Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 13 April 1864, CO 60:18, no. 5071, 194.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Douglas forwards a
deputation from the inhabitants of British Columbiathat praises Douglas’s colonial administration. Douglas expresses his appreciation for
the kindness and good willof the colonists.
Separate
New Westminster
13 April 1864
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward herewith the accompanying
communication received by me through a deputation from
the inhabitants of British Columbia, for transmission to Your Grace.
2. As it relates exclusivelyto
to the character of my
administration in British Columbia, it is unnecessary for
me to make any observations with reference to it, except
to remark that I truly appreciate the kindness and good
will which prompted the Colonists to come forward
so spontaneously to bear their testimony to my humble
efforts faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in me by my Sovereign.
to the character of my
administration in British Columbia, it is unnecessary for
me to make any observations with reference to it, except
to remark that I truly appreciate the kindness and good
will which prompted the Colonists to come forward
so spontaneously to bear their testimony to my humble
efforts faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in me by my Sovereign.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Acke with satisfaction. (The inhabitants of V.C.I. last year paid Sir J. Douglas a similar compliment.) On some convenient oppy it will perhaps be thought right to signify to Sir J. Douglas the expression of the approval of H.M's Govt at his conduct as Govr of V.C.I. & B. Columbia.
Acke with satisfaction. (The inhabitants of V.C.I. last year paid Sir J. Douglas a similar compliment.) On some convenient oppy it will perhaps be thought right to signify to Sir J. Douglas the expression of the approval of H.M's Govt at his conduct as Govr of V.C.I. & B. Columbia.
Sir J. Douglas' career as Governor has been a remarkable
one. Brought up in the service of the H.B.Co, which was
a school from which it was scarcely to be expected that a man
should be found capable of managing a colony, which was by no
means free from the element of American notions as to Govt,
he succeeded in keeping order, & maintaining liberty among
the Inhabitants. And though his resolute style of governing
produced occasional complaints I cannot recal to mind one
single instance in which his explanations were insufficient,
or any censure was administered. On the same principle on
which a private individual in this Country would exceed his
resources for a while in order to make a road through his
property which he knew wd ultimately prove a great service,
& increase the value of his Estates Governor Douglas for the sake
of his roads in B. Columbia occasionally embarrassed us here
by overdrawing his account; but after sundry cautions he became
more regular. He now quits his two Govts leaving them in
a state of prosperity, with every prospect of greater advancement.
ABd
3 June
Mr Fortescue
There can be no question of the propriety of acknowledging with much satisfaction the Address presented to Sir James Douglas by a Deputation on the close of his Govt of British Columbia, expressive of their appreciation of the merits of his public services, and of the manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the Colony.
There can be no question of the propriety of acknowledging with much satisfaction the Address presented to Sir James Douglas by a Deputation on the close of his Govt of British Columbia, expressive of their appreciation of the merits of his public services, and of the manner in which he had conducted the affairs of the Colony.
But I confess that I doubt whether the Secretary of State
is called upon to go out of his way in so vexed a question as
the merit of Sir J. Douglas' administration to write any
separate despatch expressly for the purpose of pronouncing a
general commendation. The Duke of Newcastle in announcing the
intention to name a successor, sent out to Sir James the Order
of K.C.B. which was probably the most striking method that
could be adopted of signifying His Grace's
general satisfaction
with the Governor's administration.
general satisfaction
with the Governor's administration.
TFE
16 June
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Petition from the inhabitants of British Columbia to Newcastle,
praising the past administration of Douglas, various dates from
around the colony, over 1,000 signatures.
Copy of the petition as noted above, signatures not appended.
