Separate
31 July 1867
My Lord Duke
It is with sincere regret that I announce to Your Grace that the Cariboo district appears to be in a state of insurrection. The Police Magistrate writes to inform me that he is utterly powerless to enforce the law & applies for a force of Marines from Her Majesty's ships. I wish to carry on the Civil Government as long as I can by civil force, & proceed today toManuscript image Cariboo. The distance is nearly five hundred miles & I may be prevented by distance or restraints from communicating with Your Grace for some time to come.
I have not yet formally applied to Admiral Hastings for assistance, but he has stated to my Private Secretary, who is now in Victoria, that his instructions would prevent his detaching any force from his ships for a place so remote as Cariboo.
The Police Magistrate leaves us in ignorance as to the present state of thingsManuscript image in Cariboo. I hardly know whether his silence is voluntary or compulsory.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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WR 7 Sept 67
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This looks like serious news. It is to be hoped however that it is a mere disturbance among the Miners and not a political insurrection.
The only fact mentioned is that the Police Magistrate says that he is powerless to enforce the law and applies for Marines.
TFE 8 Sepr
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Copy to Admiralty for information.
B&C 8/9
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See subsequent 92 & 93/9638-9.
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Secretary to the Admiralty, 12 September 1867, forwarding copy of the despatch for information.
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Substance of telegram to Seymour, 18 September 1867, stating Admiral at liberty to send assistance in case of necessity.
Minutes by CO staff
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See 93/9639, 92/9638 & 99/10373.