Public Offices document.
Minutes (4), 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.
Romaine forwards Rogers a letter from Maitland on behalf of the
Admiralty. The letter describes Indian Outrages on the coast of British Columbia
and points out the necessity of a Military as well as a Naval Force being stationed at Vancouver Island. The
minutes show that Colonial Office staff believe it best to wait to hear from Douglas before making any decisions.
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonies, a Copy of a Letter from
Rear Admiral Sir Thos Maitland, dated the 3rd Sept,
No 264, relating to Indian Outrages on the Coast of British Columbia, and pointing out the necessity of a Military as well
as a Naval Force being stationed at Vancouver Island.
The Enclosures from Governor Douglas are not forwarded,
asit it is presumed that Copies of the Papers have already been
received at the Colonial Office from the Governor.
I am, Sir
Your most obedient Servant, W.G. Romaine
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
It is important to see what Govr Douglas says on this
subject. As we have not heard from him on it we should
either ask the Admiralty for copies of the documents to
whh they refer—or wait until we hear direct from the
Governor—which we shall doubtless soon do.
There was a question some time ago of introducing a
Regiment of the Line into Vancouver's Island when the Forces in China should be reduced: but it came to nothing.
We need hardly, I think, trouble the Admiralty for a
copy of the letter from Governor Douglas: wait for the report
which we may expect from himself?
No answer appears to have arrived from the Governor; but
on the other hand we have heard of no more Indian disturbances
and the resolution has been taken to dispense for the present
with any regular Garrison, I think therefore that the present
letter may be put by.