No. 5
7 May 1864
My Lord Duke
I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No 3 of the 29th of February 1864 calling my attention to the hardship to which Captain Houghton, late of Her Majesty's Army,hasManuscript image has been subjected by an unexpected alteration of the privileges in the acquisition of land accorded to Naval and Military Officers in British Columbia.
2. In obedience to Your Grace's commands I laid before the Legislative Council an Ordinance exempting from the operation of Sir James Douglas' proclamationNo 2Manuscript image No 2 of 1863 any officer who can shew that he left the Army or Navy with the intention of Settling in this Colony previously to the Horse Guards Circular of the 31st August 1863 and who is prepared to depose that he was not aware at the time of leaving the Army of the alteration in the privileges allowed to Officers. The bill laidbeforeManuscript image before the Council by me has now become law. As the public faith of the Colony is to a certain extent involved in this matter I send at once two copies of the Ordinance just passed, in advance of those which will be accompanied by a formal report.
3. Captain Houghton has been informed oftheManuscript image the passage of the Act in relief of himself and others similarly Situated.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
Land Board.
ABd 28 June
Transmit.
TFE 28/6
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Elliot to Emigration Commissioners, 9 July 1864, forwarding copy of the despatch and ordinance for information.