No. 44
4 May 1860
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Grace's despatch No 1 of the 2nd January in reference to Mr James Cooper, Harbour Master at Esquimalt for the service of British Columbia, and I beg to forward for your Manuscript image your Grace's information copy of a communication I have received from that Officer on the subject of his taking up his residence in British Columbia, whither I had instructed him to proceed agreeable to the directions contained in your Grace's above mentioned despatch.
2. Under the particular circumstances of Mr Cooper's case, I have deemed it advisable Manuscript image advisable not to require him to remove from Esquimalt but to await your Grace's express instructions with regard to this matter.
I have etc.
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
See 6385/60 "Confidential."
Having in a minute on 7377/59 submitted the view I take of this matter I have only to observe further that Mr Cooper was nominated Harbor Master at Esquimalt "chiefly for the purposes of British Columbia;" that, without any duties worth speaking about, he has, since the Autumn of /58 recd salary from B. Columbia funds—that notwithstanding the indulgence shown him in the enjoyment thus far of a sinecure office he has unreasonably urged an increase of salary—see 12495/59—& that he now seeks to make terms for himself because the Govt has required him to reside, with other Officials, in the Colony where his duties have to be performed. Though the Governor in 2831/60 makes out as good a case as he can for keeping the British Columbia Officers at Fort Victoria I trust that he will not be allowed to prevail in this respect.
ABd 28/6
I never saw this case before. Since the past is past, I shall not express here the impression which it produces on me. But having mentioned to the Duke of Newcastle the questions raised by the present despatches, I submit a draft founded on His Grace's directions.
TFE July
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Cooper to Acting Colonial Secretary, 26 March 1860, explaining why he should be permitted to remain in Esquimalt, or at least to have a house provided in New Westminster at government expense.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 39, 6 July 1860.