Seymour, Governor Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 29 November 1864, CO 60:19, no. 1379, 430.

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Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 29 November 1864, CO 60:19, no. 1379, 430.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3).

Seymour sends a request from Greville Mathew, Registrar of the Supreme Court, asking that Mathew be transferred to a position requiring less physical exertion preferably in the West Indies. Blackwood minutes instructions to Norris that Cardwell wishes to impress on Mathew the importance of the Lieutenant Governor position in Honduras. Included in this document are letters attesting to Mathew’s good service.

No. 74

29th November 1864

Sir,

I have the honor to transmit a letter addressed to you by Mr Greville Mathew, Registrar of the Supreme Court of this Colony, praying under the circumstances stated, that you will transfer him to some appointment requiring less physical exertion than the onehe

he at present holds.

2. Mr Mathew's statement is quite correct. By his accident he is incapacitated for a long time, probably for life, from fulfilling properly the duties of his present situation. I enclose letters addressed to him by the Judge of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General showing the high estimation in which he is held by the Bench and Bar.

3. I would most willinglyprovide

provide for Mr Mathew myself if I saw any probability of my being able to do so. I have not however had a single situation to give away since my arrival and I do not see the most remote prospect of any patronage falling into my hands. As stated in my despatch No. 33 of 5th September, my Predecessor has left me some unattached public officers for whom it is my duty to find employment in any situation which may fall vacant. Even the creationof

of a new Staff of Officers at the Kootenay Gold Mines does not exhaust the superabundant supply I have on hand.

3. [4.] It gives me great pleasure to be able to state that Mr Mathew is a gentleman of good education and conduct. He has I am told shown great ability in the performance of his duties, which come more under the notice of the Judge than of mine. Mr Mathew would much prefer anappointment

appointment in the West Indies to one in British Columbia. His father is Her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary in Central America.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour

[P.S.] I will more formally report by the next opportunity that I have, on a medical certificate given Mr Mathew leave to return to England.

Minutes by CO staff

Private Secretary
Mr Mathew was appointed to the Registrarship of the Supreme Court of B.C. in Novr/61. The salary of the Office is £400 per ann. See Ordce of 1864.

I cannot suppose that the official Labors of the Registrar in this infant Colony have been very onerous as yet; travelling the Circuit has been, to him, the worst part of his work.

I know nothing whatever of Mr Mathew's antecedents.

ABd 14 F

Mr Parker

TFE 14/2

Mr Norris
Mr Cardwell desired me to impress on Mr Mathew the importance of the Office of Lt Govr of Honduras, to whh circes may cause him to succeed. So please impress the said Mathews accordingly.

ABd 31 July

Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)

Greville C. Mathew to Cardwell, 16 November 1864, advising that due to a double fracture of his thigh, caused by a fall from his horse, he would request a less arduous appointment, preferably in a warmer climate.