Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 24 January 1860, CO 60:7, no. 2749, 67.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
No. 8, Miscellaneous
I have the honor of transmitting herewith for Your Grace's
information, the copy of a Report from Mr Ball, Assistant
Gold Commissioner for
for the District of Lytton, on the State and
prospects of the Gold Regions of British Columbia, situated in
the valley of Fraser's River and its tributary streams, between
Lytton and Quesnel River.
for the District of Lytton, on the State and
prospects of the Gold Regions of British Columbia, situated in
the valley of Fraser's River and its tributary streams, between
Lytton and Quesnel River.
2. Mr Ball's Report is a reliable source of information,
and compared with the accounts of adventurers who have mined in
that part of the country, moderate in the description of its
auriferous wealth.
3. The extent of country over which the "Blue Lead" of
Quesnel's River has been traced exceeds 300 square miles; and
should it be continuous, as it
it has proved equally rich wherever
struck, its wealth must be fabulous.
it has proved equally rich wherever
struck, its wealth must be fabulous.
4. A detachment of 30 Chinese miners arrived yesterday,
being it is supposed the pioneers of a large immigration of that
people for British Columbia.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Send a copy of Mr Ball's very favorable report to the Geographical Society, and include it in the next collection of Papers presented to Parliament?
Send a copy of Mr Ball's very favorable report to the Geographical Society, and include it in the next collection of Papers presented to Parliament?
VJ
13 March
I do not think the "Geographical" would care for it. Perhaps
Sir R. Murchison might. But it is a mere gold-finders' statement.
It is interesting (and satisfactory) to find that it is
practicable even in the present state of the country to winter
on the Upper Fraser, & that many have done so.
HM
Mh 14
