Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 28 September 1864, CO 60:19, no. 10953, 292.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Seymour reports that Dr. Rae has arrived at New Westminster and that Rae has found a pass through the Rocky Mountains that will be suitable for the construction of a telegraph from the Red River Settlement to New Westminster. Seymour forwards a copy of a speech given by Dr. Rae describing the proposed telegraph line.
No. 54
28th September 1864
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 31 of the 5th instant,
I have the honor to state that Dr Rae, having crossed the American
Continent, has visited New Westminster.
2. I am happy to say that he reports having discovered a pass
in the Rocky Mountains, through which a Waggon Road might with ease
be made. The only really great difficulty between the Red River
Settlement and the Pacifichas
has been already overcome by the Construction
of the Wonderful road along the Fraser in its passage through the
Cascade Range.
has been already overcome by the Construction
of the Wonderful road along the Fraser in its passage through the
Cascade Range.
3. Dr Rae is about to furnish me with an Official Report
of his proceedings. I shall forward a copy of it to you. In the
mean time I submit a Newspaper Report of a Speech which has recently
been made by him at a public dinner in Victoria.
4. I am happy to say that Dr Rae gives an excellent account of
the New Waggon Road I am constructing from the Fraser at Quesnel Mouth,
into Camerontown, Cariboo.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Acknowledge? Dr Rae states in his speech that the Telegraph will be completed in about two years.
Acknowledge? Dr Rae states in his speech that the Telegraph will be completed in about two years.
VJ
30 Nov
Much gratified to hear the safe arrival of Dr Rae, and to
receive the encouraging account of the prospects of a good route from
the Red River Settlement to British Columbia.
TFE
30/11
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Newspaper clipping,
The British Colonist, 30 September 1864, containing copy of
speech given by Dr. Rae describing the proposed telegraph line from
Red River Settlement.
