Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes to Douglas, James 25 May 1860, LAC RG7:G8C/9, 227.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
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.
No. 27
Downing Street
25 May 1860
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 25 of the
10th of February last enclosing copies of a correspondence between
Mr Cridge, the District Minister of Victoria, and Mr Duncan,
relative to the formation of a settlement for Indian Converts to
Christianity, and in order to carry this plan into effect you propose to
reserve several hundred acres
acres of land in the neighbourhood of Fort Simpson.
acres of land in the neighbourhood of Fort Simpson.
Subject to the stipulations which you suggest, namely that the land
should be conveyed to the Governor of the Colony for the time being in
trust for the use and benefit of the Indians, leaving them no power to
alienate or dispose of it, I have to authorize you to take the necessary
steps
for the conveyance of the lands in question.
Governor Douglas, C.B.