Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 28 November 1864, CO 60:19, no. 1378, 427.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Seymour complains that colonial schools are supplied with American textbooks
of rather an objectionable kindthat are
violently republican.He requests maps and
instructive picturesfor the schools.
No. 73
28th November 1864
Sir,
The schools supported mainly at the Public expense in
this Colony, are supplied at present with American School
Books, of rather an objectionable kind. The spelling is that
adopted by some classes in the United States. The sentimentsare
are violently republican. The United States are lauded at the
expense of England and finally, fables about alleged natural
phenomena are gravely stated as truth.
are violently republican. The United States are lauded at the
expense of England and finally, fables about alleged natural
phenomena are gravely stated as truth.
2. It would be conferring a favour on the Colony if you
would direct the Agents General to send out a well assorted
collection of school books for about one hundred children. The
books should, to secure universal confidence, not be in any way
of a sectarian character.I
I hardly know how more distinctly
to describe our wants, but you, Sir, will have no difficulty in
ordering the most suitable and attractive books.
I hardly know how more distinctly
to describe our wants, but you, Sir, will have no difficulty in
ordering the most suitable and attractive books.
3. I should also be very glad to obtain for our schools
some maps and instructive pictures.
Minutes by CO staff
ABd
13 Feb
I think that we had better tell the Crown Agents to comply
and they will find out the best method. Draft to Agents.
TFE
14 Feby
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Crown Agents, 23 February 1865, forwarding copy of the
despatch and requesting that the supplies be sent to the colony.