Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Northcote, Stafford H. to Merivale, Herman 23 April 1859, CO 60:6, no. 4312, 134.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (2), Other documents (2).
Northcote reports that the Treasury is indeed interested in regular mail service San Francisco and British Columbia but does not see any reason at this time to depart from the
principle of competition.
The minutes now have their answer for Stamp who desires an exclusive contract to provide this service.
Included in this document is the Colonial Office to Stamp, 3 May 1859, advising that tenders would be called for the new postal contract and therefore
the tender already made by Stamp could not be accepted; and a draft from Carnarvon to Douglas, 28 April 1859.
Northcote to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Treasury Chambers
23 April 1859
Sir,
I am desired by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's
Treasury to state, for the information of Secretary Sir E.B.
Lytton, with reference to your letter of the 14th February
last, that My Lords have for some time had under their consideration
the necessity of endeavouring to procure a regular Postal Service
between San Francisco 
and British Columbia and are of opinion that
the establishment of such a Service is imperatively called for at
as early a period as circumstances will allow.
and British Columbia and are of opinion that
the establishment of such a Service is imperatively called for at
as early a period as circumstances will allow.
My Lords, however, are of opinion that there is no sufficient
reason for departing, in this instance, from the principle of
competition, and they, have therefore, requested the Admiralty
to take the necessary steps for advertising for tenders for this
service 
to be performed fortnightly between San Francisco and
Victoria, Vancouver's Island and Fort Langley, on the Frazer River.
to be performed fortnightly between San Francisco and
Victoria, Vancouver's Island and Fort Langley, on the Frazer River.
The Vessels are to be required to leave San Francisco within
say twelve hours of the arrival at that Port of the American
Mail Steamers, and to allow a sufficient interval at Victoria and Fort Langley for preparing the Return Mail.
Minutes by CO staff
Lord Carnarvon
There is a letter in circulation from Mr Stamp—who is desirous of being the Contractor for this service—which may now be ansd in this sense.
There is a letter in circulation from Mr Stamp—who is desirous of being the Contractor for this service—which may now be ansd in this sense.
Acquaint the Governor of B.C. with what H.M. Govt are
doing for the establishment of postal arrangements for the Colony.
The letter above referred to from Mr Stamp has just
been returned.
ABd
26 Apl
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to E. Stamp, 3 May 1859, advising that
tenders would be called for the new postal contract and therefore the
tender already made by Stamp could not be accepted.
