Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Holmes, G. W. to Cardwell, Edward 21 July 1865, CO 60:23, no. 7214, 284.
Abstract
Holmes, G. W. to Cardwell, Edward 21 July 1865, CO 60:23, no. 7214, 284.
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Other documents (1).
Holmes to Cardwell
34 Eastbourne Terrace W.
21st July 1865
Sir,
Since the interview you honored me with I have carefully
considered your offer of the appointment of Registrar of the Supreme
Court of British Columbia.
My circumstances are such, that it would be an injustice to
those dependant on me were I to refuse the appointment you propose.
At the same time I fear that the Salary attached to it would, in such
a very expensive place as British Columbia, be inadequate to the
support of my wife and children.
I would therefore mostrespectfully
respectfully submit that if possible you
would further extend your kindness by transferring me to some other
less expensive Colony where I should be enabled to struggle on with
some hope of success.
respectfully submit that if possible you
would further extend your kindness by transferring me to some other
less expensive Colony where I should be enabled to struggle on with
some hope of success.
If such cannot be, in any case I would beg that an early
application be made in the usual form to the War Office for my being
placed on the seconded list as my Military Leave
expires on the 31st of this month—a very few days more—with
I fear no hope of further extension.
By the death of Col. Sim R.E. an appointment has become vacant
in Ceylon similar to the one I lately held in British Columbia, the
arduous duties of which I performed to the entire satisfaction of the
Government.
I need not say how urgently I would strive to merit your
approbation and that of the local Government should you honor me with
the distinguished position of Surveyor General in Ceylon.
Minutes by CO staff
I have written to tell him that he will receive the notification
of his Appt, tomorrow & that he must apply at the W.O. for
Himself.
of his Appt, tomorrow & that he must apply at the W.O. for
Himself.
EHC
25 July
If you can find no precedent at the C.O. (and I myself can remember
none) for applying to this Office to have an officer placed on the
seconded List, my advice to you wd be to abstain from interference
in so doubtful a case as that of Capt Holmes. If the appointment had
been a more temporary one, there might have been some reason for the
request, but here it is a permanent one and the officers return to
his Military
duties is not to be looked for.
duties is not to be looked for.
The proper course is for the offr himself to make his wishes
known to the H. Guards and for the latter to recommend the
application to us, if they thought fit to do so.
I return your Letter—which I recommend you to cancel.
Sir F. Rogers
I send this merely for yr infn Mr Cardwell having decided to let Capn Holmes ask himself to be "seconded." I think that decision much the best.
I send this merely for yr infn Mr Cardwell having decided to let Capn Holmes ask himself to be "seconded." I think that decision much the best.
ABd
26/7
Mr Blackwood
Thank you.
Thank you.
Other documents included in the file
Colonial Office to Holmes, 28 July 1865, advising that Cardwell
could only offer him the registrarship in British Columbia and
explaining the terms of the appointment.