Berens, Henry Hulse to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 6 August 1858, CO 6:26, no. 7961, 460.

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Public Offices document
Berens, Henry Hulse to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 6 August 1858, CO 6:26, no. 7961, 460.

Abstract

Public Offices document. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).

This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.

Berens acknowledges Carnarvon’s letter and has informed his HBC colleagues that the British Government intends to revoke the right of exclusive trade with the Indians […] within the Colony of British Columbia.

The minutes agree that a ready compliance by the HBC without allusion to compensation will be very satisfactory.

Enclosed is an extract from Smith to Douglas informing that the Company’s exclusive license to trade is being terminated.

Berens to Lytton

Hudson's Bay House
London,

6th August 1858

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the Earl of Carnarvons letter of the 5th Instant, in compliance with which, I have announced to my coleagues in the Direction the intention of Her Majesty's government to revoke the right of exclusive trade with the Indians, which was given to the Company in the Royal Licence of the 30th of May 1838, over so much of the Territory in question as is comprised within the Colony of British Columbia.

I have also the honour of enclosing an extract of a letter addressed to Governor Douglas under date, the 16th of July last, from which you will perceive that the wishes

wishes of Her Majesty's government upon this point have already been anticipated to a certain extent by the Hudson's Bay Company, in a manner which you will doubtless approve.

I have the honour to be Sir
Your very obedt Servant
H.H. Berens
Depty Govr

The Right Honble
Sir Edwd B. Lytton
&c &c

Minutes by CO staff

Mr Merivale This ready compliance of the Hudson's Bay Company—and of course without allusion to compensation, to which they have no valid claim—will be very satisfactory to Sir Edward Lytton. The announcement of the revocation which is intended will, I assume, be contained in the next desph to Govr Douglas.

ABd. 11 Augt.