks they may have to offer in
respect of the allegations of Mr Langford, and so soon as I receive
their replies I will forward them to Your Grace with such report
thereon as the circumstances of the case may require. Mr Begbie,
the Judge of British Columbia, one of the gentlemen inculpated by
Mr Langford, is absent on Circuit, and by last Accounts was at
Carribou, it may therefore be some time before I can hear from him.

3. With respect to the latter portion of your Despatch of the 2nd June, which refers especially to Mr Cameron the Chief Justice of
Vancouver's Island, I will take an early opportunity of placing
before Your Grace all the circumstances in connection with the
appointment of Mr Cameron. I may however at present maintain that
so far as I am aware Mr Cameron performs his duties with much
ability, and his decisions give general satisfaction. Individually I
believe him to be much respected throughout the Colony. The
allegations of Mr Langford in regard to the administration of
justice in Vancouver's Island I have no hesitation in at once
pronouncing to be unfounded. I hear for the first time that "the
proceedings in the Law Courts of the Colony are the theme of scorn
and derision amongst the Colonists." Had such a state of things
existed I must have known it; and I think I should, in such case, long
ago have put an end to it. I did indeed once receive a letter of
complaint against Mr Cameron from Mr Langford, and in that he
asserted that "Life and Liberty had been illegally sacrificed and
jeopardized and the ends of Justice defeated"—but as the allegation
was merely a general one, and as I found on inquiry that just at that
time Mr Langford had been very properly committed by Mr Cameron
for a gross contempt of Court, the cause of this letter as well as
its object was so evident, that—anxious as I may be that no just
complaint should go unnoticed—I yet felt that in this case it would
be most inexpedient for me to interfere.

4. Mr Langford is the same person who brought the complaint against
Mr Pemberton the Colonial Surveyor General, for unjust, partial, and
improper conduct in respect of the sale of some Land, which complaint
I forwarded to your Grace in my Despatch No 14 of the 23rd March 1860. Mr Pemberton was fully exonerated from the charge as will be
seen by the Secretary of State's Despatch No 28 of the 26th July 1860. I would respectfully request your Grace's attention to both
these Despatches, as serving to give some insight into Mr Langford's
character, and to throw some light upon his present proceedings.



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FILE: 1862-08-23_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE21.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 14 Inst. transmitting
copy of a letter from the Admiralty together with a Statement of
Freight charged by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company for
conveyance of the Baggage of Officers and Men of the Royal
Engineers proceeding to British Columbia in 1858, I am directed
by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint
you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that My Lords
will be prepared to transfer the amount due for the service in
question to Naval Funds upon receiving an application from the
Board of Admiralty for the same.



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FILE: 1862-08-26_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE22.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to Mr Elliot's letter of the 21st July last, enclosing two Despatches from Governor Douglas praying for relief with respect to the claims of Her Majesty's Government against the
Colony of British Columbia, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners
of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of
the Duke of Newcastle, that having so fully stated Their views with
regard to the Financial Arrangements which might properly be made
for the Colony of British Columbia, during the present and the next
year, in Their letter of June last, Their Lordships entertain strong
objections to sanction any departure from those arrangements
unless under circumstances of the most pressing emergency.

My Lords do not find sufficient reason for such departure in
the Governor's Despatches of May last.

They trust that the apprehensions expressed by the Governor,
with regard to the condition of a portion of the Colonists, may not
be realized, and later accounts from the Colony seem rather to
justify that hope.

My Lords have also to observe that the instructions sent by
the Duke of Newcastle to the Governor will probably have led him
to postpone some of the Works comprised in the Estimates for
the present year such as the Government House at New Westminster,
thereby leaving a larger proportion of the Revenue available for
the objects of more pressing importance, and that it may be hoped
that the receipts of Revenue may prove larger than has been estimated.

If, however, such a contingency as that apprehended by the
Duke of Newcastle should arise, and the Governor finds himself
under the necessity of sending home Drafts beyond the authorized
amount, My Lords will communicate further with the Secretary of
State before declining to honour them.

Their Lordships entirely concur with His Grace in the
observation he has made regarding the errors of Account into
which the Governor has fallen—and They trust he may be
furnished with the full information, in the possession of
the Colonial Office, with regard to the sums paid in this
Country, and the actual Financial position of the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-08-27_Sargeaunt_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625AG02.txt
================================================================================

Sargeaunt to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 24th Ultimo, I have the honor to
acquaint you for the information of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle
that the amount therein mentioned of Three Hundred and Fifty Six
Pounds, One Shilling, and Eleven Pence (£356.1.11) for Stores
supplied for the Lighthouses at Vancouver's Island, was paid by the
Agents General on the 26th Instant to the Board of Trade, the
account with that Colony showing now the amount of £551.18.9 overpaid.



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FILE: 1862-08-29_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62041.txt
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No. 41

I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that I have granted 6 months leave of absence to date from 1st September, on Medical Certificate, to Captain Gosset R.E. the Treasurer of British Columbia, and I transmit herewith the usual Certificate of the same.

2. I have placed the charge of the Department in the hands of Mr Brew, the Chief Inspector of Police whom I have appointed to act as Treasurer during the absence of Captain Gosset.



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FILE: 1862-08-30_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627116.txt
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No. 116

With reference to my despatch No. 112 of the 24th ultimo I have
the honor to acquaint you that the Colonial Agents General have
informed me that in paying the sum of 356.1.11 due for stores
supplied for the Vancouver Island Light House, the Vancouver Island
Account has been overdrawn to the extent of 551.18.9, and I have to
desire that you will immediately supply the Agents General with funds
sufficient to enable them to replace this overdraught and to meet
current demands.



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FILE: 1862-09-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62042.txt
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No. 42

With reference to my despatch No 41 of the 29th Ultimo reporting having granted 6 months leave of absence on Medical Certificate to Captain Gosset the Treasurer of British Columbia, and adverting to your Grace's despatch No 62 of the 20th November 1860, directing me to call upon Captain Gosset for an explanation in respect of certain defalcations discovered in the Surveyor Generals Department at Ceylon while under Captain Gosset's charge, I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that on the 29th January 1861 I referred the matter to Captain Gosset in accordance with your Grace's instructions. I have twice since called the attention of that Officer to the subject,
and I transmit herewith copy of his replies explaining the cause
of his delay in forwarding the required report.



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FILE: 1862-09-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62045.txt
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No. 45

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Grace's despatch
No 107 of the 19th June last, calling for a Report from me on the
claim made by Mr Irving for a refund of the purchase money for
certain land in Vancouvers Island, and in reply I beg to acquaint
your Grace that my Report on this matter was transmitted in my
despatch No 14 of the 14th March last, which does not appear to
have reached Your Grace. A Triplicate of this despatch will be
forwarded by this Mail.



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FILE: 1862-09-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62046.txt
================================================================================

No. 46

I have the honor to enclose for Your Grace's information, a
comparative statement of the imports into the Colony of Vancouver Island for the first six months ending with the 30th day of June of
the year 1861, and for the corresponding period of the present year
1862.

2. This statement shews an increase of $694,043 dollars or nearly 66
per cent in the Imports of the two first quarters of 1862, over the
first six months of the year 1861. With the exception of a falling
off to the extent of 61,506 dollars in the imports from Oregon there
is almost, uniformly a remarkable increase in the trade with other
countries.

3. The direct imports from England alone, form an exception; as they
exceed, only by 1821 dollars the imports of last year. A great part
of the goods brought to this Colony from San Francisco are
unquestionably of English manufacture, and are introduced through
that channel, and charged with several profits, instead of being
imported direct, and at the smallest cost from England.

4. This state of business so expensive to the Colony, and so
unfavourable to the growth of trade with the Mother Country, will I
trust be superseded by a better system whenever the real wants of the
Colony, and the large demand for English goods, existing here are
better understood by the commercial public.

5. In hopes that Your Grace may cause this statement and the
accompanying Return shewing the description of goods imported in the
first six months of 1862, to be published in England for the
information of persons wishing to make shipments to this Country.



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FILE: 1862-09-02_Howard_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625MI10.txt
================================================================================

Howard to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo,
transmitting, by direction of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, copy
of a Despatch from the Governor of Vancouver's Island, reporting that
he should take immediate steps for forwarding to England the desired
supply of Douglas Fir Seed, and stating the precautions, which would
be used in sending it, and I have to request that you will be so good
as to convey to His Grace an expression of my thanks for his
compliance with my request.



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FILE: 1862-09-02_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE07.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In answer to your letter of the 22nd Ult. relating to the Hudsons
Bay Company, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you for the information of the Duke of
Newcastle that My Lords have wished to allow to that Company all that
they could fairly claim on the resumption by the Crown of Vancouvers
Island. They claimed an unexpectedly large balance of £53,569
afterwards reduced by the withdrawal of an Item of £15,113 to £38,456
for which they proposed that they should be paid, as a compensation,
a sum of £35,000.

They were however unable to satisfy Mr Andoe and Mr Murdoch on
behalf of the Government, that more than £29,000 ought to be paid to
them, and even that sum included some Items which Mr Andoe
passed, not as a matter of account, but by way of concession only,
and on the ground of Public convenience, and the Interests of the
Colony.

My Lords therefore considered that they were acting in a liberal
spirit towards the Company when they offered a sum of £30,000 in full
satisfaction of their claims, and they had trusted that the Company
would have accepted that sum without further reference to the
particular claim, which they had not fully succeeded in establishing,
for the passage and maintenance of Settlers.

In the claim, as it was first made by the Company, they assumed that
of Seven Hundred Settlers expected to be sent out to the Colony, one
half would be taken up by the Puget's Sound Company, and they charged
the Government, in consequence, with Passage-Money for Three Hundred
and Fifty Settlers amounting, at £23 each Settler, to £8050, and with
£17,500 for Maintenance at the rate of £50 a head. It then appeared,
as stated in a letter from the Governor of the Company, that only
about Six Hundred and Thirty went out, that the sum spent in
Maintenance was very much under £17,500, and that the cost of
Maintenance was only £23 for each Settler instead of £50.

That took off £9,450 from the original claim; but, on the other hand,
it was said that the Puget's Company took only Eighty, and that the
550 others were all chargeable to the Colony: and, the cost of the
additional 200 Settlers for Passage-Money and Maintenance being about
£9200—the Claim as amended came out nearly the same in amount as
before.

My Lords concurred with Mr Andoe and Mr Murdoch in not thinking the
explanation satisfactory either generally or as to why the first
statement of numbers should have been erroneous, and they considered
that the Government was entitled to take that number as the basis of
the calculations. They think it, however far better that the terms
for the reconveyance of Vancouver's Island should, if possible, be
made acceptable to both parties than that recourse should be had to
Legal Proceedings—and £5,000 being the difference between the sums
asked by and offered to the Company—they would not, desirous as they
are of assisting His Grace in coming to an amicable settlement with
the Company, object to give half that difference and thus to raise
the balance payable to the Company to a sum of £32,500.



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FILE: 1862-09-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62043.txt
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No. 43

Adverting to my Despatch of the 2nd Ultimo No 38, and
to Your Grace's Despatch No 131 of the 10th June, I have the
honor to forward herewith "The British Columbian Loan Act 1862,"
together with the Attorney Generals report upon the same.

2. This Act repeals the "British Columbia Roads Loan Act 1861," "The British Columbia Roads Loan Act 1862," and the
"Temporary Loan Act 1862," and authorizes the Governor of British Columbia to borrow the sum of Fifty Thousand pounds Sterling (£50,000),
upon Debentures secured upon the General Revenue of the Colony, such Debentures to be redeemable at the expiration of ten years
from the 1st January 1863, and to bear interest at the rate of Six per cent per annum payable half yearly.

3. I think it will be found that all the recommendations of
the Board of Treasury which Your Grace was so kind as to convey
to me in your Despatch of the 16th June are embodied in the Act now forwarded, and I therefore most earnestly trust that it
may be confirmed at the earliest possible period, the more
especially as I have been most fortunate in concluding arrangements
for the negociation of the whole Loan upon such terms as are most
favorable to the Colony under its present financial condition,
and which arrangements greatly relieve me from immediate financial
pressure, and from the harassing anxiety I have experienced for
some months past, as I have already explained at length to Your
Grace in previous Despatches.

4. The arrangements to which I allude have been made with
the Chartered Bank of British Columbia and Vancouver's Island,
which has recently established itself at Victoria. I forward
herewith a letter from the Agent in these Colonies of that
institution in which he offers to take the whole Loan at par
by giving Bills from time to time as they may be required upon
the London Office; the sums so advanced by Bill to bear interest
at the rate of 12 per Cent per Annum until repaid by the delivery
of the Debentures to the London Office, a corresponding rate of
interest being allowed by the Bank upon any sums represented by
Debentures remaining in their hands undrawn.

5. Money to carry on the works actually contracted for in
opening the lines of communication as far as Alexandria was an
absolute necessity. The least rate of interest at which it
could be obtained on the spot was 18 per Cent per Annum, and only
a few thousand could have been temporarily borrowed at that
rate, or even at the rate of Twenty four per Cent per annum.
Thousands of persons have left Carribou this year in consequence
not only of the enormous cost of provisions, but also to avoid
starvation from their absolute dearth. The remedy must be applied
at any cost, and the work on the roads could not be delayed for
a day. Your Grace can therefore readily conceive the satisfaction
with which I perused the offer of the
Incorporated Bank of British Columbia & Vancouver's Island, and the promptitude with which I
closed with it.

6. So soon as Her Majesty's Assent to the Act has been obtained,
I beg that Your Grace will have the kindness to communicate the
circumstance to the Agents General for the Crown Colonies and
cause them to have the Debentures prepared with the least possible
delay and issued to the Chartered Bank of British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, 80 Lombard Street.



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FILE: 1862-09-05_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI11.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I regret to trouble your Grace again on the subject of the payment to
be made to this Company in respect of their outlay in Vancouvers
Island. I had the honor of addressing your Grace on the subject on
the 11th ulto: but have not been favored with any communication in
reply.



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FILE: 1862-09-05_Duncan_&_Dewar_to_Newcastle_V626D02.txt
================================================================================

Duncan & Dewar to Newcastle

We have the honor to forward herewith for your Grace's considerations. 1. Copy letter dated 27 July
last from Mr John Copland, Solicitor,
Vancouver's Island, to our Mr Duncan.
2. Copy of the Correspondence therein referred to between
Mr Copland and
Mr Young, the Governor's Secretary.

On behalf of Mr Copland, we ask the favour of your Grace's giving such directions in
the matter, to the local authorities, as to your Grace may seem to be called for, and appropriate, in the circumstances.



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FILE: 1862-09-05_Gibson_to_Newcastle_V626G01.txt
================================================================================

Gibson and McPherson to Newcastle

We the undersigned intending to Emmagrate
from Canada and Settle in British Columbia desire to purchase a Small tract of Land in that
Colony, Say—Six hundred or one thousand Acres.

It is our intention to engage largely in the business of Farming and
in the manufacture of Furniture and Agricultural Implements, for
which businesses we learn after making the most careful inquiries
there are most excellent openings. We are prepared to invest a large
Capital in the above undertakings provided we can purchase a quantity
of Land en bloc at a reasonable price.

On examining the Map of British Columbia, we are of the opinion that
the Island of San Juan would be the most suitable place to locate the
proposed Manufactures. We are quite prepared to accept such title as
the Imperial Government can give to the Land on San Juan Island and
are prepared to run all risks as regards the claim of the United
States to the San Juan Island.



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FILE: 1862-09-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62047.txt
================================================================================

No. 47, Legislative

I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace the undermentioned
Acts, together with the Attorney General's report thereupon.

I Vancouver Island Road and Harbor Loan Act 1862.

II Vancouver Island temporary Debenture Loan Act 1862.

2. The first after repealing the Harbor Loan Act of 1861, the moneys
raised under that Act having been paid off, Empowers the Governor to
borrow upon Debentures secured as a primary charge upon the general
Revenue of the Colony and bearing interest at the rate of six per
centum per annum, a sum of money not exceeding Forty thousand pounds
Sterling for the purpose of constructing Roads within the Colony, and
for improving Victoria Harbor.

3. The second Act Empowers the Governor to borrow a sum of money not
exceeding Fifteen Thousand pounds Sterling in anticipation of the
moneys to be raised under the first named Act, so that the work of
the improvement in Victoria Harbor may be at once proceeded with and
advantage be taken of a present favorable condition of the labor
market to open roads, and thus to induce settlement and retain
immigrants in the Country.

4. I trust that these Acts may be found in due form, and that no
objection may exist to their being left to their operation.



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FILE: 1862-09-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62048.txt
================================================================================

No. 48, Legislative

I have the honor to transmit herewith, two Acts intituled
respectively

"An Act to incorporate the City of Victoria," and "An Act to Enable
the Surveyor General to authorize the closing of part of the Old
Saanich and Burnside Road."

2. I have given Her Majesty's Assent to these Acts, and enclose the
Attorney General's opinion to the effect that there was no objection
to my doing so. His report, explanatory of their peculiar features,
is also forwarded; and I trust they will meet with Her Majesty's
approval, and be left to their operation.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-08_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62049.txt
================================================================================

No. 49, Military

The Imperial Funds in the hands of this government to liquidate
expenses for Colonial Pay &c of Royal Marines at San Juan being
exhausted, I have the honor to acquaint your Grace that I have
authorized the Colonial Treasurer to obtain the sum of One Thousand
Pounds (£1000) on this account by Bills upon Her Majesty's Paymaster
General, and I trust your Grace will cause the necessary steps to be
taken so that the Bills may be accepted on presentation.



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FILE: 1862-09-08_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE23.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 30 Ult. I am directed by
the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint
you for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that, on
consideration of the circumstances detailed in the Despatch
of the Governor of British Columbia, My Lords
will not withhold Their assent from the proposal of the Governor to make a
separate appointment, with a salary of £500 a year, for the
Office of Registrar General of Titles to Land.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627139.txt
================================================================================

No. 139

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of
the 16th of July marked "Separate" together with Reports from the
Assistant Gold Commissioners of the Carriboo and Lytton Districts.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627140.txt
================================================================================

No. 140

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches
Nos. 25 and 26 of the 13th of May adverting to several of the most
important questions of finance and Account in British Columbia.

I enclose for your information and guidance a copy of a
correspondence on those despatches between this Department and the Board
of Treasury.

I must however more directly call your attention to the comparison
at the close of your despatch No. 26 between the sums voted by
Parliament and the actual expenditure of Imperial Money.

According to that review there existed on the 31st of March 1862 no
greater balance against the Colony than £6128; but you appear to have
neglected the information which was conveyed to you at the time, that of
the amount voted in 1859-60 upwards of £27,000 was intended to meet
expenses which occurred in this Country. After deducting therefore the
sum of £12,000 which only you have set down as so expended, the
correction of this wrong statement alone would increase the balance
against the Colony by £15000.

I must also caution you against the error into which you have
fallen, in the 5th paragraph of the same despatch, in representing as an
actual balance in favour of the Colony a sum which was in fact merely
the undrawn for portion of the Votes, and was at any moment liable to
demands for past services.

The details in your despatch No. 25 of the appropriation of £7500
for works and buildings are sufficient; but you ought to have afforded,
and I must request that you will in future afford, corresponding details
of the appropriation for Roads, specifying the proposed Roads and the
amounts severally allotted for their construction.

The state of account between British Columbia and this Country has
been so fully exhibited in my dispatch No. 123 of the 13th of May and in
other despatches that I need add no more on that subject.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627141.txt
================================================================================

No. 141

I have the honour to acquaint you that, under the circumstances represented in your despatch No. 29 of the 18th of June, Her Majesty's Government will not withhold their assent from your proposal to appoint
a separate officer with a salary of five hundred pounds a year to perform the Duties of Registrar General of Titles to Land.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-16_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627142.txt
================================================================================

No. 142

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of
the 9th of July relative to the Stickeen Territory. I approve the
course adopted by you towards the governor of the Russian Territory in that neighbourhood, and I have to refer you to my despatch No. 134 of
the 26th of July enclosing an Order of Her Majesty in Council which provides for the present government of the New Country.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-17_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627143.txt
================================================================================

No. 143

I have the honor to direct your attention to my despatch No. 62 of
the 20th November 1860 in which you were requested to call upon Captain
Gosset to report upon defalcations to the amount of £598.0.4 that had
occurred during his tenure of the Office of Surveyor General of Ceylon.

I now transmit to you a copy of a further despatch on the subject
from the Governor of Ceylon, and I have to express my surprise that no
answer has yet been received from Captain Gosset. You will so inform
him, and will call upon him to furnish without loss of time the
explanation required of him so far back as November 1860, appraizing him
at the same time that unless a prompt answer is received from him, there
will be no alternative but to hold him responsible for payment of the
defalcations which took place during the period I have named.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-18_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI12.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Elliots letter of
the 11th instant, in which it is proposed on the part of your Grace
that the difference between the sum demanded by the Hudsons Bay
Company in respect to the settlement of their outlays in Vancouver's
Island and that offered by Her Majestys Government
being £5,000 that that difference should be divided and the sum payable to the Company
be thus raised from £30,000 to £32,500.

In reply I beg to state that although in conjunction with my
colleagues in the Direction of this Company I still adhere to the
justice of the claim originally advanced by this Company I am
prepared on their behalf and my own to agree to the compromise
suggested by your Grace in order to bring the affair at once to an
amicable settlement.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627116A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I request your attention to the established rule that Laws passed
in the Colony under your Government when sent home shall be accompanied
by a marginal abstract of each separate clause.

The large number of Colonial enactments which require a more or
less minute examination in this Office renders it very inconvenient
that rules calculated to facilitate that examination should be neglected.

Observing that in the Colony under your government the marginal
abstracts are frequently wanted, I find it necessary to call your
attention to the omission, and to request that you will give such
directions as will prevent its recurrence.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-25_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627117.txt
================================================================================

No. 117

With reference to my despatch No. 85 of the 7th of February last I
have the honor to acquaint you that I have received from Messrs. Duncan and Dewar a further application in behalf of
Mr. Copland who does not appear to have been enabled to resume legal practice in
Vancouver Island
 either, as suggested in my despatch, by a Rule
of Court admitting him or providing for his admission to practice or by an Act of the Legislature, and I shall be glad to learn why neither of these
courses have been adopted.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-26_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE24.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter dated 17th Instant enclosing
copy of a Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia with a
Proclamation which provides for raising a Loan not exceeding
£50,000, I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to transmit to you copy of certain Observations by
Mr Julyan, Agent General for Crown Colonies, on this Proclamation,
and I am to request that you will state to the Duke of Newcastle
that it appears to My Lords very probable that on the receipt of
the Despatch of 16 June last, founded on the Treasury letter of
the same date, the Governor may have taken steps in conformity with
the precise instructions conveyed to him, whereby most of the
objections raised by Mr Julyan will have been removed, and that
it will be better to defer any proceedings on this Proclamation
until a further communication shall have been received from the
Governor.

In the meanwhile the substance of the Observations might be
communicated to the Governor, and he might be informed that as
the money is to be raised in England it will be necessary that
the Agents General should be advised regularly of the Local Rates
of Exchange on London, in order that they may be enabled to judge
of the most advantageous mode of remitting the money to the Colony.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627118.txt
================================================================================

No. 118

I have received your despatch No. 38 of the 24th of July last,
enclosing 6 Acts passed by the Legislature of Vancouver Island in June
and July last, which I have submitted to Her Majesty with my
recommendation that they should be left to their operation.

I think it necessary however to call your attention to the effect
of the Act No. 59 "to protect the property of a Wife deserted by her
Husband."

The alteration made by this Act in the Imperial Law for protecting
the property of deserted Wives seems an alteration for the worse, as it
appears that a poor woman, deserted by her husband, who by honest
industry has collected a little property, will not be able under the
present Act, without troubling herself about questions of Law, to
obtain any protection for the property so acquired, but will remain
liable (notwithstanding any order which she may subsequently obtain) to
have the whole of that property swept away by the husband or the
creditors of the husband who has deserted her.

Such being the case I cannot doubt that so undesirable an
alteration of a provision carefully considered by the best Lawyers of
this Country will not be allowed to remain on the Statute Book of
Vancouver Island.



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FILE: 1862-09-30_Hamilton_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625TE08.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 26th September, I am directed by the
Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the
information of the Duke of Newcastle, that instructions have been
given to the Paymaster General to pay to the Governor of the Hudson's
Bay Company the sum of £32,500, in full discharge of all claims of
the Company against Her Majesty's Government in respect of the
Resumption of Vancouver's Island by the Crown, and I am to request
tht you will move His Grace to communicate to the Governor of the
Hudson's Bay Company the directions given to the Paymaster General.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-30_Moody_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_B626M07.txt
================================================================================

Memo, Moody to Under-Secretary of State

Colonel Moody presents his Compliments to the Under-Secretary
of State for the Colonies, and has the honor of sending some Maps
of British Columbia shewing the Gold Regions, Towns &c.

Copies of these will be forwarded from here to the War
Department and Geographical Society.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-30_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625AD05.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to my letter of the 14th March last, I am commanded
by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the
information of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, that they have been
informed by Rear Admiral Sir T. Maitland that the two 68 Pdr

95 Cwt Guns of "Bacchante," and
"Topaze," have been placed on the
Point at present occupied by the Temporary Naval Hospital Buildings
at Esquimalt, that being the best position for defending the entrance
of the Harbour.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-09-30_Romaine_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625AD04.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Under-Secretary of State

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
you for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that, on the
application of Governor Douglas, Mr William A.G. Young, Paymaster RN,

has been permitted to retain his appointment as Colonial Secretary at
Victoria, and directions have been given for Mr Youngs discharge
from the books of the Flag Ship on the Pacific Station where he had
been ordered to be borne, for the purpose of waiting a passage to
England.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-01_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627119.txt
================================================================================

No. 119

I have the honor to inform you that after protracted discussions
the sum which Her Majesty's Government proposed to pay to the Hudsons
Bay Company in respect of their different outlays in Vancouver Island
was £30,000, but that the Company continued to demand £35,000.

Under these circumstances a compromise was offered on the part of
Her Majesty's Government, and has been accepted by the Company, by
which the difference has been divided, and the sum of £32,500 has been
agreed upon as the amount to be paid in discharge of the Company's
claims on the Crown in consequence of it's resumption of Vancouver
Island. This payment is about to be made forthwith to the Company by
the Treasury.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-01_T.F._Elliot_to_Douglas_V627119A.txt
================================================================================

[Separate]

In the absence of the Secretary of State I have the honor to send
you a copy of a despatch which has been approved by the Duke of
Newcastle but has not yet received His Grace's signature. A signed
copy will reach you by the next mail.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-02_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627144.txt
================================================================================

No. 144

At the request of the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury, and with
reference to the projected loan to British Columbia, I have to direct
you to furnish the Agents General for the Crown Colonies—No. 6 Adelphi
Terrace, London—with the local rates of exchange on London, so as to
enable them, when the Loan has been raised, to judge of the most
advantageous method of remitting the money to British Columbia.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-03_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI13.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Elliot's letter
of the 1st instant in which he informs me by the direction of your
Grace that the Paymaster General has received the necessary authority
to pay to the Hudsons Bay Company whenever it may be applied for by
them the sum of £32,500 in discharge of the claims of the Company in
respect to the resumption of Vancouvers Island by the Crown.

In conveying to your Grace my thanks and those of my Colleagues for
this communication I beg to state that Mr Thomas Fraser, the
Secretary of the Company has been authorised to receive payment and
that on the assumption that Monday next will be convenient for the
purpose he will attend on that day at the Paymaster Generals Office
for the purpose of receiving the money.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-03_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627145.txt
================================================================================

No. 145

I have the honor to acquaint you that I have received direct from
Mr. John Ramage, President of the Municipal Council of New Westminster, a Duplicate of the Memorial, the Original of which was forwarded to me in your despatch No. 33 of the 28th of July, praying for a Resident governor in British Columbia and that Representative Institutions may be granted to the Colony.

I have to request that you will inform the Memorialists that I have duly received their Petition.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-04_Mayne_to_Newcastle_B626M03.txt
================================================================================

Mayne to Newcastle

Since my return from Service in HM Ships Plumper and Hecate,
employed in surveying the coasts of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, I have prepared for publication my journal kept during the
four years I was there.

2. Having been employed, as your Grace has been informed by
the official reports, on several exploring expeditions in the
interior of both British Columbia & Vancouver Island, I am enabled
to give my personal impression of this country, which I trust will
be found useful.

3. I have the honor to submit my request that your Grace
will be pleased to direct that this book may be added to the
library of the Colonial Office.

4. The title of the book will be "Four Years in British Columbia and Vancouver Island" by Commr Mayne RN published by John Turney Albemarle Street.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-09_Walcott_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN12.txt
================================================================================

Walcott to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of the 2nd instant, with the copy
of a despatch from the Governor of VanCouver's Island on the subject
of the Lands to be surrendered to the Crown by the Hudsons Bay Co
under their Agreement of the 3rd Febry 1862.

2. The Secretary of State had instructed Governor Douglas to reserve
out of the Lands so to be surrendered a fit site for the future
erection of Barracks. Mr Douglas now expresses his apprehension
that when the Company have chosen the 50 Acres about "Beckney"
[Beckley] or "Dutnelli" Farm

which by the 5th Article of the Agreement they are entitled to
select from the unsold lands in the district lying South and West
of James' Bay, there will not remain one Acre to be surrendered to
the Crown; and adds that the Company, so far from making any
concessions to the Government which the Agreement would lead anyone
to infer, have actually obtained almost the whole of the very small
portion of ground, not covered by buildings, now and for years past
in the possession of the Government, and to which the Company had no
sound claim. He also complains that he had endeavoured in vain to
ascertain from the Company the extent and position of the Land to be
surrendered by them to the Crown.

3. In framing the Agreement, it is no doubt true that in the absence
of specific information as to the quantity of Lands that remained
unsold in the district alluded to, it became necessary to rely on the
intimate and local knowledge of Mr Dallas, one of the Company's
principal officers, who had recently arrived from the Colony and who
acted for the Company in the matter. But as it was important to
settle amicably—definitively—and without further loss of time, all
open land questions with the Company, it was considered advisable to
accept an arrangement which was at all events precise and afforded
the means of closing within a given time all disputes, even at the
expense of some uncertainty as to the quantity of Land that might be
recovered by the Crown. Nevertheless it was not anticipated that the
50 Acres stipulated for by the Company out of the District lying
South and West of James' Bay would absorb the whole of the the Lands
remaining unsold in that district, and that in fact the Crown would
obtain nothing under the Agreement except one Well, already set apart
for public use—a water frontage lot of 50 feet reserved for the
use of the Harbour Master—& the sites of a Police Barrack—and of
the Post Office. The Public Park—School—Church and Burying Ground
referred to in the 6th article of the Agreement had previously been
appropriated for public use, and was therefore no concession to the
Crown.

4. The Company are entitled under the 5th Article of the Agreement
to a period of 18 calendar Months from the 3rd of Febry last, within
which to make their selection of the 50 Acres at Beckney Farm.

5. Under these circumstances I do not see that any step can now be
taken except, if the Duke of Newcastle sees fit, to send a copy of
the Governor's despatch to the Company for any observations they may
wish to offer, and to request, on the grounds of public convenience
and for bringing this matter to a close, that they would at once
forward instructions to their officers in the Colony to select as
early as practicable the 50 Acres at "Beckney Farm," and to convey
"forthwith" according to the express stipulation of the Agreement,
all the other property that is to be surrendered to the Crown.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-13_Admiralty_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD05.txt
================================================================================

[Milbends?] to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter (in reply to one from this
Department dated the 1st of August last) stating that the
amount charged by the Royal Mail Packet Company for the
conveyance to Colon of extra baggage belonging to Royal
Engineers now serving in British Columbia, will be transferred to Naval Funds, I request that you will be pleased to cause the claim and documents relating to this Service to be returned
to this Department.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-23_Mackean_to_Newcastle_B625MI07.txt
================================================================================

Mackean to Newcastle

I am instructed by the Court of Directors to forward to your
Grace the following paragraph taken from the Manager's letter of
this Bank dated at Victoria V.I. 2nd Septr 1862

I have now to advise the Court that the Government of
British Columbia has accepted my Tender for the whole
amount of the Loan for £50,000 to be raised in London
and I have to inform you that the Government here has
advised the Colonial Office of the transaction, & has
requested the Authorities there, to hand over to the Bank
Debentures amounting to £50,000 in such amounts as you may desire.

I am also instructed respectfully to inquire when the said
Debentures will be ready for delivery.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-23_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE25.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am directed by The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of The Duke of
Newcastle, that They observe with regret the tone exhibited by
the Gentlemen of the Assay Department at
New Westminster in British Columbia, in the correspondence enclosed in the Despatch
of the Governor of that Colony, which accompanied Mr Elliot's
letter of the 22nd Ultimo, particularly as it will be seen
by the observations of The Master of the Mint in his letter of
the 3 Inst, copy of which is forwarded herewith, that the terms
of their engagement do not support their right to any increase of
Salary beyond what they have already received.

My Lords would have been disposed to have expressed, in the
strongest terms, Their sense of the impropriety of the course
taken and the language used by these Gentlemen, and which, as
stated in Governor Douglas' letter of 28 July, appeared to bear very much the complexion of an attempt upon their part to coerce
the Government into a compliance with their demands at a moment
when they believed their services to be indispensable. Such a
course and language on the part of any Servants of Her Majesty
would not, under ordinary circumstances, be tolerated in the
Public Service.

Having regard, however, to the inexperience of these Gentlemen,
and to the fact that their aid has been ultimately given to the
Mintage operations, My Lords will leave to Governor Douglas the
decision as to the propriety of complying with Captain Gossett's
recommendations for an increase of Salary to the several Members
of the Assay Department in consideration of the additional
Duties now devolving on them.

Their Lordships think it right to re-call the attention of the
Secretary of State to the former correspondence on the subject of
the establishment of a Mint in British Columbia, and more
particularly to the grounds upon which My Lords were pleased to
waive the objections which They entertained to the establishment
of an Assay and Refinery Department, under Government Control,
instead of leaving such work to private enterprise.

The grounds upon which My Lords came to the conclusion that this
might be permitted under the circumstances were:

1st That no private Establishment would command the
confidence of the Miners.

2nd That the Government Offices would very soon become self
supporting.

It now appears that the Public has not to any great extent
availed itself of the Government Assay Office, and, consequently,
so far from its being self-supporting that a loss of upwards of
£6000 has already accrued.

There is no information contained in the Papers before this
Board as to what has led to a result so different from what was
anticipated, and Their Lordships request that a Return may be
furnished showing what amount of Work has been performed in the
Assay Office, month by month, since it came into full operation,
the actual current cost of the Office up to the latest period, and
the receipts, accompanied by explanations of the causes which
have led to the apparent failure of the project, and the views
of the Governor with regard to its prospects for the future.

My Lords would also be glad to have the Governor's opinion
as to retaining the office at New Westminster or removing it to Victoria.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-10-27_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62043SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

The regular course of my official communications to Your
Grace has been lately interrupted by an absence of six weeks in
British Columbia, from whence I have just arrived, and I will
do myself the honour of now laying before Your Grace the result
of my observations on the state of the Country.

2. In my progress over the Colony I visited all the principal
Towns, inspected the new roads which are rapidly advancing towards
Alexandria; and held free and daily intercourse with the inhabitants
of all classes; hearing complaints, and granting redress wherever
grievances were found to exist. I also took advantage of the opportunity to enquire into the local administration, and the
condition of the internal revenue; and I am glad to say that I
saw much to commend, and little to reprove in the conduct and
proceedings of the Magistrates; and their accounts were found in
every instance clear and correct. These were not the only gratifying
circumstances which I had occasion to observe in the course of my
journey, there was also a marked feeling of confidence exhibited
by business men in the extent and richness of the Gold-fields, and
a generally expressed satisfaction with the prospects and condition
of the Colony.

3. I cannot speak too favourably of the newly formed Roads. In
smoothness and solidity they surpass expectation. "Jackass Mountain,"
"The Cleft," "The Great Slides," "The Rocking Bridges," and other
passes of ominous fame, so notorious in the history of the Colony,
have lost their terrors, they now exist only in name, being rendered alike safe and pleasant by the broad and gracefull windings of the Queen's Highway.

4. There is also a striking improvement in all the principal
towns, except Hope, which is almost deserted in consequence of the
migration of the inhabitants to Carribou and other places; an evil
to which gold producing countries, occupied by a purely mining
population, are peculiarly exposed.

5. I noticed with satisfaction that Settlers are beginning
to take up the Public Land along the course of the Public Roads,
and are turning their attention to tillage and Stock raising. A
few successful experiments shewing how profitable farming may be
made in British Columbia will induce other persons to follow their
example; and I apprehend the majority of British emigrants will
probably find agricultural pursuits better adapted than mining, to
their tastes and former habits of life. Farm produce of all
kinds fetches an enormous price, not at Carribou only, but in
the Midland Districts as well. Hay for example is now selling
at Lillooet and Lytton for 5d a pound, or £46.13.4 a ton.
Barley at from 45 to 75 shillings a Bushel. Potatoes at 2 1/2d
a pound, and garden stuffs of all kinds, at the same rate, prices
which I conceive would be very profitable to the farmer.

6. Turning to another subject, I have the satisfaction of
stating that but one serious offence has been committed in the
Colony since my report of the 13th of August; and also that
no attempts have since then been made to rob or molest persons
travelling to or from the Mines.

At the General Assize held at Van Winkle, Lightning Creek,
on the 25th of August last, the names of two persons only
appear upon the Calendar, a Copy of which is enclosed, a
Circumstance which most strikingly illustrates the quiet and
orderly behaviour of the large mining population assembled there.

7. The Lillooet and Lytton Alexandria Tolls Acts, imposing
a charge of One half-penny a pound on all goods passing over the
new roads, came into operation shortly before my arrival at the
former place. These Tolls, it is calculated, will yield a
collective sum of Sixteen Thousand Pounds for the fiscal year
ending on the 31st of December 1863; a Revenue, that with its
estimated increase, will in a few years pay the whole cost of
constructing the Roads, as well as providing in the meantime for
necessary repairs and improvements.

8. The General Revenue of the Colony for the first three
quarters of the current year ending with the 30th September,
may be stated approximately at Sixty Seven Thousand and Seventy
three pounds, against Forty Seven Thousand and twenty four pounds
for the same period of 1861, shewing an increase of Twenty
Thousand and forty nine Pounds, or 42 5/8 per cent in favor of
1862, and I am in hopes, notwithstanding the great loss, equivalent
to two and a half months collection sustained by the revenue in
the beginning of the year through the severity of the winter, that
the total revenue for 1862 will not fall much short of the
Estimates forwarded to Your Grace at the close of 1861.

9. The "Sunday Observance Act" which was recently passed to
remove doubts which had arisen as to the powers of the Magistrates
in enforcing the observance of the Lord's Day, appears to have
given rise to a very general feeling of satisfaction. It will
also have the effect of producing a more general attendance on
the religious ministrations of the Clergy sent to all parts of
the Colony through the watchful care of our excellent and
indefatigable Pastor, the Right Reverend Bishop of Columbia.

10. I encountered in the course of my journey a number of
overland emigrants from Canada who came through from Red River
settlement by the Tetê Jaune Cache route referred to in my
despatch "Separate" of the 15th of April last. They suffered a good deal of privation, but did not experience any serious
difficulties in the route until they had passed Edmonton, from
whence to Tetê Jaune Cache appears by their representations to be
the worst part of the journey, they are, however, of opinion that
a good road may be formed between those points at a very moderate
cost; a statement essentially agreeing with the opinion expressed
in my before-mentioned Despatch. In the event of a large emigration
next summer overland from Canada, the enterprising owners of a
Stern-wheel Steam Boat recently built at Alexandria for the trade
of the Upper Fraser, may be induced to extend her trips to
Tetê Jaune Cache, an arrangement that would lessen the difficulties of
the overland journey, and greatly aid and facilitate the progress
of any emigrants arriving hereafter by that route. I transmit
herewith for Your Grace's information a descriptive report of the
route gathered from various persons attached to the overland party,
and should Her Majesty's Government deem it a matter of national
importance to open a regular overland communication with Canada,
I submit that parties of workmen might be dispatched from this Colony
at less expense than from Canada to carry their views into effect.

11. Mining on the Lower Fraser is now almost exclusively
confined to Indians and Chinese; a remark which applies with equal
force to Shimilkomeen, Rock Creek, and Thompson's River Districts,
which have been entirely forsaken; the white Miners and newly
arrived emigrants having almost to a man gone to Carribou, and
considering the enormous sums realized by some of the principal
mining Companies, it is not surprising that the Miners, as a
body, should be attracted to that quarter. This year many causes
have conspired to retard the development of the Colony, a large
emigration following immediately in the train of an exceptionally
severe winter, served to consume the stocks of food faster than
they could be replenished by the tedious and expensive process
of packing on Mule-back, and all kinds of eatables consequently
went up to famine prices, whereby hundred of valuable labourers,
poor men, who had neither money of their own, nor could obtain
employment from others, were literally compelled to fly the
country. Large as the product of gold undoubtedly is this year
at Carribou, there would have been a far greater return had food
been obtainable at any thing like fair and moderate prices; and
the auriferous deposits would moreover have been far more
extensively explored. With all these concurrent disadvantages
however, enough has been effected this season to illustrate the
great extent and richness of these deposits. The Gold
Commissioners—the returning miners, whether fortunate or the
reverse—and the
Merchants who are embarking their capital freely in mining operations,
all admit the fact, and bear testimony to the soundness of that
conclusion. The last great discovery at Carribou reported by the
Gold Commissioners, was made at Williams Creek, where the Gold-lead
was reached at a depth of forty feet, and about one quarter of a
mile from the spot where it was before lost. It is therefore
inferred that the lead is continuous for that interval, and that
it may exist for an indefinite distance down the course of the
stream. The value of that discovery may be estimated from the
fact that the yield of Gold has averaged Two Thousand dollars per
running foot of the lead. The reports from the "Antler" and
"Lightning" are less favourable, the Miners on the latter having
this season encountered difficulties for which they were not
prepared; but those who have been so fortunate as to acquire
interests in the mines, appear satisfied with the prospects, and
resolved to enter the field next year with the advantages of
greater experience. Some rich specimens of Auriferous Quartz have
been lately brought from the Mountains on Snow Shoe River, Carribou
District; they were found near an extensive quartz-reef in that
vicinity, which it is intended to work in the course of the coming
year. I herewith transmit extracts from the reports of Commissioners
O'Reilly and Elwyn, containing further information of much interest,
and a report of exploration on North River, (North Branch of the
Thompson), carried on by a party of working miners, aided by a small
contribution from Government.

12. As a further illustration of the true character of the
Gold-fields, I will here submit the following Gold statistics,
supplied at my request by the holders of several of the richest
mines in Carribou, and, wonderful as they appear, their accuracy
may be relied upon.
The Cunningham Mine

William Wallace Cunningham, a native
of Kentucky, and discoverer of William's Creek, opened a sluicing
mine in 1861, conjointly with three other persons. The area of
ground held by the Company under the Mining Regulations, was 584
by 100 feet, and was divided into four equal interests or shares:
three shares were sold in 1861 for the sums of 600, 800, and 2300
dollars respectively. The Company's operations were carried on
for three months, till necessarily suspended, on the approach of
winter, at the close of September 1861. The net returns, deducting
the working expenses, amounted to 675 ounces of Gold, valued at
Ten Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars, or Two Thousand Seven Hundred
dollars per share. In 1862 the yield rapidly increased, and was
large and regular throughout the season. Shares were sold for
Thirty two thousand dollars, and the extraordinary amount of
52 lbs of Gold, avoirdupois weight, was raised in one day.
The gross returns from this Mine for the four months ending with
the 30th of September last, are as follows;

18,450 ounces of Gold, valued at three hundred thousand dollars; the
working expenses for the same period amounting to 40 thousand dollars;
leaving a net return of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

The Steele Mine

Hugh Nathaniel Steele, a native of Kentucky
and two other persons jointly interested with him in the Mine,
broke ground on William's Creek on the 18th of May 1861;
prepared their boxes and commenced ground sluicing on the 17th
of June; reached the gold-drift on the 4th July, but had no
return until the 10th, when the days yield amounted to 10 ounces
of Gold; on the 11th the yield was 41 ounces, and, having then
reached the Gutter, or former River bed, the daily return was very
large, having on one occasion amounted to 280 ounces.

The cost of opening the Mine, including

that of their own labour was £5000

Working Expenses for the Season of

1861—3 1/2 months 30,000

Total £35,000

The returns for the same period were as follows;
10,312 ounces of Gold, valued at One Hundred and
Sixty five thousand Dollars.

The Company have been no less fortunate this year, 1862, having
in four months between the 1st of June and the 30th of September,
when the cold set in, succeeded in raising 17,781 1/4 ounces of Gold,
valued at Two Hundred and Eighty four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars.
The Gold-lead, as far as it has been traced in this mine, is about
100 feet wide, and has yielded Two Thousand Dollars a running foot.
The Company have worked about 180 feet of the ground, and hope to
realize a large profit by re-washing the earth.
Nelson's Mine

Nelson Dutoux, a native of Lower Canada, and
the discoverer of "Nelson's Creek," in company with three other
miners, commenced sluicing on that stream in the month of July
1861, and by the 1st of October, when work was suspended, had
raised 1437 1/2 ounces of Gold, valued at Twenty Three Thousand Dollars.

Recommenced sluicing on the 1st July 1862, and after
realizing 500 ounces, or Eight Thousand Dollars, commenced drifting
into the bank, fifty feet above the River, with the view of extending
the mine. At seventy five feet he broke into a rich bed of
auriferous earth, and is now conveying water in races to wash out
the Gold. He moreover says that the earth from any part of the
drift will give a return of ten or twelve dollars a day per man.
The Adams Mine

John R. Adams, from the Province of New Brunswick. Had never been engaged in mining before going to
Carribou in 1861. Bought, on the 6th of August, a third share
of a mine on Williams Creek, the area of the ground allowed by
the Gold Regulations for himself and two partners being 300 feet
long by 100 feet wide. From that date to the 1st of October,
when the cold weather prevented further working, the Company raised
500 ounces of Gold, equal, at 16 dollars per ounce, to Eight
Thousand Dollars. In the working season of 1862, that is from
the 1st day of June to the 1st day of October, the Company
have taken up 10,000 ounces, equal to One Hundred and Sixty
Thousand Dollars. The working expenses, including their own
labour, being for the same time equal to about Thirty Thousand
Dollars. One day's yield amounted to 480 ounces.

13. Your Grace will observe in Mr McKenzie's narrative of
the overland Journey from Canada, that a valuable seam of Coal
crops out on the Pembina, a tributary of the Red Deer, or
Athabasca River: that salt was picked up in a crystallized
state on the margin of several ponds, the waters of which were
strongly impregnated with that mineral. Copper ore also was
found between Edmonton and Jasper's House; and what may be
regarded as a point of especial interest, is the discovery of
Gold on the flats of the Sascatchewan near Carlton, and in the
beds of other rivers. The best yield of the precious metal was,
however, obtained from the Fraser at Tetê Jaune Cache. These
discoveries, and the large tracts of fine arable land seen by
the traveller on the road from Edmonton, indicate the great
value of the country, and the possibility of its hereafter
becoming an important portion of the Empire.

14. Reports have also been received of Gold discoveries on
Peace River on the East Slope of the Rocky Mountains. It is
certain that a small party of Miners left Stuarts Lake in 1861,
and descended Peace River to the junction of Finlay's Branch, a
little below which they commenced washing the earth and gravel
taken from the flats, and realized Twelve Hundred Dollars in the
course of thirty days work. The experiment was again tried by
the same persons this year, with even better success, as they are
said to have raised Three Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars worth of
Gold, by cradling alone, in eight days. The Gold is supposed to
come from Finlay's Branch, which rises in the same Range of
Mountains, though flowing in the opposite directions—as the
Stickeen and Nass Rivers. The auriferous character of the two
latter is now clearly established, and is, I am persuaded,
derived from a common source existing in those mountains, which
may probably be hereafter traced from thence to the Gold Mountains of Carribou. If that theory be correct, the resources
of British Columbia are of almost boundless extent.



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FILE: 1862-10-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62044.txt
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No. 44

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches
of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-10-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62050.txt
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No. 50

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-10-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627146.txt
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No. 146

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 41
of the 29th of August.

I approve the leave of absence which you have granted to Captain
Gosset R.E. Treasurer of British Columbia, and the appointment of Mr. Brew to act for him during his absence.



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FILE: 1862-10-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627147.txt
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No. 147

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 32
of the 28th of July 1862, forwarding a correspondence with certain
Officers of the Assay Department of British Columbia applying for an
increase of salary.

I referred this question, in a letter of which I annex a copy, for
the consideration of the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury, and I
enclose for your information and guidance a copy of the answer which I
have received.

From this correspondence you will perceive that it is left to you
to deal with the case according to your discretion.

I shall be glad to receive from you, as soon as you are able to
furnish it, the general information relative to the Assay Department
which is requested by the Lords Commissoners of the Treasury in the 7th
and concluding paragraphs of their letter.



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FILE: 1862-10-30_Cox_and_Company_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C06.txt
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Cox and Company to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We have the honor to enclose a certificate showing that
Colonel R.C. Moody R.E. was alive and in the performance of his
duties, as Chief Commissioner of Works in British Columbia, on
3rd ultimo, and request that the usual authority may be issued
to HM's Paymaster General for the payment of that officer's
salary, June quarter last.



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FILE: 1862-10-30_Hawkins_to_Blackwood_Senior_Clerk_B626H03.txt
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Hawkins to Blackwood (Senior Clerk)

I take the liberty of enclosing to you, at the request of
Mr W.B. Lord that I should do so, an application from that
gentleman to His Grace the Secretary of State for the Colonies for
a public appointment in British Columbia, to which Colony he is
thinking of emigrating with his family if he can feel assured of
his position on arriving there; which application I trust you will
feel yourself enabled to submit to the Duke of Newcastle, with
such a recommendation in Mr Lord's favour as your knowledge of
the circumstances will permit you to make.

You have met Mr Lord, who was introduced to you by myself.
My own acquaintance with him is very recent; but his brother
Mr J.K. Lord has been attached to the North American land
Boundary Commission as assistant Naturalist (zoologist) and
Veterinary Surgeon, and under my own immediate observation for
nearly five years, during which period his services were of the
most valuable description, and his conduct was irreproachable and
gentlemanlike—he is also favourably known to Governor Douglas.
Mr W.B. Lord has been for eight years in the Royal Artillery as
a Veterinary Surgeon, and he served throughout the Crimean War and
Indian Mutiny. I believe him to be of business habits, and of an
active, mechanical, and inventive turn of mind. He is I am
informed an educated Chemist and has had some practice in
assaying, and a practical geologist, and acquainted with several
branches of natural history—principally ornithology and
schthyology. It is no disadvantage in the country towards which
he thinks of turning his steps that he is a good sportsman and horseman.

Mr Lord's reasons for wishing to leave the service and proceed to a distant Colony are that in his particular line he has
little or no prospect of any further advancement, and that in a
new and rising Colony he thinks he will have better opportunities
for making his way than in an older community. I think it will be
admitted that a gentleman of his abilities would be a most
promising colonist; and as I feel convinced of his desire to make
a practical application of his various acquirements, I do not
doubt that he would prove a valuable public servant. I believe
Mr Lord has no wish or intention to emigrate as a mere
speculator, and I trust it will be within His Grace's power to
secure his services for the Colony to which he wishes to proceed.

My desire to serve Mr Lord will I trust plead my excuse
for being the channel by which he wishes to transmit his
application to the Duke, through you.



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FILE: 1862-10-30_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD06.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonies, a Copy of a Letter from
Rear Admiral Sir Thos Maitland, dated the 3rd Sept,
No 264, relating to Indian Outrages on the Coast of British Columbia, and pointing out the necessity of a Military as well
as a Naval Force being stationed at Vancouver Island.

The Enclosures from Governor Douglas are not forwarded,
as it is presumed that Copies of the Papers have already been
received at the Colonial Office from the Governor.



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FILE: 1862-10-31_Maitland_to_Colonial_Office_B626M02.txt
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Maitland to Colonial Office

Lady Maitland presents her respectful compliments and having
received instructions from her Husband R. Admiral Sir Thomas
Maitland, Commander-in-Chief in the Pacific to invest money in
"British Columbia" Colonial Government Stock, which the Admiral had
reasons to suppose would be issued early in November, and Lady
Maitland not being able to ascertain whether or not authority has
already emanated from the Colonial Office would feel extremely
obliged to be informed if she may make application for the said
Stock, and to tender every suitable apology if she has committed
any irregularity by this application.



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FILE: 1862-11-03_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI14.txt
================================================================================

Berens to Newcastle

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Under Secretary
Elliot's letter of the 18th ultimo accompanied by a copy of a
despatch received by your Grace from the Governor of Vancouvers
Island under date the 30th July last having reference to the
arrangement entered into between this Company and Her Majesty for
settling the claims of the Company to certain lands in Vancouvers
Island.

I beg to assure your Grace that this Company has been most desirous
to carry out the terms of that arrangement and immediately after
those terms had been settled instructions were forwarded to the
Company's Representative at Victoria to take the necessary steps for
the fulfilment of the Agreement, and they have every reason to
believe that the Company's Officers at Victoria have used their best
endeavours to give effect to these instructions but there appears to
have been a want of assistance in making the necessary surveys and
plans of the property.

From the correspondence which has passed between the Company's Agent
and the Colonial Secretary at Victoria I have every reason to hope
that the matters unsettled between them are not of any material
importance but positive instructions shall at once be forwarded to
arrange the selection of the 50 Acres reserved to the Company.

It appears that under date the 15th July 1862 Mr W.A. Young
forwarded to the Company's Agent sketched Maps of the property
he proposed to have conveyed to the Crown which consisted of

1. Ground for the site of a Harbour Masters Office and entrance
to a Public Wharf.

2. Barracks and Post Office Lot.

3. School Reserve, Church Reserve and Cemetery, Parsonage,
Public Park.

4. Government Reserve across James' Bay.

I have the honour to transmit herewith to your Grace, in case you
should not already have been furnished with them, a copy of the
Answer returned by the Company's Agent to this communication from the
Colonial Secretary and of the reply of the latter.

From these communications your Grace will observe that the matter
which was more immediately the subject of the Governor's complaint,
has reference to the site for the Harbour Master's office, the
Company's representatives having proposed to allot the required water
frontage at the end of a Street called Broughton Street instead of,
as provided by the Agreement, at the foot of Fort Street.

It appears from the communications raised from the Company's Agent
that the frontage at the foot of Fort Street has been long since
covered with buildings occupied by the Company for the purposes of
their trade, and it seems clear therefore that when the arrangement
was come to through the medium of Mr Dallas, then in this Country, he never could have intended to have appropriated for the use of the
Harbour Master ground already covered with Buildings and in actual
use, and on reference to the Deed of Arrangement your Grace will
observe that the reservation is

save and except therefrom the unsold portion of the water frontage
reserved for the use of the Harbour Master being Lot [blank] in the
said last mentioned place and situate at the foot of Fort Street in
the Town of Victoria and measuring about 50 feet in width.

It is clear therefore that this exception had reference to a frontage
understood to be then reserved for the use of the Harbour Master but
not distinguished upon the place by any number, but which Mr Dallas
from recollection supposed to be at the foot of Fort Street.

I have the honor to send herewith a small plan shewing the position
of Fort Street and of Broughton Street from which your Grace will
perceive that such a mistake was not unlikely to occur, but upon this
point I would take leave to refer you to a correspondence which
passed in the last year on this very subject.

Under date the 23rd May 1861 your Grace forwarded to me copy of a
communication from Governor Douglas in which he complained that the
Company were about to sell a portion of this water frontage which he
considered would be required for the Office of the Harbour Master
stating that the Company's representative had proposed to build for
the Harbour Master an Office on part of the land then unsold, and to
lease it to the Crown at a rent, but this being objected to, I at
once, in accordance with the desire expressed by your Grace, sent out
orders to the Company's Agents not to dispose of any of the land
referred to.

It is clear therefore that it was a part of this land upon which the
Governor then suggested that the Harbour Master's Office should be
built, and that, as he distinctly referred to the land which the
Company were about to sell, he could not have intended the land at
the foot of Fort Street upon which the Company's own Buildings were
then standing.

I respectfully submit therefore to your Grace that the arrangement
with the Crown will be fairly carried out if 50 feet of the foreshore
about the end of Broughton Street are reserved for that purpose.

At the same time I admit that the letter of the Agreement is that the
land should be at the foot of Fort Street, and if a literal execution
of the Contract is insisted upon the ground must be given up to the
Crown at whatever cost or inconvenience to the Company, but in that
case the Crown would of course either pay for the buildings now
erected upon it or the Company would be entitled to remove them, but,
as upon the explanation I have now given, I think your Grace will see
that the agreement will be substantially and fairly fulfilled by the
cession of the frontage in the manner proposed by the Company's
Agent. I trust that his plan will be accepted.

The other points of discussion between the Company's Agent and the
Colonial Secretary are I believe of very minor importance and I will
at once give instructions that they should be disposed of in an
amicable and liberal spirit.

If your Grace has not been furnished with the plans forwarded by the
Companys Agent to Mr Young we are in possession of copies of them
which I shall be happy to furnish to your Grace.

*

I will only add that as the Crown is now entitled to receive from
this Company a reconveyance of the whole Island excepting such parts
as have been disposed of or as are, under the arrangement with this
Company, to be retained by them, the better course would now be that
this Company should execute to the Crown a Re-conveyance of all that
belong [to] it. For the purposes of such Re-conveyance it will
undoubtedly be desirable that we should be furnished with a correct
plan of the whole Island with an indication upon it of the parts
that are not to be conveyed to the Crown, and we have given very
pressing instructions to our Agents to forward such a plan, and your
Grace will probably think it right to give directions to the same
effect. The Re-conveyance can then be prepared and executed in this
Country and the whole matter will be thus disposed of.



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FILE: 1862-11-03_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627148.txt
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No. 148

The Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade have
requested me to call your attention to the fact that the Merchant
Shipping Act Amendment Act 1862, 25 and 26 Vict: Cap: 63 repeals
inter alia those sections (170, 171 and 172) of the Customs
Consolidation Act 1853—16 and 17 Victoria: Cap: 107 which prohibited
at certain times and under certain conditions the carrying of Timber
on the decks of British Vessels bound to the United Kingdom from the
North American Colonies.



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FILE: 1862-11-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62045.txt
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No. 45

Rumours have recently reached me that some of the Assistant
Gold Commissioners, and their Subordinates, have more or less
directly or indirectly, entered into Mining speculations; that
is to say have become personally interested in Mining affairs,
either directly by taking up a mining claim, or by purchasing an
interest in a claim, or indirectly by investing money in claims
upon behalf of relatives or friends.

2. I have not yet been able to ascertain the entire truth of
these reports, but I much fear, from the fact of one of the
Subordinate Officers having suddenly resigned his situation, and
immediately afterwards become the avowed possessor of a rich claim
at Carribou, that they are not altogether destitute of foundations.
I, therefore, have not hesitated to address a Circular to such
Officers, and, generally, to Officers throughout the Colony,
distinctly and peremptorily forbidding any such practices.

3. I am well aware that the temptations offered to Officers
in a gold producing Country are of no ordinary character, and
the more especially were they so, during the past season at
Carribou, for with the famine prices of provisions, flour at one
time being upwards of Six Shillings a pound!—it has been a hard
struggle with some of them to procure the bare means of subsistence,
notwithstanding their apparent high rate of salary, but, still, I
can entertain no doubt of the serious evil which may result in
such a Country from Officers being in any way mixed up with matters,
which, sooner or later, can hardly fail to be affected, one way
or the other, by the decisions which they may find themselves
called upon to give, and I have therefore imperatively laid down
the rule that Officers must surrender their interests in such
speculations, or abandon the service of the Government.

4. I enclose a copy of the Circulars which I have caused to
be issued, and, as I doubt not that the question has arisen in
other Colonies somewhat similarly circumstanced to British Columbia.
I should feel thankful if Your Grace would favor me with your
views thereupon, and advise me how far, in a new Colony, it may
be just for a Government to prevent its Servants from investing
their Savings in the enterprises which such a Country offers.



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FILE: 1862-11-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62046.txt
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No. 46, Legislative

I have the honour to forward herewith, the six undermentioned
Acts, together with the Attorney Generals Report thereon:

1. No 3. "The Lillooet Alexandria Road Toll Act."

2. No 4. "The Lytton Alexandria Road Toll Act."

3. No 6. "The Sunday Observance Act 1862."

4. No 7. "The Lytton Alexandria Tolls Act 1862."

5. No 8. "The New Westminster Municipal Extension Act No 2."

6. "Rules and Regulations under the Gold-fields Act 1859."

By the first and second of these Acts are imposed Tolls each
of one half-penny sterling per pound weight on goods and of one Shilling per head on cattle, passing or carried along any part of
either of the routes; and the fourth Act was passed to restrain
attempted evasions of the second Act; their sole object is to raise
a Revenue for defraying the cost of making and keeping the Roads in
repair. The first two Acts provide also for the repayment, with
interest, out of the said Tolls, of all Government advances made
during the construction of the roads as loans to the Contractors,
for whose benefit the said Toll will thereafter be collected for
the unexpired term of five years from the 1st of September 1862, subject only to the cost of repairs and necessary deviations. It
was also thought expedient to reserve a power to redeem the roads,
at a fair valuation, within eighteen months of the date of these
Acts, should that course be considered desirable.
—Rules and Regulations—

This Act has a two-fold object, first to render the owners
of mining races responsible for all damage to public roads caused
by leakage or improper construction of races, and secondly to
protect the public against exorbitant claims for compensation
by the owners of water privileges, or races, crossing, or running
parallel to any line of public road; and provided for the
settlement of all reasonable claims, in case of injury to such property.

The Sunday Observance Act was passed to remove doubts which
had arisen as to the powers of Magistrates in enforcing the proper
observance of the Lord's Day.

The New Westminster Municipal Extension Act was passed on
a requisition of the inhabitants, to enable the Municipal Council
to borrow money, on the security of the City Revenue, for the
construction of Streets and other public Works; and to impose
special taxes, by the passage of a Bye-law, for the repayment of
such loans.

Trusting that these Acts may meet with approval.



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FILE: 1862-11-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62051.txt
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No. 51, Miscellaneous

Referring to your Despatch No 116 of the 30 August last, calling my
attention to the Account of Vancouver Island Colony with the Agents
General being overdrawn, I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that
on the 6th October, the sum of One Hundred pounds (£100) was
remitted to the Agents General, and that by this Mail a further sum
of Five Hundred pounds (£500) will be forwarded, which will leave a
Balance in favor of the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-11-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62052.txt
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No. 52, Financial

I have the honor to forward herewith an Abstract Statement,
exhibiting the Receipts and Disbursements of Imperial Funds in
connection with the Island of San Juan &c between the 1st January
and 30th September 1862.



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FILE: 1862-11-07_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62047.txt
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No. 47, Miscellaneous

I have the honour to acquaint Your Grace that I have drawn
on Her Majesty's Paymaster General for the sum of Four Hundred
and Thirty One Pounds, Five Shillings (£431.5.0), being the amount of
Salary due to me as Governor, from the 7th of July to the
30th of September 1862, at the rate of £1800 per annum,
Income Tax deducted, and I have to request Your Grace will be
pleased to obtain the necessary authority from the Lords
Commissoners of the Treasury for the Bill presented on this
account to be paid when it becomes due.



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FILE: 1862-11-08_Peel_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B625TE26.txt
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Peel to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

In reply to your letter of the 31st Ult, I am directed
by The Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint
you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle that the British
Columbia Loan Act 1862 appears to contain the necessary provisions
for the raising and repayment of the Loan of £50,000 and Their
Lordships will not object to its confirmation.

They do not think however that the Governor has made a prudent
arrangement with the Bank of British Columbia. The Bank becomes
practically the Agent for the Loan. The Colonial Government does not
get the Premium which would have accrued on the public sale of its
Debentures in London by the Agents General and it has to pay Interest
at the rate of 12 per cent upon Bills at 30 or 60 days sight received
in payment of its Debentures. Whereas if the case was so very
urgent the Governor might have drawn against the Debentures by Bill
upon the Agents General, at the same time authorizing them to dispose
of the Debentures, and as such Bills would have been at least
equally saleable in the Colony with those of the Chartered Banks,
he would if he had pursued this course have saved the charge of so
heavy a Rate of Interest as 12 per cent. The arrangement therefore
which the Governor has entered into cannot be considered as a
profitable one for the Colony, but it is now too late to interfere with
it, and My Lords therefore have no alternative but to allow it to stand.

As soon as the Act has received confirmation by Her Majesty The
Agents General should be instructed to prepare the Debentures, and
to put themselves in communication with the London Office of the
Chartered Bank of British Columbia with a view to the delivery of
the Debentures according to the arrangement made by the Governor.



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FILE: 1862-11-10_Gosset_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B626G01.txt
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Gosset to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Probably the most satisfactory reply I can give your
communication of the 30th, with reference to the Assay &
Melting branch of the British Columbia Mint, is, by soliciting
from His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, that attention to my report
of July 15/62, which, in it, I ventured to ask.

The report embraced the very points now under consideration—the
Departments past condition, and prospects.

It was penned specially for the information of His Grace, in
anticipation of my views as Head of the Department being desired.
It was forwarded to Governor Douglas for transmission as part of
a correspondence relating to certain claims advanced by the Assay
Officers, and should therefore be found in your office. I however
enclose a copy.

To that report I should have nothing to add, were it not, that
in your letter under acknowledgement, the sum of £9000 is in error
quoted to me, as outlay in connection with the Melting and Assay
Department; whereas, that sum, as the report clearly states, includes
the cost (about £2000) of the Mint, or
coining, machinery, procured by Mr Douglas in 1861, prematurely
as I thought at the time,
and erected by me at New Westminister prior to my departure.

As my report further implies, other reductions should be made,
in studying the legitimate cost of the Assay Establishment.

Although such corrections in the total expenditure, are necessary
towards an impartial scrutiny of the Department's career, it is not to
be inferred, that I ever calculated upon first costs, plant, freight,
passages, buildings &c &c, being directly repaid by current receipts.

When I wrote on the 25th April 1859, advocating the Melting
and Assay parts of a Mint, I only anticipated the direct repayment of
Current expenses by current receipts, and that, not until after
the first year of the Department's establishment.

That my original expectations have not been fully realized, and
may not be, even during another year, does not shake my conviction
of their rectitude. At the time I formed my opinions, I never
imagined, that British Columbia's Capital would long be without a
resident Governor, or the Colony without a Council and Assembly
or that therefore, many measures contemplated at the time, deemed by
the Colonists essential to British Columbia's progress, and which
such institutions would have ensured at an early date, could have
remained wanting to this day!

The Assay office has shared in the general effects resulting
from a lack of a popular policy. It suffered also a direct blow
at the outset from delay in its establishment, for, doubts as to
its future promptness were at once engendered, and to my
discomfiture, private assayers were forming their connections the
while. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the Department is steadily
gaining public confidence. A comparison of corresponding quarters,
exhibits a regular and promising increase of business; and, the
receipts by fees, although, as you remind me, if only £900 in
two years, were £600 in the second year, or one third of the annual
current expenses.

In Augst, my last month in the Colony, about 5,500 ounces
of gold were received for assay, against 1,700 ounces in the
corresponding month of last year—a triple quantity. Should this
rate of average continue, the Department would be directly
self-supporting.

But, whether the current fees do or do not suffice to defray
expenses, is regarded by the Colonists as a matter of very little
moment. The effect of the Government office in checking malpractices
amongst private assayers, is understood and loudly acknowledged.
The saving to the Colony by this alone, at the lowest computation,
2
exceeds the total cost of the assay department,
first cost current expenses, and every other item included!.

To confine any examination of the department's worth, to the mere
consideration of its apparent cost, to the exclusion of the well known
fact that any disturbance of its operations would be the tocsin
for an enormous loss to the general community, would but ill accord
with the views of the remarkably intelligent and practical people
of British Columbia, who, sensible of the department's great value,
desire its fullest development, and, of all expenditure out of
taxation, have approved none more than that for the erection of the
Melting, Assay, (and now Mint) buildings in New Westminister, and
for preserving efficiency therein.



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FILE: 1862-11-10_Smith_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B625MI08.txt
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Smith to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Referring you to the letter of this Bank dated 23rd Ulto and to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle's reply of the 25th Ulto, I beg respectfully to inquire if the Report has yet been received from Governor Douglas relative to the
acceptance of the tender of the Bank of British Columbia for the
whole amount of the Loan of £50,000 and when the Debentures will
be ready for delivery.



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FILE: 1862-11-11_Helps_to_Under-Secretary_of_State_V625CO03.txt
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Helps to Under-Secretary of State

I am directed by the Lord President of the Council to transmit to you
the enclosed Order of Her Majesty in Council of the 1st inst,
leaving to their operation 7 Acts passed in the Island of Vancouver
in May and July, 1862, Nos 54 to 60; and I am to request that you
will be pleased to lay the same before the
Secretary of State for the Colonial Department.



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FILE: 1862-11-12_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE27.txt
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Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of 6th inst. I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized
to pay to Messrs. Cox & Co on account of Col. Moody, Chief
Commissioner of Lands and Works in British Columbia, the sum of £300, for Salary for Quarter to 30th June last, at the rate of £1,200 per annum.



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FILE: 1862-11-12_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627149.txt
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No. 149

I have laid before the Queen "the British Columbia Loan Act, 1862,"
which was transmitted to me with your despatch No. 43 of the 3rd of
September last.

I am commanded to acquaint you that Her Majesty has been pleased to
confirm and allow this act.

You will communicate Her Majesty's decision to the Inhabitants of
the Colony by a Proclamation to be published in the most authentic
manner.



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FILE: 1862-11-12_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627150.txt
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No. 150

With reference to my despatch of this date communicating Her
Majesty's approval of "The British Columbia Loan Act, 1862," I wish to
observe that by the arrangement which you have made for parting with the
debentures, for the creation of which that Act provides, privately and
at par to the Bank of British Columbia, not only has the Bank
practically become the Agency for the Loan but also the Colony has lost
the premiums which would probably have been offered on their public sale
in London by the Agents General for Crown Colonies.

By entrusting the Agents General with the disposal of the
debentures you might also have met any urgent demand for money by Bills
upon the Agents (which would have been equally negotiable with those of the Bank), at the same time authorizing them to reimburse themselves
out of the proceeds of the sale.

You would so have avoided the heavy interest of 12 per cent which is
now payable on advances made by the Bank until the debentures shall be
actually in its possession.

Although therefore, judging by the information before me, I cannot
consider the arrangement which you have made as a profitable one for the
Colony, yet the steps which have been taken for its fulfilment have left
me no alternative but to sanction it, and the Agents General accordingly
have been instructed to prepare the debentures and to place themselves
in communication with the Bank with a view to their delivery as soon as
possible.



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FILE: 1862-11-13_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN13.txt
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Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 7th instant, with one from the
Hudsons Bay Co on the subject of the recent Agreement between the
Company and H.M. Government relative to land in the City of Victoria
Van Couvers Island.

2. By that Agreement it was stipulated that all unsold land in
Victoria should revert to the Crown, except 50 Acres to be selected
by the Company South of James' Bay. In transmitting the Agreement to
Governor Douglas he was directed by the Duke of Newcastle to reserve
out of the lands to be surrendered a site for barracks. He answered
that in fact after the selection of the 50 Acres above referred to by
the Company there would remain no land to be surrendered to the
Crown, and he intimated that Mr Dallas had taken a skilful advantage
of his local knowledge to mislead the Government into the supposition
that they were recovering for the Crown a considerable extent of Land,
whereas they were in reality giving up to the Company what the Crown
was before entitled to.

3. This despatch was communicated to the Hudsons Bay Co. In his
answer Mr Berens makes no allusion to the deception said to have
been practised by Mr Dallas, but expressed the anxiety of the
Company to carry the Agreement into operation as quickly as possible,
and discusses a question that has arisen in the Island between the
Local Government and the Company's Agent, as to the site to be
surrendered for a Harbour Masters Office. In that question the Duke
of Newcastle will probably not desire to enter before receiving a
report from the Governor, and if so I would submit that Mr Beren's
letter should be transmitted to Governor Douglas and that Mr Berens should be informed of his Grace's decision.

4. Mr Berens offers to furnish copies of the plans of the Land to
be surrendered which had been forwarded to the Colonial Secretary by
the Company's Agent. If no copies of these plans have been received
at the Colonial Office (as I suppose is the case) his offer should, I
presume, be accepted [marginal note: None have been received]. They
may probably show how far Governor Douglas is justified in stating
that the Government had been overreached by Mr Dallas.

5. Mr Berens likewise suggests that the reconveyance of the whole
Island and of the Land at Victoria should be comprized as a single
instrument and that with a view to its preparation and execution in
this country instructions should be sent to the Governor to forward a
plan of the Island showing the portions of it to be excepted from the
reconveyance. He states that very pressing instructions to this
effect have been sent by the Company to their Agent. I presume that
the Duke of Newcastle will issue the instructions suggested to the
Governor, but to prevent the difficulty and delay which would arise
from discrepancies between the Maps sent home by the Governor and the
Companys Agent it would be very desirable that those officers should
communicate with each other on the spot—and agree on the exact
extent of the reservations to be made and the manner in which they
should be described in the reconveyance.



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FILE: 1862-11-13_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627120.txt
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No. 120

I have received and have had under my consideration 7 Acts—Nos.
54 to 60 passed by the Legislature of Vancouver Island in the months of
May & July last, and transmitted to me in your Despatches in the Margin.
[Marginal note: 34—10 June/62, 38—24 July/62.]

I have reported to Her Majesty in Council my opinion that the said
Acts should be left to their operation; and I have the honor to
transmit to you herewith an Order of Her Majesty in Council, dated the
1st Instant approving that Report.



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FILE: 1862-11-14_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE09.txt
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Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to the lettter of the Board of 5 June, and to your
letter of 14 June last, I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of
Her Majesty's Treasury to transmit herewith copy of a letter from the
Admiralty, dated 31 Ult, and of its Enclosures marked A, relating to
the admission of the charge upon Naval Funds of the sum of £7085.8.4
on account of the Marine Force serving in British Columbia and San
Juan for the period from the 9 August 1859 to 31st December 1861.

I am to request that you will state to the Duke of Newcastle that the
War Department has repaid to the Treasury Chest Account the sum of
£2,509.5.5 on account of the cost of constructing and repairing
Barracks at San Juan.

With regard to the remaining portion of the expenditure incurred at
San Juan up to the 31 December 1861, viz that for the Salary of a
Magistrate and other Civil Services amounting to £595.5.3 I am to
transmit copy of a Report from The Commr of Audit relating to
certain omissions of regular authorities in connection with the
Vouchers for this service, and I am to request that you will state to
His Grace that their Lordships are of opinion that as the omissions
are not of great importance the Accounts may be passed
notwithstanding them.

Provision should therefore be made for the sum of £595.5.3 in the
Estimate for British Columbia for the Year 1863/4 as proposed in your
letter of 14 June last.



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FILE: 1862-11-15_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627121.txt
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No. 121

I have the honor to inform you that on the receipt of your
despatch No. 39 of the 30th of July, respecting the lands to be
surrendered to the Crown by the Hudson's Bay Company under the
Agreement of the 3rd of February 1862, I communicated that

document to the Company, in order to give them an opportunity of offering any
observations which they might wish to make on the subject.

I transmit to you for your information a copy of the answer which
has been received from the Governor of the Company.

In this letter Mr. Berens takes no notice of the error into which
you intimated your opinion that Mr. Dallas had led the Government of
this Country on the extent of land which the Crown would recover
 by the
Agreement relative to lands in the City of Victoria. Mr. Berens will
be requested to furnish this Department with copies of the plans to
which he alludes, in order to afford an opportunity of further
elucidating this subject.

But his present letter discusses a different question that has
arisen in the Island between the local Government and the Company's
Agent, vizt., the site to be surrendered for a Harbor Master's Office.
Into this question, since it is a new one, I shall decline to enter
until I can receive upon it a report from you, which I have to request
accordingly that you will furnish at an early opportunity.

Mr. Berens, you will perceive, suggests that the reconveyance of
the whole Island and of the land in Victoria should be comprised in a single Instrument, and that with a view to it's preparation and
execution in this Country, you should furnish a plan of the Island
showing the portions of it to be excepted from the reconveyance. He
states that corresponding instructions have been sent by the company to
their Agent. I see no objections to the proposed course,
provided that it be not converted into cause of delay, but in order to
prevent the difficulty which would arise from discrepancies between the
maps sent home to Her Majesty's Government and to the Company, it will
be desirable that their Officers should communicate with each other on
the spot, and agree on the exact extent of the reservations to be made
and the manner in which they should be described in the reconveyance.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62048.txt
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No. 48, Miscellaneous

Agreeably to the instructions contained in your Grace's
despatch of the 17th June last, No 132, I called upon Colonel Moody for a report in reference to some landed property
stated to have been left by Sapper James Duffy who died in British Columbia in 1861, and I have now the honor of transmitting
for your Grace's information the report furnished by that Officer
on the subject.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62049.txt
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No. 49, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch
No 135 of the 1st August last, with its enclosures, relative
to an extension of leave of absence on Medical Certificate
having been granted for Six months to Mr Philip H. Nind,
Assistant Gold Commissioner of British Columbia.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62050.txt
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No. 50, Financial

I have had the honor of receiving Your Grace's Despatch No
137 of the 16th August last, alluding to the circumstances under which I had been compelled to resort to the expedient of issuing
promissory notes, and trusting that with the aid of the authorized
loan I should be enabled to withdraw such notes from circulation.

2. I have much pleasure in informing Your Grace that by the
issue of these Notes no inconvenience or embarrassment was
occasioned to this Government. The temporary purpose they were
designed to answer was attained. The notes were taken freely
in the upper Country, and indeed were sought after by Traders
and others who desired to remit; and as in no single instance
was there a failure in prompt payment upon presentation, the
public credit was inviolably sustained.

3. I have managed to withdraw nearly the whole of the notes
from circulation; about One Hundred Pounds worth only now remaining
unpaid, and these I hope to redeem before the close of the year.

4. I trust, therefore, notwithstanding that upon general
principles the expedient of the issue of these notes may be
deemed questionable, that Your Grace will feel satisfied that by
the proceeding no injury has been done to the credit of the
Colony, and that I did not resort to the measure without guarding
it in every way that the means at my command would permit against
evil consequences.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62051.txt
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No. 51

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch No 141, of the 16th September, acquainting me that
under the circumstances represented Her Majesty's Government
will not withhold their assent to the appointment of a separate
Officer with a Salary of five hundred pounds a year to perform
the duties of Registrar General of Titles to Land.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62052.txt
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No. 52

I have the honor to enclose herewith two congratulatory
Addresses, one from the Municipal Council of New Westminster,
and the other from the Inhabitants of New Westminster, to His
Royal Highness The Prince of Wales upon the attainment of His
Majority, which have been forwarded to me with the request
that I would transmit them to Your Grace for presentation.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62052B.txt
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No. 1, Stekin Territories

I have the honour to acknowledge Your Grace's Despatch No
134 of the 26th July last, enclosing an Order in Council providing for the Government and temporary administration of
Justice in those parts of Her Majesty's Dominions which are
declared and set forth by that Instrument as constituting the
Stekin Territories, with Copies of the Acts of Parliament on
which the Order in Council is founded.

2. Your Grace anticipates that the powers conveyed by the
Order in Council will enable me to deal satisfactorily with
any amount of population by which these Territories are at
present likely to be occupied, and if that should not be the
case, Your Grace requests me to report any difficulties in which I may find myself involved, and to offer any suggestions
that may occur to me respecting the most effectual and practicable
mode of dealing with those difficulties.

3. In obedience to those instructions, I beg to submit that
the Order in Council restricts my power of legislation to two
areas, namely: the disposal of Lands, and the occupation of the
Gold-fields; and to Fees as the sole source of Revenue.

4. It is almost certain that Fees, which must of necessity
be levied directly on Miners and other occupants of the Gold-fields,
and which, from their nature, are especially odious and difficult
to collect, will not yield a sufficient revenue to meet the
ordinary and necessary expences of Government, for a great part
of which I should therefore be compelled to draw on the funds of
the Imperial Government.

5. This latter course being inconsistent with the avowed
Colonial policy of Her Majesty's Government, I would take the
liberty of suggesting that Customs Regulations and Rates of Duty
on Imports should be established for the Stekin Territories,
as the readiest means of procuring a revenue equal to the cost
of the civil expenditure.

6. Should that resource prove insufficient, other taxes
might be imposed, of such a nature, however, as would fall
primarily on the Capitalist and Merchant, and not directly on
the Miner, who under no circumstances is a cheerful contributor
to the public revenue, and not infrequently is, from absolute
poverty, utterly incapable of meeting the smallest payment.

7. Should these suggestions meet with the approval and
sanction of Her Majesty's Government, it will be necessary to
enlarge the powers conferred by the Order in Council, and
distinctly to authorize me to impose and levy Customs Duties
and all other taxes that may be found proper and expedient as
means of revenue.

8. I would also beg to suggest as a measure that would
materially simplify and lighten the duties devolving on me,
that the Laws now in force in British Columbia should be extended,
as far as they are applicable, to the Stekin Territories; and
finally in case of my being compelled by a stern necessity to
proceed without legal sanction, that Her Majesty's Government
may send a confirmation of all my public acts, or authorize
the issue of a Proclamation indemnifying me and my Officers for
Acts done before the establishment of any legitimate authority
in the Stekin Territories.

In other respects the Order in Council will, I conceive,
meet the objects proposed.



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FILE: 1862-11-17_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62053.txt
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No. 53

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Despatch No 108 of
the 30th June last, acquainting me that the Queen's Exequatur
empowering Mr Allen Francis to act as United States Consul at
Victoria has received Her Majesty's signature.



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FILE: 1862-11-18_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62052C.txt
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No. 2, Stekin Territories

Since the despatch of my communication marked "Separate"
of the 23rd August last, there have been frequent arrivals from Stekin, but the complexion of the Mining intelligence is
not materially different from the reports then transmitted, of
the Miners who this season resorted to that Gold-field, a small
proportion have done well, but in the great majority of cases,
their efforts have not been successful.

With the exception of about eighty men who remain there for
the winter, the Miners have now all left that part of the country,
more, however, it is reported, from want of means to continue
their researches, than from despair of ultimate success, as they
propose returning thither in the Spring.

2. I have the honour of transmitting herewith, the Copy of
a letter, with specimens of the Gold, Silver, and Copper found at
Stekin, from Alexander Choquette, the discoverer of that Gold-field,
giving his opinion of the mineral resources, and describing the
character and agricultural capabilities of the Stekin Valley.
His letter is a useful communication, and not devoid of interest.

3. I have to announce the return of Her Majesty's Ships
"Hecate" and "Devastation," commanded respectively by Captain
Richards and Commander Pike, from a cruise to Stekin and other
parts of the Coast, to which they were despatched for the protection
of Her Majesty's subjects, and especially with a view to the capture
of several natives of the Chimseean and Sebassa Tribes, who were
accused of the murder and robbery of several white men, a service which was executed with much judgment and humanity by those able
Officers, who succeeded in apprehending two of the supposed murderers,
and they have been duly committed for trial.

4. Commander Pike also touched at New Archangel, (Sitka), and
was received by His Excellency Mr Furuhjelm, Governor of the
Russian Possession, with much courtesy and attention. The accompanying
is the Copy of a note from Mr Furuhjelm, in reply to my communication
of the 6th of August, which I had the honour of transmitting to
Your Grace with my Despatch of the 23rd of August.

5. I infer from the tone of that communication that no instructions
have been received from St Petersburgh touching the passing of
British Ships and property through the Russian Frontier, and that
it is not the intention of the local Authorities to interfere in any
manner with the rights now enjoyed by British Subjects, unless under
specific instructions from The Emperor's Government.



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FILE: 1862-11-18_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62053.txt
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No. 53, Miscellaneous

I have the honor to transmit herewith a list of articles
required by the Assay Department, and to request that your Grace
will be good enough to give instructions for the same to be
purchased by the Agents General and sent out by the first ship.

2. It is particularly requested that the articles on the list marked A may be purchased from Messrs Johnson and Matthey of 79 Hatton Gardens, and those marked B from Mr Claudet of 6 Cannon Street City.



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FILE: 1862-11-18_Holbrook_to_Newcastle_B625MI09.txt
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Holbrook to Newcastle

I have the honor to transmit to Your Grace, a duplicate Copy of an Address, from the Municipal Council of New Westminster British Columbia, to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, on his attaining his Majority, the address, having been forwarded through His Excellency the Governor of the Colony.



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FILE: 1862-11-18_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN14.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

As it is understood that an arrangement has been finally concluded
between H.M. Government and the Hudsons Bay Co, for the retransfer to
the Crown of Van Couvers Island on payment to the Company in all of
the sum of £57,500, I think it right to call the attention of the
Duke of Newcastle to that portion of the grant of 13th Janry 1849
which relates to Sales of Land.

2. By that Grant it is provided that for all sales of land affected
by the Company they shall be entitled to deduct, by way of profit, a
sum not exceeding 10 per cent on the gross amount. This they have
accordingly done up to the present time. Until the Island is
formally reconveyed to the Crown all Sales and grants of Land, though
practically made by the Government, must continue to be nominally
made by the Company, and according to the strict letter of the Grant
of 1849 the Company might perhaps be entitled to claim percentage on
such Grant. But in justice they clearly are not entitled to any such
payment, and it may fairly be expected that no such claim will be
made. But perhaps it may be considered right, to prevent any future
misunderstanding, that this point should at once be set at rest. As
some delay may occur in settling the terms of the reconveyance of the
Island the question is not without its practical importance.



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FILE: 1862-11-20_Romaine_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AD07.txt
================================================================================

Romaine to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

The Director of Transports having reported that expenses
amounting to One Hundred and twenty one pounds fifteen shillings
and two pence (£121.15.2) have been incurred by the Naval Department on
account of the Conveyance of Extra baggage belonging to the Royal
Engineers as shewn on the other side;
*
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that you will
move the Duke of Newcastle to cause payment of the amount to
the credit of Naval Services through Her Majesty's Paymaster General
who has been authorized to receive the same.



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FILE: 1862-11-22_Sophia_Elizabeth_Cox_to_Colonial_Office_B626C09.txt
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Mrs. Cox to Colonial Office

The Memorial of Sophia Elizabeth Cox now residing at No 39 York
Road, Kingstown. Wife of William G. Cox Stipendiary Magistrate,
British Columbia
.in -6 +6

Sheweth

That on the 6th day of November 1857 I was married to said
William G. Cox in the Parish Church of St Marys, Donnybrook.

That shortly after our marriage I accompanied my Husband to
New York and resided there with him until my health failed.

That the said William G. Cox in the Month of August 1858
proceeded to British Columbia as an Emigrant and at his
solicitation I returned to Ireland. That said William G. Cox
shortly afterwards obtained a Government Appointment and has been
for some time and now is Stipendiary Magistrate in said Colony,
that it was with your Memorialists Fortune her said Husband was
enabled to emigrate, that said William G. Cox frequently promised
to remit me half his Salary for my support, but has not made any
remittance whatever.

That in consequence of such neglect, I have been reduced to
great privation and am in debt to various people for the
necessaries of life, and am now dependent on my Sister (who has
very small means) for a roof to cover me and for my support,
although my said Husband has an Income of at least (as I am informed
and believe) £400 a year. That he has not any Family to support.

May it therefore please your Lordship to direct that some
portion of my Husbands Income should be applied towards my
support, or direct such further or other relief as my hard case requires.



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FILE: 1862-11-24_Irving_to_Newcastle_V626I02.txt
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Irving to Newcastle

In a communication received from your Grace, dated 20 June 1862 are
these words

No report has yet been received from the Governor respecting the land
you hold in Vancouver Island—but his attention will be re-called to
the subject.

May I request the favor of being informed if any report has been
since received, also whether any arrangement has been made respecting
the claims of those who like myself, having paid a deposit for the
purchase of land at 20/s per acre, have declined completing the
purchase at that price when it can be had in the colony at
4s/2d per acre.



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FILE: 1862-11-26_Smith_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_B625MI10.txt
================================================================================

Smith to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Referring to your esteemed favor of the 15th Inst,
May I enquire if the law on the subject of the Loan of £50,000 received from British Columbia has been confirmed.



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FILE: 1862-11-28_Cox_&_Co._to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C07.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

On presenting to the Paymaster General your letter, stating
that he had been authorised to issue to us Colonel Moody's R.E.
Salary, June quarter last, as Commissioner of Works in British Columbia, we are informed that the amount cannot be paid without
production of the usual Certificate of Life &c from the Colonial Office.

We have the honor to request to be furnished with this
document at your early convenience.



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FILE: 1862-11-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62054.txt
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No. 54

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.
*



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FILE: 1862-11-28_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62054.txt
================================================================================

No. 54

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the
Numbers and Dates as described on the other side hereof.

*



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FILE: 1862-11-28_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627151.txt
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No. 151

I have the honor to forward to you a copy of a Memorial from Mrs.
Sophia Elizabeth Cox, stating that her husband Mr. William G. Cox has
emigrated to British Columbia leaving her without the necessary means of
subsistence.

As I perceive from the Blue Book of the Colony that Mr. Cox is
Stipendiary Magistrate at Rock Creek, I have to instruct you to
communicate with him, and unless he is able to refute the truth of this
representation to inform him that he must either provide for his Wife out
of his salary (which you will cause to be done in an efficient manner,
and so as to prevent evasion) or else he must immediately be removed
from his appointment.



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FILE: 1862-11-29_Scott_to_Newcastle_B626S02.txt
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Scott to Newcastle

I beg to direct your attention to a letter written by me on
the 12th June last and your Lordships kind and courteous reply
of the 21st June, relative to the property of the late James
Duffy of the "Royal Engineers" who was frozen to death in "British
Columbia" on the 9th January 1861.

I beg now to ask your Lordship if you have yet received from
the Governor of British Columbia the particulars of the property
referred to and such general information as may be of use to his
mother Widow Alice Duffy.



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FILE: 1862-12-01_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62055.txt
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No. 55

Adverting to my Despatch No 45 of the 4th Ultimo,
wherein I submitted to Your Grace copy of two Circulars which I had caused to be issued in connection with the subject of Gold Commissioners holding an interest in Mining claims, I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that in consequence of a report being generally circulated that Mr Begbie, the Judge of British Columbia, had, during his recent absence on Circuit in Carribou, purchased an interest in a Mining claim, I deemed it right to call upon him to state whether there existed any foundation for such report.

2. The reply of Mr Begbie, which I here enclose, contains, I am happy to say, the most unqualified contradiction of the report in question.

3. Your Grace will observe Mr Begbie's remarks upon the right which may exist to inquire into matters in connection with private property. I have informed Mr Begbie very distinctly that in all cases in which it may be considered that the private interests of public servants conflict with the due discharge of
their public duties, it is the undoubted right of the Executive to institute the fullest inquiry not only as an obligation due the public, but also as an act of justice to the individual concerned.



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FILE: 1862-12-02_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI15.txt
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Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr
Under-Secretary Elliot's letter of the 22nd ultimo, on the subject
of the Per Centage of 10 Per Cent reserved to this Company by the
Grant of Vancouvers Island, upon all sales that might be effected by
the Company and I beg to signify my entire concurrence that the
Company's right to that Per Centage should be considered at an end
from the time when by the payment of the agreed sum for this
Company's expenditure on the Island the Government became entitled to
a reconveyance of it.

I believe that sales have been made under the authority given by this
Company to Governor Douglas with the particulars of which we are not
acquainted but upon which if made before the payment to this Company
of their advances I presume the Per Centage will be payable.



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FILE: 1862-12-02_Berens_to_Newcastle_V625MI16.txt
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Berens to Newcastle

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Under-Secretary
Elliot's letter of the 15th ultimo relative to the suggestion of Governor Douglas that the Government under the arrangement made with
this Company in February last did not take the benefit of a single
acre under the reservation to them of the unsold portion of the lands
in question and suggesting that, from the absence of any plans or
maps being attached to the Agreement and from its very skilful
wording the Hudsons Bay Company so far from making any Concessions to
the Government had obtained from the Crown almost the whole of the
very small portion of ground not covered by buildings actually and
for years past in the possession of the Government and to which the
Company in the Governors Opinion had no sound claim.

In my communication to Your Grace of the 3rd ultimo I purposely avoided noticing the insinuation conveyed by this communication on
the part of the Governor against Mr Dallas because I attributed it to the illfeeling which appears to subsist between those parties and
because I was aware that the Governor himself was in possession of
land which under the Agreement between this Company and the
Government Mr Dallas considered should pass to them: and I was
therefore unwilling to give rise to a discussion which was likely to
lead to unpleasantness without the prospect of any useful result.

At the time the agreement in question was entered into there were no
means, that I am aware of in this Country of ascertaining precisely
what then constituted the extent of the unsold lands, and I have no
reason to believe that Mr Dallas possessed any more information upon the subject than was possessed by the Representatives of the
Government.

I think it better however to send your Grace herewith the particulars
of the Lots which the Company's Agent proposed should be conveyed to
the Government and as observed in my letter to Your Grace of the 3rd
ultimo the only doubt which appeared to exist on the part of the
Colonial Secretary in the Island as to the accuracy of these plans
was in reference to the Harbour Masters Lot.

I really am not aware that I can add anything more on the subject
further than that this Company are desirous to carry out in its
integrity the arrangement come to in February last.



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FILE: 1862-12-02_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62056.txt
================================================================================

No. 56

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Grace's
Despatch of the 1st September last No 143, expressing your
surprise at no answer having been received from Captain Gossett
[Gosset], the Treasurer of this Colony, in respect to the defalcations
that had occurred during his tenure of the office of Surveyor General of Ceylon, and upon which Captain Gosset was called upon to report by Your Grace's Despatch of the 20th
November 1860, No 62.

2. My Despatch No 42 of the 1st September last, will,
ere this, have informed Your Grace of the steps I took to carry
out your instructions as conveyed in Your Grace's Despatch last
mentioned, and of the reasons Captain Gosset had to offer for
neglecting to furnish the report desired. It is possible that
Captain Gosset may have furnished the required information since
his arrival in England, but I shall, nevertheless, forward to him by the
present Mail, a copy of Your Grace's Despatch now under reply.



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FILE: 1862-12-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62055.txt
================================================================================

No. 55, Legislative

I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a Message I have
received from the Legislative Assembly of this Colony, requesting
Copies of all Correspondence that may have passed between the
Governor and Her Majesty's Government, and the Hudson's Bay Company
respecting the Town-site of Victoria.

2. As I view this matter as one which is at present confined
exclusively between Her Majesty's Government, and the Hudson's Bay
Company, and does not just now fall within the province of the
Legislature, and as all questions in connection therewith are not yet
finally settled, I have declined compliance with the request, and
therefore beg to solicit Your Grace's instructions thereupon.



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FILE: 1862-12-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62056.txt
================================================================================

No. 56

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch of the 24h
September last marked "Separate" calling my attention to the
occasional omission in the Colonial enactments sent home by this
Government, of the marginal abstracts required by established rule to
facilitate their examination.

2. The cost of printing in this Colony is very great, and I find
that with the view to economize as much as possible, the practice of
placing the abstract of the clause
over the clause, instead of in the margin, was introduced. I
will, however, take care that in future the established rule be
strictly adhered to.



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FILE: 1862-12-03_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62057.txt
================================================================================

No. 57

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch No 119, of
the 1st October 1862, communicating to me that a payment of the sum of £32,500, was about to be made by the Imperial Treasury to the
Hudson's Bay Company, in discharge of the Company's claims on the
Crown in consequence of its assumption of Vancouver Island.

2. I regret that I should still be unable to inform Your Grace of
the precise nature and bearing of the Indenture of the 3rd February 1862, forwarded to me in your Despatch No 84, for notwithstanding my
repeated applications for information upon the subject I am up to
this moment in utter ignorance as to whether any, and if so what
land, has to be surrendered by the Company under that Indenture.

3. I endeavored to bring the matter to an issue by forwarding to the
local Agent of the Company Sketch Maps of the lands specifically
mentioned in the Agreement as to be conveyed to the Crown. In nearly
every case however the Boundaries have been disputed by the Company,
and in one case viz. the Reserve for the Harbour Master's Office at
the foot of Fort Street, as mentioned in the Indenture, the site has
been altogether changed. I cannot however bring these matters
clearly before Your Grace except as a whole, and I cannot do that
until I obtain from the Company a Map exhibiting distinctly the lands
that will revert to the Crown under the Indenture.

4. As various Plans are alluded to by the Indenture I presume some
must have been referred to at the time of discussion. Should such
have been the case, it would be very desirable that I should be
supplied with Copies; for, notwithstanding that the "Company's Plan"
is frequently mentioned in the Indenture—from my inability to
procure a Copy, from the Surveyor General having been unable even to
obtain a sight of any such Plan when specially sent by me to inspect
it, and from his having been refused any account of lands sold
previous to the 1st January 1862, coupled with the fact that since
the receipt here of the Indenture, Surveyors have been seen placing
Boundary posts, and apparently running lines upon portions of land
that is still unoccupied and was supposed to be unsold—I am really
constrained to doubt the existence in the Colony at the time the
Indenture was received of any properly constructed general Map or
plan upon which the Sales of the still unoccupied land to the South
of James Bay had been made. Upon no other hypothesis can I account
for the remarkable difficulty I have experienced in my endeavors to
obtain the information I was bound to seek, and which the Company are
bound to furnish, unless indeed it be the object of the Company to
secure from Her Majesty's Government the payment referred to in Your
Grace's Despatch now under reply, before rendering statements that
would disclose the true character of the Indenture of Agreement of
February last, and would shew how little the Crown benefitted by that
Indenture.



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FILE: 1862-12-04_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62056SP.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I have the honour to inform Your Grace that through Official
reports, and respectable private sources, I have received
intelligence up to the 16th of November from Shimilkomeen,
Lillooet, and other central Districts, and, to the 31st of October from the Carribou and Alexandria Districts.

2. The weather, which set in sharp and cold about the last
week in October, has, since, greatly improved and been most
favourable for mining operations.

3. A Messenger from Shimilkomeen reports that snow had
fallen fifteen inches deep on the crest of the mountain road
towards Hope, but there was no snow in the vallies, neither had
ice formed on any of the streams. The same person states that
he has been mining in the neighbourhood of Okanagan Lake, about
thirty miles from the Revenue Station, with a party of eight
others, and that the average yield of gold was from seven to
fifteen dollars a day per man. He thinks that about two hundred
men might work to great advantage there, and that the area of
auriferous ground is probably much greater than that estimate
assumes it to be.

Some valuable specimens of coarse gold have been lately
received from a party of Miners working on the Shimilkomeen
River, their daily earnings have not been reported to me, but
they must, I presume, be considerable, as otherwise they would
not remain in that part of the country.

4. Mining on the Fraser between Hope and Lillooet has been
for some time past, and still is, chiefly confined to Chinamen and
Native Indians, who look for smaller returns than will satisfy Miners
whose imaginations have been inflamed with golden visions of Carribou.

5. The Miners generally, returned from the latter Gold Field
on the approach of winter, those who remained, between 300 and
400 in number, are employed in shafts and tunnels beyond the
influence of the surface temperature, and are said to be in a
prosperous condition.

The "Barker," "Black Jack" and other Companies who have
succeeded in striking the auriferous leads on William's Creek,
are mining with uninterrupted success, and realizing enormous
profits. The "Hurd Curry" Company have in their shaft, bottomed
on what is supposed, both from the form and colour of the gold,
and the direction of the "gutter," to be an entirely new lead;
adding force to the generally received opinion that two separate
and distinct "leads" exist on William's Creek.

6. Food of every kind—especially Bread Stuffs—continues
to fetch a high price on William's Creek and the other mining
Districts of Carribou, but no alarm is felt about the supply
of the resident Miners, who have, it is presumed, taken care to
lay in a good stock for the winter.

7. I transmit herewith, Copy of a letter from Mr Commissioner
O'Reilly, enclosing a view of the Town of "Richfield,"
*
and a Plan of William's Creek, shewing the subdivision of the ground into mining claims, and also the Mining Firms by whom they are held.
The Plan gives a fair idea of the mining enterprise, and of the
amount of capital embarked in a five mile section of the Carribou
District.

8. I am now busily engaged with the revision of the Gold-field
Laws and Regulations, which are not comprehensive enough in their
provisions to meet the growing wants of the Gold-fields. There
is a general feeling among persons interested in the Mines in
favour of making interests in Mining Claims transferable like other
property, without, however, affecting the rights of The Crown, or
in any manner altering the conditions as to working and occupation,
under which claims are now held.

The advantages of this measure would be chiefly felt in the
protection afforded to capital; moved by the attraction of large profits,
it would then seek investment in mining operations, and tend greatly
to promote the safe and rapid development of the Gold-fields.

9. In surface mining very little capital, beyond the labour
of the miner himself, is required to produce a return, but in
opening deep shafts and elaborate works similar to those in the
Carribou Gold-fields, complete success is seldom attainable without
a moderate command of capital. Hundreds of men have been compelled
by sheer poverty to give up most valuable claims. They could not
raise money, even at the customary exorbitant rates of interest
offered in Carribou, four and five per cent a month, to make the
preliminary excavations.

10. By recognizing the validity of sales and transfer of rights in
Mining Claims, this want would be met, and capital could be procured to
the amount required on the security of such assignment.

Provision has also to be made for the protection of persons
embarking in the construction of tunnels and other costly mining
works, and for many objects of minor importance, of which I need
not at present trouble Your Grace with a detail.

11. The Colony exhibits in all respects unequivocal signs of
prosperity, the only pressing subject of anxiety is in reference
to the means of completing the two great lines of Road connecting
Alexandria with Lillooet and Lytton. The work is far advanced,
and, though now suspended, will be resumed as soon as the ground
thaws in Spring, and will be continued to Alexandria, from whence Fraser's River is navigable to the very bases of the Rocky Mountains. I shall be pressed for funds to carry out these plans, and shall be under the necessity of again appealing to Your Grace
for assistance. I will however reserve the consideration of that
subject for a separate Despatch.



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FILE: 1862-12-04_Hamilton_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625TE28.txt
================================================================================

Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

In reply to Mr Elliot's Letter of the 25th Ulto,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury
to acquaint you that the Paymaster General has been authorized
to transfer to the credit of the Account for Naval Services the
sum of £121.15.2 in repayment of the amount due for the conveyance
of extra baggage of Officers & Men to British Columbia in 1858.



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FILE: 1862-12-04_Peel_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_V625TE10.txt
================================================================================

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to your letter of the 19 Ult, enclosing two Acts of
the Legislature of Vancouver's Island entitled, respectively,

"The Vancouver Island Road and Harbour Loan Act 1862"

and

"The Vancouver Island Temporary Debenture Loan Act 1862".

I am directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to
acquaint you, for the information of the Duke of Newcastle, that
Their Lordships will not object to the confirmation of the two Acts
in question, but they regret the absence of any information of a
recent date respecting the Financial condition of the Colony, as
without it, they can form no opinion as to the adequacy of the
security provided for payment of the Interest, and for the redemption
of the Loans.

With regard to the negociation of the Loan by the Agents General for
Crown Colonies, and the signature by them, on behalf of the Colonial
Government of Vancouver Island, of the Debenture to be issued in this
Country, My Lords desire that there should be a distinct
understanding that, in their borrowing money for a Government which
possesses the control over its own general revenue without the
supervision of Her Majesty's Government, the Agents General are
acting merely in the name of the Local Government, and that Her
Majesty's Government can come under no responsibility on account of
their transactions in that capacity, or otherwise, in connection with
the Loan.

My Lords are of opinion that the Agents General should be called upon
for a Report as to the mode in which the Government of Vancouver
Island should contribute towards the expenses of the Agency for
services to be rendered in respect to the proposed Loan.



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FILE: 1862-12-05_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62058.txt
================================================================================

No. 58

Adverting to the remarks contained in my Despatch No 57 of the 3rd Instant, upon the difficulty which I have experienced in obtaining
any information from the local Agents of the Hudson's Bay Company
upon the subject of the lands surrendered to the Crown under the
Articles of Agreement of 3rd February 1862, and to the conjecture I
hazarded that at the time of the receipt of that Agreement in
Vancouver's Island no Map or Plan existed upon which sales of land to
the south of James' Bay had been made—land that although still
unoccupied has within the last few months been cut up into lots and
marked with boundary posts upon the ground—I have the honor to
forward herewith to Your Grace Copy of a letter received this day
from Mr Dugald Mactavish, the principal Officer of the Company at
Victoria, in which he confirms my conjecture, inasmuch as he states
that the requisite Map is only now "in a forward state", and that he
hopes to have
"a copy" of the same in readiness for me at an early date.

2. I enclose copy of the communication which drew this reply from
Mr Mactavish. In that communication it will be seen that I offered
the services of the Surveyor General to expedite matters; but Mr
Mactavish takes no notice of my offer.

3. On the 29h July Mr Mactavish wrote in reply to an application
previously made to him

I have yet to furnish to His Excellency a map or plan of the land to
the south and west of James' Bay, shewing such portions as have been
sold, and giving other necessary information in regard to the
same—this duty shall be attended to at the earliest possible moment,
and had it been possible to procure the services of a qualified
draughtsman, the map would have been in readiness long 'ere this.

I did not desire unduly to press the matter, I therefore delayed
again writing until the 2nd Instant, and now I am told by Mr Mactavish that he
"hopes" to have "a copy" in readiness by an "early date",
leaving the matter in reality as indefinite as ever: for if it
requires more than five Months to complete a Copy of a Map promised
at the "earliest possible moment", and which copy could most
assuredly have been made—if any original existed to copy from—in
less than three days, it is impossible to conjecture what period of
time may be involved in the expression "at an early date."

4. I will bring the whole subject before Your Grace immediately I do
receive the requisite data: in the meanwhile I abstain from any
further remark, but I deem it right, nevertheless, to make Your Grace
acquainted with the actual position of affairs in connection
therewith to shew what I have done to bring matters to a speedy
settlement.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-12-08_Newcastle_to_Douglas_B627151A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I beg to call your attention to Article 71 of the Colonial Rules
and Regulations. I have not received from you the Confidential Reports
on the character and qualifications of public servants and Candidates
for employment and promotion which are called for by that Article.

I have to point out that the omission to make this Report may
materially injure the interests of the deserving Civil Servants and
Candidates for employment of the Colony within your Government, whilst
at the same time it limits my means of providing for the due execution
of public duties.

It will be desirable that the age and state of health of the
Candidates should be specified in the Report, as they are points which
it is important that the Secretary of State should be acquainted with.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-12-08_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627121A.txt
================================================================================

Separate

I beg to call your attention to Article 71 of the Colonial Rules
and Regulations. I have not received from you the Confidential Reports
on the characters and qualifications of public servants and Candidates
for employment and promotion which are called for by that Article.

I have to point out that the omission to make this Report may
materially injure the interests of the deserving Civil Servants and
Candidates from employment of the Colony within your Government, whilst
at the same time it limits my means of providing for the due execution
of public dutites.

It will be desirable that the age and state of health of the
Candidates should be specified in the Report, as they are points which
it is important that the Secretary of State should be acquainted with.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-12-10_Cox_&_Co._to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B626C08.txt
================================================================================

Cox & Co. to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

We have the honor to transmit a certificate showing that
Colonel RC Moody, RE, was alive & in the exercise of his duties as
Chief Commissioner of Works for British Columbia on 1st October
last & beg that the usual authority may issue to the Paymaster
General's office for the payment of that officer's Salary for
September 1/4 1862.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-12-12_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62059.txt
================================================================================

No. 59, Miscellaneous

Adverting to your Despatch No 94 of the 16h April last, I have the
honor to acquaint Your Grace that by this opportunity will be
forwarded through the Express office of Messrs Wells Fargo & Co
(London Agents, Eives & Macey, of King William Street) a Box
addressed to Her Majesty's Commissioners for Woods and Forests,
containing about 20 lbs weight of Seed, and 6 1/2 Bushels of Cones,
of the Douglas Pine.

2. The greatest care has been taken in the collection and packing of
this Seed, and I hope it will turn out in good condition. The case is
metal lined, and the packages containing the Seed are surrounded by
dry Charcoal to absorb moisture.

The expense of collecting amounts to Sixty five pounds, Thirteen
Shillings, and Five pence (£65.13.5), the particulars of which will
be brought to account in the periodical Statement rendered of the
Receipt and Disbursement of Imperial moneys by this Government.

4. The case has been insured for the amount of 325 Dollars.



================================================================================
FILE: 1862-12-13_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN15.txt
================================================================================

Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 11th instant with one from the
Hudson's Bay Co on the subject of the Land transferred to the Crown
in the Town of Victoria Vancouvers Isld by the Agreement with the
Hudsons Bay Co of the 3rd of February last.

2. When that agreement was communicated to Governor Douglas he
observed that the effect of it, so far from restoring any land to the
Crown would be to confirm the Company in claims which they had not
before been able to establish and he intimated that Mr Dallas had
availed himself of his local knowledge in the matter to obtain this
advantage over the Government. Governor Douglas' despatch was
referred to the Company—but in their answer they took no notice of
this charge. Their attention was called to the omission and Mr
Berens letter is his explanation of it.

3. He states that in his previous answer he had purposely avoided
noticing the imputation, because he was aware that the Governor
himself was in possession of Land which Mr Dallas considered ought
to belong to the Government and because he was unwilling to give rise
to a discussion which must produce disagreeable feeling but could have
no useful result. He adds that as far as he is aware there were no
means in this country at the time the arrangement was entered into of
ascertaining precisely the unsold lands—but he sends plans of the
lots which the Company's Agent proposed should be surrendered to the
Crown.

4. It is, I believe, known at the Colonial Office from other sources
that Governor Douglas owns a considerable extent of land in Victoria,
*
and I do not see therefore that there would be any use in sending Mr
Berens' letter to the Governor. It would no doubt produce a
rejoinder from him and could not, as far as I can see, lead to any
practical result. But it might be desirable to furnish the Governor
with copies of the plans enclosed in Mr Berens' letter, that it may
be ascertained whether they represent accurately the land which will
be surrendered to the Crown under the Agreement.



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FILE: 1862-12-15_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62057.txt
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No. 57

In conformity with the Instructions contained in the Book
of Colonial Regulations I have the honor to forward herewith to
your Grace the Returns described on the other side hereof, *as received from the Treasurer for the Quarter ending 31st March 1862.



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FILE: 1862-12-15_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62058.txt
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No. 58, Financial

In my Despatch of the 4th Instant, marked "Separate," I informed Your Grace that I had reserved the subject of Roads,
and the financial question involved therein, for a subsequent
Despatch. I will now advert to that subject and explain the
precise position in which I am placed with respect to these
most indispensable public works in British Columbia.

2. The scheme determined upon in the early part of this
year to carry out these works has been already at different
times fully laid before Your Grace, but for the sake of now presenting
the subject as a whole, I will enter into a brief recapitulation.

3. The lines of Road from Lytton to Alexandria, and from
Lillooet to Alexandria were undertaken by two of the largest
commercial Firms in the Colony. A portion of the line from
Yale to Lytton, about 50 miles, was undertaken by the Government,
the remaining portion constituting the most difficult section
between Yale and Boston Bar was assigned by Contract to Mr Joseph Trutch a gentleman of high Engineering ability.

4. The works on the two lines aforesaid, and on Mr Trutch's
Section were to be carried on at the cost of the Contractors, aided
by loans from the Government, the Contractors being re-imbursed
exclusively by Tolls, but such Loans forming a first charge therein.
This arrangement was imperatively necessary as none of the Contractors
with their own resources could raise sufficient capital to carry out
such extensive works. Without such an arrangement, I could not, for
want of means, have undertaken what I shall hereafter point out the
very existence of the Colony depends upon. By the arrangement, I
enlisted the co-operation of private enterprise, and brought to bear upon
the development of the reserves of the Colony a much larger Capital
than I could ever hope to command so long as the wonderful auriferous
wealth of Carribou remained inaccessible but to a few.

5. The portions of this stupendous work undertaken at the
cost of the Government, have been completed. Mr Trutch's section will not be finished until the Spring, for the removal
of one of the mountain shoulders, involving about 100,000 cubic
feet of blasting in the solid rock, and upon which only a limited
number of men can be simultaneously employed, cannot be earlier effected.

6. Upon the line from Lytton towards Alexandria I regret to say that the Contractors have most signally failed, not, I believe from dishonest motives, but really from want of means, for they
had constructed 45 miles of Road in a most creditable manner, and
incurred an outlay of 100,000 Dollars. I did everything within
my power, consistently with the interest of the public service
to relieve the pressure upon their finances, but they had commenced
a gigantic undertaking with inadequate means, and were compelled to
relinquish it, throwing the road upon the hands of the Government
when only half completed.

7. From Lillooet towards Alexandria 128 miles of Road
have been completed, and an outlay incurred of 190,000 Dollars.
I fear, however, that, as in the case of the line from Lytton,
the Contractors have here also miscalculated the cost, for I
have just now received from them an urgent application for a
further loan. These gentlemen have hitherto so faithfully and
energetically fulfilled their obligations that I deeply regret
it is not in my power to assist them further at present. They
are deserving of every consideration, and as the road itself
offers the most perfect security for the Loan sought and made,
I earnestly trust that it may be in my power before the Spring
season commences to meet their wishes, otherwise I much fear
that they will break down, and we shall then be in the unfortunate
position of having two incomplete lines of road thrown upon our hands.

8. In such a case we should be saddled with the liabilities
on both lines to the extent of the excess of valuation of the
work over the advances made. This may be seen by the following
statement.

Lytton-Alexandria Road
.off Valuation of work done, as estimated by

Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works ........ $100,000
.off Loan to Contractors from Treasury

repayable from Tolls .............. $26,500
.off Loan effected by Contractors with

Bank of British Columbia, due

1st March 1863, guaranteed

by Colonial Government ............ $37,500

$ 64,000
.off Balance in favor of Contractor .............. $ 36,000

Lillooet-Alexandria Road
.off Valuation of work done as estimated by

Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works ........ $190,000
.off Loan to Contractors from Treasury

repayable from Tolls .............. $49,000
.off Loan effected by Contractors with

Bank of British Columbia, due

at different periods between 1st

March & 31st December 1863,

guaranteed by Colonial Government .. $75,000

$124,000
.off Balance in favor of Contractors ............. $ 66,000

The rapid completion of both these lines of road is of an
importance to the Country that I can scarcely use language too
strong to express, and how to accomplish this object I am utterly
at a loss without the aid of a further public Loan of Fifty
thousand Pounds (£50,000).

9. The gross Revenue of the Colony for 1863 may be fairly
estimated at £110,000, but that Revenue will be required to
meet outstanding liabilities and will not be disposable for the
works in question which must be vigorously prosecuted so soon as
the weather opens in Spring. A Loan of £50,000, would meet our
wants, and effected at 6 per cent, would involve an annual charge
of £3000, an insignificant sum when contrasted with the signal
benefits derived from such works, producing moreover an immediate
increase in Revenue, and effecting an enormous saving in the
cost of inland Transport.

10. To illustrate this last and most important point, I will
adduce to Your Grace but one fact. Up to the end of last summer
the lowest charge for carrying goods from Douglas by way of
Lillooet to Alexandria was 61 cents per pound, or £1366 per
Ton! Now in anticipation of the completion of the road, one
of the most substantial Carriers in the Colony has lately
tendered for the transport of all Government stores required in
1863 over the same line, at the rate of 21 Cents per pound:
that is at a reduction of no less than 40 cents per pound or
896 dollars per ton, as compared with the rate charged in
1862, being in short a saving to the public to that extent upon
all goods carried from Douglas to Alexandria, merely from the
effect of forming Roads.

11. To pursue this illustration one step further. By the
Returns of Roads Tolls it appears that Four thousand two hundred
tons of goods have passed Yale and Douglas this season for the
upper Country, assuming at a very low estimate that 1000 tons
were forwarded to Quesnel and Alexandria, and that a like
quantity only will be taken up in 1863, the aggregate saving
to the public by the reduction in the cost of transport at
the rate before stated, would amount to no less a sum than
896,000 Dollars! These are facts which speak more forcibly
than any language I can employ on behalf of the measure I now
propose, and I need not point out to Your Grace that until
such prodigious charges on trade and industry are removed any
attempt to increase the Public Revenue by the imposition of
further Taxes must prove disastrous to the Colony.

12. I trust I have said sufficient to convince Your Grace
of the propriety of my being permitted to extend the British
Columbia Loan to £100,000. That is the sum upon which I
calculated when I started the great public works which I have
here described. Tolls are levied on the new Roads which will
yield an increase not only to pay the interest of the Loan,
but also to provide for the repayment of the Capital. The
means and resources of the Colony are amply sufficient to
warrant the outlay, and to give the fullest security for its
repayment. I do not ask for an Imperial guarantee. I do not
ask that the Imperial Government should assume any liability
or responsibilty in the matter, for I feel the most perfect
confidence that it can be arranged on the sole credit of the
Colony. I therefore hope that Her Majesty's Government will
not withhold their sanction to my proposition, to enable me
to carry out a measure which is not only now so immediately
fraught with advantages, and essential to the progress and
prosperity of British Columbia, but which assumes a wider
importance when viewed as the means of prosecuting works which
will presently become an indispensable link in the chain of
overland communication with Canada, and give a tenfold value
to these distant possessions of the British Crown.



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FILE: 1862-12-15_Murdoch_to_Elliot_Assistant_Under-Secretary_V625LN16.txt
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Murdoch to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 11th inst with copies of the
correspondence which has recently passed with the Hudsons Bay Co on
the subject of the percentage paid to them on Sales of land in
VanCouvers Island.

2. As the Company acquiesce in the Duke of Newcastle's view, that no
percentage will be due to the Company for Sales effected after the
payment to them of the amount agreed on for the repurchase of the
Island, it only remains to forward instructions in accordance with
that arrangement to Governor Douglas. I presume that His Grace will
agree with the Company that the percentage should be paid to them on
all sales effected before the payment of the repurchase money.



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FILE: 1862-12-18_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627122.txt
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No. 122

With reference to your despatch No. 47 of the 8th of September
last enclosing two Acts of the Legislature of Vancouver Island enabling
you to borrow sums not exceeding £40,000 and £15,000 respectively upon
Colonial Government Debentures, I have the honour to apprize you of my
intention to advise Her Majesty to confirm these Acts, and to enclose
for your in formation and guidance copy of a letter from the Board of
Treasury on the subject.

The Agents General for Crown Colonies have been requested to
furnish the Report suggested by the Board of Treasury.



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FILE: 1862-12-19_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627123.txt
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No. 123

With reference to my despatch No. 121 of the 15th of November
stating that Mr. Berens had been requested to furnish this Department
with the plans alluded to in his letter of the 3rd ultimo, I have the
honor to enclose for your information copies of the plans in question.

I should be glad to learn whether these plans represent accurately
the extent of Land to be surrendered by the Hudson's Bay Company under
the recent Agreement.



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FILE: 1862-12-20_Julyan_to_Rogers_Permanent_Under-Secretary_B625AG03.txt
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Julyan to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have the honor to report for the information of the Duke
of Newcastle that in compliance with the instructions contained
in your letter of the 13th November last British Columbia
Government 6 p Cent Debentures to the extent of £50,000 prepared
according to a form of which a copy is enclosed, have been signed
by the Agents General for Crown Colonies and were delivered by them
to the Bank of British Columbia on the 12th instant.

The Agents General feel that they would be wanting in their
duty to the Colony if they were to omit to point out what they
believe would be found a much more economical mode of raising money
upon such securities in future.

In this instance the Debentures were disposed of, so far as
can be gathered from the papers before me, at par, and paid for
by the purchasers in drafts on London at 30 and 60 days sight—i.e.
Drafts for £50,000, were handed over to the Government in Victoria,
in exchange for Debentures for a like sum handed over to the
Bank in London—The Government paying 12 p Cent for the use of such
Drafts, from the date of their issue to the date on which the
Debentures were delivered over to the Bank in London.

It does not appear what was, in any instance, realized in cash
for these drafts, but it is to be presumed that the Government sold
them on the spot to raise the money which they wanted, and which the
Bank was evidently not in a position to give them. Whatever the
amount might have been however there can be no doubt that Bills
drawn by the Governor on the Agents General would have commanded
higher rates in the Colony than Bank Bills, and as it is no less
evident that a 6 p Cent Loan can always be negotiated on better terms
in London than in a Colony where money is worth at least 12 p Cent;
the best mode of conducting the operations would have been for the
Governor to have directed the Agents General to sell the Debentures
by public tender here, and in order to place himself immediately
in funds to meet pressing emergencies he might have drawn against
the proceeds of such sale instead of leaving it to an intermediate
agency to do so. In this manner some 4 or 5 p Cent more would
probably have been realized on the sale of the Debentures, a half or three quarters per cent more on the sale of the Bills, and the
payment of the 12 p Cent interest would have been altogether
avoided. Reckoning the period for which such interest will be
paid at 3 months, the saving altogether would probably have been
something over £4,000 on the transaction.

The Bank attempted to re-sell the Debentures yesterday by
public competition, and received tenders for about £14,000
altogether. The minimum fixed was 103 1/2 from which price
up to 105 1/2 £6000 was allotted. The Balance remains unsold.
This result is not by any means surprising seeing that the British
Columbia Bank is a new institution quite unknown to the general
public. Had these Debentures been offered for sale by the Agents
General I think it highly probable that the whole would have been
taken up readily at much higher prices, indeed so convinced were
the Directors themselves on this point that their Chairman made
overtures to the Agents General with a view of getting them to
undertake the negotiation, and manifested a disposition to grant
a liberal consideration for their doing so.

As however the Debentures had already been sold in the Colony
by the Governor, the Agents General could not possibly re-sell
them here on private account. The circumstance is only mentioned
as showing that the opinion herein expressed in respect of the
superior advantages afforded to the Colonies by placing their
loans on the market through the Crown Agency, is fully recognized
by the public also.



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FILE: 1862-12-24_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627124.txt
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No. 124

With reference to the recent correspondence that has taken place
on the forms by which the reconveyance of Vancouver Island to the Crown is to be effected, I wish to call your attention to the clause in the
grant to the Hudson's Bay Company of the 13th of January 1849, by which
so long as the lands of the Colony belong to the Company they are
entitled to deduct by way of profit a rate of 10 percent on the gross
amount of land sales.

I have been in communication with the Hudson's Bay Company on
this subject, and Mr. Berens has expressed his concurrence with me that
the right to the deduction of this profit ceased on the payment to the
Company of the sum agreed upon for the repurchase of the Island, even
although the Company may still for
the sake of form continue to effect
the sales until the Island has formally been transferred to the Crown.

The repurchase money was paid to the Company on the 6th of October last.

If previous to that date you should have made any land sales under
the authority of the Hudson's Bay Company, which Mr. Berens believes
to be the case, the percentage on such sales will still be due to the
Company.



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FILE: 1862-12-30_Douglas_to_Newcastle_V62060.txt
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No. 60, Legislative

I have the honor to inform Your Grace that I closed the third Session
of the second Parliament of Vancouver Island by prorogation on the
22nd day of the present month; and I forward herewith a copy of my
address to the Legislature on that occasion.

2. The object I have in view, in, at this time, taking that step, is
to bring forward the estimates for 1863 previous to the dissolution
of the Legislative Assembly which will close by limitation, on the
28th of February next,

*

and I feel there would be a degree of irregularity in having the
estimates for two successive years voted in the same Session of
Parliament. It is moreover obvious, that, there should be no delay
in providing supplies for the coming year to relieve one from the
unpleasant dilemma of being Compelled, either to expend the public
moneys without authority, or, altogether to suspend the public
works in progress. To await the meeting of a new Parliament would
involve several months delay, as the time occupied in the
registration of voters renders the completion of the lists, in the
manner prescribed by Law, impossible before the first week in March,
so that we could hardly be through with the Elections, and get a new
Parliament into the regular course of business, before the month of
June next. It was, therefore, indispensably necessary to take the
course which I have adopted, though, under less urgent
circumstances, I should have preferred the alternative offered by the
meeting of a new Parliament.

3. The Legislature is Convened for the transaction of business on
the 2nd of January next, as there are measures of the utmost
importance to the Colony, for instance—the Grant of a Charter
authorizing the Construction of a Rail-road from Esquimalt Harbour to
Victoria, demanding immediate attention.

4. Having, in my reports, accompanying the several acts passed
during the late Session, apprized Your Grace of the object and
character of our recent Legislation, I will not now trespass, at much
length, on Your Grace's time.

5. Twenty one acts including two Supply Bills, have altogether been
passed by both Houses, and received my assent during the Session.

6. The Act incorporating the Town of Victoria is a measure from
which much practical good is anticipated, and it will also have the
desirable effect of relieving my Government from a vast amount of
labor and responsibility, and of awaking a lively interest, and
enlisting, in a peculiar degree, the sympathies and energies of the
public at large on behalf of the improvement of the Town.

7. In preparing the Incorporation Act the greatest care has been
taken to place a check on the improper or improvident expenditure of
the City Funds by empowering the Governor, for the time being,
absolutely to disallow, or, at his option, to refer any By-Law to the
Municipal vote, thereby investing rate-payers with the fullest powers
for self protection.

8. The "Stamp Act," and the "Victoria and Esquimalt Harbour dues
Act," are properly speaking, revenue Acts imposing taxes for
defraying the annually accruing interest, and forming a Sinking Fund
expressly applicable to the gradual repayment of the principal of the
Loan of £40,000 which, it is proposed to raise by virtue of the
"Vancouver Island Road and Harbour Act" 1862. These taxes will yield
an amount of revenue fully equal, I believe to the object proposed.

9. The "Real Estate Amendment Act" 1862 and the "Trades Licence
Amendment Act" 1862, are merely repetitious of former acts, modified
and rendered at once practical and more productive of Revenue.

10. The "City of Victoria Representation Act," 1862, increases, from
two to four, the number of Members to be returned hereafter by the
City for the Legislative Assembly, with the view of reducing the
existing disparity in the ratio of population to representation in
the City and Country Districts.

11. An Act has been passed for establishing a decimal Currency in
Vancouvers Island: a necessary and very useful measure, as the
system has, for years past, been practically adopted in all
Commercial transactions, and will now be introduced, with advantage,
into the public accounts.

12. Copies of the acts referred to in this Despatch, excepting such
as have been already forwarded, are herewith transmitted with the
Attorney General's reports.

**



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FILE: 1862-12-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62059.txt
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No. 59

I have the honor to transmit herewith the Returns required
by the Book of Colonial Regulations according to the forms
prescribed in the Appendix page 159.



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FILE: 1862-12-31_Douglas_to_Newcastle_B62060.txt
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No. 60

I have the honor to forward herewith to your Grace the Annual Blue Book for the Colony of British Columbia for the year 1861, prepared in as complete a manner as the circumstances of the Colony will admit.

2. I have from time to time kept Her Majesty's Government so well acquainted with the progress and settlement of the Colony that I do not deem it necessary to make any further remarks on the subject, on the present occasion.



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FILE: 1862_Ffarmer_to_Fortescue_Parliamentary_Under-Secretary_B626F01.txt
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Ffarmer to Fortescue (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)

Being about to visit British Columbia I have taken the
liberty of writing to beg the favor of your giving me some little
information with respect to that Colony. I trust that the
circumstance of my going, and the interest I feel naturally in the
Country in question will plead my apology for addressing you.

Could you kindly inform me if there is any means of
conveyance from San Francisco to the Diggings at British Columbia,
if provisions are obtainable & if the Climate is extremely cold or
otherwise.

Your reply to Mr Caird of Thursday Evening,
leaves no doubt of the large yield of gold to the miners.

With my respectful apologies for troubling you thus.



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FILE: 1862_Newcastle_to_Douglas_V627097.txt
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No. 97

