Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 12 October 1858, CO 60:1, no. 12720, 210.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3).
Douglas acknowledges the impending arrival of the Royal Engineers. He strongly considers
Fort Hope as the best place to station these men due to its central location on the Fraser River but will consult Major Hawkins before making a final decision.
The minutes
Put byand Lytton wishes that the expenses could be put by as well.
No. 2
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch
No. 5 [Vancouver Island] of the 30th of July
last,
1
announcing the intention of Her Majesty's Government to send to British
Columbia, by the earliest possible opportunity an Officer of Royal
Engineers, and a company of Sappers and Miners made upto
to one hundred and
fifty non-commissioned Officers and men, and at the same time conveying
your instructions that I should make such arrangements in the Colony for
the reception of that party, as may be deemed necessary and suitable, and
also intimating that the Officer in command would be provided with
general instructions for his guidance, of which a copy will be sent to
me.
2
to one hundred and
fifty non-commissioned Officers and men, and at the same time conveying
your instructions that I should make such arrangements in the Colony for
the reception of that party, as may be deemed necessary and suitable, and
also intimating that the Officer in command would be provided with
general instructions for his guidance, of which a copy will be sent to
me.
2
2. I shall not fail to attend to those instructions with as little
delay as possible, but I have not yet decided on the point where it would
be advisable to station that force,though
though I am now of opinion that their
presence will be of more advantage to the public service at Fort Hope,
than elsewhere, that being a central position from whence they can
operate rapidly on any part of Fraser's River, and at the same time it is
accessible to the steam vessels plying on Fraser's River, a circumstance
which would be a great convenience, and a saving of expense in
the transport of provisions and stores.
though I am now of opinion that their
presence will be of more advantage to the public service at Fort Hope,
than elsewhere, that being a central position from whence they can
operate rapidly on any part of Fraser's River, and at the same time it is
accessible to the steam vessels plying on Fraser's River, a circumstance
which would be a great convenience, and a saving of expense in
the transport of provisions and stores.
I will however consult Major Hawkins, and ascertain his opinion on
that subject before coming to a decision, and also with respect to the
extent and plan of buildings required to provide the partywith
with
accommodations.
with
accommodations.
The expense of those works will be considerable, and I will be under
the necessity of drawing upon you for funds to meet that outlay.
Minutes by CO staff
This may after being read be put by?
C
D 15
Yes. I wish we could put by the expense too.
EBL
D 15
Footnotes
- = intention to send REs Lytton to Douglas, No. 5, 30 July 1858, PABC; CO 410/1, p. 144.
- = Moody's Instructions as RE. Lytton's instructions to Moody as CCLW were that (1) the governor was the supreme authority; (2) Moody's duties were considered special and not to be interfered with; (3) the Royal Engineers' expenses would be paid by the government through the Treasury; (4) Moody would receive £330 in regimental pay and £1,200 as his Colonial Allowance; and (5) Moody would be required to remain one year and make regular reports to the governor. See Merivale to Moody, 23 August 1858, enclosed in Lytton to Douglas, No. 7, 2 September 1858. Did Douglas ever get these?? First citation of Merivale to Moody. ?? 534, CO 60/1, p. 353 says 18 Aug.