Riddel to Under-Secretary of State

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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